CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2004-R-04

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MARCH 1, 2004

5:30 P.M.

 

These are preliminary minutes from the City Council Meeting of March 1, 2004.  These minutes will be approved at a later date.

 

 

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

 

            Invitations

     

a.  Invitation by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to the “Street Fiesta” Centennial

Celebration at the Guadalupe School grounds on Saturday, March 20, 2004 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

                 

                  Mayor Flores presented the festival organizers with a Proclamation for their 100 years’ celebration before the City Council meeting.   

 

             Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of the new Laredo Law AFL2 Football Team. 

 

Kiki De Ayala, representing the Laredo Entertainment Center, introduced Coach Scott Maynard of the Laredo Law Football Team.   Mr. De Ayala stated that there was no more noble profession than coaching.  He added that they held local tryouts last Sunday and both he and the coach were very pleased with the talent that was present.   

 

b.  Recognition by the Mayor and City Council Members of employees that retired from the

     City of Laredo with 20 or more years of service.

 

      Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, announced the retirees as follows:

 

      Rodolfo Jalomo                              34 years                          Public Works

      Jesus S. Juarez                               21 years                          Community Development

      Martha Morales                              25 years                          City Manager’s Office

      Martin Ramos                                 20 years                          Utilities

      Jose L. Hernandez                          29 years                          Solid Waste

      Jose A. Meza                                 30 years                          Solid Waste

      Cynthia M. Rodriguez                     20 years                          Utilities

      Paz Vedarte                                   35 years                          Solid Waste

      Alfredo Santos                               23 years                          Parks & Recreation

      Miguel S. De La Fuente                  20 years                          MIS

      Pablo Cadena                                 27 years                          Airport         

      Juanita Walls                                  24 years                          Public Library

      Shirley O. Garza                             27 years                          Health

      Javier E. Martinez                           26 years                          Health

      Gloria  Drowns                               26 years                          Health          

      Juan F. Zambrano                           29  years                         Utilities

      Oscar Palacios                               22 years                          Solid Waste

      Toribio G. Cantu                            24 years                          Traffic

      Rosalinda D. Garza                         27 years                          City Secretary’s Office

 

            Communiqués

 

            Mayor Flores introduced and welcomed the visitors from Shanghai and Danyang City, China to Laredo.  The delegation included from China included: Vice-Mayor of Danyang City Wang Jian; Mr. Wong, Vice-Director of Foreign Economic and Trade Bureau; Mr. Tan Yuhua, President of Jinmu Optical Company; Ms. Gan Ping, General Manager of Jin Hang International Trading Company; Mr. Li Hongsheng, Manager of Danyang Foreign Trade Corporation; Mr. Zhao Xiaofan, General Manager of Danyang Foreign Trade Corporation; and Mr. Zhang Xiao Hui,  Assistant General Manager of  Shanghai International Trading Company. 

 

Cm. Agredano reminded everyone to exercise their right to vote and encouraged them to vote early for the upcoming elections. 

 

Cm. Garcia thanked the Laredo Police Department and Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, for their assistance with traffic control along Highway 59 during the WBCA events and Jalapeno Festival.  He also thanked United Water for its sponsorship of the Border Olympics events and everyone who participated.  He added that the Parks and Recreation Department crew provided assistance as well.  He stated that this is a great event for our youth and there were several scouts from different universities observing the athletes. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo thanked the Society of Martha Washington for inviting him to serve as master of ceremonies at the pageant.  He also wanted to address the problems with litter along the parade route following the youth parade.  He added that we need to educate the citizens and supply the necessary trash bins along the route so that the streets remain clean.  He thanked the Public Works crews responsible for the time spent in clearing the streets of trash following the parade.  He also thanked the Border Olympics members, participants, winners, and volunteers for making this event a great success.

 

Cm. Amaya thanked the Public Works crew for the great job done on the median along Clark Boulevard.

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Galo for the excellent job done at the pageant.   He also thanked Eddie Zavala, Customer Service Coordinator, for his assistance  and the quick response provided to his constituents’ needs. 

 

Cm. Belmares thanked Keith Selman, City Planner, and the members of the TxDOT District Office for attending the District VI Advisory Meeting and working through some of the issues and concerns that they have in District VI.  He reminded everyone that the City will break ground on the North Central Park this Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in District VI.  Also, they will be recognizing this year’s inductees to the Women’s Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 7, 2004. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the Public Works crew responsible for picking up some litter bags that were out by the pond and clearing the area around District VII of trash and debris. 

 

Cm. Ramirez stated that they held a grand opening ceremony on Sunday for the United Soccer League.  He felt that the work done at the soccer field was due to the fact that Horacio de Leon, Parks Director, and the Parks and Recreation crew have really improved the field.  He added that the 13 soccer teams are now anxious to play games on Saturdays and Sundays.  He also thanked Jose Prieto, Soccer League President and league members along with the merchants for attending the grand opening.  He mentioned that Dolores Quesada will open a Little Ceasar’s Pizza restaurant in approximately one week at 2020 Santa Maria.  He also invited everyone to attend the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church festival on Saturday, March 20, 2004, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

 

Mayor Flores welcomed back Jessica Hein, Assistant to the City Manager, who had been out on leave for three months.  She also thanked all the volunteers that made the February celebration so wonderful for Laredoans.  She congratulated all the young women presented at the pageants and related events during the celebrations.  She stated that she wanted to pay tribute to her uncle, Enrique Garcia, who passed away last week.  She also spoke about a colorful, dedicated journalist and radio commentator, Edmundo Lozano, who passed away last week.  She sent her deepest sentiments to his family for their loss.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

              

            None.

 

VII.  PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas finding after

reasonable notice and hearing, that AEP Texas Central Company’s electric transmission and distribution rates and charges within the city should be changed; determining just and reasonable rates; adjusting street lighting charges; adopting recommendations of consultants, providing recovery of rate case expenses; preserving regulatory rights of the city; and providing for repeal of conflicting ordinance.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  E.  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.  Agredano

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance adopting a budget for FY 2003-2004 for the

South Texas Regional 911 System Fund.  The proposed budget consists of $1,015,921.00 in revenues from the Commission on State Emergency Communications and $1,015,921.00 in expenditures for the following counties:  Webb (City of Laredo) County, Jim Hogg County, Starr County, Zapata County and Regional System. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:                                                Abstain:

 

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 authorizing the City Manager to amend the

City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Full Time Equivalent Positions by reclassifying three (3) Fire Fighter Positions to three (3) Fire Captain Positions for the Fire Suppression Division, EMS and the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department.  Funding is available in the General Fund Reserve Appropriation in the amount of $27,651.00.

 

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.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

4.  Approving an amendment to Ordinance No. 2003-O-247 dated October 6, 2003, hereby

deleting the public sale of Tract B to Dr. Ricardo G. Cigarroa, L.P.; providing for an effective date.  

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

5.  Closing as a public easement that section of Mier Street between McDonnell and

Monterrey Avenues situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas; and providing for effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.  Closing as a public easement that section of the 2200 block of Lincoln Street between

the west right-of-way line of Eagle Pass Avenue and the Laredo Community College property situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Abandoning two utility easements located in Lot 74 and in the westerly 39.94 feet of Lot

73, Block 5 Regency Park Subdivision, Unit 1, Section 1, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as shown in Exhibit “A”; and providing for effective date. 

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

8.  Amending Chapter 19, Section 541 to 544, titled “Transit Committee,” Motor Vehicles

and Traffic,” Article XII, Division I “Transit System,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, thereby clarifying the appointment and role of the City Council members serving on the Transit Committee; providing for severability; and effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

9.  Designating as a one-way northbound the 700 and 800 block of Bartlett Avenue,

between Market Street and Guatemozin Street and as a one-way southbound the 700 and 800 block of Malinche Avenue, between Market Street and Guatemozin Street, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the designated directions and providing for publication and effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinance # 2004-O-040, # 2004-O-041, # 2004-O-042; # 2004-O-043; # 2004-O-044; # 2004-O-045; # 2004-O-046; # 2004-O-047; # 2004-O-048; # 2004-O-049; # 2004-O-050; and # 2004-O-051.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Agredano

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

10.

 

2004-O-040  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 34.28

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located east of Highway 83 and north of La Pita-Mangana Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-040.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-041  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 20.82

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Highway 83, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  (As Amended)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-041.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-042  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning

148.66 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located south of Concord Hills Boulevard from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-042.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-043  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.26

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located east of Country Club Drive and south of Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-043.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-044  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.56

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located east of Country Club Drive and south of Del Mar Boulevard from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-044.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-045  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating

revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,500.00 from the University of Texas Health Science Center-Health Education Training Centers Alliance of Texas to conduct the tenth annual “Los dos Laredos” TB Conference by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-045.

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-046  Amending the FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating the amount of

$58,122.00 in unexpended program income from the FY 2002-2003 budget fund balance for the Maternal and Child Health Program grant of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-046.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-047  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating  

revenues and expenditures in the amount $69,464.00 in additional funds for a grand total of $138,928.00 from the Texas Department of Health for La Familia Health Care Program of the City of Laredo Health Department, and extending the grant period from September 1, 2003, through February 29, 2004, to September 1, 2003, through August 31, 2004.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-047.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-048  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by appropriating  

revenues and expenditures in the amount $87,800.00 from the South Texas Development Council for the HIV/AIDS Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Project (HOPWA) of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning February 1, 2004, through January 31, 2005. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-048.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-049  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing

revenues and expenditures in the amount of $8,230.00 to reflect a reduction of grant funds from the Texas Department of Health for a new grant total of $41,770.00 for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project - Case Management of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004; and amending the City of Laredo full-time equivalent positions by decreasing one Case Manager/Registered Nurse II position.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-049.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-050  Amending Ordinance 2002-O-047 adding voting Precincts 254 and 353 to

District IV; adding voting Precinct 452 to District VIII; adding voting Precincts 255 and 451 to District V; redefining boundary lines for Precincts 218 and 313 in District IV, redefining boundary lines for Precincts 239 and 308 in District V; and redefining boundary lines for Precinct 414 in District VIII; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-050.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-051  Authorizing the City Manager to convey to the Laredo Independent School

District for the consideration of $18,500.00 for a tract of land being the section of Canada Avenue between Palo Blanco Street and Thurman Street, with reservation of the tract utility easement; and providing for an effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-051.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

11. 2004-R-021  Authorizing the City Manager to execute two documents entitled lien

holders’ subordination to right-of-ways and utility easements the purpose of which is to subordinate the listed tax judgment liens from those parts of the lots to which the tax judgments pertain, which parts have been acquired by Webb County for right-of-ways in specified colonias for street improvements.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2004-R-021.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

12.  2004-R-022  Accepting the donation of one utility easement from Armando Rodriguez

and wife, Maria del Socorro Rodriguez, for the D-5 acres subdivision easement acquisition project. This being a strip of land 15 feet in width, containing 3,218.21 square feet or 0.074 of an acre, more or less, and being situated in Porcion 33, Abstract 3084, D-5 acres subdivision, and described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B. 

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2004-R-022.

 

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

 For:     8                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       MOTIONS