CITY OF LAREDO

                                                 CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                              M2003-R-01

                                                CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                    1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                     LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                          JANUARY 13, 2003

                                                                   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 Elizabeth 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

            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

 

            Motion to excuse Cm.  Belmares.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

           

            Approval of the minutes for November 13, 2002, November 18, 2002 and December 9,          2002.

 

            Motion to approve the minutes.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm.  Ramirez was excused from the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with a motion made by Cm.  J.  Valdez and seconded by Cm. Galo.  All were in favor. 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            Invitations

 

             Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of the J.W. Nixon Football Team for their football accomplishments in   

                 2002.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council recognized the following football team players and coaches:

 

Guillermo Rodriguez                                                                        Jose Sanchez

Enrique Sanchez                                                                              Charlie Rendon

Phillip Garcia                                                                                   Zane Jerry

Jaime Martinez                                                                                Joseph Martinez

Gino Ferrezano                                                                                Lionel Palafox

Eddie Garcia                                                                                   Wesley Rollins

Frank Hernandez                                                                             Ricky Sanchez

Robert RFlores                                                                                Oscar Moreno

Joel Lugo                                                                                        Juan Hernandez

Robert Mata                                                                                    Jesse Chandarila

David Zapieo                                                                                   Pedro Gutierrez

Rene Flores                                                                                     Sammy Rubio

Jesse Santos                                                                                    Diego Madrigal

Rene Magana                                                                                  Arturo Mendoza

Agustin Fuantes                                                                               Efrain Lopez

Jason Villarreal                                                                                Jerry Soto

Joey Rodriguez                                                                                Jose Luis Osoria

Joey Martinez                                                                                  Guillermo De Santos

Issac Garcia                                                                                    Hector Tijerina

Eric Guzman                                                                                    Ricky Gonzalez

Hector Casarez                                                                               Christian Rosales

Jorge Perez                                                                                     Alfonso Castillo

Mike Pena                                                                                       Frank Moncada

Edgar Sepulveda                                                                             Joaquin Ramirez

Jorge Munoz                                                                                   Fernando Cruz

 

 

Superintendent:  Interim Superintendent Jerry Barber

Principal:  Sylvia Rios

Athletic Director:  Nick Villarreal

Assistant Athletic Director:  Butch Flores

Athletic Coordinator/Head Coach:  Joel Lopez

J. W.  Nixon Football:  Brad Hopkins, Gilbert Gomez, Tommy Ramirez, Jorge Vasquez, Alex Colin, Jesus Sandoval, Beto Munoz, Henry Yzaguirre, Jaime Gonzalez, Carmelo Gonzalez, Hugo Garcia, Isidro Garcia, Edi Flores, Mario Saldivar and Martin Sanchez.

 

            b.  Recognition of Amelia "Amy" Martinez of the Community Development Department for             her selection as 2002 City of Laredo Employee of the Year.

 

Amelia “Amy” Martinez was public recognized by the Mayor and City Council and was presented with a Severn Flags Certificate.

 

            c.  Recognition of employees who assisted in the special project to complete improvements             at Bridge I to alleviate congestion of pedestrians crossing into Laredo.

 

                 Mayor Flores and City Council recognized the following City employees:

 

                 Adan Cedillo                                                                                   Jaime Cantu

                 Jorge Ramon                                                                                   Gabriel Eligio

                Adrian Cedillo                                                                                  Juan Jose Medina

                David Moreno                                                                                  Gorge Olmos

                Regino Rodriguez                                                                             Verancio Mota

                Ramon Vasquez                                                                               Efrain Mendiola

                Jose A.  Alfaro                                                                                 Fernando Liendo

                Noe Camacho                                                                                  Sergio Chavez

 

d.  Cm.  Ramirez recognized Poncho Sanchez, recipient of the 2002 Latin/Jazz

Grammy Awards.  He noted that Mr.  Sanchez is an outstanding musician that performs around the world.  

 

             Communiqués

 

Cm.  Agredano thanked Code Enforcement, especially Roy Garcia, for cleaning up the debris of a home that burned several months ago.  He also wished his wife a happy birthday. 

