CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-02

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

January 23, 2006

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

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Deputy City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

      Announcements

 

a.  Naming the 2006 Laredo Commission for Women Hall of Fame Inductees: Amanda

Martinez, Civic Volunteer; Frances Quesada, Education; Minita Freeman, Financial; Gloria Jackson, Government Services; Dr. Carmen Ramirez - Rathmell, Health/Environment; and Judith Gutierrez, Politics.

 

Mayor Flores acknowledged Dr.  Moreno for initiating the Laredo Commission for Women Hall of Fame when she was a Council Member.  She said that women are recognized who have made different contributions and make Laredo a better place to live.  She mentioned that the women raise their families, their jobs, and contribute to the community.  She said that some of the inductees are recognized for the work that they do and some are recognized for their public service.  In all, they are being recognized for being a leader in South Texas, Nation, and a better place. 

 

Frances Waworski announced the six ladies that will be inducted on March 5, 2006 which were Amanda Martinez, Civic Volunteer; Frances Quesada, Education; Minita Freeman, Financial; Gloria Jackson, Government Services; Dr.  Carmen Ramirez – Rathmen, Health/Environment; and Judith Gutierrez, Politics. 

 

            Invitations

 

a.  Invitation to the Laredo City Council to attend the Streets of Laredo / Popeyes

     Jamboozie on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

 

Rafael Torres, chairperson for Streets of Laredo Urban Mall Association, invited the Mayor, City Council, and the viewing public to attend the Streets of Laredo/Popeye’s Jamboozie on Saturday, January 28, 2006.  He also thanked the Mayor and City Council for their support.  He noted that this year promised to be more exciting with a lot of music, food, and other entertainment.

    

b.  Invitation to the 2006 Laredo International Sister Cities Festival from Laredo

     Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

Patricia Taylor, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, said that they are very proud to be working with the City Secretary’s Office to prepare to host the Fourth International Sister Cities in Laredo.  She went on to say that there are at least fifty-five municipalities that will be visiting presenting their products and bringing tourism information as well as cultural presentations.  She invited the Mayor, City Council and the viewing public to attend the opening ceremonies followed by the official opening of the Expo which will be open the entire week-end.  She added that most of Laredo has experienced the wonderful market place of products from the Sister Cities.  She thanked all of the other City Departments that are making the event possible for this year. 

 

Mayor Flores thanked the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the City Secretary’s Office for all of their work.  She specifically thanked Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary for brining the dream fruition.  She added that the event has brought national recognition which merits attendance.

 

Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary announced that the Youth Program has been created where 16 students from Laredo will be entertaining youth from other parts of the country during the festival.  Finally, he mentioned that the City of Laredo has won the 2007 International Sister Cities Conference in Laredo which combines the U. S. Mexico Conference.   

 

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, announced that Gustavo Guevara, Jr., has now been officially selected as Director at Laredo for the National Board of the International Sister Cities Association.

 

 

 

            Recognitions

 

a.  Recognition of Manuel Reyes, of the Community Development Department, on his

     selection as December 2005 City of Laredo Employee of the Month.

 

Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, said that the department is proud to have Manuel Byrd Reyes, as December 2005 employee of the month.  She said that he has been employed with the city for the past fifteen years.  He is one of three housing inspectors who monitors the rehabilitation of owner occupied units.  The Department of Community Development has a housing rehabilitation loan program which we assist families and individuals with low income to bring their homes up to standard condition.  The Department also provides grants to remove hazardous conditions and provide sewer connections.  Mr.  Reyes works directly with the home owner and the contractors to make sure that everything works out.  She continued to say that the previous month the department was short handed and Mr.  Reyes along with the other inspectors pulled their efforts and did double duty to make sure that the projects were turned in on time.  She said has also received letters from his customers expressing their satisfaction with his work. 

 

Mayor Flores and the Council recognized Manuel Reyes as the December employee of the month. 

 

b.  Recognition of City employees who were deployed to Iraq over one (1) year ago and

have returned home: Eddie Elizarde, Gabriel Arriaga, Carlos Agredano, Jose R. Garza Aguirre, Ernest Chavez, Jose A. Cueva, Jose A. Hernandez, Manuel Lara, Jorge E. Martinez, Heriberto Ramos, Carlos Hernandez, Jr.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council recognized Eddie Elizarde and Gabriel Arriaga and presented them with a medal that read:

 

The plaque read “a warm embrace and commendation of the people of Laredo we appreciate your service to your country, your state and your homeland.” 

 

c.  Recognizing the Laredo Community College Palomino Men's Tennis Team for garnering

     the National Junior College Athletic Association title in May 2005. 

