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CITY OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2005-R-04 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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, Council
Member, District III Johnny
Amaya, Mayor Pro Tem, District IV Gene
Belmares, Council
Member, District VI Jose
A. Juan
Ramirez, Council
Member, District VIII Gustavo
Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary Jaime
Flores, IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of Motion
to approve. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Agredano was not present. V. COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements John Castro,
on behalf of Students in Democratic Action, stated that he has come before
the City Council to address an inquiry for a possible investigation conducted
by the City Council as defined by the City Charter. He stated that there is a sergeant within
the Laredo Police Department, Luis Tinajero, Sr. who had been suspended for
30 days from the police department without pay. He explained that the reason he was
suspended was based upon a violation of his off-duty employment with John Castro
stated that he wanted to make this information known to make the public aware
of what is going on because he feels that Sgt. Tinajero’s relations with certain top officials
within the police department were harmed by this. Certain top officials within the department
found out about his complaints and his trying to enforce justice within the
department and this is why he was suspended and is now being targeted for
termination. According to John Castro,
Sgt. Tinajero has attempted to contact every single Council Member of which
he only received a response from two of them.
John Castro further stated that his organization supports Sgt.
Tinajero. He also mentioned that Sgt.
Tinajero is no longer employed with On the
second issue that Mr. Castro had been scheduled to present, he mentioned that
it involved the campaign for a civil service system. He mentioned that the City is failing in
educating the public on important ideas or issues. He submitted a copy to the City Secretary
of the Laredo Civil Service System City Charter Amendment and requested that
copies be made and distributed to the City Council. He mentioned that consideration by City
Council of a civil service system is about efficiency within the local
government. He mentioned that he has
set up a website Laredo-liberty.org for information on the civil service
campaign. He explained that a civil
service system, also known as a merit system, is a recruitment method that
hires and promotes employees based on their education, training and
competency to perform specific jobs.
Once this charter amendment is passed by City Council or approved by
the voters at a special city election, City employees would be protected from
unjustified removal but could still be fired for inadequate performance. He
explained that the first civil service system was established in Cm. Garcia
thanked his friends and extended family for their prayers and condolences
following the loss of his mother. He
also congratulated the twelve officers who were sworn in recently to the
Laredo Police Department. Cm. Galo
extended his condolences to the Garcia Family and Cm. Garcia for the loss of
his mother. The WBCA festivities went
very well this past weekend. He
mentioned that there was a great article covering the Society of Martha
Washington events in the New York Times.
He added that the fireworks display was outstanding and he mentioned
that this event gets better every year.
Mayor Pro
Tem Amaya extended his sympathies to Cm. Garcia and his family. He also mentioned that he attended several
of the WBCA events this past weekend and gave praises to the WBCA organizers
for the great work done. He extended
his appreciation to Cm. Rendon
stated that the City of Cm.
Belmares congratulated Tom Gates of the WBCA organization and all the
auxiliary organizations for the phenomenal work done to put all the events
together. He mentioned that they
always do a great job and this year the festivities were even better. He also thanked the Laredo Police Department,
the Laredo Fire Department, and the Public Works Department for the hard work
they do to make sure the events run smoothly.
Cm. J.
Valdez, Jr. congratulated all the city departments and WBCA event organizers
for the hard work they do to put these festivities together. Cm. Ramirez
thanked everyone involved in putting together this big celebration and
applauded everyone’s hard work in making it a great success. He commended Cm.
Agredano mentioned the different festivities held around the city that he had
attended during the WBCA celebration.
He expressed his appreciation to Roy Garcia, Community Development
Code Enforcement Officer, for his assistance with graffiti problems in
District I. He stated that he enlisted
Mr. Garcia’s help who responded quickly and had the entire wall repainted
within one to two days. He mentioned
that the citizens need to take care of and take pride in their districts and
avoid this type of vandalism. Mayor
Flores congratulated Tom Gates and all the volunteers of the WBCA
organization for the hard work done in the preparations for all of the events. She mentioned that in spite of the bad
weather, the city had two wonderful parades and the participants had a good
time. She stated that the fireworks
display was spectacular and the air show was unbelievable. She also thanked Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson
for her attendance and hopes that she continues to support Invitations Cm. Garcia
extended an invitation for everyone to attend the Border Olympics events that
begin this weekend. He mentioned that
there will be over 170 teams and over 2,000 athletes coming in from different
parts of the state. Recognitions a. Recognition of Blanca Gonzalez, of the
Health Department, on her selection as January 2005 Employee of the Month. Santos
Navarrette, Assistant Health Director, stated that Ms. Gonzalez has been in
public service for nine years and has been assigned to the Health Department
for two years. He mentioned that she
provides over 40,000 immunizations in the community throughout the year. She is in charge of an extended evening
program which allows the Health Department to see people from the community
after Mayor
Flores and the City Council presented Ms. Gonzalez with a Certificate of
Recognition for her selection as Employee of the Month. b. Presentation by City of Laredo Parks and
Recreation Department recognizing the winners of the
Mayor’s Cup Tournament held on Miguel
Pescador, Parks and Recreation Department, stated that over 200 employees
participated at the two-day event. He
reported that they were able to raise over $1,800.00 for the American Red
Cross Tsunami Victims’ Relief Fund. He
presented the winning teams of the three divisions: Division C 2nd Place Blue Devils (Health Department) Management) Division B 1st
