CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2005-R-08

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

April 18, 2005

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 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 Rendon,                                                                        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 Mayor Pro Tem Amaya.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:    6                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            Cm. Galo was not present.

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of March 7, 2005 and April 11, 2005.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

           

 

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:    6                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

Jesus Gonzalez, Chief of Staff for State Representative Richard Raymond, reported that the subject of school finances has been a strong issue needs to be resolved by October of 2005 or schools will be closed.  He invited the Mayor, Council Members, and the viewing public to attend a rally advocating the importance of Laredo Schools on April 30, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. starting at the west side of the Civic Center and ending at Martin High School. 

 

Cm.  Agredano thanked the City of Laredo Community Development Department for coordinating a town hall meeting in his District.    

 

Cm.  Garcia wished the students from Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District luck in their TAKS test.  He congratulated Delia Pena, Martin High School Track Coach, and Javier Coronado, Nixon Track Coach, for tying District Champions.  He reminded the viewing public about the two year construction project on Hwy. 359.  He recognized Janice Weber, City of Laredo Librarian Director, because of Library Recognition week.      

 

Cm.  Rendon said that he was honored to represent the Mayor and City Council at the Hillside Little League Parks ceremony which marked their 25th anniversary.  He further commented how impressed he was with the President of the Hillside Little League, Julian Rios, who is doing a fantastic job with the league.    

 

Cm.  Belmares similarly honored the Del Mar Little League who held their opening ceremonies.  He too commended the president of the league, Richard Rios, and his staff for committing their time to organize and structure one of the largest leagues in Texas.  He went on to recognize and thank Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, and his staff for doing a beautiful job working with all the leagues and their needs each year adding that the fields look great.  In conjunction, he thanked Ron Moore, General Manager for the Transit System, for providing buses to shuttle families from Nye Elementary School to the baseball field.  He also invited everyone to attend a joint town hall meeting in District VI.  Finally, he congratulated the Budget Department for their recent distinguished award and he read an excerpt from a letter he had received from a colleague:   

 

“Dear Mr.  Aleman,

I am please to notify you that the City of Laredo, Texas has received the distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for the current fiscal year for the Government Finance Officer’s Association.  This award is the highest form of recognition governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by organization.”

 

Cm.  Valdez announced that the Northwest Little League held their opening in District VII.  He noted that each year the league participation is growing.  He too thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for doing an outstanding job with the fields and meeting the needs of the little leagues. 

 

Cm.  Juan Ramirez congratulated Horacio De Leon and John Orfila for their participation in the Cola Blanca and noted that the Cola Blanca Reception Awards was very nice.  He also announced that District VIII has mulch available for the public on the corner of Eagle Pass and Callahan Street.   

           

            a.  Presentation by the Nuevo Laredo, Tamps. MX. Tourism Office on their enhanced  

                 services.

 

Patricia Taylor, Interim Director for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, welcomed the new Director of Tourism for the City of Nuevo Laredo, Ramon Garza Benvides and his Assistant Director, Liliana Ramos to the City Council meeting.  She noted that the Convention and Visitors Bureau would like to confirm its commitment to continue working with the Nuevo Laredo Tourism Department.  Challenges often generate opportunities.  This is a time for focusing not only on addressing present challenges, but also on preparing for future joint efforts.  The Nuevo Laredo Tourism office now has a staff of twenty-two (22).  They recently launched a program that provides ten (10) trained bilingual tourist guides who are available at the Nuevo Laredo tourism district to escort and guide tourists as they experience that city.  The Convention and Visitors Bureau will be working with its counterparts to generate tourism to both cities. 

 

            Invitations

 

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of Gerardo “Jerry” Cerda, of the Laredo Public Library, on his selection as             March 2005 Employee of the Month.

 

Janice Weber, Director for the City of Laredo Libraries, recognized Jerry Cerda, Micro Computer Specialist for the Library.  She said that Jerry Cerda is a multi-talented and highly motivate employee who has been a city employee for four years.  She noted that he wears many hats and has become a crucial support member for the Library.  Aside from many other accomplishments, Jerry was nominated from March Employee of Month for his involvement in assisting the federal government investigate email threats and for his assistance in obtaining video surveillance that helped identify a possible stalker of a City employee.  Jerry’s knowledge in technology has provided all City libraries with new high-tech capabilities and high-speed communications.  Finally, she noted that he is truly a “jack of all trades” and no job is too complicated or too dirty for him to tackle. 

