CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2005-R-14

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

July 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 called the meeting to order.

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,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Jose A.  Valdez, Jr.,                                                                 Mayor Pro Tem, 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.  Rendon.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            Invitations

 

            Recognitions

a.  Recognition of Monica Resendiz, of the Laredo Public Library, on her selection as June

     2005 Employee of the Month.

 

Janice Weber, Public Library Director, mentioned that Ms. Resendiz has been with the department for seven years.   She stated that she gets along with all the other employees and is always ready to take on new challenges.  She has the best customer service skills and always greets the library patrons with a smile. 

 

b.  Recognition of Ruben Salinas, Building Director, for earning the International Code

Council (ICC) Certification of Master Code Professional (MCP), the highest designation recognized in the profession.

 

This item will be postponed for the next City Council Meeting.

 

c.  Recognition of Police Chief Agustin Dovalina III on his appointment by the Texas

Police Chiefs Association to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, Texas Intelligence Council.

 

Mayor Flores stated that these types of recognitions are well thought-out and only people with the highest integrity and highest leadership skills are appointed to these types of positions. 

 

d.  Recognition of Fire Chief Luis F. Sosa and Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Department

Director, for their appointment to the Governor's First Responder Committee on State Homeland Security.  

 

Mayor Flores stated that they represent Laredo in a manner that is fitting not only to our community but to the State of Texas as well.   She stated that she is very proud of them both for this appointment to the Governor’s First Responder Committee on State Homeland Security.

 

            Communiqués

 

Cm. Agredano stated there are some projects in District I that are in the process of being completed.  He stated that he bid his brother, Carlos, farewell, who took off for an added tour in Iraq.  He thanked Patricia Taylor, Interim Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau,  who provided bus transportation for the Laredo Heat Soccer team.   He also extended birthday greetings to his daughter, Frances. 

 

Cm. Garcia wished the best of luck to Mr. Robert Santos who is taking over the helm as Superintendent for United Independent School District.  He thanked the crew from the Parks and Recreation Department for putting on the seven-on-seven football league program.  He mentioned that hundreds of community children participated at this event.  He also thanked Cm. Johnny Amaya for his hard work and extended early birthday greetings to him.  He congratulated Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez who has served as President of the American Little League for over 20 years. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that he attended a Crimestoppers awards ceremony where the Council Members were presented with awards and a plaque was presented to Mayor Flores.  He mentioned that this group of individuals is the one who provides the time and effort to get the work done throughout the year.  He added that he recently signed a proclamation presented to Mrs. Sara Bruni Magnon who celebrated her 100th birthday this year.  He expressed his appreciation to the members of the Laredo Police Department, Laredo Fire Department, Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works crew for the hard work they always do.  He also mentioned that the Border Trade Alliance will be hosting a transportation conference next Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at Texas A & M International University

 

Cm. Amaya stated that he attended a Webb County Emergency Management Committee meeting this afternoon.  He explained that these officials are ready to tackle any possible emergencies that Hurricane Emily might present. 

 

Cm. Belmares thanked Cindy Espinoza, resident of Winfield Subdivision, who put together a block meeting last week.  He mentioned that he continues to urge everyone to conserve water as much as possible.  He congratulated the four teams from the Del Mar Little League for earning a place in the regional playoffs.   He mentioned that he is glad to see that there is a lot of interest in little league baseball within the community.  He continued to urge those motorists who drive along McPherson and Shiloh to use extra caution when driving through the construction areas along the roads.

 

Cm. Valdez thanked the crews from the Laredo Fire Department for the outstanding work done.  He also thanked the crews from the Public Works Department for their hard work in clearing the affected area.  He mentioned that last week he, together with Cm. Garcia,  attended a meeting with the delegation from Zixing, China that was in Laredo for a tour.  He stated that they had questions regarding educational programs and the local economy.

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that the Little League games this past season.  She mentioned that it is very entertaining to see the children enjoy the sport.  She mentioned that this Council has worked with the community to get more baseball fields for the growing number of teams.  She also wished birthday greetings to her grandson, Antonio, who will be four years old.   She also thanked Pastor Veliz and his wife for inviting her to attend Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia on Sunday.  She stated that the new church is at the end of Del Mar Boulevard and she invited the community to attend one of their services.  She also introduced the new Interim Utilities Director, John Hatchell, to the City of Laredo

a.  Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo City Secretary’s Department.

 

The City Secretary’s Office has four employees:  three deputy secretaries and one micro-computer specialist. 

 

The City Secretary’s Office focuses on keeping accurate minutes of every meeting of the City Council as well as serving as the official custodian of all ordinances and resolutions passed by the City Council.

