CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2004-R-06

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

APRIL 5, 2004

5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order.

 

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    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

 

           

            Recognitions

     

a.  Recognition by  Horacio de Leon, Parks and Recreation Director and Richard Gentry

President of the Tree Advisory Committee of the City of Laredo for its designation as a Tree City USA. 

 

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, was joined by Don Fields, Ina Poole, and Selina Rivera of the Tree Advisory Board.  He explained that this recognition grants our city the Tree City USA status and this is a result of the efforts of tree preservation and the emphasis that the City has placed on the proper maintenance and management of the community’s tree resources. 

 

b.  Recognition of Karla Robles of the Community Development Department on her

     selection as March 2004 Employee of the Month.

 

      Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, stated that Karla Robles has been with the department since November, 1999.  He stated that she has always exhibited leadership qualities and has been instrumental in putting together programs that are administered in the low-moderate areas.  She was especially helpful in providing input with the marketing campaign for the consolidated plan to increase awareness as well as  input from the general public.  

           

Communiqués

      

a.  Presentation by Vaswani Soccer Ventures, L.L.C., regarding the United Soccer League’s

     newest Premier Development League member franchise from Laredo, Texas.

 

      Mr. Vaswani thanked the City Council for providing them this opportunity to talk about the newest soccer franchise in Laredo.  He explained that his inspiration was a small slogan which reads:  “Hometown heroes become tomorrow’s superstars.”  He initiated his drive to begin a franchise here for the youth of Laredo which he hopes will serve as a platform for players that want to aspire to reach the highest level in the world of soccer.  He added that he would like to lend a helping hand to elevate this sport to the level it deserves in Laredo.  He would like to keep young players in their teens playing competitively and help them develop into world cup caliber-type of players. 

 

Cm. Agredano extended birthday wishes to his son, Marco Antonio Agredano, who turned 10 years old today.

 

Cm. Garcia reminded everyone that early voting started today and encouraged everyone to go out to vote.  He also thanked everyone for the good wishes extended to him while he was in the hospital.

 

Cm. Amaya stated that due to the recent rains, the city is expecting for the river to rise well above 20 feet tonight.  He cautioned everyone that lives in the low lying areas to be extra careful. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. thanked Chief Agustin Dovalina for the police department’s quick response to the district’s needs this past weekend. 

 

Cm. Belmares extended Easter greetings to everyone and asked that everyone have a safe and happy celebration this weekend. 

 

Cm. Ramirez wished everyone a Happy Easter holiday this weekend.

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that it is a very important time of the year for Christians around the world.  She extended Easter greetings to everyone and asked that people come together and remember that the Lord forgave everyone for their sins.   She also submitted a short clip of a Dateline television special interview with Steven Tyler which was filmed here in Laredo, Texas, at the Laredo Entertainment Center. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 4, Block 236, Western Division, located at 1309 San Dario Avenue; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed Conditional Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mrs. Sara Garcia, property owner, stated that regarding those conditions that have been mentioned, they have addressed some of the problems; all that is lacking is the addition of some trees that they are getting ready to purchase.  She asked that the City Council grant the conditional use permit. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Ramirez

 

2.  Public hearing and Second Reading authorizing Batista Roman Enterprises, Inc., a non-

exclusive franchise, to construct, maintain and operate a commercial container refuse gathering and disposing service in the city of Laredo, Texas, and providing the terms, conditions, obligations, and limitations upon and under which such franchise shall be exercised; providing indemnity to the city; city retains authority to regulate rates except for rate increases resulting from increased landfill fees which are passed on to the customer; providing for increased service rates; providing for franchise payments; and providing for severability.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for the enforcement of the seat belt law and authorizing the City Manager to decrease the City of Laredo’s FY 03-04 annual budget in the amount of $22,500.00. This grant is for overtime salaries and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against: 0                                             Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

2003-2004 annual budget in the amount of $5,208.00 for the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force to be used for vehicle maintenance and wrecker fees.  The use of program income was approved by the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division through a grant adjustment dated March 19, 2004.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

Transit Capital grants budget by appropriating $322,592.00 as a local match, for the Texas Department of Transportation Vehicle Capital Replacement (VCR) Grant in the amount of $610,300.00 for the purchase of three 35 feet CNG buses to total $932,892.00; and reaffirming the City of Laredo intent to participate in the State VCR Program.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

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.    FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances # 2004-O-054, # 2004-O-062, # 2004-O-063; # 2004-O-064; # 2004-O-065; # 2004-O-067; # 2004-O-068; # 2004-O-069; # 2004-O-070; # 2004-O-071; # 2004-O-072; # 2004-O-073; # 2004-O-074; # 2004-O-075; # 2004-O-076; # 2004-O-077; # 2004-O-078; # 2004-O-079; # 2004-O-080; # 2004-O-081; and # 2004-O-082.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:    8                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

6.  2004-O-054  Adopting a budget for FY 2003-2004 for the South Texas Regional 911

System Fund.  The proposed budget consists of $606,008.00 in revenues from the Commission on State Emergency Communications and $606,008.00 in expenditures for the following:  Webb County, Jim Hogg County, Starr County, Zapata County and Regional Administrator (City of Laredo). (As amended)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-054.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     8                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-062  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 5, Block 563, Eastern Division, located at 918 Willow Street, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-062.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                  Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-063  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing

 the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for general automotive repair on  

 Lots 19 and 20, Block 30, Vista Hermosa, Unit II, located approximately at

 the 5400 block of McPherson Road, providing for publication and effective

 date. 

