CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2003-R-022

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

NOVEMBER 17, 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,                                                                    Council Member, District I

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Mayor Pro Tempore, 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

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

           

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of September 15, 2003 and September 22, 2003.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano           

            Second:  Cm. Ramirez

            For:      8                                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

           

 

 

Announcements

           

Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for Miguel “Michael” Lozano who passed away yesterday.  She also read a letter that was delivered to County Judge Louis Bruni:

 

“Dear Judge:

 

The City of Laredo and the County of Webb, as two distinct governmental agencies, have historically complemented each other’s efforts to benefit the citizens they both serve, and they continue to do so.  In regard to the proposed construction of a Fifth Bridge, the question remains, “What action will best serve the community?”  It is our responsibility as Mayor and Laredo City Council Members to ensure that the action that we take best serves the needs of Laredoans.

 

You know very well that political differences have never been our motivation or basis for the City’s decision to move forward with the construction of the City’s Fifth Bridge, independently of Webb County’s.  The City has based its decision on the facts of the matter related to financial and operational feasibility and practicality, and ultimately the manner in which the citizens of Laredo can best be served.  The City has and continues to make available the professional studies on which this decision is based. 

 

Unnecessary competition must come to an end.  This can only occur if the facts are made evident for everyone to view.  The City of Laredo is legally bound by its bond indentures and contractual obligations related to the financing of its existing four international bridges to oppose the construction of a competing international bridge within its city limits.  However, the question still remains;  What does Webb County bring to the table in terms of partnering with the City in the construction of the City’s Fifth Bridge.  More specifically, what is it that the County can offer Laredoans that they are not already being provided by the City of Laredo and the Laredo Bridge System?

 

It is also very important that Webb County identify how it plans to fund the bridge construction without impacting the taxpayer, the majority of whom are Laredoans.  Webb County’s answers to these questions are critical to achieving complete public understanding of the issues at hand.  It is essential that efforts to stabilize our community not be played out in the media but be based on the hard and true business facts.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores, John C. Galo, Mayor Pro Tem Galo; Alfredo Agredano, Council Member, District I; Hector J. 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”

 

Cm. Agredano mentioned the 6th Annual South Laredo 5K Run that took place October 6, 2003.  He stated that there were close to 60 participants at the 5K Run and they raised $18,000.00 for scholarships.   He thanked the Parks and Recreation Department, the Laredo Fire Department and the Laredo Police Department for all their assistance.

 

Cm. Garcia thanked Mr. Richard Haynes for his assistance with the second annual turkey give-a-way for the residents of District II.  He also reminded the voters within the United Independent School District that tomorrow is the last day of early voting. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo mentioned that the City Council signed a letter regarding the proposed construction of a fifth bridge.   He stated that the plan of the City of Laredo is to close Bridge I to vehicular traffic so all that traffic would move over to Bridge V.   He added that the City

has taken great steps to revitalize the downtown area and is spending close to $50,000,000.00 in the downtown El Portal project. 

 

Cm. Amaya mentioned that this coming Saturday they will be delivering a Thanksgiving meal to about 75 to 100 families in District IV thanks to the donations from many local businesses and volunteers.  He extended greetings for a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. commended Mayor Pro Tem Galo for stating the facts correctly and that the City is here to do this the right way based on the fact that it is in the best interest of the taxpayers.

 

Cm. Belmares extended his appreciation to the firefighters of District III for allowing him to ride in service with them.   He also thanked the United Independent School District for allowing the Boys and Girls Clubs to use Krueger Field for their championship game and congratulated the six graders of Trautmann Middle School for their City championship this year.

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department for the excellent job done in setting up the festivities for Veterans Day at Jarvis Plaza.  He also mentioned that he had read the newspaper article over the bridge application issue and he stated that the City of Laredo has the right to work on this fifth bridge project on its own. 

 

Cm. Ramirez congratulated the Nixon Mustangs for winning its bi-district game and applauded the entire team, the coaches and parents for their accomplishment.  He also extended good wishes to all Laredoans for a Happy Thanksgiving.   

 

             Invitations

 

a.  H.E.B Feast of Sharing to be held on November 23, 2003.

 

      Norma Trevino, Chairperson for the Feast of Sharing, personally invited the Mayor and City Council to this event which started 15 years ago.  This holiday dinner will take place at the Civic Center ballroom on November 23, 2003 from 10:00 a. m. to 3:00 p.m. 

She stated that the event to be held here will be the largest of 24 dinners that will be served throughout Texas and Mexico.  This year they will serve over 215,000 meals at all the different sites and they are expecting approximately 12,000 people for the Laredo Feast of sharing alone plus 2,500 meals for the homebound citizens. 

 

b.  International GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Day will be celebrated locally at

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) with numerous exhibitors from local agencies, companies and universities from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on November 19, 2003, in Room 111 of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center. 

 

John Porter, from the Environmental Services Department, and Michael O’Barr, with the local GIS Day Committee extended an invitation to this second annual event.  They encouraged everyone to come to the Exhibit Hall Room at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center to meet with the exhibitors. 

     

            Recognitions

a.  Recognizing the participants and sponsors of Dia del Rio opening ceremonies, Dia del

Rio and Make a Difference Day.  In all, approximately 650 people volunteered their time and efforts. Cumulatively, 300 hours were spent beautifying, weeding, trail building, removing non-native vegetation and litter from the areas along the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo on October 18 and October 25, 2003.

 

Blasita Lopez, Public Information Officer, reported that local volunteers contributed over 3,700 hours to the community in this city-wide event.  She recognized those individuals who assisted this year at both events:

 

Nick Benavides, Buttecrust Bakery, SIER – Nuevo Laredo, Golden Corral, Laredo Food Bank, Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, Laredo Community College, O-Boy Portable Toilets Company, Preparatoria Covat – Nuevo Laredo, Laredo Rio Grande International Studies Center, Sacred Heart Childrens’ Home, Aztec Council Boys Scouts, South Texas Distributing, Texas Watch, United High School Choir, Webb County Food Bank.  She added that there were many City Departments that contributed to the events including:  Airport, Bridge, Civic Center, Community Development, Environmental Health (Health), Environmental Services, Fire Department – EMS, Health Department, Park and Recreation, Police Public Works, Solid Waste, Tax, Traffic, United Water, Utilities Department, Laredo Public Library Volunteer and Non-Profit Management Center, City Manager’s Office, Public Information Center.  She added that one person who was key to the planning and execution of these events is Reneé La Perriere, administrative intern with the City Manager’s Office. 

 

Mayor Flores presented a Certificate of Recognition to Danny Gunn and Dr.  Jim Earhardt in appreciation for their valuable contributions to Dia del Rio and Make a Difference Day in Laredo.  Mayor Flores also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Paul Foster, Director of U.H.S. Longhorn Choir for his help with the entire project. 

 

b.  Recognition of Herlinda Rodriguez of the Parks and Recreation Department on her

     selection as October Employee of the Month.

 

      Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Herlinda Rodriguez with a Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding performance and dedicated service to the City of Laredo.  Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Department Director, mentioned that she is a great asset to the department and the Cigarroa Recreation Center where she is based.  He added that her creative problem-solving skills and innovative ideas have benefited the department and the general public. 

 

c.  Presentation of the 2004 Employee Leadership Development Class. 

 

      Jerry Elizondo, stated that the Leadership Development Class is in its seventh year.  He introduced the new members of the class for 2004:

 

                  Roberto Cuellar Jr.             Nutritionist                                Health 

Mario I. Maldonado Jr.      Asst. Bridge Director                Bridge

David H. Piton                    Deputy Fire Chief                     Fire

Rodolfo Gonzalez Jr.          Animal Control Supervisor        Health

Jose A. Gamboa                 Sr. Programmer Analyst            Fire

Santos Reyes                      Street Cut Inspector                 Engineering

Celina Rivera                      Admin Asst II                           PARD

Homero Vazquez-Garcia    Coordinator                              Library

Leopoldo F. Rodriguez Jr.  Auditor II                                 City Manager’s Office

Jose A. Lopez III               Admin Asst II                           Airport

Veronica Urbano                Budget Analyst III                    Budget

      Marco A. Gutierrez            Engineering Associate I Utilities

    

            Communiqués

a. Presentation by United Independent School District (UISD) regarding the proposed bond

    election to be held November 22, 2003.

 

    Mr. Bobby Santos, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services at United

    Independent School District, briefed the City Council on the upcoming bond election that  

    will take place next Saturday, November 22nd.  He stated this bond issue will finance the  

    construction of the six new elementary schools, one middle school, as well as renovate an

    existing high school and  build a new high school.   He reported that the district has been

    growing at a rate of 1,500 students per year for the last ten years. 

 

    Francisco Gonzalez, United Independent School District Board Vice-President, stated he is   

    asking for  the City’s support and vote for this project.  He mentioned that this school  

    bond issue is for $142,000,000 but it will eventually bring in more money more than

    $340,800,000 to the community and would like everyone to take that into consideration. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            None.

           

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 & 3, Block 889, Western Division, located at 1101 Lafayette Street, 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 Tem 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. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1825, Eastern Division, located at 2201 Lyon Street, 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 denial of the proposed zone change and approval of the extension of the previously approved Conditional Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Ricardo Guardiola, property owner, requested approval for the proposed zone change for a used car lot. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing, introduce and override Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. 

