CITY OF LARED

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2003-R-023

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

DECEMBER 1, 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

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of October 6, 2003 and October 20, 2003.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            Cm.  E.  Valdez was not present.

 

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            None.

 

            Invitations

            a.  Invitation by United High School Choir to their 16th Annual Madrigal Dinner on       

                 December 6 and 7, 2003 at United High School.

 

Dr.  Foster, Choir Director for United High School, addressed Mayor Flores and City Council thanking them for their continued support.  He invited Council and the viewing public to attend the 16th Annual Madrial Dinner on December 6th and 7th at United High School.  He added that the yearly event was held to raise monies for scholarships.      

 

            Recognitions

 

            None.

 

            Communiqués

 

Cm.  Ramirez congratulated the Nixon Mustangs for being District and Bi-District Champs.  He also congratulated staff at the Laredo Civic Center, Laredo Police Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Traffic Department for beautifying the Civic Center area.  He hoped that all families had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez said he hoped all individuals had a great Thanksgiving.  He thanked the City of Laredo Public Works Department for all the work they have done in District VII.   He also thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their work to the Father McNaboe Park.   

 

Cm.  Belmares wanted to wish everyone a safe return from their Thanksgiving Day traveling.   He commended the Utilities Department and the Engineering Department for their response to an on-going situation in north Laredo.  He said their professionalism is what people remember when they leave the site.  Lastly, he wished his wife a Happy 13th Anniversary.

 

Cm.  Amaya thanked the Laredo Police Department, the Laredo Fire Department, and the Projects Committee from District IV for assisting him in distributing over 100 turkeys to needy families.  He also mentioned a steak plate sale held to raise money to provide Christmas toys to more than 200 children in his district. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore John Galo wished everyone a Happy Holidays.  He thanked the Laredo Police Department and the Laredo Fire Department for an uneventful Thanksgiving Holiday.  He encouraged individuals to enjoy the remaining holiday season by having patience with one another.  He asked businesses to hire additional personnel to assist with cleaning the debris in their parking lots during the holiday season.  

 

Cm.  Garcia thanked the City Manager and his staff for the work they have done throughout the year.  He hoped that everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day.  He also said that he is thankful for the relationship that he has with the other Council Members.  He admires their commitment to their districts.  He also said the Mayor is a true lady who has a passion for Laredo and the children of Laredo.  He acknowledged her great leadership.  Finally, he mentioned the blessing of his mom being released from the hospital in time to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family.  He thanked the Mayor, Assistant City Manager, and staff for working on the bridge application.  Finally, he thanked his committee members for helping him distribute turkeys in District II.  

 

Cm.  Agredano thanked Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, and his staff for installing lights at the George Washing Park.  He also thanked Gloria Weber from the Hamilton Trophy Shop for inviting him to the 5 K Guajolote Run.  Finally, he wished his daughter Yesenia a Happy Birthday.

 

Mayor Flores read the following correspondence:

 

“I am writing this letter to share an experience of what a child protective service employee encountered on October 29, 2003.  Juan Carlos Reiner, Child Protective Specialist, contacted your Police Department to request assistance.  He was in a precarious situation and needed assistance in securing the safety of six children.  Officers Walter Gonzalez, Xavier Gonzalez, and Wesley Paredes responded to the call and promptly assisted Mr.  Reiner.  Fortunately the situation was controlled and we were able to secure the safety of the children we were working with.  On behalf of Mr.  Reiner and the Child Protective Services I want to express my sincerest appreciation for the assistance provided to us by your officers. 

 

Reda M. Garner with the Texas Department of Protective Services.”

 

Mayor Flores also congratulated Dr.  Gonzalez and his staff for acquiring a $5,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study and grant development training to develop a request for proposals for a federally qualified health center look alike.  She also discussed a copy of a newspaper in Switzerland that talks about a Laredo Buck Hockey player named Patrick Nelson.   She added that the Bucks are leading the Southwest Division and are averaging attendance of 6,000 per game. 

 

Cm.  E. Valdez asked everyone to keep the armed forces in their prayers.  He stressed the importance of thanking the troops and the Lord for this country. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee

                 Macario Garcia - Hotel/Motel Representative   (Term ending January 2005)

                 Clema Owen - Hotel/Motel Representative      (Term ending December 2006)

                 David Roukey - Restaurant Representative     (Term ending January 2005)

                 Rene Arriaga - Business Representative         (Term ending January 2005)

 

                 Motion to approve the appointments.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

                 2003-2004 annual budget in the amount of $79,294.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency                            Narcotics Task Force.  Funds will be used from generated program income to pay for                             overtime and benefits for twenty (20) task force officers for the period of October 1,                               2003 through March 30, 2004.  The use of program income was previously approved by          the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division through a grant adjustment dated          September 8, 2003.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an

agreement with the Texas Forest Service to accept a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 with a 50% local match for the hiring of a City forester with the Parks and Recreation Department and amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full time equivalent positions of the General Fund Park Maintenance Division from 69 to 70 and amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 General Fund budget by appropriating revenues of $20,000.00 in the form of a grant from the Texas Forest Service and appropriating expenditures in the amount of $20,000.00.  Local match of $20,000.00 will be appropriated from General Fund reserves.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Home Mart, Inc.  

and East Royal Land, LC, Vinateria Ranch Company, Ltd. and Brothers Materials, Ltd., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 419.1608 acres, more or less, located north of Highway 359 and approximately 3.2 miles east of the municipal landfill, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Las Blancas Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) for 66.8351 acres, B-3 (Community Business District) for 10.7918 acres, B-4 (Highway Commercial District) for 247.5606 acres, and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) for 93.9733 acres. 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Richard Haynes, representing several of the property owners, said he was there to answer any questions that the Council Members might have on their behalf.      

