CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M-2004-R-10

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

MAY 17, 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

         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,                                                                          Deputy City Manager

         Jaime Flores,                                                                               City Attorney

 

         Motion to excuse Cm. Amaya.

 

         Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

         Second:  Cm. Belmares

         For:    7                                                   Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 IV.   MINUTES

 

         Approval of the minutes of March 29, 2004 and April 5, 2004.

 

         Motion to approve.

 

 

         Moved:  Cm. Garcia

         Second:  Cm. Agredano

         For:    6                                                   Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

         Cm. Garcia left the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

    

  V.   COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

         None.

 

         Invitations

 

         None.

 

         Recognitions

     

a.   Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation from Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr. to his appointees to various committees.

 

      Cm.  E.  Valdez presented certificates to the following committee members:

 

Patricia Davila,                                              Plaza Theater Renovation Project Committee

Gregorio Benavidez,                          Redistricting Committee

Jose Diaz De Leon,                                       Redistricting Committee

                                                                           Historical Landmark Board

Rogelio Rodriguez,                                        Planning and Zoning Commission

Robert Ocha,                                                Library Advisory Committee

David Perez,                                                  Parks & Recreation Committee

Tamara Casso,                                              Environmental Advisory Committee

Juan J.  Cruz,                                     Environmental Advisory Committee

Susan Foster,                                                Third Party Funding

                                                                           Charter Revision Committee

Steve Jackson,                                              Cemetery Advisory Board

Christopher Paul Arthur,                                Board of Adjustments

Javier Montezuma,                                         Airport Advisory Board

Elizabeth Gil,                                     Tree Advisory Board

                                                                           Historical District Landmark Board

Mary Hightower,                                           Beautification Committee

Martha Dole,                                     Laredo Women’s Commission

Dan Rodriguez,                                              Vehicles for Hire Ad Hoc Committee

Dr.  Carmen Ramirez Rathmell                       Laredo Women’s Commission

Hilario Cavazos, III,                                      Transportation & Traffic Advisory Committee

                                                                           Telecommunications Advisory Board

Theresa R.  Nimchan,                                    Third Party Funding Committee

Richard Perales,                                            Telecommunications Advisory Board

     

        Communiqués

     

  a.    Presentation of the 2003-2004 City of Laredo (COOP/ICT) Administrative Procedures   Program and Industrial Cooperative Training Program for student employees.

 

         Nelly Alejandro                                 PARD – Cigarroa                                 Nixon

         Jennifer Alonzo                                  PARD – Tarver                                    Nixon

         Veronica Avalos                                Tax Department                                    Alexander

         Cynthia Carmona                               PARD – Hillside                                   Nixon

         Daniel Chavez                                   Finance – A/P                                      Alexander

         Edna Cruz                                         Fire Department                                   Cigarroa

         Cindy Faz                                          ASD                                                    United South

         Viridiana Leyva                                 Community Development                      Alexander

         Kristina Ortiz                                      PARD – Farias                                    United

         Diego Partida                                    Airport                                                 United

         Carlos Rendon                                  PARD – Hachar                                   Nixon

         Annette Salinas                                  PARD – Farias                                     Martin

         Viridiana Villalobos                            PARD – Hachar                                   Nixon

         Miguel Villarreal                                Fire Department                                   United South

 

         Cm.  E.  Valdez said a prayer in the loving memory of James Dempsy who was the Communications Director for the City of Laredo Police Department.  The Mayor asked for a moment of silence in honor of James Dempsy.  

 

         Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that James Dempsy gave unstintingly of himself as a City of Laredo employee.  He said that he was the motivating force behind several innovative ideas that the City of Laredo has implemented for the Police Department.  He went on to say that his leadership and devotion to his profession would be greatly missed. 

 

         Cm.  E.  Valdez thanked his constituents for giving him the honor, privilege, and pleasure of serving them as Council Member.  He said that his family has missed out on a lot of activities because of his commitment to the City; however, they made his job easy by being supportive.  He mentioned that his mentor in the world of politics is his brother, Danny Valdez, for always standing beside him in showing his support.  He went on to thank his parents for involving him in politics when he was a child.  He also thanked the individuals who served on different committees for District V.  He added that he is grateful to the Committee Members for donating their time, knowledge, and expertise.  He expressed thanks to the Christian community for their strong support. He expressed his gratitude to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, City Attorney, and City staff for putting his ideas in motion and bringing them into fruition.  Finally, he said the Mayor is a tremendous leader, spokes person, and a good advocate for the City of Laredo.  

 

 VI.   APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

         None.

                           

VII.   PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning the west 46.30 feet of Lot 8, Block 1536, Eastern Division, located at 2602 Ash Street; from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed change.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Cm. Garcia and Cm. Amaya not present

 

      Juan Botello, 2406 Ash, spoke against the zone changes and wants to keep it as an R-1 designation.

