CITY OF LAREDO

                                            CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                          M2002-R-022

                                           CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                               1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                  NOVEMBER 18, 2002

                                                             5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth Flores called the meeting to order.

 

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    Mayor Pro Tempore, District I

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Council Member, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Council Member, District V

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Jose A.  Valdez, Jr.,                                                                 Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                                           Council Member, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

a.  Musical performance by Nye Elementary Choir.

 

      Mayor Flores introduced the music ambassadors comprised of 95 school children known as Voices Across Texas.   She mentioned that their music brings forth a message of patriotism and peace to the community.  This impressive school endeavor is  spearheaded by Irma Flores, Principal, and Sonia Morales, Music Director.  The choir performed a short musical number for the City Council and members of the audience.

 

Invitations

 

a.  Presentation by H.E.B. regarding Feast of Sharing Thanksgiving Dinner scheduled for

     November 24, 2002 at the Laredo Civic Center at 11:00 a.m. 

 

      Pedro Gaytan  and Rocio Lozano, Co-Chairs for the H.E.B. Feast of Sharing, extended a personal invitation to the Laredo community to attend the 14th Annual Feast of Sharing to be held on November 24, 2002, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Laredo Civic Center.  Rocio Lozano stated that they will be serving 12,000 meals with 2,500 of those meals being delivered to homebound residents of the community.  She stated that an added feature at this year’s event will be the distribution of free flu vaccines for anyone 14 years of age and older.   She mentioned that this event is being held in conjunction with the City of Laredo and invited everyone in the community to attend. 

 

Recognitions

 

Communiqués 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano expressed his gratitude to all those who participated last Monday at the Veterans Day Parade.  He thanked all the veterans present and the different organizations that participated to make the event a success. 

 

Cm. Galo wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday with their family.

 

Cm. Amaya congratulated Coach Goyo Lopez and his staff at J. W. Nixon High for their success and a third victory at the bi-district championship.  He also wished everyone a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and reminded everyone to give thanks for their blessings.

 

Cm. Belmares congratulated Borchers Elementary and U.I.S.D. administrators for their  dedication of the new school.  He also congratulated all the students who participated in the boys and girls flag football season this year.  He thanked all the coaches and volunteers who invested of their time in order to make the flag football league a success. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the children’s choir for their performance before City Council.  He expressed his thanks to the parents as well for doing an outstanding job with their children in supporting and encouraging their children’s interests. 

 

Cm. Ramirez wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday and urged everyone who is traveling to be careful when driving.

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that during the Thanksgiving season, the community has been asked to participate in a special project known as “Feed America Thursday”.  She explained that the premise of Feed America Thursday is to ask everyone to not eat for two meals on that Thursday.  The purpose for fasting would be to donate the money that would have been spent or the food that would have been eaten for those two meals to a local food bank or a homeless shelter.  Even those who choose to eat are still encouraged to give the value of two meals to a charity that provides food to people in need.  Mayor Flores added that this is an opportunity to support the food banks and stock up their reserves so that they might help more people every day of the year.   

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None. 

 

 VII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Individual public hearings for the voluntary annexation of five (5) tracts of land totaling

679.71 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation of one (1) tract of land totaling 607.02 acres, more or less, for a total of 1,286.73 acres, more or less, as described in the attached tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Government Code.

 

     Voluntary Annexations:

     Tract 2: E.G. Ranch Tract- 214.90 acres, more or less, located south of SH 359 and west

     of the City landfill. Petitioner: E.G. Ranch, Ltd.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 2.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Galo

      Second:  Cm. Amaya

      For:     8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

     Tract 3: Las Misiones Tract- 83.0116 acres, more or less, located south SH 359 and west

     of the City landfill. Petitioners: Mr. Rene Soliz and Mr. A.R. "Tony" Sanchez

 

      Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 3. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. Galo

      For:     8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

     Tract 4: Piña Tract - 120.13 acres, more or less, located east of IH 35 and south of the IH   

     35/US 83 intersection. Petitioner: Librado Piña & Lilia Piña Family Partnership.

 

Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 4. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:     8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      Tract 5: Treviño Tract- 5.00 acres, more or less, located east of Loop 20 and north of SH 359. Petitioner: Mr. Humberto Treviño, Jr.

 

Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 5. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Agredano

      Second:  Cm. Amaya

      For:     8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

     

     Tract 6: Zachary Tract - 256.67 acres, more or less, located east of Ejido Avenue and

     south of Eistetter Road. Petitioner: H.B. Zachary Company.

