CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2005-R-23

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

December 12, 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 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

            Donna Magnon,                                                                        Deputy Secretary, IV

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Deputy City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Anthony McGettrick,                                                                Assistant City Attorney

 

            Cm.  Ramirez left at 5:40 p.m.

           

IV.       MINUTES

            Approval of the minutes of September 19, 2005, November 2, 2005, and November 16,                      2005.

 

            Motion to approve.

           

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            None.

 

            Invitations

 

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of Veronica Gaytan, of the Parks and Recreation Department, on her    

                 selection as November 2005 Employee of the Month.

 

Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that the Parks and Recreation Department is very proud in the recognition of Veronica Gaytan.  She has worked for the City of Laredo for two years.  In addition to doing her daily chores as Administrative Assistant, she also assists in the coordination of special projects including ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and special events.  She also dedicates her personal time assisting with United Way events, 5-K Runs, special tournaments, and nonprofit fundraisers.  She has gained her coworkers admiration for continuing to go above and beyond her call of duty.    

 

            b.  Recognizing Uriel Torres, J.B. Alexander High School Band Drum Major, for his     

                 selection as the recipient of the $5,000.00 Bob Hope Scholarship.

 

The Mayor and City Council presented Uriel Torres, J. B. Alexander High School Drum Major, a Seven Flags Certificate for his selection as the recipient of the $5,000.00 Bob Hope Scholarship. 

 

            Communiqués

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

 

On any given day, Laredo citizens roll out their green garbage can – or “Willie Bote,” as they are affectionately called – and almost magically, the trash is gone. Most residents do not even give another thought to the process and the people behind this important service. There are many dedicated men and women who work diligently to provide an excellent level of service, ensure that the citizens are provided with a consistent high quality result and help keep Laredo clean.

 

Created in 2003, the Solid Waste Department is responsible for collecting garbage, recycling and lawn clippings, as well as maintaining the operation of the City’s Landfill. The department has 132 full time employees and is comprised of the Administration, Sanitation and Landfill divisions.

 

The Solid Waste Department is about to kick-off major initiatives that will help the environment and improve customer service.  A future project includes building a compost facility that utilizes yard waste and bio-solids from the wastewater treatment plant to produce a beneficial compost product that will reduce the amount of waste being deposited at the Landfill.  Additionally, the department will soon break ground on Citizens’ Drop-Off Center, designed to be customer friendly and reduce trips to the Landfill.  Finally, a new parking lot is being built at the Solid Waste headquarters, located at 6912 S.H. 359, 1 2 miles east of Bob Bullock Loop 20, site of the City Landfill.  Aside from improving the aesthetics, the lot will expand parking availability for both employees and equipment alike, creating a safer environment for all. 

 

This division provides:

·        Twice weekly garbage pick up – one of the few Texas cities to do so!

·        Weekly recycling and branch pick up – use those famous blue bags for paper, plastic, tin and aluminum.

·        Special garbage collection service for events, such as festivals and parades – think how messy the Washington’s Birthday Celebration would be without them!

·        24-hour collection of animal carcasses from city streets – animals should be inside plastic bags for the safety of the workers.

 

Sanitation crews collected garbage from 50,000 households for a total of 90,000 TONS of garbage deposited to the landfill. That’s over 5 million individual collections in 2005!  The division operates a fleet of 24 fully automated state-of-the-art collection vehicles equipped with mechanical “arms” to collect the trash and a Global Positioning System used to track and direct vehicle deployment.  They also operate a fleet of 24 rear loader vehicles for recycling and branch pick-up.  In addition to residents, the department also serves 1,500 commercial customers, collecting garbage from the downtown business district seven days a week.  Most importantly, over 3,000 tons of recycling was collected just this year.

 

     Landfill

     When garbage is picked up from a resident’s home, it doesn’t just disappear; it is taken

     to the City Landfill for proper disposal in an engineered and controlled facility. The

     Landfill’s mission is to ensure that the environment is protected while providing

     continuing service to the residents of Laredo. 