 

            b.  Recognizing the members of the Antonio Gonzalez Middle School Puma Cheerleaders               for being named Small Ensemble - Grand Champions - Superior Division at the Cheer &                  Dance / Drill Team America Festival Competition held at Sea World in San Antonio                             Texas on April 2, 2005.

 

                 Mayor Flores and City Council recognized the following students and parents:

 

                 Diandra Lozano, Sabrina Soto, Jennifer Benavidez, Karla Vasques, Anali Chavez

                 and Jennifer Benavidez

 

                 Sponsor:  Dee Dee Lozano Flores

                 Choreographers:  Diana Rendon Gutierrez, Danika Guerra and Hilda Vasguez

 

            c.  Recognizing the City of Laredo's Environmental Services Department for having earned              the prestigious Texas Environmental Excellence Award presented by the Texas                        Commission on Environmental Quality in support of the City's successful Environmental      Education Program that helps educate children regarding waste reduction and pollution                 prevention.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council recognized the Environmental Services Department; Riazul Mia, Director; and his staff.

 

Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, reported that before 1999, the City did not have ordinances regarding the environment.  He thanked the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council for supporting him and his staff.  He also recognized the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee and thanked them for dedicating their time to serve on the committee.  Finally, he thanked the school districts, KVTV, and Gregorio Lopez from KHOY for assisting staff in creating a video.  Through their efforts, the department has been able to reach hundreds of children through presentations and videos.   

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, also mentioned that Valeria Acevedo, Assistant City Attorney has been instrumental in assisting the Environmental Services Department to obtain the prestigious Texas Environmental Excellence Award.

 

            d.  Announcing the private sector sponsors of the Laredo Day Reception held in

                 Washington D.C. on March 23, 2005.

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that “Laredo Day” was held in Washington D. C. on March 23, 2005.  She noted that the trip has proven to be very successful in the past and has already garnered positive results from this year’s trip.  She went on to say that the City would not be able to travel to Washington D. C. if it was not from the donations from the private sector.  She added that the City has received donations amounting over $61,000 from the following businesses: 

 

Architects Plus Inc, Asociacion de Agencias Aduanales; Baker Botts, L. L. P.; Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever & McDaniel, L. L. P.; Carter Burgess; Crane Engineering Corp.; Denton, Navarro, Rocha, and Bernal;  Doctor’s Hospital;  Estrada Hinojosa, Fletcher and Springer, LLP.; Foster Engineering; Frank Architects, Inc.; Freese and Nichols, Inc.; H. K. Global Trading, LTD.; Howland Surveying Company; Infrastructure Solutions; Laredo Energy; Lawrence Freidman Real Estate Brokerage Inc.; Malcom Pirnie, Inc.; Martinez & Associates, McCall, Parkhurst & Horton, McWilliams & Associates; Miller & Van Eaton, P. L. L. C.; Morgan Stern Merchant Bank, LTD.; SEA Associates, Inc.; Southwestern Bell Company; Time Warner; Turner, Collie & Braden, Inc.; UETA Duty Free America; Werner Enterprises; and

Wilber Smith Associates.

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

     

            None.

            Cm. Galo joined the meeting at 6:45 p.m.

                       

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2005 Bridge

System Fund by appropriating revenues and expenses in the amount of $453,820.00    

through a transfer from a balance of the Infrastructure Fund.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr

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

 

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

grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation “Staying Connected Grant” in the amount of $20,843.00 for 16 computers and software for the Laredo Public Library and its branches. This grant requires a one third match, which will be funded from General Fund in the amount of $10,421.00. The total cost of the computers is $31,264.00. The City Manager is authorized to amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 Annual Budget by reducing the Annual Budget in the amount of $7,236.00 and providing for an effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of

Ordinances, Chapter 17 Library, Article1, in general, Section “Fines and Fees for Library Services” allowing for the addition of new fees associated with new and expanded services, the deletion of fees for services no longer offered, and the updating of policies and procedures associated with these services at Laredo Public Library and its branches, providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year

