CITY OF LAREDO

                                                      CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                                    M2003-R-08

                                                    CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                        1110 HOUSTON STREET

                                                         LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

                                                                 APRIL 21, 2003

                                                                        5:30 p.m.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

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

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            The Mayor 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.  Ramirez announced that the Community Development Department is going to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Laredo Homeless Coalition Shelter.  He continued to say that on Friday, they would be holding a ground breaking for the El Quatro Park.  He also took the time to wish all the mothers of Laredo a Happy Mother’s Day.

 

Cm.  Gene Belmares encouraged constituents that reside within the United Independent School District boundaries to vote in the up-coming school board election.  He said the district is facing huge budget cuts, challenges; and he stressed the importance of good leadership.  Finally, he wished his older brother a happy birthday. 

 

Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr. made reference to a town hall meeting that would be held to discuss the modifications to the bus routes.  He encouraged interested individuals to attend the meeting and voice their concerns.  He also mentioned the different functions commemorating the beginning of CDBG Week. 

 

Cm.  Amaya thanked Erasmo Villarreal, Ronnie Acosta and the entire staff from Community Development for their presentations at recent town hall meetings. He encouraged Laredoans to attend the town hall meetings that would be held during CDBG Week. 

 

Cm.  Galo said he was glad to be back in Laredo after being out of town for a while.  He asked District III constituents to be patient with him while he reviews his messages and returns all calls. 

 

Cm.  Garcia thanked Beto Ramirez, Utilities Director, and United Water for acting quickly to a water problem on Hwy.  359.  He also thanked Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, for fixing a lighting problem in District II.  He went on to congratulate the Buck’s Hockey Team for a great year. He also thanked the previous City Council Members for being the driving force behind the Entertainment Center.  Mostly, he recognized Mayor Betty Flores for being the heart beat behind the Laredo Entertainment Center.  Her foresight and persistence certainly paid off because the Entertainment Center is finally being recognized as a success. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano also congratulated the Bucks for a great season.  He mentioned the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new HEB Shopping Center in South Laredo.  He said he was very impressed with the HEB Shopping Center and he invited Laredoans to visit the center.

 

Mayor Flores announced that a recent publication of Texas Magazine listed the Laredo Entertainment Center as the #1 Hot Spot for arenas that seats 5,000 to 10,000.    

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

           

a.  Appointment by Mayor Pro-Tempore Alfredo Agredano of Reynaldo Campos to the

     Third Party Funding Committee.

 

Motion to approve the appointment of Reynaldo Campose to the Third Party Funding Committee.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment by Mayor Pro-Tempore Alfredo Agredano of JoEmma Sherfey to the

     Laredo Commission for Women.

 

Motion to approve the appointment of JoEmma Sherfey to the Laredo Commission for Women.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their

housing and community needs and the projects that they wish to see funded through the 29th Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the 2003 HOME Investment Partnership Grant, and the 2003 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in support of the preparation and submission of the 2003 Consolidated Plan to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Also for discussion and comment, is the FY 2001-2002 Consolidated End-of-the-Year Performance Report regarding the City’s administration of HUD Programs.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development, noted that the city of Laredo is recognized as an Entitlement City by HUD and is eligible in the next fiscal year to receive funding through the Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $4,407,000, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program in the amount of $1,454,026, and the Emergency Shelter Grant in the amount of $150,000.  The award of funds is contingent on the submission and approval of a Consolidated One Year Action Plan, which specifically details the activities/projects to be funded with HUD program funds.

 

One of the requirements of the Consolidated Plan process is that a public hearing be held to allow interested persons the opportunity to comment on needs and the projects they wish to see funded with HUD entitlement funds.  In addition to this public hearing, 5 public meetings will be held to obtain comments.  All comments received will be considered in the preparation of the 2003 Consolidated Plan. 

 

It is also a requirement that a public hearing be held annually to discuss the City’s performance in administration of its CDBG, ESG, and HOME programs.  The report period reviewed extends from October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2002.  HUD, in its assessment, determined that the City of Laredo’s overall program process and its ability to meet high priorities is satisfactory.  In comparing the CAPER with the five-year Consolidated Plan and Action Plan, they have determined consistency in the priorities identified and implemented.  The activities of the program year comply with the requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act and other applicable laws and regulations, and the City of Laredo does have the continuing capacity to carry out it’s CDBG, HOME and ESG programs in a timely manner.

 

The consensus area changed District VII to serve more constituents through CDBG Funds.

   

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance establishing a 15% penalty on the 2002

delinquent tax accounts as of July 1, 2003, to defray costs of collection pursuant to Section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing for publication and 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.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

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

annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $5,000.00 in additional funds from the Texas Association of Local Health Officials (TALHO) for the Bioterrorism Consequence Management/Automated Disease Surveillance Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 2003 through August 1, 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

Colonias Project and Water Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $281,205.00 from the Water Fund and appropriating the transfer in and expenditure in the amount of $281,205.00 for the Colonias Project Fund.

 

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.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,   

Texas Combination Tax and Sewer System Revenue Certificate of Obligation, Series 2003, in the principal amount of $3,660,000.00 for the purpose of paying all or a portion of the City’s Contractual obligations for constructing, improving, and extending the City’s Sewer System, and for paying legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this project and authorizing an amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purposes authorized herein and approving an official statement and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

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:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,

Texas, Public Property Finance Contractual Obligations, Series 2003, in the principal amount of $2,825,000.00, for the purchase of vehicle equipment, trucks, cars, trailers, Fire Department equipment, EMS equipment, boat ramps, sweepers, mowers, projectors, studio lights, generators, testing equipment for toll system, street equipment, computers, related hardware and software, paint remover equipment, statement sorter and power sweepers; and authorizing amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and approving an official statement; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.

 

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.  Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,

Texas, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificate of Obligation, Series 2003, in the principal amount of $3,550,000.00, for paying all or a portion of the City’s contractual obligations for the purpose of constructing drainage improvements, including a pilot channel, and constructing and equipping a fire station, and for the payment of legal, fiscal, architectural and engineering fees in connection with such projects; authorizing amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purposes authorized herein; and approving an official statement; and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 4.383 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on form one one a is for a way to go settle the shot down from all oh oh say so the two 8:00 AM back for a new show the back attached exhibit “A”, located south of the intersection of Gates Street and Loring Avenue, from AG (Agricultural District); R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Anthony Pena appeared before Council to answer any questions.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Penfam, Ltd. for an adult daycare facility on 0.96 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located south of the intersection of Gates Street and Loring Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Anthony Pena appeared before Council to answer any questions.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Jose Lopez Plat, located at 5003 Tesoro Plaza Drive, 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 denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Jose G.  Lopez and Ron Whitehawk spoke in favor of allowing the zone changes for a U-Hall business.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Valdez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 30.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located approximately at the 3300 block of Clark Boulevard; from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) and R-2 (Multi-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.  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

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 12.44 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Atlanta Drive and north of Weathers Drive from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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:     8                                        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:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 15.20 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located northwest of Chimayo Road and northeast of Don Pascual Lane, 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.  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.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 8.0076 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located north of Pita Mangana Road and west of Cuatro Vientos Subdivision Phase I, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing 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.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tempore Agredano

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 1477 and an 8,112.59 square foot tract of land out of the Milmo Avenue right-of-way between the south right-of-way line of Blaine Street and the north right-of-way line of Loop 20, situated in the Eastern Division, located at approximately the 800 block of Texas Avenue, from R-2 (Multi-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.  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.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern Division, located at 114 Lyon Street 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.  E.  Valdez

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

 

Motion to table.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

17.  Authorizing the City Manager to repeal Ordinance No. 2000-O-171 dated July 3, 2000

and authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with KK Communications, L.P. for approximately 5,672 square feet constituting Building No. 962 located 1816 Pappas Street at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for seventeen (17) years and six (6) months commencing April 1, 2003 and ending on September 30, 2020.  Monthly rent shall be $3,617.22 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index and further adjusted by fair market value appraisal on the 10th anniversary; providing for an effective date.