 

Cm.  Garcia welcomed everyone and noted his enthusiasm for working with the unified Council and City staff for the year, 2003.  He praised the Police and Fire Departments for their hard work during the holiday season. 

 

Cm.  Galo also welcomed everyone.  He thanked God for the safe holidays.  He also thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their hard work during the holiday season. 

 

Cm.  Amaya reiterated what Cm.  Garcia said about the unity of the Council.  He expressed his desire to work hard for constituents in his district and throughout the City of Laredo.  

 

Cm.  E.  Valdez thanked the Mayor, Council Members, staff, and his constituents for working together as a team to complete projects in his district and throughout the City of Laredo.  He also wished his sister a happy birthday.  

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez welcomed everyone to the New Year.  He noted his desire to get back to work with City staff.  He applauded the work they have done in his district and in the City.  He also thanked his colleagues for their cooperation and hard work.   

 

Cm.  Ramirez thanked staff for their hard work.  He thanked the Police and Fire Department for their work efforts in extinguishing a warehouse fire in his district. 

 

Mayor Flores thanked the council for their positive comments.  She read the following information:

 

The year is 1903…one hundred years ago…what a difference a century makes.

 

The average life expectancy in the United States was 47 years.

Only 14% of the homes had a bath tub.

Only 8% had a telephone.

A three minute call from Denver to New York cost $11.00

There were only 8,000 cars in the United States and144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 miles per hour.

Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Iowa were more heavily populated than California with a mere 1.4 million residents. 

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

The average wage was .22 cents an hour.

The average U. S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could earn $2,000 a year, dentist $2,500, a Veterinarian between $1500 and $4000.  A mechanical engineer could earn about $5,000 per year.

More than 95% of all births in the U. S. took place at home.

Ninety percent of all U.S. physicians had no college education.

Sugar cost .04 a pound.  Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.  Coffee cost fifteen cents a pound.

Most women washed their hair once a month and used borox or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering their country for any reason

The five leading causes of death were phenomena/influenza, tuberculosis, diarrhea, heart disease and stroke.

The American flag had 45 stars;  Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska hadn’t been admitted to the Union.

The population of Las Vegas Nevada was 30.

Cross word puzzles, beer and ice tea had not been invented.

No Mother’s day and no Father’s day.

Only one 1 in 10 from the United States could read and write.

Only 6% of all Americans had graduated high school.

Marijuana, heroin and morphine were available in corner drug stores.

According to one pharmacist heroin clears the completion gives buoyancy to the mind regulates the stomach and the bowls and is the perfect guardian of health

18% of house holds had at least one full time servant or domestic and there were only 230 reported murders in the entire United States. 

So I ask you to think today how you think it will be in another 100 years.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            a.  City Council confirmation of Mayor Flores’ appointments to the Electrical Examining            

                 Board of the following:  Roberto Narvaez, Hugo Garcia, and Carl Johnson.

 

                Motion to approve the appointments of Roberto Narvaez, Hugo Garcia and Carl Johnson         to the Electrical Examining Board.

 

                Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                For:     6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

VII.  PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the

City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 2024, Eastern Division, located at 3200 Blaine Street, from R-2 (Multifamily Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  E. Valdez

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Luis Sandro Guerra, representing Carancahua Investments, spoke in favor of a zone change approval for commercial development.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 6.0035 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 83 and south of Sierra Vista Blvd., from AG (Agricultural 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:       6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 2, Cuatro Vientos Norte Subdivision, Phase I, located at 3302 Cuatro Vientos Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Residential Area District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

 

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

FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $52,931.00 for the Medicaid Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2003.  This amount includes program surplus funds from FY 2001-2002 in the amount of $34,537.00 and funding in the amount of $18,394.00 which was received in the current fiscal year.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the city manager to amend the

City of Laredo’s FY 2002/2003 annual budget in the Convention & Visitors Bureau operating fund in the amount of $42,521.00 for revenue and expenses from the management and operation of the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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 $169,983.00 from the Texas Department of Health for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control Federal Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Convention

and Visitors Bureau full time equivalent positions by adding 1.5 full time clerks positions for the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Museum and information center operation.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo fiscal year 2003

2000A Certificate of Obligation Issue Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues of $2,000,000.00 in the form of a donation from Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust for $2,000,000.00 and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $2,000,000.00 for the construction of the Inner City Park.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

       

9.  A.  Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia

 

1.  Discussion with possible action on placing a traffic light at the 3300 block of

     Clark and 2300 block of Townsend or at the corner of Clark and Newport.