2004 – 2005 Civic Center Budget, by appropriating an opening balance in the amount of $62,999.00 to the building improvements line item for continuing Civic Center improvement projects.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance establishing a 15% penalty on the 2004

delinquent tax accounts as of July 1, 2005 to defray costs of collection pursuant to section 33.07 (a) of the Texas State Property Tax Code; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Rendon

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:    7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

6.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey

fee simple title to Mr. Pablo David Morales for the sale of the “Surface Only” of a tract of land containing 12,894.06 sq. ft. (0.2960 of an acre), more or less, comprised of the northwest 212.01 sq. ft. of Lot 7, the west 5,737.55 sq. ft. of Lot 9, and all of Lot 10, Block 994, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as described on the attached exhibit, said property is being sold to the sole bidder as awarded by City Council pursuant to its public sale; and providing for an effective date.  (Action needed on item #30 prior to introduction of ordinance)

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the Final Readings of Ordinances # 2005-O-076; # 2005-O-078; # 2005-O-079; # 2005-O-080; # 2005-O-081; # 2005-O-082; # 2005-O-083; # 2005-O-084; # 2005-O-085; and # 2005-O-086. 

 

            Moved:  Cm. Galo

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

7.  2005-O-076  Amending Chapter 19, Article IV. Bicycles and Play Vehicles, of the City

of Laredo Code of Ordinances by adding Division 3. Play Vehicles; by adding Section 19-125 Definitions; Section 19-126 Prohibition regarding motor assisted scooter; Section 19-127 Prohibition of play vehicle use; Section 19-128 Helmets required; Section 19-129 Seizure for violation; and providing for publication; providing for severability and an effective date.  (As Amended)

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-076.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-078  Approving the public sale of Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Block 276A Western

   Division located on the south side of the 1500 Block of Zaragoza Street in

   the Central Business District of the City of Laredo to El Portal Center,

   LLC, sole bidder, meeting all bid specifications in the amount of One

   Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000.00); authorizing the

   City Manager to execute all necessary conveyance documents; and

   providing for effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-078.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-079  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2004–2005 Annual Budget by

   appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $19,177.00 from

   Mercy Ministries of Laredo for the City of Laredo Health Department to

   support their efforts in providing limited amount of public health

   medications to their patients. This contract period is from March 1, 2005

   through March 1, 2006.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-079.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-080  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2004-2005

  Annual Budget by increasing revenues and expenditures by $8,789.00

  from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Children’s

  Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Outreach Project of the City of Laredo

  Health Department, and to extend the grant period two additional months.

  The term period would be September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005; and

  authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-080.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2005-O-081  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City of Laredo FY 2004 – 2005

Annual Budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of

$3,400.00 from the University of Texas at San Antonio for a “Walking in

Laredo/Andando en Laredo” (Pilot) Pedometer Pilot Study by the City of  

Laredo Health Department, for the term February 9, 2005 through June 30,

2005.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-081.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2005-O-082  Amending Chapter 14 (Garbage, Trash, & Refuse) of the Code of

Ordinances, specifically to revise landfill fees to allow other counties or municipal entities outside Webb County to pay $30.00 per ton provided they have an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Laredo.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-082.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

            2005-O-083  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with Laredo

  Independent School District for approximately 28,800 square feet

   constituting Building No. 1005 located at 4608 Daugherty Avenue at the

   Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing

   on June 1, 2005 and ending on May 31, 2008, and may be extended for

   two (2) terms of one (1) year ending on May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010.

   Lease may be terminated by either party upon giving ninety (90) day

   notice from the party terminating to the other. Initial monthly rent shall be

   $7,200.00 and shall be adjusted annually during the primary and extension

   terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index;

   providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-083.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-084  Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to

   effectively convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only”, at its adjusted

   market value of $8,000.00, for certain property described as a 0.1853 of an

   acre (8,073.49 sq. ft.) tract of land, more or less, out of that former section

   of Chihuahua Street between Texas and the east right – of – way line of

   U.S. Highway 83 to Hector Cabello; provided that the City of Laredo

   retains the entire tract as a utility easement; said tract being situated in the

   Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, being generally

   described on attached Exhibit “A”; and providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-084.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain: 0

 