 

The City Secretary’s Office issues all beer and wine licenses and amusement game room permits for businesses in the city. 

 

The City Secretary’s Office maintains and updates the official City website which provides access to information for all the constituents.  By posting information on a daily basis, the community is given instant access to action taken by the City Council and news stories related to the City.  The City’s website includes much needed information such as complete agendas and minutes, ordinances, resolutions, job postings, etc.  It also provides frequently requested information about Laredo such as a detailed city map, history of Laredo, restaurants and shopping outlets.  The website also includes City generated press releases that provide important news and information to the general public.

 

The City’s Secretary’s Office serves as the official Records Manager for the City of Laredo.  The department is in charge of storage and retention of documents and maintains a storage warehouse facility where all the departments have a designated area for storage of their documents. 

 

The City Secretary’s Office is responsible for administering the city elections, canvassing the election results, receiving the financial reports of all elected city officials as well as the annual Personal Financial Disclosure Report for appointed city officials.

 

The City Secretary’s Office has established Sister City relations with several cities from the Republics of Mexico and China.  These relations have flourished over the years and have created stronger ties with each of those cities.  In partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Laredo has hosted three annual Sister Cities Festival and Expositions.  The department director and city staff have now traveled to many of these cities in Mexico and to some provinces in China which have cultivated stronger relationships with those cities.  The City Secretary was recently named Director-at-Large for the U.S./Mexico Sister Cities Association.  

 

Earlier this year, a Student Youth Exchange Program was initiated and obtained City Council approval for the 2005-2006 school year.  The first student exchange trip is planned for the summer of 2006. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

a.  Appointment by Council Member John Galo of Julia Ruhlman to the Laredo

    Commission for Women.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

b.  Appointment by Council Member John Galo of Paul de la Peña to the Historic District /

     Landmark Board. 

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing the amendment of a Conditional Use Permit for a tattoo/body piercing parlor on Lot 12, Block 988, Eastern Division, located at 1802 Corpus Christi Street by extending the term of permit and by removing all previously required conditions; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit amendment without removing the previously required conditions.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with the same stipulations from before and remove the time constraints.   

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for truck/trailer rental on Lot 1, Block 8, Crown Ridge Subdivision Phase 1, located at 502 Shiloh Drive; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with the condition not to have any mechanical repairs done on site. 

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the amendment of Ordinance No.

2004-O-270 which authorized a Special Use Permit for mini-storage warehouse on Lot 1, Block 8, Crown Ridge Subdivision Phase 1, located at 502 Shiloh Drive by revising the site plan; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Special Use Permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  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.  Ramirez

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning all of Block No. 24, Laredo Airport Subdivision, located at 4804 and 4812 N. Bartlett Avenue, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed zone change.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Annual

Operating Budget in the NPDES Fund Budget by accepting a donation of $200.00 from H.E.B. Stores and appropriating said revenue and expenditures for the purpose of providing food for the volunteers at the Household Hazardous Waste and Used Tire Collection Event.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

2004-2005 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $27,250.00 in additional funds, totaling $124,001.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Title V Family Planning Services of the City of Laredo Health Department to extend the contract four (4) additional months, from September 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  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.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

     2004-2005 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

     $15,000.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services to assist with    

     the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program of the City of Laredo Health

     Department for the period beginning July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

$4,237.64 donation from the Laredo Heat Soccer League and to amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Capital Improvement Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $4,237.64 in the form of a donation for the purchase and installation of lights at the Slaughter Park Soccer Fields.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

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:  Cm.  Galo

 

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

Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Parks Capital Grants Fund to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $50,000.00, provided by Webb County, for sport lighting improvements at Father McNaboe Park Baseball Field; and $50,000.00 for specified improvements to be done at the Noon Lions Park.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  1

                                                                                                                   Cm.  Amaya

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

 

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

 City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004-2005 General Fund Annual Budget by appropriating   

 revenues and expenditures in the amount of $4,175.00 in the form of a reimbursement   

 for repair costs incurred due to an automobile accident at Little League Field No. 3  

 located at the former Air Base.

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

 For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   There was no public input.

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                   Second:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2003-2004

Annual Budget in the amount of $589,460.00 to fund the Laredo Autotheft Task Force and accepting an award in the amount of $346,000.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority. The City of Laredo will be designating $211,810.00 in matching funds, and Webb County will be designating $31,650.00 in matching funds for a total of $589,460.00.  This grant is effective from September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   There was no public input.

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

                   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance #2004-0-186 so as to

accept a supplemental grant in the amount of $23,000.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and to amend the City of Laredo’s FY 2004-2005 Annual Budget in the amount of $23,000.00.  This supplemental grant of $23,000.00 is 100% funded at no cost to the city. The 2004-2005 Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority grant for the Laredo Autotheft Task Force will now total $305,805.00. The funding period for this grant is from September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                   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.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

13.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement

approved by Ordinance No. 2003-O-114 dated May 5, 2003, with KK Communications, L.P., for approximately 5,672 square feet constituting Building No. 962 located at 1816 Pappas Street at the Laredo International Airport.  Said amendment will specifically amend Section 1.07 titled, “Use and Use Conflict”, thereby allowing Lessee to sublease a portion of the leased premises.  All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

14.  Approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a 0.042 acre easement to

Arena Ventures Holding, L.P. for an underground storm drainage culvert under and across Arena Road as described in Exhibit 1 attached to this ordinance; and providing for effective date.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the Final Readings of Ordinances # 2005-O-167; # 2005-O-168; # 2005-O-174; # 2005-O-175; # 2005-O-176; and # 2005-O-177.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Garcia

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

15.  2005-O-167  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Risk Management

Budget by appropriating $202,000.00 from the beginning fund balance for expenditures related to workers’ compensation, errors and omissions, and general liability and auto and mobile equipment.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-167.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                  2005-O-168  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 General Fund Budget and

    Bridge System Fund by transferring $1,578,503.00 from the General Fund

    and appropriating it in the Bridge System Fund.  The amendment will

    temporarily draw down $1,578,503.00 from the General Fund opening

    balance and appropriate a transfer out in the same amount to the Bridge

    System for the purpose of funding the second phase of Bridge 1, Bridge of

    the Americas for toll system equipment.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-168.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                  2005-O-174  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Ernest Health, Inc.,

for approximately 69,790.67 square feet of land consisting of the former Maher Avenue located between Bartlett Avenue to the south and Bustamante Street to the north at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on August 1, 2005 and ending July 31, 2006. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party on not less than thirty (30) days written notice from the party terminating to the other. Monthly rent shall be $2,443.00, providing for reduction of the leased area and rental obligation at time of closing of public sale of a portion of Maher Avenue to Lessee; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-174.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  2005-O-175  Approving the public sale of a portion (approximate west half) of the

                                        former Maher Avenue right-of-way (surface only) consisting of

    approximately 34,730.39 square feet located between Bartlett and

    Bustamante Street at the Laredo International Airport to Ernest Health,

    Inc., abutting property owner, in the amount of $329,939.00, and

    authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary conveyance

    documents; providing for effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-175.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                  2005-O-176  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County

    (Floyd Day Care) for approximately 1.0128 acres of land located at 4704

    Naranjo Street at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for two

    (2) years commencing on August 1, 2005 and ending on July 31, 2007.

    Monthly rent shall be $1,862.00 and will be adjusted annually according

    the changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-176.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

                 2005-O-177  Amending Ordinance #99-O-180 by authorizing the City Manager to

    execute a 1st amendment to that certain Ground Lease between the City of

    Laredo and SBC Texas Towers LP, a Delaware limited partnership

    (“Tenant”) dated June 28, 1999, to increase the height of the monopole, l

    located at 200 W. Travis (Cruz Field), from a 100 foot monopole to a 130

    foot monopole and consent to the collocation of Alamosa PCS.  All other

    terms and conditions of the lease remain in full force and effect.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-O-177.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

16.  2005-R-057  Authorizing the City Manager to acquire through negotiations, the

 “Surface Only” of one parcel of land located at 801 Iturbide Street, in an  

 amount not to exceed $400,000.00, plus incidental expenses of   

 approximately $400.00, in order to provide for City employee parking as   

 a result of the implementation of the Santa Ursula Downramp Connector

 Project. Said parcel consists of Lots 6 & 7, the Northeast 15 x 7.5 varas of

                                        Lot 3, the Northwest 5.15 varas of Lot 4 & the North 5.5 varas of the

 Northwest of Lot 4, Block 26, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb

 County, Texas; as delineated on attached copy of City Plat.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2005-R-057.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

17.  2005-R-065  Accepting the donation of an easement for water and sewer utilities from

John R. Daves and Maria Cristina Saucedo, for the D-5 Acres Subdivision Easement Acquisition Project. This being a strip of land 15.00 feet in width, containing 3,142.44 square feet of 0.072 of an acre, more or less, over and across a portion of Tract 16 in the D-5 Acre Subdivision, and being situated in Porcion 33, Abstract 3084, Webb County, Texas, and described by metes and bounds and survey attached as Exhibits A and B.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

XI.       MOTIONS

18.  Approving the submission of the 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan and the 2005 One Year

Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in request for funding through the 31st Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $4,117,388.00; the 2005 HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) in the amount of  $1,381,138.00; the 2005 American Dream Downpayment Initiative in the amount of $25,734.00; and the 2005 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) in the amount of $158,593.00; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents as a result of the Plan’s submission.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

19.  Consideration for approval of the project plaque for the City of Laredo Fire Station No.

       14 – Cielito Lindo Subdivision.

 

Motion to approve.

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

20.  Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract negotiations with a

general contractor LEH Contractors, Inc., San Antonio, Texas,  based on the best value proposal received for Los Obispos Unit -5 Remediation Project, Phase II; only one proposal was received.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

21.  Consideration for approval to award a construction contract to the sole bidder A.M.P.

Electric Company, Laredo, Texas, in the bid amount of $99,300.00 for the Laredo International Airport East Fuel Farm Electrical Improvements. Funding is available in the AIP Grant #30 – Improvements Other Than Buildings.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

22.  Consideration for approval to annul the award of construction contract with Brothers

Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Ejido Avenue Extension (Pita Mangana BoulevardChacota Street).  The construction contract was awarded on January 24, 2005; however Brothers Paving, Inc., has been unable to provide the performance and payment surety bonds as required by the bid documents.  Per Section C-409 of the contract documents, in the case annulment of award, the proposal guaranty shall become the property of the Owner (City of Laredo), not as a penalty but as a liquidated damage (copy attached); and approval to revise the plans and re-bid the project.

 

Motion to approve the construction contract with Brothers Paving provided that they submit the proper bond documentation by 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2005; otherwise, the bid will be rejected.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

23.  Consideration for approval to award an engineering contract to Foster Engineering

Company, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $42,100.00 for Professional Engineering and Surveying Services for a 12 month period for the City of Laredo Landfill.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste – Project Engineer Fees. 

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

24.  Consideration for approval of Change Order No. 4 a decrease of $2,495.60, for the

balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Laredo International Airport Access Roads, and approval of final payment in the amount of $167,096.03 to Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas.  Final contract amount is $1,614,739.69.  Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund – Improvements Other Than Buildings – Retainage Payable.  

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

25.  Authorizing the City Manager to accept funds from the Rotary Club of Salado, Texas,

in the amount of $1,100.00 for the City of Laredo Health Department TB Binational Program.  These funds are for nutritional supplements necessary for the TB patients who are malnourished.  It will assist in their recovery and improve their health status.  These funds have been previously appropriated.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

26.  Consideration to award contract FY05-105 to the low bidder, Quantum Electric Co.,

Laredo, TX in the amount of $39,694.00 for the purchase and installation of lights at the Del Mar Community Park Senior League baseball field.  Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

27.  Authorizing the City Manager to award a professional services contract to Carter &

Burgess, Inc. in the amount of $28,550.00 for the research, development and implementation assistance of a City of Laredo Parkland Dedication Ordinance to serve as a tool for the systematic and equitable acquisition of parkland through the development and platting process of future residential subdivisions. Funding is available through the Parks and Recreation Operational Budget.

 

Motion to approve.

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

28.  Referring the City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan to the Planning and Zoning

Commission and requiring that a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission with any recommendations be brought back before the City Council no later than September 30, 2005, in accordance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

29.  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Earnest Money Contract for the City to

acquire from Arena Ventures Holdings L.P., the “Surface Only” of Lot 4A, Block 1, Laredo Arena Subdivision, Unit 4 located immediately North of the Laredo Entertainment Center parking lot for the purchase price of $674,983.00. Funding is available in the  Land for Sports and Community Venue Account.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

30.  Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll.  The amount to be adjusted for month

of June 2005 represents a decrease of $30,369.82.  The adjustments are determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

XII.     STAFF REPORT

 

31.  A.  Staff report from the City Manager and Water Utilities Staff with recommendations

regarding the current water situation in the City of Laredo, with possible action.

 

Adrian Montemayor, Utilities Department, reported that the City is making different adjustments to the system.  The City has been affected due to the high demands within the city and the currently capacity of the plant is 55 million gallons per day.  On average, the city has been hitting approximately 53.5 million gallons per day prior to this weekend.  This has created quite a bit of an impact to the water system.  They have had to adjust the system as the season changes and the demands increase.  They are systematically looking at each pressure zone and making sure that the City provides the necessary water services to the community.   The City still currently has a “boil water service” notice in three locations within the City.  Th