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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2004-R-22 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. CALL TO ORDER With
a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. II. PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE Mayor
Elizabeth G. III. ROLL CALL In
attendance: Elizabeth
G. Flores, Mayor Hector
Garcia, Council
Member, District II John
C. Galo, Council
Member, District III Johnny
Amaya, Mayor Pro Tem, District IV Johnny
Rendon, Council
Member, District V Gene
Belmares, Council
Member, District VI Jose
A. Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Jaime
Flores, Motion
to excuse Cm. Agredano. Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya Second: Cm.
Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Galo was not present. IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements a. Presentation on “Drive Friendly Laredo”, a
public service campaign developed by the City of b.
Presentation of the 2004 – 2005 Employee Leadership Development Class. Blandina Gomez Health
Department Andrea P.
Sanchez Municipal
Court Patricia Taylor Laredo Convention & Visitor’s
Bureau Rena Ren Laredo
Public Library Anabelle Cruz Sandra Aleman MIS
Department c.
Presentation by our Alvarado, City Secretary Edgardo Ramirez and Mrs. Gonzalez, Director of Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF). Horacio
Gonzalez Alvarado, Mayor of Tlahualilo in the state
of “Apreciables
representantes del Pueblo y de La Ciudad de Laredo en el Estado de Texas: En este día en que
me presento ante el Cabildo de esta Hermosa Ciudad de Laredo, soy portador de
La representación del pueblo de Tiahualilo, para hacerles entrega de una
saludo fraternal inyectado de esperanza y de fé; Vengo igualmente, a nombre
del Honorable Cabildo de Tiahualilo, con La intención solemne de estrechar y
fortificar las relaciones de amistad y hermandad que existen entre nuestras
Ciudades y que han sido desde su inicio, motivo de gran orgullo para nuestro
pueblo, para todos los habitants de nuestro Municipio. Pero también vengo
en lo personal a presentarme ante tan distinguidas personalidades como
Presidente Municipal para el período 2004 – 2007, cargo que me ha conferido y
confiado La gente de Tlahualilo, para tartar de mejorar La pr Ya en anteriores
ocasiones hemos sido tomados en cuenta por el Honorable Ayuntamiento de
Laredo Texas y es justo y pertinente agradecer a ustedes el apoyo que en
multiples ocasiones han brindado y han hecho llegar a Tlahualilo, mi pueblo
lo agradece y reconoce por me conducto. No obstante, el reto
que enfrentamos es grande, los rezagos y los problemas son más grandes que
las oportunidades para el avance y el desarrollo; Por ello, quiero solicitor
una ves más a sus finas atenciones, para que en La medida de lo possible, se
pudiera donar a La Ciudad de Tlahualilo, Vehículos de Maquinaria Pesada y
Asfalto, que tanta falta nos hacen para trabajar en mejorar las
comunicaciones terresteres y asícombatier el hacinamiento y La marginación de
La mayoría de nuestras localidades, material para uso y desecho en
Hospitales, medicamentos que tanta falta le hacen a nuestros ancianos y las
personas de La tercera edad, Cobertores, para hacerle calor a nuestra gente
en esta temporada de frío invierno, donde las temperatures bajan en algunas
regions de nuestro municipio hasta 10 ó 15 cnetigrados bajo cero. En fin, cualquier
tipo de Ayuda, cualquier impulse, cualquier aliciente e incluso cualquier
palabra de apoyo es bienvenida en nuestra lucha por alcanzar un major
scenario y mejores condiciones de vida para nuestros hijos y para los hijos
de nuestros hijos. Un Dato que revela
la enorme problemática que se vive y se respire es el hecho de que en 1970,
es decir hace más de tres décadas, éramos en Tlahualilo poco más de 21,000
habitantes, hoy quedamos menos de La mitad y queremos que nuestra gente no
continúe sufriendo La auscencia de sus seres queridos y sus familiars mas
cercanos que viajan a otras entidades e incluso se arriesgan a cruzar La
frontera hacia este Paím en busca de mejores oportunidades. En La administración
que encabezo, creemos que con el apoyo suficiente y La eficiente coordinación
de esfuerzos podemos detener La emigración y podemos ocupar a La Poblacion
para que La gente de Tlahualilo se quede en Tlahualilo, trabeje en Tlahualilo
y para Tlahualilo y entre todos podamos ofrecerles a nuestras futures
generaciones, mas y mejores espacios para sus desarrollo. Podria hablaries a
ustedes de los porques de este tremendo rezago en nuestro desarrollo, pero
todos los sabemos, intensas sequias, baja rentabilidad de nuestras
actividades agricolas, pr Por mi parte, La
intencion permanente de fortalecer y magnificar las relaciones entre nuestras
Ciudades sera firme, durante el periodo que dure mi encargo, para llevaria
incluso al intercambio cultural o deportivo donde podemos enriquecer
mutuamente nuestros acervos y conocimientos, aprendiendo de nuestros