     2005-O-085  Abandoning the 20 ft. wide Sewer & Drainage Utility Easement on the

   north side of a 4.40 acre tract abutting Cheyenne Subdivision, Phase I, and

   authorizing the City Manager to execute a Quitclaim and Release of

   Easement to Romacat, Ltd; and providing for effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-085.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-086  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement

   between the City of Laredo and Laredo Independent School District and

   amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 Capital

   Improvement Project Fund Budget by appropriating revenues and

   expenditures in the amount of $2,000.00 for the installation of one (1) solar

   powered school zone flashing beacon assembly. Revenues consist of

   contributions from the Laredo Independent School District (LISD) with a

   50% match from the City. Total project cost is $4,000.00.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-086.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain: 0

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

8.  2005-R-031  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement between

the County of Jim Hogg and the City of Laredo for the collection of landfill fees for disposal of garbage at the City’s landfill site by the County of Jim Hogg on a daily basis for a one year term.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-031.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                  Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 

 

9.  2005-R-032  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement between

the County of Zapata and the City of Laredo for the collection of landfill fees for the disposal of garbage at the City’s landfill site by the County of Zapata on a daily basis for a one year term.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-032.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                  Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

10.  2005-R-033   Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement

between the City of Encinal and the City of Laredo for the collection of landfill fees for disposal of garbage at the City’s landfill site by the City of  Encinal on a daily basis for a one year term.

 

 Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-033.

 

 Moved:  Cm. Galo

 Second:  Cm. Agredano

 For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

11.  2005-R-035    Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security, Office of State and Local Government Coordination & Preparedness. This grant will be for equipment and is offered under the Fiscal Year 2005 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program.

 

 Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-035.

 

 Moved:  Cm. Galo

 Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain: 0        

12.  2005-R-036   Authorizing the City Manager to submit a supplemental grant application

to the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to fund the Laredo Auto Task Force for the period of September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006. This supplemental application will be for equipment and will not require a match by the City of Laredo.

 

 Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-036.

 

 Moved:  Cm. Galo

 Second:  Cm. Agredano

 For:   7                                  Against:  0                                Abstain: 0

 

13.  2005-R-037   Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an interlocal

government agreement between the City of Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to jointly apply for a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in the amount of $124,624.00. This MOU is required in order to receive funding from BJA.

 

 Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-037.

 

 Moved:  Cm. Galo

 Second:  Cm. Agredano

 For:   7                                 Against:  0                                Abstain: 0

 

14.  2005-R-038    Confirming the City Manager’s recommended appointment of a member

to the Fire Fighters’ & Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-038 appointing Oscar H.  Garza.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

15.  2005-R-039  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an interlocal government

agreement with Texas A&M International University regarding expansion of the City of Laredo’s Rainfall Monitoring Program by operating and maintaining rainfall gauges owned by TAMIU, for a term of one (1) year, with the City’s option to renew annually. 

 

   Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-039.

 

   Moved:  Cm. Galo

   Second:  Cm. Agredano

   For:    7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

XI.       MOTIONS

 

16.  Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder Gilmar

Construction Ltd., Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Airport East Fuel Farm Paving and Fencing Improvements in the base bid amount of $126,687.00. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund – FAA Grant #30 – Improvements Other Than Buildings.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

17.  Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 1 an increase of $11,873.05, for the

balance of quantities actually constructed in place and the addition of thirty-nine (39) calendar days to the construction contract time; acceptance of the Laredo International Airport Reconstruction of Portions of Taxiway G; and approval of final payment in the amount of $81,795.64 to Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas. Final contract amount is $663,583.05. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund – FAA Grant # 38 – Improvements Other Than Buildings and Retainage Payable.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

18.  Consideration for approval of the selection of Juarez Engineering Company, Laredo,

Texas, for water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage and paving improvements on the Piedra China Street / Texas Avenue area in South Laredo and authorization to negotiate a professional services contract. The Water Issues Committee recommended to fund the water and sewer improvements for this project from United Water Privatization Savings.

 

Cm.  Galo asked the City Manager to bring the item back so Council could identify the funds to finish the project.  He said that Council approved the item three to four year ago. 

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, asked the Council Member if he was asking for the funding?   He said that staff has a general price but advised that once the engineering projects are approved staff negotiates the contracts and brings it back to Council.

 

Pablo Martinez, Civil Engineer for Utilities, said that staff will request authorization to select the engineering and then they negotiate the contract and come back requesting authorization to award the contract.  The study that was done six years ago was a preliminary study.

