CITY OF LAREDO

                                                CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                             M2002-R-023

                                               CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                   1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                    LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                       DECEMBER 2, 2002

                                                                 5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G.  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

 

            None.

 

            Invitations

 

            None.

 

 

            Recognitions

 

            None.

 

            Communiqués

 

Cm.  Belmares thanked various City departments for inviting Council Members to different Thanksgiving Day gatherings.  He noted that the meals demonstrate the spirit of cooperation within the City departments. 

 

Cm.  Amaya announced the distribution of over 90 turkeys to needy constituents in his district.  He thanked the Laredo Fire Department, the Laredo Police Department, and the Special Projects Committee from District IV for assisting in the project. 

 

Cm.  Garcia congratulated Nixon High School on their outstanding football season.  He also thanked all individuals and businesses that may have participated in special “giving” events during the Thanksgiving Season.  He asked the public to not drink and drive during the holiday season. 

 

Cm.  Agredano wished his daughter, Jesse, a happy 7th birthday.   

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            a.  Appointment by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores of Pete Saenz, Jr., Rene Herrera, Arturo           

                 Santos, and Jose Lara to the Laredo Affordable Housing Corporation.  

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Cm. Galo was not present.

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            Cm. Galo joined the meeting at 6:30 p.m. 

           

            1.  Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance concerning an application by E.G.    

                 Ranch, Ltd., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing               additional territory of 214.90 acres, located in Porcion 32 and 33 as further described by          metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the E.G. Ranch Tract, providing for                the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract                          adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing 8.31 acres as M-1                              (Light Manufacturing District), 8.31 acres as B-3 (Community Business District), 143.71            acres as R-2 (Multi-family Residential District) and 54.57 acres as B-1 (Limited                        Commercial District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended approval             of the proposed annexation and approval of the proposed initial zoning of R-2, B-1 and             B-3 and denial of the proposed initial zoning of M-1.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Edward Garza, an employee of Crane Engineering, spoke on behalf of E. G. Ranch.   He spoke in favor of the zone change, in particular on the denial of the proposed initial zoning of M-1.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce and establish 8.31 acres as M-1 zoning.

           

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Galo

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia

 

            2.  Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance concerning an application by Mr. Rene              Soliz and Mr. A.R. Sanchez, Jr., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City             of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 83.0116 acres, located in Porcion 32 as                    further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Las Misiones          Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to              execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing                          83.0116 acres as R-1A (Single-family Reduced Area District).  The Planning & Zoning             Commission has recommended approval of the proposed annexation and approval of the                proposed initial zoning of R-1A.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                 For:    8                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia 

 

            3.  Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance concerning an application by Librado           

                 Piña & Lilia Piña Family Partnership, altering and extending the boundary limits of the                 City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 120.13. acres, located in Porcion 7 and 8                 as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Piña Tract,            providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to                       execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing                              120.13 acres as M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).  The Planning & Zoning                                        Commission has recommended approval of the proposed annexation and approval of the           proposed initial zoning of M-1.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 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:  Cm. Belmares 

 

            4.  Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance concerning an application by Mr.     

                 Humberto Treviño, Jr., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo,             annexing additional territory of 5.00 acres, located in Porcion 31 as further described by          metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Treviño Tract, providing for the                 effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract                          adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing 5.00 acres as B-4                  (Highway Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended      approval of the proposed annexation and approval of the proposed initial zoning of B-4.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia

 

            5.  Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance concerning an application by the City of             Laredo, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing                            additional territory of 607.02 acres, located in Porcion 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and surveys         743 and 2113 as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically           the IH 35 Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan

for the annexed territory, and establishing 607.02 acres as B-4 (Highway Commercial  

District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the

proposed annexation and approval of the proposed initial zoning of B-4.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

                 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:  Cm. Belmares and Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003  

annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project Case Management of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.  This grant includes funds for an existing Case Manager/Registered Nurse II position.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 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. Garcia

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003

annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $39,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Screening Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 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:  City Council

 

8.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003

budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $26,667.00 (from $13,333.00 to $40,000.00) for the Hepatitis C Screening Project of the City of Laredo Health Department and extending the contract period from September 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002 to September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Galo

                   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:  City Council

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Laredo Code of Ordinances,

Chapter 2, Administration Article I, In General, Section 2-3.  Fees for City Services, Subsection (b) providing for charges for the duplication of medical records (to include a fee for a notarized affidavit); amending the City of Laredo Health Department budget for fiscal year 2003 and appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $3,360.00 which will be generated revenues from these fees to the Maternal and Child Health Program to continue with the scope of services; and providing for severability, effective date and publication.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and

Traffic, Article VIII, Stopping, Standing or Parking, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Laredo:  specifically adding Section 19-364(4) which establishes the Southside of Shiloh Drive, between Shalom Circle and Fox Lane, as a No Parking /Tow Away Zone between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, providing for effective date and publication.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with an amendment of the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. instead of 4:30. p.m.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Code of