 

Contrary to popular belief, the trash is not just thrown into some big hole in the ground.  In fact, disposal areas are lined with synthetic liners and the ground water and air all around the perimeter of the facility is regularly monitored to insure that what goes in, stays in.  This is done to ensure that the byproducts of the decomposing trash do not leach into the surrounding land and water. This monitoring will continue for decades after the last load of garbage is put into the landfill.

 

Another important activity of the Landfill division is recycling. The division has developed a community outreach program, lead by Willie Bote, Laredo’s favorite environmentally trashcan mascot, who leads educational programs in Laredo schools.  He also helps spearhead and implement various recycling contests and events throughout the year, to encourage recycling among adults, as well.  The Landfill division also oversees the Material Recovery Facility, where recycling is sorted and compacted for sale.

 

 

           Landfill Facts:

·        Approximately 345,000 tons (690 million pounds) were deposited in the City Landfill during 2005.

·        Over 114,000 customers have been served at the Landfill Scale House in the last 12 months.

·        Almost 1,800 tons of branches were collected at the City Landfill for converting into mulch, which is then made available, free of charge to Laredo residents, at various locations in town.

·        Over 350 tons of goods were diverted from the landfill and sold for scrap metal value.

·        Used oil is collected at 13 different sites and then recycled.  The division collected 38,625 gallons in 2005.

·        Tire collection events are held monthly, which yield over 2,000 tires per month.

 

Talking trash is the Solid Waste Department’s business.  So, you and your Willie Bote can help them and their Willie Bote keep Laredo clean.

 

Cm.  Agredano welcomed Laredo soldiers who have returned from serving in the armed forces at Iraq. 

 

Cm.  Garcia also welcomed the returning soldiers.  He thanked the community for making an extra effort to clean the parking lots at local business during the holiday season. 

 

Cm.  Galo congratulated Alexander High School Band for participating in the Macy’s Parade in New York.  He also welcomed the returning soldiers.  Finally, he mentioned the toys drives that are taking place to assist children that are less fortunate.  He thanked the community for contributing toys.  He asked the community to be patient and understanding during the busy holiday season. 

 

Cm.  Amaya welcomed Tomas Sanchez, soldier and an employee of his, who served fifteen months in Iraq.  He said that he is gearing up for his annual toy drive that was initiated by District IV Special Projects Committee.  He noted that the school has identified over 200 children who are less fortunate.  He thanked the Fire and Police Department and the business community for assisting him in the toy drive.

 

Cm.  Rendon thanked Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, and Juan Carreon, Special Projects Coordinator, for assisting him at the Las Damas de la Cultura de Oro Christmas Choir Festival.  He made note that it was a very wonderful event.  He also thanked John Orfila, Public Works manager for replacing the some sidewalks at the nursing home in his District. 

 

Cm.  Belmares said that he hoped everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  He also congratulated the J. B. Alexander Band for participating in the Macy’s Day Parade.  He mentioned a toy drive that he will be sponsoring for 90 children.  He thanked the community for assisting in the toy drive.  He asked the community to “Shop Laredo First”.  He said Christmas is a critical season for Laredo merchants and they have the best merchandise.  He reminded everyone to attend the first annual Holiday Bowl where officials will play flag football against the media at Kruger field.  The event will provide toys for children in the community who are less fortunate.  He congratulated the Laredo Builder’s Association for doing a tremendous job organizing the “Parade of Homes”.  He also congratulated City staff for doing a wonderful job organizing the city’s Christmas dance. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore congratulated the soldiers who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan duties.  He also thanked the City Dance Committee for doing a great job.  He said that he hoped that the community had a wonderful Thanksgiving because we should cherish moments with family. 

 

Mayor Flores advised that she had received a letter from a family in Australia who commented on information that they received as they watched the Public Broadcasting System.  She said they congratulated City staff for working hard to promote the beautiful aspects of the City.  She thanked the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for a wonderful tree lighting ceremony.  She also thanked Mall Del Norte for organizing a Christmas Parade. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            a.  Appointment of a Council Ad-Hoc Committee to review site evaluations from staff and             the City’s consultant on the feasibility of a municipal golf course.