potenciales humanos y costrumbres de vida. Ofrezco pues, una
amistad que perdure y se incremente, mas alla de una relacion meramente
diplomatica, porque en “Tlahualilo somos personas agradecidas, sinceras y
luchadoras, y estoy cierto de que podremos seguir fomentando en diferentes
areas esta relacion. Por ello, requerimos
de todo su apoyo, del impulse de todos, para que todos en Tlahualilo, nos
pongamos a trabajar en bien de nuestro municipio, queda esta peticion en sus
manos. Aprovecho La
oportunidad de su atencion para reiterarme a sus distinguidas ordenes en el
Ayuntamiento de Tlahualilo y reiterar el caluroso y fraternal saludo de los
habitants de Tlahualilo para La gente de esta Hermosa Ciudad, que proximamente
se vestira aun mas bella, para festejar un aniversario mas de su
fundacion. Muchas Gracias y muchos
Felicidades! Atentamente, Talhualilo de
Zaragoza Durango El President
Municipal Horacio Gonzalez
Alvarado” Invitations None. Recognitions a. Recognition of November 2004 Employee of
the Month. Jaime Flores,
Communiqués a. Presentation by Diana Ortiz, Chair, on the
Bulldogs on Broadway participation on the 2005 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Motion to postpone for the next meeting. Moved:
Cm. Garcia Second:
Cm. J. Valdez For:
7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Ramirez congratulated the Convention &
Visitor’s Bureau Department for organizing the Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony at the Center for the Arts.
He also congratulated the Jaycees for organizing a Christmas
Parade. He mentioned that the Culturas en La Plaza was a very special event held at the
Cm. Cm. Belmares congratulated the Laredo Jaycees
for organizing a wonderful Christmas Parade.
He said the parade was very well attended and noted that there were a
lot of participants in the parade. He
said that he enjoyed being a judge during the Jaycee Christmas parade. He also congratulated the Public Works
Department for completing the Calle Del Norte
Project ahead of schedule. He went on
to say that the department did a fantastic job on the project. Cm. Rendon congratulated John Orfila, Public
Works Manager, and his staff on the completion of the Calle
Del Norte Project. He reiterated his
satisfaction with the department for completing the project prior to the
completion date. He said that their
effectiveness made a huge difference in assisting with the vehicular flow
during the Holiday Season. Mayor Pro
Tempore Amaya said it was a pleasure and an honor to attend the Tree Lighting
Ceremony on behalf of the Mayor. He
said that his son enjoyed Santa Claus and Bucky
from the Laredo Bucks. He added that
the event was fantastic and the City Departments did a great job. He went on to say that the District IV
Special Projects Committee was working hard to distribute toys to children in
District IV who are less fortunate. Cm. Garcia agreed that the Tree Lighting
Ceremony was a very nice family event for Laredoans to attend. He thanked and congratulated Joel Lopez and
the Nixon Mustangs, for a tremendous football season and for advancing to the
Area playoffs. He added that the Nixon
Mustangs represented Mayor Flores
asked everyone to have the patience that they need to have a very happy
holiday season. She mentioned that
Antonio, her grandson, was in the hospital and she had promised to say hello
to him on television. She reminded
parents to watch their children for dehydration and continue to wash their
hands to avoid illness during the winter season. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Mayor
Flores advised Council of her interest in having the City of
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Second Public hearing and introductory
ordinance amending the City of Ordinance
Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article XII, Aggressive
Solicitation, by adding definitions, prohibiting persons under the age of
eighteen (18) from participating in street solicitation, authorizing police
officers and code enforcement officers to halt ongoing solicitation as a
penalty for violating any provision of this ordinance; providing for
publication and effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia asked if the new amended ordinance
will pertain to the children that are selling newspapers at various
intersections. Jaime Flores,
Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, Article VI
“Indoor Clean Air”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by
amending the definition of public place, Section 15-78; amending Section
15-79 by prohibiting smoking in any city owned or leased facility; and
deleting section 15-80, which allows for exceptions; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Galo For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Laredo Municipal Housing FY 2005 Budget
by drawing down and appropriating $700,000.00 from the its opening balance to
the City’s Capital Improvement Fund.
This transfer will be set up to carry out necessary repairs associated
with the owner-occupied units constructed by the Laredo Affordable Housing
Corporation as part of the Los Obispos Affordable
Housing Project. The amendment is
authorized by the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation’s Articles of
Incorporation. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm.
Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending Section 1 of Ordinance 2002-O- 0251 of the
City of Laredo and authorizing the implementation of an administrative fee of
$1.00 per swipe card for southbound commercial traffic that utilizes the City
of Laredo International Bridges as further described in Exhibit “A” and
hereby repealing all conflicting sections in all ordinances currently in
effect. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to amend the 29th AY
Community Development Block Grant budget for the FY 2004 – 2005 by increasing
the original Program Income Budget of $11,493.00 by $57,572.00 in additional
program income, for a total of $69,065.00. The Program Income funds will be
used for land acquisition for the Riverfront Green Space Acquisition Project. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
ratifying the City Manager’s acceptance of a grant by
the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $40,828.00 with
no matching funds for a total of $40,828.00 and amending the City of Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Rendon Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to enter into a rental
agreement between the City of Laredo and SER-Jobs for Progress for the use of
two classrooms at East Hachar Recreation Center and Inner City Tech/Rec Center, in the form attached as Exhibit “A”; and
amending the FY 2004 – 2005 General Fund Budget by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $5,600.00 for computer hardware and software to
further enhance technology programming. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Belmares Second: Cm. For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
authorizing the City Manager to accept a $1,000.00
donation from Wal-Mart Foundation and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year
2004 – 2005 General Fund Annual Budget by appropriating revenues in the
amount of $1,000.00 in the form of a donation of $1,000.00 and appropriating
expenditures in the amount of $1,000.00 for the purchase of trees for the
Tree Farm Project. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Garcia Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
designating a certain area as a Tax Abatement Reinvestment
Zone for commercial/industrial tax abatement, establishing the boundaries
thereof and other matters relating thereto; declaring findings of fact;
providing for severability; and providing for an effective date. Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm.
Galo Second: Cm.
Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: City Council VIII. INTRODUCTORY
ORDINANCES 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all
necessary documents to effectively convey fee simple
title to the “surface only”, at its market value of $37,000.00, for certain
property described as a 15,433 sq. ft tract of land, more or less, out of
that former section of the 1100 Block of India Avenue between Guadalupe and
Chihuahua Streets to the Laredo Independent School District; said property
being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas,
being described on attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective
date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 11. Authorizing the City Manager to convey to
Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. three easements,
namely: (1) A 100 square foot easement out of Lot 10, Block 22, Western
Division, in the form attached as Exhibit 1 herein; (2) a 1,600 square foot
easement out of former Farias Street Section in the
form attached as Exhibit 2 herein; and (3) a 625 square foot easement out of
Lot 5, Block 30, Las Americas Subdivision, Unit 2, in the form attached as
Exhibit 3 herein; and providing for effective date. Ordinance
Introduction: City Council 12. Closing as public easement that section of streets
situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, and
providing for an effective date. Ordinance Introduction: City Council 13. Closing as public easements those sections
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