CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2003-R-014

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

JULY 21, 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 G. 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

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse  Cm.  Ramirez.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

            Second:  Cm.  Agredano

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 IV.      MINUTES

 

            None.

 

  V.      COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

           

Announcements

 

None.

           

 

 

 

 

            Invitations

a.  South Texas Blood & Tissue Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Public Works   

     Service Center Training Room #1 every Monday between 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m.

     from July 21, 2003 to August 25, 2003.

 

Belinda Valdez, representing South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, encouraged individuals to support their efforts in collecting blood.  The blood drive will be held at the Public Works Service Center Training Room # 1 every Monday between 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. from July 21 to August 25, 2003. 

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of Robert Ortiz for serving our country in the 10th Combat Service Support

                 Battalion 1st Marine Division in Iraq to pursue our freedom and democracy.

 

The Mayor and Council presented Robert Ortiz with a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition for serving our country in the 10th Combat Service Support Battalion 1st Marine Division at Iraq. 

 

            b.  Recognition of the Laredo Bucks for being selected Franchise of the Year of the Central

                 Hockey League.

 

Marc Solis, along with other staff members of the Arena Ventures, presented the Mayor and Council Members replica plaques of Central Hockey League 2002-2003 Franchise of the Year.  He discussed how impressed the rest of the Nation was with the support that Laredoans gave the Laredo Bucks.  He thanked all individuals who showed their support and stated that the enthusiasm was overwhelming. 

           

c.  Recognition of Francisco Yerena in appreciation for his volunteer assistance 

     after the severe wind storm to the citizens of Laredo.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council presented a Seven Flags certificate of Appreciation for his volunteer assistance after the severe wind storm to the citizens of Laredo.

d.  Recognition of Ernie Salinas for winning World Karate Champion for the second time in

                 Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council presented Ernie Salinas with a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition for winning the World Karate Championship in Nevada. 

 

Communiqués

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Appointments to the Para Transit Advisory Committee:

 

                        i.          Ricky Hinojosa by Mayor Pro Tempore John C. Galo.

                        ii.          Adriana Jaro by Council Member Johnny Amaya. 

                        iii.         Dr. Judson Somerville by Council Member Gene Belmares.

 

Motion to appoint the approval of Ricky Hinojosa, Adriana Jaro and Judson Somerville to  

the Para Transit Advisory Committee.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance 2001-O-123 by

    authorizing the extension of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for storage incidental to the   

    transportation of used batteries on Lots 1, 2, 6, & 7, Block 12, McPherson Acres

    Subdivision, Unit IV, located at 802 Gale Street; providing for publication and effective

    date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed   

    Conditional Use Permit extension.

 

    Motion to open the public hearing.

 

    Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

    Second:  Cm.  Amaya

    For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the ReShea Family, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use Permit.

 

    Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

    Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

    Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

    For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

    Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1694, Eastern Division, located at 2801 Clark

     Boulevard, from R-3 (Mixed 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

     City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Morgan Stern

     Merchant Bank, Ltd., for an electronic display on Lot 8, Block 24, Western Division,

     located at 1600 Water Street; 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo    

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

     Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

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

     City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit to Morgan Stern   

     Merchant Bank, Ltd., for an electronic display on Lot 8, Block 276A, Western Division,

     located at 1600 Water Street; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning

     and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use

     Permit.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     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

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning 63.17 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on

     attached Exhibit "A," located south of Mines Road and east of Deer Creek Mobile Home

     Park, 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

    Second:  Cm.  Amaya

    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.  Amaya

    For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

    Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2, 4, 6, and 8, Block 532, Western Division, located at

     1818 Bruni Street, 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, spoke on behalf of Mr. & Mrs.  Ritz property owners, requested approval for support of a zone change.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

 

     Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 31.74 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A," located south of Del Mar Boulevard and west of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

     Second:  Cm.  Amaya

     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.  Garcia

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 16.94 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit "A," located south of Del Mar Boulevard and west of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

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:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

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

     City of Laredo by rezoning 39.23 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on

     attached Exhibit "A," located south of Del Mar Boulevard and east of Loop 20, from R-1

     (Single Family Residential 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.  Amaya

     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.  Belmares

     For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  E.  Valdez

 

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

       City of Laredo by rezoning 30.30 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on

       attached Exhibit "A," located east of International Boulevard and north of Woodridge

       Drive from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1 (Single 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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

       Second:  Cm.  Amaya

       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

 

       Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

      nd Zoning Commission has Pledge of Allegiange.  eeting to order.