 

Mayor Flores advised in an effort to anticipate the help that staff will need from Council she created a committee to work with staff.  The committee will also take over the Baseball Committee after Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez leaves to pursue his campaign for Mayor.  The Committee of the council will be called Sports Venue Committee.  It will address all issues relative to sports at City owned properties and events before they are brought to Council.  She appointed the following members:

 

Cm.  Garcia

Cm.  Rendon

Cm.  Belmares

       

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 440.32 acres, more or less, located                   approximately north of Bob Bullock Loop and east of San Isidro Ranch East Point                         Center Subdivision, Unit 2, specifically the San Isidro Northeast Tract, providing for the                 effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract                       adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-      1 (Single Family Residential District).

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

 

J. J. Houdmann, representing San Isidro Management, L. C., said that he has received the annexation agreement and it is identical to the previous agreements except for three sentences.  Basically, what it pertains to is the park dedication requirements, which they are in agreement with,  except that it states that should an ordinance pertaining to the park dedication be adopted, the ordinance shall superceded any provisions established herein.  He noted that they are in agreement, but he feels that it is not necessary because Mr.  Selman explained that if we have already platted it does not pertain to the platted property.  The next sentence is Section IV under land use upon annexation the property owner agrees not to utilize the tract for agricultural purposes.  This particular provision is creating a covenant running with the land that restricts it to other use that would exclude agricultural use.  This is an agreement that is a ten year agreement.  At some point in the next 10 years if the real estate businesses changes, it would be advantageous to the developer to have the option to be able to put development aside and have the ag exemption.  Finally, he said that the last paragraph refers to impact fees that may be adopted by the city that states that any ordinance shall supercede any provisions established herein.  The company is agreeing annexation fees, water availability fees, and any other fees.  He asked Council to reconsider the section pertaining to ag-exemptions.   

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with an amendment to the ag-   exemption issue.  

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                  Second:  Cm.  Valdez

                  

                  Cm.  Belmares withdrew his motion.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as written.

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                  Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

               

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 13.00 acres, more or less, located                     approximately south of U.S. Highway 59 and east of Loop 20, specifically the Killam                     Ranch Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City                         Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and           

                 establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

                 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 introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Valdez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 92.13 acres, more or less, located   

                 approximately east of Loop 20 and south of Woodland Subdivision, specifically the

                 Hurd Ranch I Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the            

                 City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and           establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

            4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 37.26 acres, more or less, located                     approximately east of Loop 20 and north of Larga Vista Subdivision, specifically the                       Hurd Ranch II Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the                  City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and             establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

                 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 introduce.

 

 

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 0.33 acres, more or less, located                       approximately along State Highway 359, 1.4 miles east of Loop 20, and across from                      colonia Old Milwaukee, specifically the Hector Gaona Tract, providing for the effective                  date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a          

                 service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1 (Single                 Family Residential District).

 

                 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 introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

                 the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 0.74 acres, more or less, located                              approximately along State Highway 359, 1.4 miles east of Loop 20, and across from                                   colonia Old Milwaukee, specifically the Rolando Gaona Tract, providing for the                         effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract                          adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-      1 (Single Family Residential District).

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

                

     Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

 

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agrerdano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

            7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of               the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 0.71 acres, more or less, located                       approximately south of State Highway 359 and east of Las Misiones Blvd., specifically      the Las Misiones Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the                  City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and             establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

                 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 introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 23.39 acres, more or less, located approximately south of State Highway 359 and east of both the colonia Old Milwaukee and Dr. Ramos Tract, specifically the Carrasco Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) for 4.91 acres, more or less; and R1-A (Single Family Reduced Area District) for 18.47 acres, more or less.

 

     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 introduce.

 

 

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 222.28 acres, more or less, located approximately a half mile south of State Highway 359 and the City of Laredo landfill, specifically the E. G. Ranch Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

     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 introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

         Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

10.     Public hearing and introductory ordinance altering and extending the boundary limits of

the City of Laredo, annexing additional territory of 37.65 acres, more or less, located approximately north of State Highway 359, immediately west of Los Altos Subdivision and north of Tanquecitos, Phase 2, specifically the Tanquecitos Tract, providing for the effective date of the ordinance, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory, and establishing the initial zoning of R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

 

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against: