CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2003-R-024

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

DECEMBER 8, 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

 

            None.

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

Mr. Paul Foster, United High School Choir Director, stated that the United High School Choir will be traveling to New York City in June, 2004.  He mentioned that, as part of a fundraising project, the group will be scheduling Christmas caroling around the community and will perform three songs for $25.00.  He introduced the group of students who performed a few Christmas carols before City Council. 

 

Ms. Edna Garcia, Director for MADD, conveyed a message to the public regarding the consequences of drinking and driving.  She stated that it is her wish that everyone in the community spend a joyous holiday season by staying sober.  She reminded everyone that the organization has kicked off a campaign “Tie One on For Safety” that will continue through the holidays.  She urged everyone to keep the streets safe and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season. 

 

Fire Chief Luis Sosa presented some photographs of the fire scene this morning in Mirando City.  He mentioned the effectiveness of the Laredo Fire Department’s quick response was critical in controlling the blaze.  He added that the department was concerned because the tankers contained non-hazardous, flammable liquids which they expected to rupture.  They had to use some bulldozers to get to the scene and extinguish the flames from the boxcars. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that earlier in the year there was objection to the increase in fees when the fire contract was renewed with Webb County.  He stated that the increase went up in smoke today in responding to that blaze in Mirando City.  He added that the City of Laredo received the first call at 2:26 a.m. regarding the train derailment.  He mentioned that the City of Laredo responded with two engine companies, a tanker, an ambulance, and a hazardous materials response team along with a district chief.  The situation was a very dangerous one and had our fire department not been there, a major catastrophe would have taken place because the poisonous gas container would have blown.  He mentioned that this is a major blaze and the fire department’s presence will be required throughout the night and tomorrow.  He emphasized that one incident in one period of time can wipe out any contract that exists and the City’s quick response certainly shows our commitment to our surrounding communities and the City’s concern for them. 

 

Cm. Agredano expressed Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to all the citizens of Laredo and all the different city departments.  He sent Christmas greetings to all those members of the armed forces who are serving our country around the world, all the veterans who have sacrificed for us, and also those veterans who are long gone.  He wished all his constituents of District I a very Merry Christmas.

 

Cm. Garcia conveyed wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the citizens of Laredo, city staff, and the City Council.  He reminded everyone to refrain from drinking and driving.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo expressed happy holiday greetings to everyone in the City of Laredo and asked that we be thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us.  He asked that everyone remember what this holiday is all about.  He thanked all the employees of the City of Laredo for all the hard work accomplished throughout the year.  He expressed his appreciation to all the law enforcement agencies and members of the armed forces for allowing all of us to enjoy the holiday season. 

 

Cm. Amaya stated that there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March, 2004 for the Inner City Park in District IV.  He mentioned that there is a toy give-away scheduled for December 20th for needy children from schools within District IV.  He also thanked the City Manager and city staff for their hard work in maintaining a balanced budget throughout the year.  He commended all the city employees for their outstanding work as well.  He sent wishes to all the citizens of Laredo for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. conveyed on behalf of himself and his family Merry Christmas greetings to everyone.  He stated that the City of Laredo has had a banner year.  He asked that everyone continue to count their blessings and asked that everyone pray for our troops serving our country as well as our police officers and fire fighters.  He asked for continued blessings for the Mayor, the City Council and all the citizens of Laredo. 

 

Cm. Belmares expressed wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to his colleagues, city staff and the citizens of Laredo.  He added that without the support of his family he would not be able to serve the citizens and he thanked them for it.  

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. stated that we all get caught up in day-to-day things and asked that everyone make time to hug their loved ones at the end of the day.  He expressed holiday greetings to everyone in the community.   He showed his appreciation to city employees, city staff and City Council for all their hard work throughout the year.

 

Cm. Ramirez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  He reminded everyone to thank God for all their blessings and when we celebrate the holiday to remember to show our thanks for everything we have received.  He mentioned that he is here, as is the rest of the City Council, to serve the citizens of Laredo.  