Ordinances Chapter 2, Article II, Sec. 2-16, which sets forth the department of the City, by restructuring the Public Works Department whereby the Sanitation Division and the Landfill Division will become the Landfill/Sanitation Department; the Fleet Division will become a division of the Traffic Department; and the remaining Public Works Divisions will become divisions of the Engineering Department which will be renamed the Engineering/Public Works Department; and placing the Building Inspections Department as a division under the Planning and Zoning Department; and providing for an effective date.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

 

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     8                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with the amendment of changing the  naming of the Landfill/Sanitation Department to the Solid Waste Department.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     8                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year     

2002-2003 annual budget by creating one new full time teller supervisor position to oversee the five tellers operating the Riverfront Parking Lot facility at a cost of $34,893.92 which includes salary and benefits which will be paid from the fund balance and $2,500.00 for computer hardware and software, and providing for effective date and publication.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Galo

                  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:     7                                          Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                                        Cm. Ramirez

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council except Cm. Ramirez

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

      

            13.  A.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

1.  Status report regarding brick pavers on Clark Boulevard median and possibly

     placing pavers or stamped concrete on an additional six blocks of the median,    

     with possible action.

 

 

 

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the first six blocks from Clark to the west has been completed by Public Works.  He mentioned that the next six blocks will be at a cost of $30,000 if staff uses the stamp to concrete.  The pavers would be more expensive and staff is recommending the alternative of stamp concrete.    

 

Motion to approve staff recommendations to use the stamp concrete at a cost of $30,000.  Funds may be taken from the Clark Blvd. Side Walk Project.    

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

           

                   B.  Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

                        1.  Discussion with possible action regarding speed humps on Belair.

 

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, explained that staff initiated all the required studies for speed humps on Belair.  The reports indicated approval of three speed humps; however, the residents must pay 100% of the cost.  Staff sent a letter to the applicant and is waiting for a response.   

 

Cm.  Belmares expressed his dissatisfaction with the public having to pay for the speed humps. 

 

Motion to use the discretionary funds from Cm.  Belmares to install three speed humps on Belair. 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

For:      5                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0  

 

2.  Report by Administrative Services Department regarding citizens who reported

     flood damage after Hurricane Fay in September, 2002.

 

Dan Migura, Administrative Services, informed Council that staff was aware of 25 homes that were affected by the flood damage after Hurricane Fay.  Staff researched the issue and learned that FEMA would assist the individuals.  He said that some of the individuals did not want assistance after the fact. 

 

3.  Discussion with possible action on the El Metro Lift Program with comments by

     Dr.  Judson Sommerville.

 

Dr.  Judson Sommerville, voiced his concerns in the timeliness of the El Metro Lift and how it affects his patients.  He requested a more expedient system where all handicapped individuals can receive services within 24 hours of their call.   

 

 

 

Maria Franco, a concerned citizen, spoke on her behalf and other disabled individuals.  She reiterated frustration in the automated telephone system and the poor service that she has received from El Metro Lift.  She continued to say that individuals with disabilities face constant obstacles and made a plea to the Council to assure positive changes within El Metro Lift. 

 

Cm.  E. Valdez expressed his desire to better serve disabled individuals that are requesting the services of the El Metro Lift.   

 

Andy Ramos, Vice President of BEST, was also concerned with the scheduling and actual pick up of individuals needing the services of the El Metro Lift.      

 

Joe Guerra, Interim General Manager of El Metro, informed Council that the staff is currently attending customer service training at the Laredo Community College.  He added that staff will return to council with recommendations to improve the El Metro Lift.  He submitted the following report:

 

“The Metropolitan Planning Organization has funded an El Lift Paratransit Study.  Preliminary findings for an El Lift Paratransit study indicate that the Laredo EL Lift system provides a far supervisor service to its clientele than any other system its size in Texas and New México.  The study is still in the draft stages and the final report is scheduled to be presented to City Council in late January or early February.  The cost of the study is approximately $40,000.00

 

The EL Lift system does not require clientele book a return trip appointment and reservations can be made 14 days in advance.  Because a return appointment is not necessary, there are 6 vans on stand-by for what is called “call backs”.  These vans are stationed thought the City at key locations waiting for a call from our dispatch.  There are a total of 15 vans operational throughout the day including the call back vans.  The number of vans in service has increased from 2 in 1991 to the current 15.

 

Because of the level of service is far superior to other Cities our size, the operational cost is almost double that of the other Cities.  Not requiring clientele to schedule a return trip is the leading cause of the additional cost.  By having the call back vans the clientele is assured of a reasonable response time for pick up.  In most instances it is under 30 minutes.  However, when clientele cancel an appointment the driver in the morning is free for 30 minutes as well as the call back driver.  When there is inclement weather the number of cancellations increases to 50%.