 

Ramon Dovalina, Laredo Community College president, stated that the University is very pleased to read in the Laredo Morning Times that their long-term board member was selected as the “Laredoan of the Year” and Jaime Don Juan as “Coach of the Year”.  He went on to advise that Coach Don Juan has been recognized national as “Coach of the Year”. 

 

Mayor and City Council presented Seven Flags Certificates to the following Palomino Men’s Tennis Team for garnering the National College Athletic Association title in May of 2005:

 

Charles Audiore, Henry Estrella, Alejandro Gonzalez, Thomas Ollivier, Aaron Olavarrieta, Alex Ortega, and Daniel Pazos.

 

Head Coach:  Jaime B. Donjuan

Assistant Coach:  Marco Valdez

 

d.  Recognizing the top seven Laredo athletes ranked by the U.S. Tennis Association in the

     3.5 Senior’s category.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council recognized the following top seven Laredo athletes for being ranked by the U. S. Tennis Association in the 3.5 Senior’s category:

 

Gustavo Fuentes, Bernherdt Gubser, Candelario Escamilla, Arturo Gutierrez, Robert Cavazos, and Alfredo Trevino. 

 

e.  Recognizing the Treviño family for being named as the Texas Tennis Family of the Year              by the Texas Tennis Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Tennis Association.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate to the Trevino family for being named as the Texas Tennis Family of the Year by the Texas Tennis Association, in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association. 

 

f.  Recognizing the winners of the Mayor’s Cup Softball Tournament.

 

                 Mike Pescador, Parks & Recreation Department, recognized the following winners:

 

                 E Division    2nd – Parks & Recreation

                                    1st -  Health Department

 

                 C Division  3rd – IT

                                    2nd – Human Resources

                                    1st – Utilities

 

                 B Division    3rd – Fleet Department

                                    2nd – Traffic Department

                                    1st – Solid Waste Department

 

                 A Division   3rd – Parks & Recreation Department

                                    2nd – Police Department

                                    1st – Fire Department

 

Communiqués

 

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

 

The City of Laredo Fire Department was created in 1885, but in 2005, it is still ready to serve the needs of today’s community.  The following are last year’s highlights and accomplishments. 

 

Since the opening of the International Training Facility, the Laredo Fire Department has trained 60 of our own firefighter cadets, as well as numerous firefighters from around the world, including Mexico, France, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Canada in various phases of fire suppression, and finalizing a Training Center Contract with TEEX to perform these type of teaching operations.  The City of Laredo Fire Department has collected over $200,000 in fees from TEEX partners fro each training rendered.  The department has also worked hard to create initiatives to extend training programs to counterparts in Mexico to effectively mitigate an emergency that would affect both sides of the border.

 

Over 100 firefighters have gone through the LCC accreditation program for fire cadet training, receiving college credit for taking courses at the college.

 

The Airport Fire Station has been remodeled and expanded with federal grant funds obtained through the City of Laredo Airport Department.  Additional classroom space, accommodating up to 35 students was added to help firefighters train in fire suppression activities geared specifically for airports.

 

The Fire Department has also received $3.2 million for equipment and training thanks to the creation of a dedicated grants program for federal and state funds and by lobbying extensively with elected officials and key directors at various levels of government to emphasize the importance of public safety on the international border.  In fact, the department secured federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency to create a Weapons of Mass Destruction training program for first responders on both sides of the border, as well as secured federal grant funds from FEMA to create a pre-disaster mitigation plan for the City of Laredo.

 

The City of Laredo finalized a contract with the International Firefighters Association Union to implement a new fire station alerting system for each City of Laredo department.  This will cut down on the reaction time for any emergency the City of Laredo may have.  This alarm system will be controlled through our 9-1-1- system.

 

Thanks to new hardware and software, the Fire Department was able to implement a new EMS reporting and billing program with a significant increase in the EMS collection ratio, jumping from a 20% collection rate to a 40% collection rate.  This year’s goal is to reach a 60% collection rate.

 

Of course, a big part of the firefighters efforts are prevention, and aside from helping to develop a new ordinance for fire inspections, the also implemented a new fee structure for fire based inspections, which is now bringing in approximately $250,000 a year to City coffers, which in turn are used for fire operations and expenses. 

 

Aerial Truck # 3 was activated at the Fire Station # 12 along the Bob Bullock Loop, while Engine # 6 and the Airport Fire Truck were replaced.  Additionally, the department also purchased two new ambulances.

 

Construction for Fire Station # 14 in Cielito was completed in late December and is pending activation this year.

 

Standard operating procedures for all divisions of the fire department, including international training; in-house training and fire prevention/arson were revised and implemented.