 

Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 6. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Agredano

      Second:  Cm. Amaya

      For:     8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

     Unilateral Annexations:

     Tract 7: IH 35 Tract - 607.02 acres, more or less, located along IH 35 from Uniroyal

     Drive to approximately 1/4 mile south of the IH 35/US 83 intersection. Petitioner: City

     of Laredo.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing on Tract 7.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Agredano

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 99, Western Division, located at 603 Farragut St., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Dr. Julio Gomez-Rejon, property owner, requested approval of the zone change to allow him to rent out the property.

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the property owner, spoke in favor of the zone change in view of the increased activity of this type of vehicle nationalization business.

 

Julie Ann Gonzalez, resident of 614 Hidalgo, spoke against the zone change request due to the danger it poses to children’s safety.   

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change request.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

     Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

     For:     7                                          Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                            Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 719, Western Division, located at the 3300 Block of Anna Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change and approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Pastor Hector Patiño, Christian Family Center, spoke in favor of the zone change request to place a radio antenna for the church. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a conditional use permit, leave tower at 185 feet in height, and have the applicant abide by conditions 2 through 7 for a period of two years. 

 

     Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

     Second:  Cm. Ramirez

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning 3.1570 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A," located north of Shiloh Drive and west of McPherson Road, R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Agredano

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a direct aid grant from the Loan

Star Libraries Program of the Texas State Library in the amount of $22,323.00 to purchase new computer hardware and amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2002-2003 annual budget by decreasing the reserved appropriation amount by $2,667.00.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the FY 2002-2003 Fire Prevention

and Arson Fund Budget by accepting a donation of $400.00 from Sam's Club Foundation and appropriating said funds to purchase fire safety educational promotional materials for the Fire Department Prevention Division.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend

Ordinance #2002-O-224 to accept a supplemental grant in the amount of $29,200.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and to amend the City of Laredo's FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $29,200.00.  This supplemental grant of $29,200.00 is 100% funded at no cost to the City. The Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority will now be designating $428,492.00, the City of Laredo will be designating $78,858.00, and Webb County will be designating $31,464.00 in matching funds for a total grant amount of $538,814.00. The funding period for this grant is from September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Galo

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to implement a

$5.00 monthly fee to charge per participant for aerobic classes provided by the City of Laredo Health Department Buena Vida Program at the City's Parks And Recreation Centers and other community sites, and to appropriate revenues to the Health Department/Health Education Division expense account.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the

City of Laredo's Full-Time Equivalent Positions by reclassifying the position of Health Educator (1.0 FTE) to three (3) part-time (1.51 FTE) Community Service Aides positions at 30 hours each per week for 35 weeks; and, deleting a 1 Program Promotion Specialist and 1 Health Educator Assistant under the Laredo Obesity Program Prevention and Control Project (LOPAC) funded by the Texas Department of Health. This amendment will have no financial impact on the budget.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Belmares

     Second:  Cm. Amaya

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Agredano

     Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

     For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Section 1 of Ordinance No. 93-O-

128, modifying the sliding fee scale and implementing a co-pay for clinic health services provided at the Maternal and Child Health (M&CH) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department; and, exempting persons that are indigent; and, appropriating revenues to the M&CH Program as per Texas Department of Health's program income guidelines.  Federal and State regulations remain unchanged for services provided by this program.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

       Moved:  Cm. Belmares

       Second:  Cm. Amaya

       For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

       There was no public input.

 

       Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

       Moved:  Cm. Galo

       Second:  Cm. Amaya

       For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.  Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on the proposed amendment to

the 2002 Consolidated Plan to allow for the reprogramming of 24th, 25th, and 26th Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant Fund balances totaling $120,840.00 to be used towards the purchase of an ambulance for the Cielito Lindo Subdivision Fire Station. CDBG funds proposed to be reprogrammed include:

 

       24th AY Community Development Block Grant

       Three Points Park                                                                                                                                 $   20,349.00

 

       25th AY Community Development Block Grant

       Hacienda Apartments Improvements                                  $             206.00

       (Cancellation of Project and reprogramming of funds)

       Housing Rehab Administration                                                       $             440.00

                   26th AY Community Development Block Grant

       Code Enforcement                                                                         $          27,966.00

       CD Administration                                                                         $          24,520.00

       Housing Rehab Administration                                                       $          47,359.00