 

The current cost per trip is approximately $42.  This is up from the 1995 level of $25 per trip.  If the current trend continues, the cost per trip will be $75.  Also currently, 20% of El  Metro’s budget transports 1% of the Ridership or $2,000,000 for 40,000 trips.  That leave the reminder of budget or approximately $8,000,000 to transport 5,000,000 trips.  The trend is that in 2005, the El Lift budget will be approximately $3,500,000 to transport 50,000 trips or approximately 1/3 the budget.

 

Presently, the current demand does not warrant adding additional vans into the EL Lift service at this time.  The study will bring forth recommendations and solution in the near future.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, encouraged individuals to call his office with their concerns about the El Metro Lift.  He has been working with the current administration on improving the customer service and he has approved new software to assist with the scheduling problems.  Finally, he mentioned the new administration that will be making positive changes.     

     

                 C.  Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding creek drainage improvements in

     District VII.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, said staff is waiting to finish up the culvert at Rancho Viejo.  The delay is with TxDOT allowing access to the right of way.  Staff has been in contact with TxDOT and submitted plans but their response is to supply more information about the access to the right of way.

 

Cm.  J. Valdez asked Mr.  Rivera to set up a meeting with TxDOT in regards to the creek drainage improvements. 

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, said the Engineering Department has the plat showing the drainage easement so they can continue to do work on the culvert itself.  The connection to the right of way is the only delay.  The culvert will be poured in a month.

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez expressed his desire to expedite the construction regarding creek drainage.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted the water is coming from further north. He said the developers need to understand they are responsible for constructing detention ponds, which will prevent some of the flooding.   

 

J. Valdez mentioned the importance of installing the concrete swell at La Herradura. 

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, discussed the drainage north of the culvert on Bristol Road.  He said if staff reconstructs the culvert to enhance the drainage, it would have to be a complete reconstruction. 

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez requested the construction of a small concrete wall to direct the flow of water away from the residential area. 

 

Larry Dovalina spoke up and mentioned that the developers are responsible for constructing the cement walls.  He said that a letter was sent to the developers in regards to the lack of infrastructure that was necessary under the plat asking him when he was going to initiate the project and we are waiting for a response.    

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, said a good mechanism to assure that developers comply with all regulations is not to allow construction until all elements are in place.  He noted the developer’s “letter of credit” could be reviewed in efforts to force him to comply.

 

Motion to contact said developer and ask him to construct the cement walls.  If he does not comply within a week, staff may use the discretionary funds from Cm.  J.  Valdez to construct the cement walls.  Meanwhile, staff should call in the letter of credit to collect the funds and reimburse the discretionary funds.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

               D.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding the preparation of a Resolution to

alleviate the congestion for pedestrians crossing the international bridge by making improvements to the buildings.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that staff has been working with the Council and their support on the El Portal Project that will convert the facility to a much more pedestrian friendly facility.  Staff has been in contact with GSA about the improvements necessary for pedestrians to be able to be processed in a more humane manner with more appropriate facilities, to no avail.  He added that he had met with Gene Garza from Customs to discuss the issues. They discussed the City’s proposal to alleviate congestion for pedestrians crossing.  He mentioned that Gene Garza would contact INS and the Department of Agricultural. Finally, he said the City of Laredo will do anything within their power to relieve the congestion.

 

Mayor Flores noted that GSA is a real estate agency who does not have to respond quickly.  She acknowledged the quickest results regarding pedestrians crossing the international bridges would be working with the federal agencies.  Federal agencies receive their orders from Washington and their charge is security. 

 

Motion to draft a resolution to alleviate the congestion for pedestrians crossing the international bridge and present it to the Senator for assistance from the federal government.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  Discussion with possible action regarding taxi operations at Jarvis Plaza to

possibly permit only Mr. Juan Medina's taxi cabs to park around Jarvis Plaza with a maximum of eight taxi cabs.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said Mr.  Medina has had this item on the agenda before and council took no action.  There have been attempts to work with the taxi operations situation but the taxi cab drivers themselves have not been able to resolve the issues.  Mr. Medina has a letter from Saul Ramirez that allowed him to park on Matamoras. When the El Metro was constructed taxi drivers starting parking on a first come first serve basis. 

 

Mayor Flores noted this issue is for the private sector.

 

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, informed Council if they only permit Juan Medina’s tax cabs to park around Jarvis Plaza it would be unconstitutional.  He said the solution is to continue the first come first serve basis. 

 

Motion to postpone.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0  

 

3.  Discussion with possible action to allow River Drive Mall to use the parking

facility located between Santa Maria and Davis for River Drive Mall customers on Saturdays only for the month of December, 2002.

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that he was not adverse to allowing this accord on a limited basis. 

 

Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Director, quoted the costs for parking at the parking facility.