 

Ruben Gonzalez, 2603 Montgomery, spoke against the zone change request.

 

Olivia Vela Gutierrez, 2516 Locust, said that she has resided there for 45 years and was present to protest the zone change.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and deny. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

     

2.   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 condominiums on 1.00 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A” located north of the proposed Shiloh extension and east of Stone Creek Subdivision; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      Jerry O’Brien spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Ramirez

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:   Cm. Belmares

 

3.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the amendment of Ordinance 99-O-039, which authorized a Conditional Use Permit for major auto repair, on the south ½ of Lot 3 and Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 197, Eastern Division, located at 4115 Sanders Avenue, by including tire repair as an additional allowed conditional use; 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. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      Ron Whitehawk, representing the developer, spoke in favor of allowing the change for a major auto repair and include tire repair.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing, introduce, and override with the following amendments:

 

1.      Hours of operation shall be limited to those between Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

2.      At least ten (10) percent of the lot area shall be devoted to the landscaping to be located along the site’s westernmost or southernmost boundaries.  All property shall be kept in an attractive fashion with landscaping properly maintained.  All trash, garbage and all other waste shall be kept in sanitary containers, which at all times must be concealed from public view.

      3.      The entire lot shall be paved except for the landscaped areas.

      4.      Seventy-five (75) percent of any future buildings shall be composed of masonry, glass, or brick.

     5.       Inoperative cars or trucks shall not be allowed.

     6.       All vehicles on site as a result of the mechanic/tire shop shall be prked inside the facility at all times.

     7.       Heavy equipment or large trucks shall not be allowed.

     8.       Parking shall comply with the Laredo land Development Code.

     9.       Any portion of the site adjoining a residential zone or use shall be divided from the zone by an opaque fence of at least seven (7) feet high.

     10.     All lighting on site must be directed inward and from abutting residential structures.

     11.     Signage shall be limited to that which is permitted by the B-1 zoning district.

     12.     The C.U.P.  is issued to Nancy, Maria, and Jose Torres and is nontransferable.

     13.     The C. U. P. is restricted to the site plan, exhibit “A”.

 

      Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. Belmares

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

 

4.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 10, 11 & 12, Block 1704, Eastern Division, located at 2802 Guadalupe Street, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      Ron Whitehawk spoke on behalf of the applicant who asked to have the zoning request downgraded from a B-4 to a B-3.  He said that the property is currently zoned B-1.  He added that the property is surrounded by commercial development.  The applicant would like to have an automotive repair shop allowing him to do light automotive work.  He would not be allowed to do heavy automotive work or automotive painting.  He added that the applicant approached the surrounding residents and no one was in opposition to the shop. 

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-3 instead of original B-4 request.

 

      Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. Belmares

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 

5.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 12, Block 988, Eastern Division, located 1802 Corpus Christi Street, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      David and Denise Rodriguez, property owners, requested approval of the zone changes for use as a tattoo shop.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and postpone and allow applicant to apply for a conditional use permit.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

6.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 11, Block 3, Hilltop Subdivision, Phase II, located approximately at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Huron Court, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-family District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed change.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      Fred Guerra, with G. G. Salinas Engineering, spoke in favor and was present to answer questions.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

7.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo rezoning Lot 7, Block 1, Alexander Commercial Subdivision, Phase I, located southeast of the intersection of Del Mar Boulevard and Rocio Drive from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

 

8.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute two (2) year lease agreements for retail space at “El Mercado” located on Hidalgo and Lincoln Street with the following retail Lessors; Chez Mauricette, Helados La Playa and Hot Dog Express; copies of which are provided as exhibits “A” through “C” and providing for an effective date. 

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. G. Belmares

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

9.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating an increase in revenues and expenditures in the amount of $24,672.00 which resulted from the increase in fee for the flu vaccine approved by City Council on October 6, 2003, for the Immunization Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for FY 2003-2004.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

10.    Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2003-2004 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $12,926.00 for the Medicaid Administrative Cost (MAC) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department.  This amount consists of program surplus funds from FY 2002-2003.

        

         Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

11.    Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2003-2004 budget by increasing the Texas Department of Health ‘s share of program income and expenditures for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program of the City of Laredo Health Department in the amount of $10,000.00 for the period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:  6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

      There was no public input.

 

      Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

      Ordinance Introduction:   City Council

12.    Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2003-2004 budget by increasing the Texas Department of Health’s share of program income and expenditures generated by the La Familia Health Care Program of the City of Laredo Health Department in the estimated amount of $5,000.00 for the period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

      Moved:  Cm. Belmares

      Second:  Cm. Agredano

      For:    6                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0