 

Mayor Flores stated that there are always good times and bad throughout the year.  She mentioned several examples of distressing decisions that negatively impacted our families in one way or another.  Through it all, this legislative body has had continued faith in our God, our families, and our country.  She added that this year has been a spectacular year for the City of Laredo and they will continue to conduct their meetings with the utmost professionalism and perform their work in the public view for all to see.  She pledged their continued commitment to forge ahead for better jobs, safer streets, a cleaner city, safe homes for children and their parents.  She stated that she, her immediate family, and her extended family would like to thank the citizens of Laredo for all the support and love shown always.  She pledged to continue to work for all of us as our Mayor and wished everyone in the community a healthy, happy, and holy holiday.   

 

            Invitations

           

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

            None.

      

            Communiqués

            a. Presentation by Streets of Laredo Urban Mall Association of the Jamboozie Mardi Gras            2004 Poster and Iturbide Street.

 

 Hector Garcia, Streets of Laredo President, presented the Jamboozie poster for the new 

 celebration to the Mayor and City Council. 

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            None.              

  

VII.     PUBLIC HEARING

 

            1.  Public hearing amending the 29th Action Year 2003 Consolidated One-Year Action Plan          to reprogram a total of $50,000.00 from 2003 Community Development Block Grant                        (CDBG) funds by deleting the Inner City Park Phase II - Irrigation/Landscaping                    Improvements and creating a public service activity known as the Inner City Technology           Instruction Program totaling $50,000.00. 

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 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

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            2.  A.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

                        1.  Discussion with possible action on the installation of restrooms at El Cuatro  

                             Park. 

 

                              Motion to table.

 

                              Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                              Second:  Cm. Agredano

                              For:    7                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                        2.  Discussion with possible action regarding paving the 2200 Block of Hidalgo

                             Street using District VIII discretionary funds.

 

                              Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that they had a concern to see as to how the City plans to structure this.  He added that he would like to research this to see whether they can legally do this work being that this street is not open to the public.  He explained that he would like to bring back a commercial assessment paving plan to City Council.  He would like to do both Hidalgo Street and Eagle Pass Avenue, assess the property owners for their share of paving the street, and then come back and put in the City’s portion. 

 

                              Motion to pave the 2200 block of Hidalgo Street it if is legal to use City funds. 

 

                              Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                              Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                              For:    5                                          Against:  3                                Abstain:  0

                                                                                    Cm. Garcia

                                                                                    Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

                                                                                    Cm. Belmares

 

                        3.  Discussion with possible action to assure the street lights on the streets adjacent                         to Bridge I are working properly.

 

                              Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the department had initiated an inventory to identify lights that were out for the entire downtown area.  They identified approximately 25 street lights and they will repair those as soon as possible.  He has made contact with the contractor and will also make contact with CP&L to make sure they work on repairing the ones that belong to them.

 

                        4.  Discussion with possible action on patching the street cuts on Convent and   

                             surrounding streets.

 

                              Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they ran a survey and there have been some cuts done in regards to the Iturbide project and those are being worked on.  He also identified some street cuts done by the Utility Department along Grant Street, Flores Street and some other areas.  He stated that they will try to get those repairs done as soon as they can. 

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the Final Readings of Ordinance # 2003-O-300, # 2003-O-301, # 2003-O-302, # 2003-O-303, # 2003-O-304, # 2003-O-305, # 2003-O-306, # 2003-O-307, # 2003-O-308, # 2003-O-309, # 2003-O-310, # 2003-O-311, # 2003-O-312, # 2003-O-313, and # 2003-O-314.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Agredano

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            3.  2003-O-300  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-300.
 

  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                2003-O-301  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-301.

 

                                      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                2003-O-302  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-302.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-303  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-303.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-304  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-304.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                2003-O-305  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-305.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-306  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-306.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 2003-O-307  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-307.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-308  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-308.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

    2003-O-309  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-309.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-310  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 adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-310.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

                                      Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                                      For:     8                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0