Place Bridge System Division A 2nd Place United Water 1st
Place Fire Department c. Presentation of the Club Charter by Harry
S. Truman, District Governor of Toastmasters International, District 55, to the City
of Mr. Truman
stated that this is an international organization with over 10,000 clubs in
99 countries. He mentioned that the
objective of Toastmasters is to develop people who have effective skills in
public speaking, listening, and organization for running meetings. He was invited to come down to the City has a wonderful
training leadership course that has been ongoing since October. He also added that the City has some
wonderful mentors and sponsors in Clema Owen and Joe Moreno. He went on to present the Toastmasters Club
Charter for the City of d. Recognition of the Farias
Elementary 2nd Grade Basketball Team for winning the City Championship in their age group. Mayor
Flores and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition to
the following: Coach Sonia Ruano
Esteban
Diaz de Leon Assistant
Coach Reynaldo Diaz John
Corpus Assistant
Coach Samuel Diaz Jessica Marin Humberto Sanchez Randy
Martinez Hector Mendez Jose Luis Palomo Anthony
Morales Kevin
Salazar Reynaldo Diaz, IV Cristina Diaz e. Recognition of Donato
Ramos Jr., Phillip Wright, Roberto Arredondo and Mauro Sandoval
Jr. for their dedication and time spent as volunteers in Midnight Basketball,
a joint venture and one of many programs offered by the City of Laredo Parks
and Recreation Department. Mayor
Flores stated that these individuals accepted to volunteer their time from
Communiqués a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the
City of Department. Mayor
Flores reported that one of the top priorities when they travel to VI. APPOINTMENTS TO
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. Appointment by Cm Jose Motion to
approve the appointment by Cm. Jose Valdez of Javier De Anda
to the Library Advisory Committee. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 b. Appointment by Cm Jose Advisory Committee. Motion to
approve the appointment by Cm. Jose
Valdez of Norberto Romero III to the Citizens Environmental Advisory
Committee. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning all of Block 488, Western Division, located at the 1100
block of San Ignacio Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3
(Mixed Residential 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: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Belmares mentioned that the City will be facing similar situations in the
future like they do now at the airport.
He expressed his concern that federal agencies that the City petitions in Keith
Selman, City Planner, stated that as per the conditional use permit
ordinance, the City is not allowed to go to a more restrictive activity in a
less restrictive zone, therefore, the conditional
use permit recommendation is not an option. Motion to
close the public hearing, postpone and sent it back to Planning & Zoning
for recommendations from staff. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for three detached
condominiums on Lot 8, Block 1, Los Pinos
Subdivision, located at 3451 Pine Street; 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: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mr. Ron Whitehawk, representing the applicant, stated that the
lots in question are peculiar in shape.
He mentioned that with the peculiar shape of the lots and the current zoning
designation, it will only allow for a one single-family home on the
property. The applicant is requesting
a conditional use permit to allow for the construction of three single-family
homes in a condominium regime. The
applicant would also accommodate for a 24-foot wide driveway along the
property and would also place a wall around the property to separate this
property from the residential property adjoining to the west. He mentioned that the property is now owned
by Prada Construction, LLC and requests that if the City Council approves the
conditional use permit, that it be issued to Prada Construction, LLC with the
existing provision that they could transfer ownership to those individuals who
would be purchasing the property. Cm.
Agredano stated that he would like for Ron Whitehawk
and the developers to get together with Keith Selman and go over the new site
plan that has been submitted. Motion to
close the public hearing and postpone for the next meeting in March. Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 6 and the eastern ½ of Lot 8, Block 178, Western
Division, located at 1015 San Dario Avenue and 609 Washington 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: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mr. Ron Whitehawk, spoke on behalf of the property owner. He mentioned that this property is on the
access road off of Cm. Ramirez
requested that Keith Selman, City Planner, explain what the possible uses
might be in a B-3 designation. Keith
Selman, City Planner, stated that a B-3 would allow for a car wash business
or a used car lot business. Motion to
close the public hearing, override Planning and Zoning Commission and
introduce as a B-3. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Ramirez 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 0.50 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Hwy 83 and south of Riverhill
Loop, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
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: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Galo 5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 9.85 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit “A”, located south of
Ranchway Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential
District) with a Special Use Permit 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: Cm. Belmares Second: Mayor Pro Tem 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. J. Valdez, Jr. For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Belmares 6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. Motion to
close the public hearing and introduce. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Ordinance
Introduction: Cm. Galo 7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the FY 2004 – 2005 by
increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $29,688.00 and amending
the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions by one (1) additional Air Traffic
controller effective April 1, 2005, subject to the Federal Aviation
Administration agreeing to reimburse the City of Laredo for the cost of this
position and authorizing the City Manager to submit an amended proposal to the
Federal Aviation Administration for purposes of reimbursement to the City of
Laredo for the cost of operating the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Laredo
International Motion to
open the public hearing. Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Mayor Pro Tem Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 There was
no public input. |