 

Carlos Zaffarini, representing T& T Fireworks, informed Council that the firework stand will be in violation if the annexation is approved; therefore, he asked them to grandfather their business and allow them to sell fireworks until their lease expires in seven years. 

 

Fire Chief Sosa stated that he needed some legal advice on this issue concerning Casa Rosita.   

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, advised that the sell of fireworks is an illegal non-conforming status and Conditional Use Permits are prohibited.  He noted that Council would need to change the ordinance. 

 

Cm.  Galo asked what the City can do for individuals that are locked in a contract. 

 

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, noted that he would have to look at the lease; however, it is between the two parties.    

 

Cm.  J.  Valdez asked staff if it was feasible to create an ordinance to assist individuals who face annexing problems.

 

Cm.  E. Valdez concurred with Cm.  J. Valdez by stating that he would like to explore options for problems that arise from annexing.    

 

 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said he understands the dilemma but noted that individuals should be cautious not to lock themselves in an agreement that will cause problems if the City annexes.  He said the City of Laredo is growing and has a very active annexation tract.  He further added that firework activity is prohibited inside the City limits and within 500 feet.  He asked the Council to consider the perception of the public if Council grandfathers businesses and allows them to violate an ordinance that is strictly enforced.    

 

Cm.  Garcia said he was not in agreement with allowing the businesses to sell fireworks within city limits. 

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Las Misiones

General Partnership and Mr. A.R. Sanchez, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 83.0116 acres, more or less, located south of Highway 359 and west of the municipal landfill, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Las Misiones Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

     Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by Laredo Four

Winds and Mrs. Elaine Calk, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 70.42 acres, more or less, located northeast of Eistetter Rd., as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the McNary and Calk Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District). 

 

     Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by H.B. Zachry

Company and Wyer Family Trust, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 256.66 acres, more or less, located east of Ejido Ave. and south of Eistetter Rd., as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Zachry Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      8                                         Against:                                                Abstain:

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance concerning an application by the City of

Laredo, altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 617.8277 acres, more or less, located along Highway 359 from the municipal landfill to approximately 4.5 miles east, as further described by metes and bounds in Attachment "A", specifically the Highway 359 Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1 (Single Family Residential District). 

 

Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Richard Haynes, representing several landowners, spoke in favor of the annexation.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 2003-2004   

annual budget to reflect an appropriation for the development of the Bartlett Avenue railroad crossing.  The appropriation of $63,000.00 comes from a Texas Department of Transportation reimbursement grant in the amount of $40,000.00 and from a Texas-Mexican Railway Company reimbursement in the amount of $23,000.00.

 

Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

9.  Public hearing amending the 29th Action Year 2003 consolidated one year action plan to

reprogram a total of $350,000.00 of the 2003 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as follows:  delete the South Laredo Cross Street Park and the Inner City Park Phase II projects and create the Mario Tijerina Park lighting project totaling $75,000.00, the El Eden Recreation Center swimming pool totaling $225,000.00 and the Inner City Technology Instruction Program totaling $50,000.00.

 

Motion to postpone for December 8th and January 12th.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing expenditures and revenues by $5,000.00 which represents a state grant from the Texas Department of Health for the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract period beginning November 1, 2003, through August 31, 2004.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by increasing expenditures and revenues by $22,735.00 which represents a state grant from the Texas Department of Health for the Binational TB Card Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract period beginning December 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004; and amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 FTEs by .20. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

 

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

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing expenditures and revenues by $67,234.00 to reflect the actual grant amount of $43,946.00 from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract period beginning November 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004 and amend the FY 2003-2004 full time equivalent positions from 2.44 to 1.

 

   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

   Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                       Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full time equivalent positions for the Laredo Obesity Prevention and Control Project (LOPAC) of the City of Laredo Health Department from 1.51 to .90.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain: 

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

 

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

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent positions of the Border Vision Fronteriza (BVF) two (2) Community Health Workers for Children’s Health Project from .96 to .70.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

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:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

           

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

1.  Status report on all CIP park projects in District II for FY 03-04 and 04-05.

 

     Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, gave the following report:

 

Eastwoods Park (Phase I)

 

Current park amenities include a playground module, soccer field and Little League field with irrigation and playing turf.  A final inspection of the park construction was conducted on September 25, 2003.  Due to the appearance of poor workmanship by the contractor, the Parks and Recreation Department did not recommend acceptance of the park.  Furthermore, the City is awaiting a bankruptcy court decision on December 10, 2003 to be able to initiate negotiations for terminating the existing contract with the contractor.

 

Loma Alta Park

 

This park project was initiated this summer and is approximately 50% complete.  Parks crews are currently working on the installation of post and cable and added park fencing, park benches, and trash cans.  The installation of water meter has been successfully completed as well as the installation of a playground module with safety surface and a completed half basketball court.  Other pending park amenities include a walking trail, picnic tables, irrigation improvements and additional landscaping.

 

 

Villa Del Sol

 

Parks crews installed additional post and cable at the eastern perimeter of the park to replace damaged fencing cause by recent floods.

 

San Salvador/Santa Nino Park

 

Improvements for this neighborhood park will include park benches, barbeque grills, shade structures, a walking trail, open green space and irrigation improvements.  Funding in the amount of $300,000 has been appropriated through Community Development Block Grants for fiscal year 2004.

 

Chacon Creek Hike and Bike Trail (Phase II)

 

The development of a trail of approximately 5,500 linear feet from Dryden Park