 

Cm.  Garcia read his discussion item as follows:  “Discussion with possible action with placing a traffic light on the corner of Clark and Townsend or the corner of Clark and Newport.”

 

Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Director, said that the department would proceed with the accident reports and traffic counts on both intersections, which would take four to six weeks to complete.

2.  Discussion with possible action on opening the end of Ejido and Corpus Christi

     Streets.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, explained the different problems of opening the end of Ejido and Corpus Christi.  The main delay would be obtaining permission from Tex-Mex because they own the right-of-way. 

 

                B.  Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1.  Staff report concerning the rights of property owners whose property has been

     damaged by traffic accidents, especially when the wrecked vehicle lies across

     both City easements and private property, with possible action.

 

Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, reported the police department will enforce the violations that have been committed.   If the vehicle is obstructing the public right-of-way the vehicle will be towed.  

 

Cm.  Galo asked if the property owner, whose property has been damaged by the traffic accident, can keep the car until the owner of the vehicle pays for the damages.  He continued to say that the owners of the property should be able to protect their rights as a property owner.  He suggested approaching the legislature with a resolution to be able to assist the property owners.  

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, said the property owner may keep the vehicle in their yard until the owner of the vehicle pays for the damages provided the police department has no interest in the vehicle. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said staff would study the insurance laws because he believes there are already provisions in the insurance laws that will assist the property owner. 

 

2.  Staff report regarding opening of Bartlett at Market with possible action.

 

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that as far as the construction aspect, staff is ready to commence with the project.  Once the monies are available, they will begin the project. 

 

Keith Selman, City Planner,  noted an street closing agreement with TxDOT is the cause for delay.  They have had the agreement in their office since July of last year and staff needs the document for ratification. 

             

                C.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

1.  Discussion with possible action  regarding updating the J.W. Nixon football team

     accomplishments on the Utilities Department water towers at the corner of

     Malinche & Lyon.

 

Beto Ramirez, Utilities Director, noted that in the past the City has worked with the school districts to paint the tanks and has never absorbed the cost.  He added that he would work with Laredo Independent School District regarding updating the J. W. Nixon football team. 

 

Motion to direct staff to contact Laredo Independent School District in regards to updating the water towers at the corner of Malinche & Lyon and come back to council with recommendations.  

 

                D.  Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

 

1.  Discussion with possible action to begin a study for possible placement of a

traffic light or stop signs at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Village Boulevard.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Eliseo Valdez)

 

Chuck Owen, resident, spoke on the need of a traffic light or stop signs at the intersection of Springfield and Village Boulevard due to the increase of traffic and the need for traffic safety. 

 

Robert Murillo, Traffic Director, noted the intersection does merit a traffic light; however, the item is scheduled to be funded in the 2004 Capital Improvement Plan.  Funding needs to be identified for the four way stop.  A four way stop will create delays unless other measures are taken.  He recommended removing the four way stop at Sunset. 

 

Cm.  Galo and Cm.  E.  Valdez requested a list of traffic lights that are pending funding.

 

Motion to move with the temporary solution by installing a four way stop at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Village Boulevard and removing the three way stop at Sunset in order to avoid traffic delays.  Also, identify funding for a light to be installed at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Village Boulevard. 

 

Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

      

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

 

1.  Discussion with possible action regarding a presentation by Laredo Police

Officers on the need for additional investigators.  (Co-sponsored by Council Member Hector J. Garcia)

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, reminded council that the presentation can end with a recommendation or an instruction for the City Manager.

 

Luis Maldonado gave the following presentation:

 

Laredo Police Department

Promotional Study

Crime Scene Investigators/Detectives

 

Purpose:  This study attempts to show that there exists a real need for the expansion of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives within the Laredo Police Department.

 

Study Foreword:  Two important factors must be kept in mind:  1.)  We strongly believe that the future and safety of the citizens of this community must not be compromised nor limited and 2.) The department will improve productivity with the right amount of crime scene investigators and detectives, the city demands.

 

Justification:

 

I.     To ensure that the Laredo Police Department meets the demands of the community since Laredo is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.

 

II.    To increase investigation productivity.

 

III.  Cost Effectiveness

 

Courses of Action:

 

I.     The approval of this proposal may be accomplished in one of the following methods.

 

       A.  Reclassification of positions

       B.  Creation of positions

       C.  Reallocation of funds from other city programs or sources

       D.  Salary Savings

Proposal:

 

I.  With 20 qualified patrolman on the promotional list, it is advisable that this opportunity be taken to provide the best possible service to the citizens of this community. 

 

II.    The following are the job functional descriptions of Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives taken directly from our Policy and Operations Manual.

 

Detective Job Functional Description

 

Works in plain clothes and uses considerable discretion in detection of crime:

Receives orders from superior officers and follows cases to conclusion which

normally ends in the preparation of a case for prosecution.

 

Inspects crime scenes for evidence and reconstruction of the crime;

interviews, victims, witnesses, suspects and prisoners to collect information

about crime; and investigates and follows up all possible clues to apprehend the

offender and prepares and renders detail written reports of his investigation.

 

Recovers stolen property.

 

Exercises considerable independent judgment in specific cases, acquires working

knowledge of established rules and procedures, keeps abreast of legal and

technical changes.  Work is reviewed through performance, accomplishments,

personal inspections and a review of written reports covering activities.

 

1.  The following are the Laredo Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division in which additional detectives are needed:

 

Crimes Against Property                                                      2 Inv. needed

Crimes Against Persons                                                       4 Inv. needed

Family Violence/Sex Crimes                                                4 Inv. needed

Juvenile Enforcement                                                           2 Inv.  needed

 

(This information was obtained from the Laredo Police Department’s heads and supervisors)

 

2.  The following is the amount of caseload per detective in the Laredo Police 

     Department:

 

Crimes Against Persons:  Each detective is getting approximately 30-35 cases per month.

 

     Crimes Against Property:  Each detective is getting 20-25 cases per month.

 

     Juvenile Enforcement Team:  Each detective is getting between 25-40 cases  

     Per month.

 

     Sex Crimes Unit:  Each detective is getting approximately 25-30 cases per

    month.  Take into consideration that these cases are long termed cases which

     cause the rest of the other cases to get backlogged.

 

     Domestic Violence Unit:  Each detective is getting approximately 25-30 cases

          per month.

 

     These cases get investigated on a five day work week, and unfortunately cases

     get backlogged due to the lack of personnel.

 

     Crime Scene Investigator Job Functional Description:

 

     Performs the same duties as a patrol officer; however he may act as a field

    advisor in the absence of the patrol sergeant.  A Crimes Scene Investigator:

     Identifies, photographs and collects evidence of crime scenes.

 

     Work normally consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigation of crimes   

     or incidents that may perform follow-up investigations as assigned by the

     patrol supervisor.

 

     Receives assignments and instructions from supervisor or commander and

     works in conformance with all laws, criminal procedures and departmental

     policies, goals and rules.

 

Conducts routine patrol in an assigned area to deter or detect violations of law  and takes appropriate actions when violations occur.

 

Makes arrest, issues citations, obtains evidence, protests crimes scenes, and testifies in court; locates missing person, lost or stolen property, and advices citizens on crime prevention.

 

Drives vehicle, motorcycle, or works on foot or other conveyance as assigned; and may receive another assignment to work in another capacity.

 

Reports criminal information activity to other commands or sections as applicable.

 

Documents and completes reports of crimes committed and traffic accidents; and repots other incidents as needed. 

 

3.  Crime Scene Investigation:

 

Crime scene investigation is a very crucial part of any criminal investigation.  Regardless of the crime, the crime scene must be treated with utmost importance.  Crime scenes are managed “to aid the injured, apprehend suspects, identify witnesses, protect and preserve physical evidence and thoroughly and accurately document the investigation” “LPD Operations Manual.

 

                             4.  History:

                                  As recent as the late 1980’s and early 90’s there were very few Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) positions in Laredo Pol