 

Mr.  Dovalina said that staff can provide the figures to Council. 

 

Cm.  Galo reiterated that Council approved the monies three years ago.  He said the item was one of the three projects that Council authorized the City Manager to complete.  He added that the item was placed on the Water Issues Committee Agenda who voted unanimously to placing the item on the agenda for approval.  It was the recommendation of the Water Issues Committee to use the monies from the privatization savings to complete the project.  

 

Mr.  Dovalina explained that the monies to complete the project will be identified through the budget process.   

 

Cm.  Galo asked staff how quickly they can negotiate the engineering contract.

 

Pablo Martinez said the engineering contract would be negotiated by the next City Council Meeting. 

 

Mr.  Dovalina advised that the projects are being held up by the participants because of issues related to the ownership of land.   

 

Cm.  Galo commented that the ownership of the land issue has been solved.   

 

Mr.  Dovalina acknowledged that staff has been advised that the ownership issue has been solved; however, staff has asked for proof. 

 

Cindy Collazo, Deputy City Manager, said that staff asked the attorney that is representing the family to provide staff with this information regarding the item.  The attorney advised that some final documents have been sent to the City engineers for clearance.      

 

Mr.  Dovalina explained that once the city places sewer lines that all property owners do not have an option but must connect to the line according to a city ordinance.  He added that staff has attempted to complete the project with CDBG funds but had to abort because there was an issue with the federal requirements.  He noted that staff will identify the monies within the budget. 

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:   7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

 

19.  A construction contract to the lowest bidder Jupe Environmental, San Antonio, Texas

for the Asbestos Abatement Schedule 1 for the Laredo International Airport Building nos. 1228, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1169, 123, 861 and 979 in the bid amount of $187,401.60. Funding is available in the Airport Fund / Demolition Costs.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

 

20.  Approval of a construction contract to the lowest bidder Access Environmental, San

Antonio, Texas for the Demolition Schedule 2 for the Laredo International Airport Buildings nos. 1228, 1169, 1331, 123, 979, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432 in the base bid amount of $149,467.00 plus Alternates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 in the amount of $150,350.00 for a total award of $299,825.00. Funding is available in the Airport Fund/ Demolition Costs.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:   7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

21.  Consideration to authorize the purchase of one sweeper for the Engineering Department

– Public Works Division in the total amount of $116,976.00 from Kinloch Equipment and Supply Inc., Houston, Texas, through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (Buy Board). Funding is available from the Texas Public Property Finance Contractual Obligation (PPFCO) proceeds.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:   7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

22.  Authorizing the City Manager to amend its 2003 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)

contract with the Laredo – Webb County Community Action Agency by extending the contract deadline from June 1, 2005 to September 15, 2005. The 2003 Emergency Shelter Grant Funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    7                                         Against: 0                                             Abstain:  0

23.  Authorizing the City Manager to amend its 2003 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)

contract with the Laredo Homeless Coalition by extending the contract deadline from June 1, 2005 to September 15, 2005. The 2003 Emergency Shelter Grant Funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

24.  Consideration to authorize contract FY 05-070 to the Holiday Inn, Laredo, Texas in the

estimated amount of $42,285.88. Holiday Inn will be the primary host hotel for the Miss Texas USA Pageant in accordance to the requirements of the hosting agreement. Funding is available in the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Budget.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

25.  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Interlex Advertising Agency,

       LLC and decrease the total contract amount from $800,000.00 to $700,000.00. 

 

Motion to approve.

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

26.  Consideration to award contract FY05-069 to the low bidder, Columbus Country Ford,

Caldwell, Texas in the amount of $45,788.00 for the purchase of four (4) mid-size trucks for the Planning and Building Department. Funding is available from Texas Public Property Finance Contractual Obligation (PPFCO) proceeds. 

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Belmares

For:    7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

27.  Authorizing  the City  Manager  to allocate an additional $25,000.00 to pay for final

bills for legal services related  to  the  existing  retainer  agreement with the law firm of Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever & McDaniel, L.L.P., regarding the case styled Webb  County V. Gregg Abbott, Attorney  General,  City  of  Laredo, et al. in the 261st District Court of Travis County, Texas.   Funding is available in the General Fund.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo