CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2005-R-16

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

August 15, 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.,                                                     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

            Jerry Cain,                                                                    Assistant City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Amaya. 

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano

            Second:  Cm. Galo

            For:    6                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            Cm. Garcia not present. 

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of July 5, 2005.

    

 

 

 

             Motion to approve. 

 

             Moved:  Cm. Agredano

             Second:  Cm. Ramirez

             For:    6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

    

            None.

 

            Invitations

 

            None.

    

            Recognitions

    

            a.  Recognition of Andrea P. Sanchez, of Municipal Court, on her selection as July 2005           

                 Employee of the Month.

 

Alfonso “Boyer” Ornelas, Municipal Court Judge, said that Andrea P.  Sanchez, Deputy         

Municipal Court Clerk, has completed twenty eight years of service with the City of      

Laredo.  On January 27, 2005, Andrea was awarded the title of Certified Court Clerk  

Level I by the Board of Directors of the Texas Court Clerks Association, Texas  Municipal Courts Association, and Texas Municipal Courts Education Center in cooperation with Texas State University-San Marcos. The Municipal Court Clerks Certification Program was established to encourage professional development and educational growth among court clerks.  In order to qualify the Level I Certification, Andrea had to complete a 40-hour course of study and pass a four-hour examination.  The areas covered by the examination included an overview of the courts, ethics, authority & duties, procedures before trial, trial processes, post-trail procedures, state and city reports, traffic law, juveniles, and communications and stress management.  In addition to working on her Level I certification, Andrea also applied and was chosen to participate in the City Employee Leadership Development Program and on June 7, 2005, where she met all requirements and graduated from the Class of 2005.  Andrea has truly demonstrated her commitment to the City of Laredo by going on and beyond the call of duty and improving her knowledge of court procedures and her skill as a supervisor. For these accomplishments, we would like to recognize Andrea as the July 2005 employee of  the month. 

     

             Communiqués

     

William Slemaker spokesperson for the Laredo’s Missing read the following statement:  “You may be thinking to yourselves that there is nothing as members of the Laredo City Council can do for us…well we are here to tell you that there is something that you can do for us and for the citizens of this great city.  We are not here to debate the guilt or the innocence of our loved ones; we are here to tell you, and the entire world, that we care in and value the lives of our loved ones.  This is not a question about drugs ladies and gentlemen; it is about the value we as citizens place on human lives especially the lives of our loved ones.  There are today, as we speak, twenty three United States citizens that are missing.  One citizens is from San Antonio.  There are over 400 Mexican Nationals who have gone missing since last August.  Mayor, and members of this Council, we have today over 400 people missing without a trace.  Human beings who have just vanished.  Shocking to say the least but ladies and gentlemen do you know what is more shocking?  The fact that nobody seems to be asking where are our loved ones, our citizens?  I will tell you that there are hundreds of families who are suffering the same pain that we are.  We have suffered emotionally, economically, and we have had to endure so many slanderous remarks that at times it has been unbearable.  Mayor and members of this Council, the eyes of the world and the citizens of both Laredo and Nuevo Laredo are upon us.  They will bare witness to your actions today and in the near future.  We, the citizens, are the children of the city and if you don’t look for one of your missing children  then what can the rest of us expect to do for us as our leaders.  So please listen to us, this is something that you can do.  We are here today to ask you and petition this Council as our leaders to           stand up and be true leaders.  Our lives have been destroyed and it is with great pain and suffering that we come to you.  We ask you all to please pass a resolution denouncing the kidnappings specifically that you as our leaders demand from our counterparts in Nuevo Laredo to find our loves ones or answers to what has happened to the lives of so many human beings.  We have the right to know.  We are also here to protect the citizens of Laredo by issuing a warning to the citizens of Laredo that they should be aware of the dangers that exist in Nuevo Laredo and that they too can become innocent victims of the violence.  We ask you to tell the citizens of Laredo not to go to Nuevo Laredo.  They should be aware of the dangers that exist in our sister cities.  Please help us and may God Bless us All and Justice for everyone.” 

 

Cm.  Agredano commented on an article that was published in the Laredo Morning Times stating that Commissioner Sciaraffa was going to be the first official to initiate a scholarship program for graduating seniors in South Laredo.  He went on to advise that he has been distributing scholarships for seven years to the seniors in south Laredo with a total of over $32,000.  He went on to discuss projects that he has seen to fruition during his term including new fire stations, cop stations, additional speed humps,  new sidewalks, recreational parks, walk ways for children, and a boxing gym. 

 

Cm.  Garcia advised that the first day of school went very smoothly and he thanked the City of Laredo Traffic and Police Departments.  He welcomed back United Independent School District and Laredo Independent School District and he wished them well for the upcoming school year.  He asked all drivers to drive carefully and to be cognizant of school zone areas.  Finally, he noted that he too has distributed scholarships for two years to graduating seniors in south Laredo.

 

Cm.  Galo extended kudos to the City departments for a smooth first day of school noting that there has been a lot of rerouting because of remodeling to the schools.  He invited the viewing public to attend a ceremony to rename a portion of the IH35 the Purple Heart Trail.  He also invited everyone to participate in raising funds for the Alexander Band who was going to have a steak plate sale at United Middle School.  He noted that the Alexander Marching Band will be the only band from the state of Texas to participate in the Macy’s Day Parade held on Thanksgiving Day. 

 

Cm.  J. Rendon said he was very impressed with the summer programs that were offered to the children at the City’s Recreational Centers.  He too asked everyone to be very careful around the school zones.  He wished his granddaughter, Lorena, a happy birthday. 

 

Cm.  Belmares congratulated the Del Mar Little League for the phenomenal season that they had in 2005.  He thanked Killam Companies for cooperating with the City and their need to expedite the scheduled project in laying a water line to provide an alternative water source to the Winfield Subdivision.  He also thanked the Winfield residents for being patient with the City while they reached a solution for the low water pressure.  He reiterated the other Council Members comments about observing school zones.  He went on to explain that the viewing public should try to understand that the city can prosper by cultivating relationships with other cities and countries.   It has been proven that networking, which can take years, can increase the trade and investments in Laredo.  He gave an example of a relationship that was fostered by the Mayor of San Antonio, Mayor Henry Cisneros, with companies in Japan over twenty five years ago.   

 

Cm.  Valdez announced that he was pleased to represent the Mayor at two events including the Breastfeeding Awareness Proclamation and the Laredo Independence School District’s Return to Work day.  He encouraged everyone to drive safely in the school zones and reminded the parents not to park on the sidewalks around the schools.

 

Cm.  Ramirez thanked the Public Works Department for doing a great job on San Bernardo between Jefferson and Park Street. 

 

Mayor Flores thanked everyone that participated in the Budget Process for the City of Laredo.  She noted that the budget was well presented and she was proud to be a part of it.  She also thanked the Council for their patience and commitment to the community as part of the project.  She advised that there are policy decisions that are made and their perseverance on issues has allowed the City to issue bonds in an amount that has never been issued before.  She went on to mention that today was her grandson’s first day of school at United Day School and that he was a brave trooper but tired.   Finally, she thanked all of the teachers for electing to work with the youth of Laredo.  She said that teachers play an important part of molding our children and they should be thanked for their efforts.   

 

Cm.  Garcia explained that United South High School was recently labeled a dangerous school from a technical error.  He went on to say that in all reality the administration, faculty, and students are a great group of people that have proven to be wonderful and hard working and they are going to work hard to overcome their given title.

          

            A.  Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo Planning Department.

          

            The Department implement the policies and procedures of the City, as defined by City

            Council, by providing oversight of the built environment.

 

            * Planning and Zoning Commission

            * Board of Adjustments

            * Metropolitan Planning Organizations (LUTS)

            * Historic District Landmark Board

            * Building Standards Board

            * Electrical Board

            * Sidewalk Access Committee

            * Redistricting Committee

            * Oil & Gas Review Committee

            * Rail Policy Committee

 

            Department Activities:

 

            Zone cases processed:  110

            Plats applications:  235

            Citations Issued:  278

            Permits Issued:  19,736

            Building:  2901

            Electrical:  3218

            Mechanical:  1509

            Plumbing:  2728’

            Inspections Completed:  29,900

            Total in valuations for calendar year 2004:  Approximately $392 million..

           

            VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            a.  Appointment by Council Member Hector J. Garcia of Erika Garcia to the Laredo    

                Commission for Women to replace Minita Ramirez.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Rendon

            Second:  Cm. Valdez

            For:    6                                                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 1.103 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in                     attached Exhibit “A”, located on the West side of Mines Road, south of Big Bend Blvd,                  from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business 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. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change request.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Valdez

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:    6                                           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 a paint and body shop on                      Lots 10-12, Block 1704, Eastern Division, located at 2802 Guadalupe Street; providing

                 for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended

                 approval of the proposed conditional use permit.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Agredano

                 For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Agredano

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Agredano

 

            3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the               City of Laredo by rezoning 9.22 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in                       attached Exhibit “A,” located on Loop 20 north of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single                  Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for           

                 publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended               approval of the proposed zone change.     

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Agredano

                 Second:  Cm. Valdez

                 For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Harry Jewet, representing Killam Development, said that the property matches the                     Winfield Master Plan. He advised that the zone change would be appropriate for the said                property.  

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Valdez

                 For:    6                                           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 3,893 square feet out of Lot 9, Block 1635, Eastern Division,               as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 408 S.                           Arkansas Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway   

                 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. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Jeff Puig explained that the following request is being submitted through the Department of Transportation.  He noted that the applicant must relocate a sign and asked that the item be adjusted from a B-3 to a B-4 to accommodate the existing sign requirements. 

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:    6                                           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 Lots 1-3, Block 1, Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia, Unit 1 located at 4519 E. Del Mar Boulevard, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business 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. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Belmares

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Rendon

     Second:  Cm. Belmares

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Rendon

 

 

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 2.74 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located north of Hwy. 359 and east of Coronado Avenue, from R-1A (Single-Family Residential Reduced Area District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Agredano

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Agredano

     Second:  Cm. Valdez

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Agredano

 

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

2002-O-003 which authorized a Special Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on Lot 2A, Block 4, McPherson Plaza Subdivision, located at 1317 East Hillside Road by transferring permit to the current owner; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit amendment.     

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Belmares

     For:   6                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     There was no public input.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

  

     Moved:  Cm. Rendon

     Second:  Cm. Belmares

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Rendon

  

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

94-O-139 which authorized a Conditional Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on Block 13, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at 5115 San Francisco Avenue by transferring permit to the current owner; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit amendment.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Galo

     Second:  Cm. Rendon

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Jerry O’Brian, representing the owner, noted that the owners are current on the

     conditions that are required in the conditional use permit; however, they are transferring

     the name which requires authorization from City Council. 

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Rendon

     Second:  Cm. Valdez

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Rendon

 

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

98-O-149 which authorized a Special Use Permit for mini-storage/warehousing on Lot 3, Block 2, Townlake Plaza Subdivision, located at 1234 Townlake Drive by transferring permit to the current owner; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit amendment.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Agredano

                 For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Jerry O’Brian, representing the property owner, advised Council that he was present to answer any questions.

 

     Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

     Moved:  Cm. Rendon

     Second:  Cm. Belmares

     For:    6                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

     Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Rendon

        

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

    the City of Laredo by rezoning the East 2/3 Lot 4, Block 203; Lots 1, 2 & part of 3,

    Block 204 and the northerly 7,716 sq. ft. of Jarvis Avenue Right-of-Way between Santa

    Barbara & Santa Clara Streets, Eastern Division, located at 1502 Zapata Highway, from

    B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for

    publication and effective date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended

    denial of the proposed zone change.    

 

                Motion to open the public hearing.

           

                Moved:  Cm. Galo

                Second:  Cm. Valdez

                For:    6                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ron Whitehawk, representing the Garcia family, stated that they are the property owners of a small shopping center that houses an 8-liner.  He said that necessity for the zone change from a B3 to a B4 was initiated when Council itself decided to amend an ordinance requiring that 8 liners shall be located in a B-4 rather than a B-3. The owners understand the City’s position in denying the zone change; however, the zoning pattern along Zapata Hwy., according to the zoning ordinance, does meet the criteria of being located on the highway and therefore is eligible for consideration of a B-4.  He asked Council to send the item back to the Planning and Zoning Commission so that the owners can legalize their existing business with a conditional use permit and not have a necessity for a zone change. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing, deny the zone change and send it back to Planning and Zoning Commission to see if they would entertain a conditional use permit.  Be it known that it would require a Board of Variance exception to still meet the parking requirements.