 

 Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-063.

 

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

 Second:  Cm. Agredano         

 For:     8                                  Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

               2004-O-064  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning

21.88 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located east of Havanna Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-064.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:      8                                  Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2004-O-065  Amending Laredo Land Development Code, Sections 24.63.2, 24.65.14 and

Appendix A, by allowing, regulating and defining nationalization “nacionalizacion” of vehicle enterprises in certain zoning districts; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-065.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                     Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

            2004-O-067  Accepting a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

          which has awarded a $27,350.00 grant with the City of Laredo designating

          $11,722.00 in matching funds for a total of $39,072.00 and amending the City

          of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget from General Fund by appropriating

          the said grant revenue to the appropriate expenditure accounts.  The grant       

          monies will be used to implement rapid intervention team kits (rit kits) along

          with the purchase of the two (2) thermal imagers.  Matching funds are

          available in General Fund.

 

       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-067.

 

       Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

       Second:  Cm. Agredano

       For:    8                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

            2004-O-068  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 full-time equivalent positions by

          increasing one (1) part-time Health Educator position on a total of  .48 FTE

          without benefits to .50 FTE with benefits in the Childhood Lead Poisoning

          Prevention Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period

          beginning November 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.  Funding is available in

          Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Grant.

 

       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-068.

 

       Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

       Second:  Cm. Agredano

       For:    8                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

           2004-O-069  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2003-2004

full-time equivalent positions by converting three (3) part-time with no benefits (1.44 FTE) Community Service Aide positions at 19.21 hours each per week to one (1) full-time position with benefits Community Service Aide position in the HIV Prevention Project of the City of Laredo Health Department, funded by the Texas Department of Health to provide continuous support services to the HIV Program clients and to maintain effective preventive services.

 

         Funding is available in the HIV Prevention Project Grant.

 

      Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-069.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

         For:    8                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2004-O-070   Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2003-2004

 full-time equivalent positions by converting one (1) part-time with no benefits     

 (.48 FTE) Community Service Aide position at 19.21 hours each per week to

 one (1) full-time with benefits Community Service Aide position for HIV-

 Infected Persons Project (PSHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department to

 provide continuous support services and to maintain effective client prevention

 services.  Funding is available in the HIV-Infected Persons Project (PSHIP)    

 Grant.

 

 Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-070.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

 For:    8                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

           2004-O-071  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004

         annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures by $10,000.00 which

         represents a contribution from Mercy Health Plans for children’s health

         insurance outreach activities of the City of Laredo Health Department for the

         period beginning May 1, 2004, through September 30, 2004.

 

      Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-071.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

         For:    8                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

           2004-O-072  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 annual budget by decreasing

        revenues and expenditures in the amount of $33,644.00 to reflect the actual

        grant amount of  $332,590.00 from the South Texas Development Council for

        the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II Services Program of the City of Laredo

        Health Department for the period of April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2005. 

 

     Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-072.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

         For:    8                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0  

 

2004-O-073  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Federal

Bureau of Investigation in the amount of $10,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 General Fund by 10,000.00.  The purpose of the agreement is to reimburse the cost of overtime and fringe benefits incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing resources to OCDETF (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces).  The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-073.

 

    

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    8                                        Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

         2004-O-074  Amending Chapter 14 (Garbage, Trash & Refuse) of the Code of Ordinances,

       specifically to update the ordinance to address the Solid Waste Director, add

       and refine definitions and services, change the Landfill City Vehicle Rate Fee to

       $1.25, add a commercial exemption administrative fee of $2.50, to add a credit

       account late fee of $100.00 and revise franchise requirements; providing for

       publication and effective date. 

 

    Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-074.

 

    Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

    Second:  Cm. Agredano

       For:    8                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

         2004-O-075  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 Solid Waste Fund Budget by

                               appropriating a draw down of $241,751.00 from the opening balance and

       appropriating it for equipment acquisition.  The project consists of one (1), five

       wheel loader for landfill operations. The bid price includes provisions for a five-

       year maintenance contract and guaranteed repurchase price.

 

     Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2004-O-075.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

         For:    8                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

           2004-O-076  Authorizing the City Manager to convey on behalf of the City of Laredo, as

        Trustee, Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Block 261, Eastern Division, to Laredo

         Independent School District; such conveyance being for the consideration of

         $182,000.00 of which the net proceeds shall be disbursed to the creditor taxing    

         entities in the proportion each entity holds of the Tax Judgment; and providing