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Amaya

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 432, Eastern Division, located at 301 W. Olive 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 denial of the proposed zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and follow staff’s recommendation to deny the zone change request.

 

Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 667, Eastern Division, located at 1208 E. San Pedro Street 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. Agredano

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Amaya

Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Amaya

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 1.73 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located at approximately 23008 Mines Road from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the property owner, requested that City Council grant Mr. Jose Ramos Gonzalez the zone change request for nationalization of trucks. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing, introduce and deny the M-1 zoning designation and approve a B-4 zoning designation.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:   Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 4.198 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located approximately east of Mines Road and south of World Trade Center Loop, 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. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Juan Gomez, representing the property owner, stated that he requests that the City Council approve the zone change request. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1413, Eastern Division, located at 2419 Market Street, 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:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the property owner, spoke in favor of the proposed zone change for conversion of the existing property for commercial use. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

 

 

 

 

8.  Individual Public Hearings for the voluntary annexation of four (4) tracts of land (Tract

1: Las Blancas Tract - 419.4591 acres, more or less; Tract 2: Las Misiones Tract - 83.0116 acres, more or less; Tract 3: McNary and Calk Tract - 70.42 acres, more or less; Tract 4: Zachry Tract - 256.66 acres, more or less) totaling 829.55 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation of one (1) tract of land (Tract 5: Highway 359 Tract- 622.5 acres, more or less), for a total of 1,452.05 acres, more or less, as described in the attached tract summaries as required by Section 43.063 of the Texas Local Government Code.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Gerardo Gutierrez, property owner of a junk yard on Hwy 359, spoke against his property being annexed by the City. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004

annual budget for the following funds:  Hotel-Motel Fund annual budget by appropriating expenditures in the amount of $441,270.00 for third party agency contract funding, Parking Meters Fund annual budget by appropriating expenditures in the amount of $63,427.00 for the FY 2003-2004 Debt Service payment, and Capital Improvements Fund (CIF) annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $400,000.00 in order to fund various capital improvement projects in each City Council district, and authorizing the City Manager to implement such budget.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance repealing Ordinance 2003-O-253 and

amending Ordinance 2000-O-254, Chapter 5.5, Ambulances Article I-In General, of the Code of Ordinances, by specifically amending Section 5.5-28 (a) and (c)(2) so as to standardize basic rates, and providing for publication and effective date of January 1, 2004.  The increase in rates are primarily to recover from insurance carriers and were compiled from a rate review survey of 32 cities in Texas.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem 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 Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004

Colonias Project Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund annual budget by appropriating revenues in the amount of $275,213.00 from the Colonias landowners participating in oversizing and appropriating the transfer in an expenditure in the amount of $275,213.00 for the construction of SH 359 work order no. 4 Water Transmission Line Extension Project and SH 359 work order no. 1 Wastewater Trunk Line Project in the Colonias Fund.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Daniel Bustamante stated that the main water line is on the north side of the highway.  He inquired whether the tax increase was on the whole property itself or on the portion being affected. 

 

Mayor Flores explained that there are no tax increases involved other than user fees.  If the property owners are able to get water they must pay for the connection.  Then, the owners will pay water usage fees and sewer usage fees according to the amount used.  The portion of the property that will be inside the city limits is what will be taxed.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

12.  A.  Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

 

1.  Status report on the low water crossing road connecting Merida and

     Independence Hills.

 

      Keith Selman, City Planner, reported that the City did recently get a donation of a 40-acre tract.  Within those 40 acres, about 3,000 linear feet would be the Merida roadway connecting Los Presidentes to Loop 20.  He stated that a section of that roadway, approximately 800 feet, is still under separate ownership but the City expects to get that right-of-way secured.  He added that it is a project targeted for the 2005 CIP with the hopes that the right-of-way is secured.  As far as the low water crossing is concerned, he would like to wait to see how it comes out in the design to see what would be the most appropriate way to handle this area. 

 

Gabriel Martinez, Engineering Department, mentioned that they have some preliminary cost estimates for the concrete box culverts to accept the water at this low water crossing.  He stated that these cost estimates are included in the 2005 CIP and the estimate is for $891,000.00.  However, the department cannot start with the engineering designs to bid out the work until the project is funded.

     

            B.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore John C. Galo

1.  Report on all CIP Park projects in District III for 2003-2004 and 2004-2005

     budget years, with possible action.

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on the recreational improvements in District III.

 

Park Improvement Projects

FY04

Budget

 Expenses

Balance

Funding Source

Chacon Creek Improvements