 

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

       City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block 270, Eastern Division, located at 2001 Cedar

       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 approval of the proposed zone change.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

       Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

       Second:  Cm.  Garcia

       For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of the property owners, asked Council to grant the zone change for a vocational training school.

 

Norma Garza Carranco, daughter of a resident that resides close to the property,  spoke against the zone change request. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and send back to Planning and Zoning for a

Conditional Use Permit with conditions.

 

       Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

       Second:  Cm.  Belmares

       For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

  

12.  Public hearing amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, Article VI "Indoor Clean

       Air," of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by amending Sections 15-

       78 through 15-82; "Smoking in Public Places," thereby designating smoking and

       nonsmoking areas; providing criteria and procedural requirements for designated

       smoking areas; providing sign requirements; providing for violations, enforcement and

       penalties of the policies implementing this chapter; providing for severability; and

       providing for publication and effective date.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

       Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

       Second:  Cm.  Amaya

       For:     7                                        Against: 0                                             Abstain:  0

 

Raul Perales, representing Fasken Oil and La Posada, asked City Council to re-assess the ordinance so it will be more sensitive to the community which will be negatively affected. 

 

Julian Delgado, concerned citizen, spoke against any changes in the ordinance because he says it violates the rights of business owners.   

 

Justin Hathoway, owner of Bennigans, urged the Council to give the amended ordinance more consideration before adoption.  He gave several examples where restaurants had to close because of similar ordinances passed in other cities.    

 

Adriana Aguirre Craddock from SCAN spoke in favor of the In Door Clean Ordinance.  She noted the ordinance will enhance businesses. 

 

Roque Vela, owner of the bowling alley, spoke on an alternative by installing smoke eaters.  He submitted the following letters for the record:

 

“The Laredo Bowlers Association has a membership of over three hundred bowlers.  Not including our families, we bowl approximately three times a week with a large percentage of us being smokers.  We look forward to Jett Bowl having an air purification system, enabling them to provide clean air, and a safe environment for all smokers and non-smokers.

 

The Laredo Bowlers Association is against the proposed City Ordinance to ban smoking from all local restaurants and Jett Bowl North.  Please consider the amount of people that have smoking habits.  Passing such an ordinance will create problems for Laredo’s Business that currently allows smokers. 

 

We appreciate your time and cooperation in this matter.

 

Henry Goldberg

President”

 

Norma A.  Gonzalez, spoke in favor of amending the city’s current in-door clean air ordinance.  She is employed by a program funded by state and federal monies funded from the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.  Part of the grant money is allocated to educating students about the dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.  She stated that by approving a smoke free environment, her job will have more of an impact on students. 

 

Roque Vela Sr. said there is technology that would allow the smoker and the non-smoker to coexist.  We are asking the council to look at alternative methods for the smoke free ordinance. 

 

At this time, the Council Members expressed their opinions for and against the ordinance for a smoke free environment. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and send back to staff to do more research.

 

       Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

       Second:  Cm.  Amaya

       For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

13.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of

       Ordinances, Subsection(a) Section 30-1 by providing that $30,000.00 of the assessed

       value of residence homesteads of persons over sixty-five years of age on or before  

       January 1st of any year shall be exempt from City ad valorem taxes, and providing for

       an effective date.

 

       Motion to open the public hearing.

 

       Moved:  Cm.  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

       Second:  Cm.  Amaya

       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.  Amaya

       For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

       Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

14.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and

execute the vehicle capital replacement (VCR) Grant 0301 (22) Contract No. 51322F6002 with the Texas Department of Transportation in the total amount of $620,000.00; consisting of $496,000.00 in Federal funds, matching Transit Sales Tax funds of $124,000.00, and providing for grant/contract funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund account; and amending the Laredo Transit Fund to appropriate $620,000.00 for bus purchases.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

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

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

15.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of

Ordinances Section 31-2, entitled "Policies and Procedures for Applicants Requesting Water and Sewer Extensions" by setting new policies and procedures to calculate the pro-rata share for reimbursement based on the line capacity; deleting references to Appendix I, "Calculating Pro-Rata Charges" and moving and amending said calculations to newly created subsection VI; providing for publication and an effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For: