CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2005-R-17

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

September 6, 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

            Hector Garcia,                                                                          Council Member, District II

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Council Member, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            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

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm.  Agredano.

           

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of July 18, 2005 and August 29, 2005.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

Cm. Garcia invited the public to the festivities to be held tomorrow, September 7, 2005, in celebration of the 250th day of the year.  The event will take place at the San Agustin Plaza grounds from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  He congratulated the KGNS-TV anchors and crew along with the people from the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their hard work at the telethon.  He added that he was overwhelmed by the community’s outpouring of support and pledges to assist those individuals who are afflicted with the disease.  

 

Cm. Galo expressed his condolences to all those families affected by Hurricane Katrina.  He also thanked the Laredo Police Department for the officers’ assistance in collecting food items, clothing, and money for some of the affected families.  He stated that several officers  went to deliver the items to those victims who are temporarily housed in Houston, Texas.  He mentioned that he attended an event in honor of our war veterans.  He explained that there is now a portion of IH-35 from Texas to Oklahoma known as the Purple Heart Trail dedicated to all those veterans who have received a Purple Heart medal. 

 

Cm. Amaya mentioned that he distributed 155 backpacks filled with school supplies to the children in his district.  He thanked all the counselors from the participating schools, the Fire Department, the Police Department and the Special Projects Committee members. 

 

Cm. Rendon thanked the philanthropist who gives generously to the MDA telethon.  He stated that this individual always makes a very generous donation and this is what put the total pledges received over the $118,000.00 mark.  He reminded everyone that firefighters are always on the front line and always willing to assist in times of crisis.  He mentioned that he is very proud of the firefighters who held a bucket brigade and raised $56,000.00 in only eight hours for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 

 

Cm. Belmares echoed what the Council Members stated that during times of crisis, the community has always come together and offers a helping hand.  He also stated that football season has begun and he would like to caution parents to behave in a manner that exudes sportsmanship. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Valdez stated that he represented Mayor Flores at the Laredo Independent School District H.O.S.T. program.  He congratulated Rosita Martinez for her coordinating efforts in this impressive program at the different campuses.  He mentioned that he would like to have her make a presentation to the City employees and maybe encourage some of them to participate in the program.   He stated that he also participated at the MDA telethon yesterday and congratulated all the people involved for the fine job they did in preparing and executing this fundraising campaign. 

 

Mayor Flores commented on an article in the local newspaper written by Abe Levy.  She stated that the article was poorly written because it spoke of the progress and scheduled completion of the El Portal project by the riverbanks and somehow linked this project with the increased violence across the border in Nuevo Laredo.  She mentioned that she is writing a response to this newspaper writer because he added an unnecessary twist to what should be have been a positive and newsworthy article on the economic progress in Laredo.  

 

            Invitations

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Roberto Placido Hernandez for his selection as the winner of the Keep

     Laredo Beautiful logo contest.

 

Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Mr. Hernandez with a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition for his creative talents and beautiful artwork. 

 

            Communiqués

 

a.  Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo Bridge Department.

 

The Laredo Bridge System was created in 1884 when an act of Congress authorized the construction of a bridge over the Rio Grande River between the cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.  The mission of the Laredo Bridge System is to serve as the most convenient and safest crossing point for all citizens and tourists of both the United States and Mexico, as well as to facilitate the most efficient transportation of all freight and import-export trade that utilize the Port of Laredo.  The Laredo Bridge System is the envy of all points of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as the U.S.- Canadian border, and is the primary ingredient in the City of Laredo’s mission statement:  To ensure prosperity for the community by maximizing Laredo’s preeminent position as the largest inland trade hub in the Americas. 

 

The Laredo Bridge System:

·        Has four international bridges

·        Has over 200 employees

·        Has a yearly operational budget of over $10 million

·        Has a projected revenue stream of over $38 million

·        Is the only international bridge system to operate bridges between two major states in Mexico:  Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon

·        Is responsible for international commerce on the largest inland port in the country

·        Works with virtually every major freight carrier in the U.S.

·        Facilitates the movement of close to 5,000 south-bound commercial trucks a day

·        Facilitates the movement of over 25,000 south-bound non-commercial vehicles a day

·        Facilitates the movement of over 16,000 south-bound pedestrians a day

·        Is responsible for moving cargo, both exports as well as imports, in excess of $130 billion a year, ranking #4 of the Top 25 Customs Trade Districts in the world, surpassed only by Los Angeles, New York City, and Detroit

·        Is the most technologically advanced international trade system in the country with its AVI and Weigh-In-Motion processing

 

The Laredo Bridge System has taken on additional tasks, improvement projects to help make various aspects of their crossing points safer, more efficient and aesthetic architectural marvels.  These projects include:

 

·        El Portal with an investment of $20,000,000

·        Being responsible for securing El Portal Retail Space Leasing

·        Santa Ursula Connector (down ramp), investing $5,000,000

·        Bridge II Widening and SENTRI lane, investment of $1,200,000

·        Colombia Bridge Erosion & Span Rehab, investing $3,000,000

 

b.  Report on the Convenio, “Reforma Integral del Sistema de Seguridad y Justicia”.

 

Mayor Flores reported on a conference she attended in Nuevo Laredo which was hosted by the Governor of Tamaulipas.  She explained that the government is working on reforms to their judicial code and the reforms that are going to be made are not only to their judicial code but also reforms to each one of the laws affecting every state that prevents them from prosecuting cases swiftly. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

None.  

     

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 5.6 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 4307 Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential 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 postpone.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 & 6, Block 1012, Western Division, located at 4001 Santa Maria Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business 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.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

 

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

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

3.  Second public hearing for the adoption of a tax rate of $0.637000 per $100.00 value. The

tax rate will provide revenue for general fund and debt service. The rate includes $0.512019 per $100.00 value for Maintenance and Operation and $0.124981 per $100.00 value for the Interest and Sinking Fund of the Debt Service and will produce a tax levy of $47,466,861.00.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

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.  Garcia

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing and adoption of Resolution No. 2005-R-083 adopting the 2006 – 2010

     Capital Improvement Program for the City of Laredo.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Mayor Flores stated that the following two new projects are not currently in the CDBG area, therefore, the funding source must reflect as being unfunded at this time:  East Hachar Library Branch and the Concord Hills Park

 

Motion to close the public hearing and adopt.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and

Traffic, Article VII Stopping, Standing or Parking, Section 19-362 City-Owned Parking Lots, Rates and Hours of Operation of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo to reduce the monthly parking lot rate for specific parking lots from $60.00 to $40.00 to provide affordability to customers, more particularly to employees of downtown businesses; deleting Bridge I parking lot regulations due to non-existence; and providing for severability, publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6 (Pay Administration), Section 2-87.7 (12)(a), providing for a cost of living adjustment increase of 2.5%, except as otherwise stated in any Collective Bargaining Agreement; providing for an effective date of September 25, 2005.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a

multi year lease with the sole bidder El Portal Bridge Retail, L.P., a joint venture between El Portal Center, LLC owned by Horizon Group Properties, Inc., and Morgan

Stern Realty Holdings and Laredo Duty Free Partners, LLC, an affiliate of Duty Free Americas that operates UETA Duty Free Stores. The leased property consists of approximately 32,542 square feet of unfinished retail space located at the corner of Convent and Water Street.

 

     Lease will consist of:

1. Twenty (20) year term;

 

2. Annual rent: 

 

  Yrs. 1-4…..$488,130.00/yr. payable in equal monthly

         installments of $40,678.00

 

  Yrs. 5-8….$502,775.00/yr. payable in equal monthly

   installments of $41,898.00

             

   Yrs. 9-12…$517,858.00/yr. payable in equal monthly

   installments of $43,155.00

             

   Yrs. 13-16...$533,393.00/yr. payable in equal monthly

   installments of $44,449.00

             

   Yrs. 17-20…$549,395.00/yr. payable in equal monthly

   installments of $45,783.00

 

3.  Percentage rent: In addition to the minimum annual rent, Tenant shall pay as percentage rent three percent (3%) of each dollar of Gross Retail Sales exceeding the following breakpoints (each a (“Breakpoint”):

Yrs. 1-4……..$400 per square foot of retail space

Yrs. 5-8……..$412 per square foot of retail space

Yrs. 9-12……$424 per square foot of retail space

Yrs. 13-16…..$437 per square foot of retail space

Yrs. 17-20…..$450 per square foot of retail space

 

4. Tenant pays all taxes and utilities;

 

5. Tenant pays for all “common area” expenses.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Mr. Ross Kaladi, from HK Global, expressed his dissatisfaction with the way this proposal was handled.  He stated that he had spoken to the City Manager over a year ago and at that time he expressed his interest in submitting a proposal to the City. 

 

Rafael Garcia, Bridge Director, stated that the City did place an advertisement in the newspaper back in October, 2004, in order to inform any interested parties to submit a proposal for this lease of retail space.

 

Cm. Belmares inquired what the typical price is per square footage for lease space in the downtown area and also what the total lease space available for this property.

 

Rafael Garcia replied that the total retail space for this particular property is 32,542 square feet.  He stated that there are different rates for retail space within the downtown area but added that he feels strongly that there is no lease agreement with better lease terms. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that he feels that leasing the space at $1.25 per square foot is not a good bid amount.  He stated that if the City Manager and Larry Friedman both knew that this individual had expressed an interest earlier, perhaps this individual should have been informed of the submission deadline for this project.  He added that it would have benefited the City to have multiple bidders. 

 

City Manager Larry Dovalina stated that whenever the City provides notice to the public for the Request for Proposals, the City does not make contact with anyone.  He explained that once the Request for Proposals goes out, it is not ethical to make contact with any individual bidding on the proposal.  Once the bid is received and accepted, then at that point the City negotiates the proposal and tries to make the proposal acceptable. 

 

Cm. Galo inquired whether the price per square footage is for gross retail sales of retail space only.   

 

Rafael Garcia confirmed that this was correct.    

 

Cm. Galo stated that the City should reject the bid, if nothing else, due to the moderate price itself.  He inquired as to when the bid closed for this retail lease space.  He then inquired whether, at the time, there was a presentation made before City Council as to what the bid being proposed by this sole bidder was.

 

Rafael Garcia replied that the City is following the exact same process that was followed for another property being leased to UETA.      

 

Cm. Galo inquired as to what the square footage price was for that particular property.

 

Rafael Garcia stated that the lease was for 3% of sales and for the first $3,000,000.00 and over that would be 3.5% in addition to the $8,000.00 per month with increments of $1,000.00 per year. 

 

Mr. Kaladi stated that his company has the capability to handle those kinds of rental rates that the City asked for.  He added that they have over $100,000,000 in sales in downtown Laredo and have 500,000 in square foot warehouse space as well. 

 

Cm. Rendon inquired whether there was another individual who was interested in this project.  He commented that an effort should have made to contact that other individual who showed an interest in the leased property. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Valdez stated that he had a concern regarding the square footage price for this property lease.  He stated the fact that Mr. Kaladi had shown an interest in the property lease that is great news, but how could the City ultimately have known how much interest was generated among potential business owners. 

 

City Manager Larry Dovalina stated that after the Request for Proposals closed, he spoke to Mr. Kaladi and he had asked him why he had not submitted his proposal.  He added that shortly after that, Mr. Kaladi had his comptroller send the City Manager’s Office a letter asking that he be placed on any future list for bid proposals.  

 

Cm. Ramirez inquired from the City Attorney whether City Council could reject this proposal and go out for a new Request for Proposals. 

 

City Manager Larry Dovalina stated that now the current bidder is exposed and the other potential bidders have now heard what was already proposed. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that the City Council could still reject the bid due to the price not being sufficient. 

 

Bruce Cole, a partner with Morgan Stern Realty Holdings, stated that no one from the City Manager’s Office had made contact with his firm in advance that a Request for Proposals would be coming up back in October, 2004.  He stated that they made contact with this individual a couple of months before the Request for Proposals was made public because they were looking for someone to help minimize their risk in taking on this project and perhaps come in as a partner with Morgan Stern.  He added that the City of Laredo has been thorough in trying to do what is best for the City in negotiating all the terms for this property.   

 

Cm. Belmares stated that he is not satisfied with the square footage price for lease space but is concerned with maintaining the integrity of the process for submission of Request for Proposals. 

 

Cm. Galo stated that the process is not intact because the City was able to negotiate the terms for nine months without bringing an item to City Council to provide City Council some type of notice in order to provide some guidance.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and reject the bid on the basis of the $1.25 price per square footage.

 

Moved:  Cm. Galo

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

 

No vote was taken.

 

Mr. Allen Davidoff, with Horizon Group Properties, explained that on the original negotiations they bid something below $488,000.00 but it was a gross lease.  He added that what is critical for them is the percentage rent accounts which is where the true rent comes in.  

 

Motion to table the item until the next meeting. 

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to lift item from the table.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Cm. Galo noted that staff needs to get two property appraisals to ensure that the price quoted in said contract is market value for comparable space.

 

Motion to table the item to amend the motion with instructions to come back with two appraisals.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

2004-2005 Health and Benefits Fund Budget and Solid Waste Fund Budget by transferring $3,100,000.00 from the Solid Waste Fund and appropriating it in the Health & Benefits Fund.  The amendment will draw down $3,100,000.00 from the Solid Waste Fund opening balance and appropriate a transfer out in the same amount to the Health & Benefits Fund for the purpose of funding the projected health insurance deficit.  It is the City’s intent to reimburse Solid Waste for the amount of the draw down at a later date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance adopting the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year

2005–2006; appropriating the estimated revenues, expenditures and balances reported therein for the year beginning October 1, 2005 and ending September 30, 2006, consistent with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget; and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Galo

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

 

10.  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 $30,000.00 from the South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (STCADA) for evaluating and monitoring services provided by the HIV/AIDS Program of the City of Laredo Health Department; and to approve the annual contract between the City of Laredo Health Department and STCADA for the term beginning July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, for these services.  (Action required on item #28 prior to introduction of ordinance)

 

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.  Rendon

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 Annual Budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $5,000.00 to the City of Laredo Health Department’s share of program income projected to be earned through fees collected from x-rays and Medicaid fee reimbursements by the Texas Department of State Health Services-Tuberculosis Elimination Program, for the grant period from September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005.  The program income generated will be applied to further the activities and the scope of work of this program.

 

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.  Garcia

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm. Galo was not present.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

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

City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Annual Budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $2,000.00 to the City of Laredo Health Department’s share of program income projected to be earned through fees collected from client co-payments and Medicaid fee reimbursements by the Texas Department of State Health Services – La Familia Health Care Program, for the grant period from September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005. The program income generated will be applied to further the activities and the scope of work of this program.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm.  Galo was not present.

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm.  Galo was no present.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Annual Budget by increasing revenues in the amount of $9,000.00 to the City of Laredo Health Department’s share or program income projected to be earned through fees collected from vaccines administered by the Texas Department of State Health Services – Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program, for the grant period from January 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005. The program income generated will be applied to further the activities and the scope of work of this program. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm.  Galo was not present.

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

Cm. Galo was not present.

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

14.  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 $175,689.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services and from Program Income for the Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

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.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

15.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to transfer

$85,000.00 from the City of Laredo – Public Library Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 Budget to the Friends of the Library Account. The $85,000.00 represents the required City of Laredo’s match of 10%-13% of the estimated $850,000.00 Universal Service Program grant application to the School & Libraries Division / Universal Services Company / Federal Communications Commission. The grant is currently in the initial review stage, and official funding confirmation is still pending.

 

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.  Rendon

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

Fiscal Year 2004 – 2005 250th Anniversary Celebration Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $23,000.00 generated by sponsorship contributions from the 7 Flags 7 Cultures Festival. Funds will be used for scheduled 250th Anniversary Celebration Events.

 

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.  Rendon

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

17.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Section 23-3 Subsection (3) of

Chapter 23 (Parks and Recreation) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo to allow for rate changes in public swimming pool admission fees from $20.00 to $10.00 for seniors 65 years and over who participate in the water aerobics classes; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

18.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 7, Building and Building

Regulations, Section 7-2. Same Amendments, Section 108.3 Building permit valuations, of the Code of Ordinances by deleting existing mechanisms for establishing valuations and creating specific valuations for the determinations of permit fees; providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

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 Tempore Valdez

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

19.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s FY 2004-

2005 General Fund Annual Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $125,000.00 for attorney fees paid to De Anda Law Firm.  Expenditures will only be incurred and disbursed if the revenue is collected by the Tax Department.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

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 Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2004-2005 El Metro Operations Fund Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $49,369.00 as a result of additional revenues from advertising and charters. Funds will be used for the purchase of fixed route bus parts.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

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

 

VIII.    FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances # 2005-O-192, # 2005-O-202; # 2005-O-203; # 2005-O-204; # 2005-O- 205; # 2005-O-206; # 2005-O-207; # 2005-O-208; # 2005-O-209; # 2005-O-210; # 2005-O-211; # 2005-O-212; # 2005-O-213; # 2005-O-214; and # 2005-O-215.  

           

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

21.  2005-O-192  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. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-0-192.

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                             Against:  0                                Abstain:  0 

 

                   2005-O-202  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.   

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2005-0-202.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                             Against:  0