CITY OF LAREDO

                                              CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                              M2003-R-06

                                            CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                 LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                        MARCH 24, 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 Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            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

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

 

            Motion to excuse Cm.  Galo.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Cm.  Garcia

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

IV.       MINUTES

 

Approval of the minutes and work product of the Strategic Planning Workshop of  

            September 28, 2002 and City Council meeting of January 27, 2003.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Cm.  Eliseo Valdez

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

            None.

 

Invitations

 

None.

 

Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition by the Mayor and City Council of employees that retired from the City of 

     Laredo with 20 or more years of service.

 

The Mayor and City Council Members presented the following individuals with plaques for retiring from the City of Laredo with 20 years or more of service:

 

Martha D.  Aristoltelidis (21 years) Health Department

Antonio Bustos (29 years)  Public Works Department

Isabel J.  Contreras (25 years) Public Works Department

Mariano D.  Flores (28 years) Building Code Department

Geronimo Gallegos (22years) Utilities Department

Leopoldo Garibay (43 years) Parks & Recreation Department

Guadalupe Gonzalez (25 years) Parks & Recreation Department

Jose R.  Gonzalez (28 years) Fire Department

Teofilo Gonzalez (37 years) Public Works Department

Jose R.  Hernandez (30 years) Public Works Department

Juan M.  Hernandez (22 years) Parks & Recreation Department

Jose J.  Jimenez (25 years) Fire Department

Juan E.  Martinez (22 years) Utilities Department

Pascual Martinez (24 years) Parks & Recreation Department

Rolando Martinez (21 years) Tax Department

Reyes Medina, Jr., (28 years) Utilities Department

Bertha Mendez (25 years) Police Department

Rey Molina (24 years) Public Works Department

Eugenio Moncivais, Jr. (29 years) Fire Department

Juan A.  Morales (35 years) Public Works Department

Cesario Morales, Jr., (37 years) Public Works Department

Ramiro R.  Moreno (22 years) Bridge Department

Adela B.  Pena (22 years) Police Department

Laura J.  Pichot (21 years) Parks & Recreation Department

Vicente Ramirez (20 years) Utilities Department

Lucila C.  Romo (21 years) Police Department

Gilberto L.  Rubio (30 years) Health Department

Maria L.  Salinas (31 years) health Department

Sixto Salinas (28 years) Public Works Department

Jesus M.  Sanchez (37 years) Building Department

 

 

Communiqués

 

a.  Presentation by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores, Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Council

     Member John C. Galo, Council Member Gene Belmares and Council Member Hector J.

     Garcia regarding trip to Washington, D.C. 

 

Cm.  Garcia read the following statement: 

 

“The Washington trip was a great success for the City of Laredo overall.  Staff, Mayor, and the City Council, together with the private sector, presented a United Fund for the South Texas Congressional Delegation of Federal Agencies alike.  The level of experience and the flow of presentation were impressive as the staff, elected officials, member of the private sector, and the Chamber of Commerce talked about challenges facing the City and the need for federal assistance.  I attended several meetings involving a diversity of issues as important as homeland security, health and drug abuse, and the development of more parks and recreational programs.  I visited with the National Parks and Recreation Association, the Director of Public Policies where we discussed the lack of funding for park rehabilitation under the National Park Service in the Urban Park Program.  (A program where the City of Laredo benefited by $485,000 last year to rehabilitee the Seven Flag Park.)  Our visit and intent to assist in the advocate was a result of a sharing of information and establishing a network for further possibilities.  Additional meetings including the agency of Fish and Wildlife and Housing and Urban Development where we all will received and allocated  two and a half hours with their staff to discuss the opportunities of the Colonia program and the Home Grant Program among other things.  As a Council Member, traveling for the first time representing the City of Laredo, I was impressed and motivated with the professional organization of our staff, our Senior Council Members, and our Mayor.  I can hopefully say that this trip makes a difference in our community.  I encourage the citizens of Laredo to make the trip with us.  I look forward to going next year.”

 

Cm.  E.  Valdez mentioned that it was an honor and a privileged to have been part of a delegation made up of at least 65 people presenting a unified front for the City of Laredo.  It is the only way the City of Laredo can stay ahead of the competition.  He thanked the private sector for their contributions in helping the City of Laredo host the presentations.  Finally, he discussed the different agencies where safety, health, housing, and crime issues were discussed. 

 

Cm.  Belmares added that the legislative consultants coordinated 69 meetings in Washington for Council Members and staff to attend in three days.  He mentioned the key to the entire trip was to be able to articulate the City of Laredo’s message to individuals that need to know about Laredo’s needs.  He went on to say how impressed he was with the staff from the City of Laredo. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned the four individuals that were instrumental in organizing the George Washington trip.  He said the success of the trip would be measured in the months to come.  He mentioned the importance of networking with congressmen, senators, deputy secretaries and administrators of federal agencies all of which would be instrumental in achieving recognition for the Laredo area. 

 

Keith Selman, City Planner, mentioned that staff vigorously raised the issue of the reauthorization of IST.  He explained that IST is a five year appropriation bill that will authorize all roadway constructions in the United States. 

 

Mayor Flores noted the performance of the Mariachi that performed.  She also reported that the staff was able to move into high tech by presenting their presentations on cd’s rather than bulky binders. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano read a letter from Scan, Inc. in favor of creating an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in public places where children visit. 

 

Cm. Amaya expressed his concern for the War in Iraq. 

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez thanked Sames Motor company the opening of their car dealership in his district. He expressed his thanks to all the individuals that visited Washington.  Finally, he expressed his desire for the conflict in Iraq to be over.   

 

Juan Ramirez reiterated other Council Members by thanking all the individuals who went to Washington. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

        

            The Mayor appointed Cm.  Garcia to the Women’s Commission .

 

VII.      PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning 9.6982 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in 

     attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Highway 359 and approximately one and a half 

     miles east of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single 

     Family Reduced Area 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  Valdez

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 8.48 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in   

attached Exhibit “A”, located at the rear of 6801 McPherson Road, 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 approval of the proposed zone change.     

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                                      Against:                                                Abstain:

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning 16.05 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in  

     attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Indian Sunset Subdivision, Phase 3, from AG

     (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning 3.6584 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in 

     attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Highway 83 and north of Santa Martha Boulevard,

     from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 10, 11, and 12, Block 791, Eastern Division, located at  

1402 Chihuahua St., from R-O (Residential/Office 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  Garcia

     For:     7                                          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:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 527, Eastern Division, located at   

     902 San Carlos St. from R-3 (Mixed Residential 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.  Amaya

     Second:  Cm.  Garcia

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    Sergio Rodriguez spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

     Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Amaya

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 191, Western Division, located at 1115 San

     Dario Avenue, 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  Garcia

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

Antonio Vela, property owner, spoke in favor of the zone change request stating that San Dario is already a commercial zone area.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

     Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Ramirez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8 and the west 22.56 feet of Lot 7, Block 1692, Eastern Division, located at 2401 Arkansas Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed 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.  Belmares

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0  

 

    There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and go with staff’s recommendation to deny.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

     annual budget by increasing the revenue and expenditure appropriations in the amount of 

     $1,440,000.00 for the lease purchase of 60 police sedans for the Laredo Police

     Department.  Funding is available in the Police Trust Fund.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.