 

The Laredo Fire Department also spearheaded the creation of a regional mutual aid agreement with surrounding jurisdictions to render aid in the event of a significant emergency, as well as actively participated in the South Texas Development Council Homeland Security Advisory Council to address issues pertaining to regional response.  They also strengthened ties with first responder agencies from the surrounding areas through the regional Council of Governments.

 

Finally, the Laredo Fire Department has recognized the need for long term planning to maximize the department’s potential for service to the community, by taking proactive steps to address this need by focusing on long-term strategic planning. 

 

There are always new challenges to the community’s safety to face, whether they are natural or man-made terror.  The first Laredo fireman in 1885 must have felt that way, but even back then, training, having proper equipment and working to meet the demands of the city has always been the Fire Department’s first priority.  It still is and will continue to be so in 2006 and beyond. 

 

Cm.  Agredano said that as he was campaigning for another position he realized that South Laredo should have a hospital because the other hospitals are too far for critically injured patience to travel to.  He asked interested individuals to call him to see what they could do to offer better medical treatment to patients in south Laredo.  He added that the first few minutes after accidents are crucial in determining whether or not a patient will survive or not. 

 

Cm.  Garcia congratulated Menudo Bowl participants.  He especially thanked the Laredo Police Department for working hard to assure that the traffic was controlled on Hwy. 59 during the annual event.  He added that construction on Hwy. 59 will be complete in one month. 

 

Cm.  Galo applauded volunteers and participants of the Menudo Bowl.  He added that it was a wonderful event with thousands of attendants.  He went on to say that the Menudo Bowl raises funds for the Crime Stoppers which deters crimes in our City.  Crime Stoppers tips has taken $13,000,000 dollars worth of drugs off the streets this year alone.

 

Cm.  Amaya thanked Parks & Recreation Department employees on the great job they did at the Albert Ochoa Tennis Courts. 

 

Cm.  Rendon thanked John Orfilia, Public Works Manager, and his crew for paving eight blocks of sidewalks in his district.  He also invited the viewing public to attend a town hall meeting that will be held in his district. 

 

Cm.  Belmares congratulated the Parks & Recreation Department for organizing the Mayor’s Cup Tournament held annually.  He also thanked them for their work at the North Central Park. 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez thanked everyone for assisting with the Land Hall of Fame.  He specifically thanked Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director for his assistance.  He said that Jessica Mendoza, Softball Gold Medalist, gave a presentation to different schools in the area.  He mentioned that Tom Flores also gave a presentation to the children about his life experiences.  He added that it was a great event which gave our children an opportunity to listen to successful athletes.  Finally, he thanked Mrs.  Ramirez from TAMIU for providing the auditorium.

 

Cm.  Ramirez advised that he has visited the El Portal Project which is progressing nicely.  He also mentioned that he had attended the Commissioners Court because he is working towards the Water Park.  He thanked the Court for approving a lease for the land for the Water Park.  He thanked Judge Louis Bruni and Commissioner Judith Gutierrez who made the motion for the county to lease the land. 

 

V.        APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

                 

            None.

 

VI.       PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Tesoro Plaza Subdivision, located at 5112 Tesoro Plaza, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Juan Camacho, applicant, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  Mayor Pro Tem Valdez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 4.2 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Loma del Sur Boulevard and east of Business 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:   Cm.  Agredano 

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 7.4 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Loma del Sur Boulevard and east of Business 83, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Agredano        

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a kiosk/food stand on Lot 12, Block 446, Eastern Division, located at 202 W. San Carlos Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Rendon

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Rendon

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for diesel truck repair on Lot 6, Block 1787, Eastern Division, located at 2919 Market Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and postpone.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10 and the East ½ of Lot 11, Block 1078, Eastern Division, located at 1904 Green Street, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Gloria Escamilla, applicant, approached Council and gave several examples of similar zone changes in the area where she is asking for approval.  She further stated that she would not be adding on to the current structure; however, she would convert it to a duplex. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  Cm.  Galo        

 

7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY2005-2006

Airport Fund (Operating) Budget by drawing down $2,000,000.00 from the restricted fund balance and amend the corresponding expenditure line item for the purpose of acquiring a tract of land abutting the airport; and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment; providing for an effective date. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Rendon

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

 

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

2005 – 2006 Capital Grants Fund Annual Budget to recognize revenues from an Economic Development Initiative Grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in the amount of $198,400.00 for the renovation of the historic Plaza Theater’s marquee and blade sign and appropriating said grant revenues to the appropriate expenditure accounts and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendment.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

 

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

2005 – 2006 full-time Equivalent Positions by creating one (1) full-time Community Service Aide position with benefits in lieu of one (1) contract Community Service Aide in the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program funded 70% through the HIV Prevention Activities Program Grant (226-6072) beginning January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 and 30% through the STCADA Grant (226-6403) beginning July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.