CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-04

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

February 21, 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

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Juan Chavez,                                                                            Council Member, 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

 

            Motion to excuse  Cm.  Rendon.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of November 21, 2005, December 12, 2005, and January 30, 2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            a.  Presentation by Linda Teniente, Leadership Coordinator, Human Resources Department,

                 of the 2005 – 2006 City of Laredo Employee Leadership Development Class.

 

Linda Teniente, Leadership Coordinator, introduced each City of Laredo Employee Leadership Development Class:

 

                 Araceli Vasquez                              City Manager’s Office – Fleet Division

                 Arturo Botello                                 Planning Department

                 Blanca Gonzalez                              Health Department

                 Eddie Zavala                                   City Manager’s Office – Customer Service

                 Eloy Vega                                       Fire Department

                 Graciela Briones                              Parks & Recreation Department

                 Irma Soto                                        City Manager’s Office – City Manager’s Office

                 Isabel Ramon                                  Bridge Department

                 John Solis                                        Fire Department

                 Jorge Jolly                                       Finance Department

                 Pete Rodriguez                                Information Technology & Support Services

                 Rosario Morales,                             Health Department

                 Roy Garcia,                         Community Development

                 Sandra Martinez                              Solid Waste Department

                 Sandra Ramirez                               Budget Department

                 Thelma Herrera                               Bridge Department

                

            Invitations

 

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition by the Mayor and City Council members of employees that retired from the

                 City of Laredo with 20 or more years of service.

                

                 Andres Bernal                                 Airport Department                              28 years

                 Roman Del Bosque              Parks & Recreation Department           29 years

                 Alejandro Villarreal              Parks & Recreation Department           20 years

                 Santiago S.  Lopez                          Police Department                                24 years

                 Benigno J.  Martinez                       Police Department                                34 years

                 Jose Luis Martinez                           Police Department                                33 years

                 Zonia Medina                                  Police Department                                20 years

                 Antonio Ortegon                              Police Department                                27 years

                 Jose L.  Ramos                                Police Department                                30 years

                 Felix R.  Tellez                                 Police Department                                28 years

                 Jose Duarte                                     Public Works Department                     23 years

                 Rogelio Fernandez                           Public Works Department                     23 years

                 Rodolfo Macias                               Public Works Department                     34 years

                 Ramon Reyes                                  Public Works Department                     22 years

                 Maria de Lourdes Mancha               Utilities Department                              20 years

 

            b.  Recognition of Ivan Santoyo, of the Environmental Services Department, on being   

                 selected and appointed by Governor Rick Perry to be a member of the Governor's Blue            Ribbon Committee for the Environmental Excellence Award.

 

Mayor Flores and City Council publicly recognized Mr.  Santoyo for being appointed by Governor Perry as a member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Committee.

 

            c.  Recognition of the Lyndon B. Johnson Boys’ Basketball Team, the Wolves, for winning             their first District 29-5A Basketball Championship.

 

                 2005-2006 29-5A District Champions

 

                 # 10            Gabriel Orozco

                 # 12            Jorge Aguilar

                 # 14            Noel Martinez

                 # 20            Anthony Macias

                 # 22            Efren Ramirez

                 # 24            Julio Cardenas

                 # 30            John Lara

                 # 32            Simon Charles

                 # 34            Diego Esparza

                 # 40            Steven Tressler

                 # 42            Marc Cortina

                 # 44            Fernando Tays

                 # 50            Eric villegas

                 # 52            Marco Diaz

 

                 Head Coach:  Frank D.  Gonzalez

                 Asst. Coaches:  J. J. Anguinao, Charles Dalrymple, Casey Garza

                 Trainer:  Jaoquin Villarreal

                 Manager:  Lilian Martinez

            Communiqués

 

Cm.  Chavez said that it is a pleasure to be part of the City Council.  He thanked the residence of District VII and everyone that supported him during the election.  He noted that his door will be open to anyone that needs assistance or guidance. 

 

Cm.  Agredano congratulated Cm.  Chavez on his victory and welcomed him to the City Council.  He said that he has a big pair of shoes to fill but will be able to do so in time.  He also announced an upcoming ribbon cutting at the Cielito Fire Station. 

 

Cm.  Galo congratulated Cm. Chavez on his victory for Council Member District VII.  He congratulated any and all individuals that assisted with the George Washington Celebration.  He added that he was impressed with the City departments for cleaning up after the parade.

 

Cm.  Amaya welcomed Cm.  Juan Chavez to the Council.  He announced that he had the pleasure of meeting the participants of the current leadership class for the city of Laredo at the staff meeting.  He stated that he was impressed with all of the George Washington events.

 

Cm.  Belmares congratulated Cm.  Chavez.  He also congratulated the Washington Birthday Celebration Association.  He said that most of the events went off without any problems which would not be possible without the support of City Staff.  He also congratulated the Matias DeLlano Elementary School for being a 2004-2005 TAKS recognized school.  He added that it is an achievement that very few schools have achieved. 

 

Cm.  Garcia thanked the Laredo Police Department for keeping the Hwy. safe during the Jalapeño Festival.  He extended an invitation to everyone to attend the Border Olympics. He congratulated LBJ for winning the District Title and the Nixon Girls for winning their Bi-District and going on to the next level. 

 

Mayor Flores thanked the Washington Celebration Birthday Association because it is the last time that she will celebrate as Mayor.  She said that she will continue to enjoy all of the wonderful festivities because they do so much to add to Laredo and what Laredo is about.  She added that most of the events are organized through volunteers and they did a great job.  She specifically mentioned how wonderful the parade was and thanked the citizens for showing up despite the cold weather.  She said that she was particularly happy that the carnival is at the arena and she thanked the City Manager and his team for working out the detail. 

 

Mayor Flores read the following article:

 

“Fueled by booming construction and retail sales of virgening U. S. - Mexico Trade Laredo’s economy will grow at least 8% this year making it one of the fastest growing communities in the United States.  The projected 2005 expansion which mirrors Laredo’s growth in 2004 indicates that the South Texas Cities explosive growths since the North America free trade agreement took affect in 1995 continues unabated.  These numbers simply reflect what we see going on around us every day. “ The members of the City Council and I will continue to work towards ensuring the economic prosperity of this community” said Laredo’s elected official Mayor Betty Flores.  “This growth data confirms the City’s status a premiere destination for all kinds of investment and business” said John Adams, then President of the Laredo Development Foundation.  Laredo is the largest inland port for international trade in the Western Hemisphere with an estimated more than 100 billion dollars worth of good expected to pass to the City this year up from 89 billion in 2004.  The City is serving as a principal gateway to Mexico for most of the United States and Canada gives retailers and other businesses direct access to more than eight million consumers in the Monterrey Saltillo area – the industrial heartland of Mexico.  Evidence of the Laredo’s economy is being felt at all levels.  Tax revenue in 2005 fiscal year rose 9.3% in the last fiscal year while receipts are up almost 15% in October.  The City will register more than $700 million dollars worth of new construction in 2005.  The report indicates the cities multiyear building shows no sign of letting up with projects underway ranging from new hotels and retail centers such as El Portal and the development of at least 1,800 new single family homes.  Here are some of Laredo’s construction highlights:  Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated is building it’s third 200,000 sq. ft. Super Center in Laredo, Target Corp., Horizon Group, six new hotel’s, developers are building a 100,000,000 Town Center and Cinema Complex on 80 acres of land and because of the boom in trade and shipping the City is expected to add some 400,000 square feet in a distance related space this year.  Further items of the cities growing business and cultural significance is a 23% rise in the bookings at the Laredo Airport.  It’s designation is the site of the Miss Texas Pageant for the next three years and the more than 30,000 people that cross the bridge each day between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo.  The prospects for future growth for Laredo’s retail industry in the bright given it’s idea location near the Monterrey, Saltillo area.  We will continue to court new businesses and persuade state and federal legislators to put more money back into our infrastructure Flores said.  Most importantly we will maintain a safe and secure community by investing and expanding our fire and police protection.  All other city services will be maintained and improved as our community continues to grow.  Laredo is truly a wonderful place to live and a great place to conduct business.  Now in the area of public safety, much has been made recently of rising drug related violence in Mexico leaving some journalist to erroneously report that Laredo Texas is afflicted with an escalated public safety problem in fact statistic show the complete opposite it true.  Latest reports compiled by the FBI shows that violent crime in Laredo has dropped this year and the city remains one of the safest of it’s size in the United States.  In 2005 first nine months violent crime in Laredo dropped by almost 13% to 552 incidents from the same period of last year.  Moreover, U. S. cities of the similar size such as Orlando, Florida, Batenrouge, Louisiana and Richmond, Virginia all have higher murder and crime rates than Laredo.  Statistics also clearly demonstrate that the serge in violence in Nuevo Laredo earlier this year has not spilled into Laredo.  Even if the rates of the two cities are combined they are still in line with violence in cities with similar populations such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and lower than others of comparable size such as Baltimore, Maryland.”

 

 

            a.  Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation

                 Department.

 

     City of Laredo

     Parks and Recreation Department

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is much more than just swings and slides or grass and trees.  It is the department that can bring fun and enjoyment and harmony and balance to every citizen, young or old.  Parks and Recreation Department offers a vast selection of indoor and outdoor sports and recreational activities, as well as special events and programs that provide both educational and physical enhancement to create a healthier mind and body. 

 

Under the direction of Miguel A. Pescador, the Parks and Recreation Department oversees the installation, maintenance, and operation of 61 parks, six recreation centers, six skate parks, six swimming pools, five nature trails, four plazas, two senior citizens centers, five pavilions and two splash parks. 

 

Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of seven divisions that include:  Administration; Park Maintenance, Aquatics, Recreational Centers, City Cemetery, Civic Center/Mercado, and Veterans Field. 

 

Administration Division:  provides management and administrative support for the various department divisions. The division is responsible for creating, promoting, executing and continuing all community programs.  The division provides valuable information to all individuals interested in the numerous activities offered by the department.  Detailed information on special events, sport camps, recreational programs, aquatics, league information, park locations, scheduled events and registration, as well as rental information for facilities is also provided by this division. 

 

Park Maintenance Division:  is in charge of improving, maintaining and constructing parks and recreational facilities. The division is responsible for maintaining close to 600 acres of park space in the City of Laredo.  In addition to their major duties, the maintenance division assists different civic and non-profit organizations by hanging up flags, cleaning up litter, setting-up seating stands, and also hooking up various electrical outlets and lighting, for example, for events during the Washington Birthday Celebration.

 

Aquatics Division:  oversees 2 spray parks, as well as six swimming pools.  Each year the department recruits, hires and trains candidates for lifeguard duties.  The department also provides any necessary maintenance needed on pools throughout the year. One of the locations this division is responsible for is the Inner City Pool; this heated, indoor pool is open year-round and offers water aerobics, lap swimming, learn-to-swim classes and recreational swimming for the citizens of Laredo.

 

Recreational Centers:  are built complete with exercise gyms, multipurpose game rooms, kitchens, and more; each of the seven centers offer an ideal setting to practice your leisure, ranging from basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, cardiovascular activities and computer technological programs. Additional activities include guitar classes, ballet dancing, bridge games, cooking classes and much more.  For special needs children, the division offers an Adapted Physical Activities Program. This program will enhance the physical activity goal achievement of individuals between the ages 6-18 years and will promote a better quality of life for people with disabilities.

 

City Cemetery:  is kept at a high level of appearance at all times through improving maintenance schedules. Cemetery personnel schedule, maintain, and monitor all watering schedules via the cemetery water well. Citizens of Laredo can be assured that their loved ones can truly rest in peace.  

 

Civic Center/Mercado:  the Civic Center is a spacious facility for convention stage shows, trade exhibits, weddings and family gatherings. It also is host to many community and civic events which include: WBCA, Miss Laredo, Fourth of July Festival, Sister Cities, and much more. El Mercado is Laredo’s Old City Hall, which now hosts the Center for the Arts, as well as the Webb County Heritage Foundation.

 

Veterans Field:  is a beautiful baseball field which is host to the new United Pro Baseball Team, various school baseball games, as well as special events such as, concerts, boxing, and wrestling matches, and other City-sponsored events. The field is maintained and supervised by Parks and Recreation. 

 

Summer Programs: at Parks and Recreation help keep citizens cool and in shape during the dog days of summer by offering:

·        Learn to swim sessions at five municipal pools around town, with one close to your neighborhood.

·         Recreational center rentals for anyone who needs to have a place to entertain, meet or conduct trainings. 

·        Baseball camps and clinics are offered through the summer, as well as boxing, football, soccer, volleyball, cheer, and movie camps.  For more outdoor exposure, enjoy the annual fishing derby at Lake Casa Blanca.  

·        Senior Programming, such as dancing, planned outings, aerobics, yoga, water aerobics, and water yoga. An array of indoor class activities include sewing, cooking, arts and crafts, knitting, a billiard tournament, dance contest, and loteria every Friday.

·        A 4th of July Celebration that can be enjoyed by attending an All Star Baseball Game and a Fireworks Display; and finally, 

·        Classes in tennis, guitar, art, karate, chess, ballet folklorico or jazz ballet.

 

     Spend your summer with us—everybody’s favorite time of the year! 

 

So what’s next?  As a result of the leadership and vision of Mayor Betty Flores and the Members of the Laredo City Council, the Parks and Recreation future looks very bright. Over the next four years, $26 million in bond money will be issued for the following projects: North Central Park; Father McNaboe Phase II; Northwest Rec. Center; El Eden Rec. Center; Eastwoods; Slaughter Soccer Complex; Baseball Sports Complex; Chacon Improvements; Indian Sunset; Market Resurfacing; Vaquillas Regional Park; River Vega Acquisition; Municipal golf course; and finally, a water park.

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is an innovative, fast-paced department, providing many forms of recreation to enhance the quality of life for citizens throughout the city.  

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

           

            a.  Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya of Roberto Mancha to the Board of

                Adjustment, to replace Alfredo Juarez.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

  

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1413, Eastern Division, located at 2417 Market          Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The                Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

                 Jesus Rangel spoke in favor.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Galo

 

2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing a Special Use Permit for storage

of flammable and explosive products on Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 11, El Portal Industrial Park Subdivision Unit 7, located at 11921 Conly Road.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the special use permit.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

                 Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez 

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 34.64 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located northwest of River Bank Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

 

     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.  Chavez

                 Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

                 For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 18.19 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located northwest of River Bank Drive, 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.  Belmares

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0     

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Valdez

                 Second:  Cm.  Belmares

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 7, McPherson Acres Development Subdivision Unit 1, located at 5904 McPherson Road, 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.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

                 Arnoldo Sarli spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 4.77 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at Alpes Court East of Campanario Lane, from B-3 (Community Business District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

 

     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.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning .95 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the south side of Highway 359 east of Rural Road 6068, from R-1 (Single Family Residential 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.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a four-plex apartment on 9,100 square feet, as further described in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Snowfalls and Piedmont Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of Consuelo Buchman, stated that the property is at the very end of the subdivision.  He said that they have been to Council before as an R-2 Zoning changing; however, it has been modified and more specifics have been added to the zone change which will be a fourplex.  The situation is unique in terms of the location of the property.    

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and deny.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Laredo Municipal Housing

Corp. (LMHC) FY 2005/2006 Budget by drawing down and appropriating $57,000.00 from its opening balance to the City’s Capital Improvement Fund to cover increased engineering/construction oversight costs associated with the Los Obispos Remediation Project. The amendment is authorized by the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0      

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

  

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the 2005-2006 approved Full

Time Equivalent Positions for the City of Laredo Community Development Department by creating one (1) full-time Program Administrator position.  Funding is available in the Community Development Block Grant 31st Action Year.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved: Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

2005-2006 Full Time Equivalent Positions by creating one (1) full time Audio Visual Technical Assistant position with benefits in lieu of one (1) Part-time Temporary Audio Visual Technical Assistant.  Funding is available in the Public Access Channel Fund.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Division 3 (RATES AND

CHARGES) of Chapter 31 (UTILITIES) of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, specifically section 31-138 which provides for water rate charges, by changing the number of tiers in the water rates from 7 to 8 for residential with the establishment of a baseline rate tier for up to 2000 gallons usage that will not increase at this time, and a water conservation rate tier for largest volume water usage; and from 26 to 9 for multi-family and commercial; by increasing the remaining residential and commercial rates each year from 2006 to 2037 by the following percentages:  2006-25%, 2007-10%, 2008-7%, 2009-7%, 2010 through 2014-5% annually, and 2015 through 2037-2% annually.  These increases will automatically go into effect on January 1st of each subsequent year after the 2006 increase unless the City Council revises the ordinance; providing for publication and an effective date.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Adrian Montemayor gave the following presentation:

 

Securing Our Community’s Water Future

 

Laredo is Growing

 

Great news for Laredo’s economy

Growth also puts pressure on key infrastructure

Must keep infrastructure improvements ahead of community growth

Costs for catch up are much higher than planned improvements

 

Laredo is Growing – Some Facts

 

Population grown 54% in last 15 years

Water production has grown 41%

Population expected to grow 84% in the next 20 years

Laredo will need 78% more water over next 20 years

Aging water infrastructure

Facing regulatory enforcement

 

City of Laredo understand current/future water needs

Various water plan scenarios studied

Costs are less when planning ahead

Sound direction for long-term solutions in place

Community information and involvement is important

 

Laredo Has a Plan – Water Supply

 

Secure a secondary source of water

 

In review for more than a year

Will provide nearly 40 million gallons per day

Sustainable source for 50 years

Diversifies sources of water

Decisions on second water source in next several months

Bring on line in next few years

 

New water main, water tanks

Three new water tanks

160,000 feet of new water mains

Booster station improvements

$400 million for second source of water and new water mains/tanks

paid through annual increases to water rates (residential and business)

 

The increases are phased in to keep water bills competitive

April 24, 2006       25%

Jan. 1, 2007          10%

2008-2009            7%

2010 – 2014         5%

2015 – 2037         2%

 

Impact to Water Bills

 

Increases to water portion of bill only

No changes to sewer, stormwater, garbage fees

Average residential water use – 8,000

 

Water use

Current Bill

After increase

Increase

8,000

$11.23

$14.03

$2.80

25,000

$28.18

$35.23

$7.05

 

Conservation is Key

 

·        Citizens/Businesses can participate in solutions

·        Comprehensive conservation program for Laredo Entertainment Center Affordability programs

·        Organize citizens committee to review and advise on new water program developments.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:     6                                        Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                     Cm.  Ramirez

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

13.  Dedicating two (2) City-owned parcels of land as Utility Easements for access by any

public utility company to provide public utility services in the El Portal Project area.  Said Utility Easements being:

(1) A tract of land containing 3,394 square feet, more or less, out of Lot 10, Lot 9A, Lot 8A, Lot 7A, and Lot 6A, Block 22, Western Division of the Plat Book of the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B, and

(2) A tract of land containing 643 square feet, more or less, out of Lot 5, Block N, Western Division of the Plat Book of the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached as Exhibits C and D; and providing for an effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinance # 2006-O-034, # 2006-O-035, # 2006-O-036, # 2006-O-037, # 2006-O-038, # 2006-O-039, # 2006-O-040, and # 2006-O-041.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

14.  2006-O-034  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by

authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a daycare on Lot 6, Block 1645, Eastern Division, located at 2716 Corpus Christi Street

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-034.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0     

 

      2006-O-035  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Capital

    Improvement Fund Annual Budget by drawing down $400,000.00 from

    the opening balance and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 –

    2006 Bridge System Construction Fund Annual Budget by appropriating

    said funds as Computer Operating System Upgrade expenditures and

    authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget amendments.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-035.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0     

 

2006-O-036  Amending the City of Laredo Special Police Programs Fund Fiscal Year

2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in the amount of $42,428.00 to fund the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program.  The U.S. Department of Justice BVP program will fund $42,428.00 and the City of Laredo will designate $42,428.00 in matching funds for a total program budget of $84,856.00.  Funding will be used to replace bulletproof vests that exceed the recommended life expectancy.  Funding is available in the City of Laredo Special Police Programs Transfer-In.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-036.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0     

 

                  2006-O-037  Amending Chapter 32, “Vehicles for Hire”, Article II;  Taxicabs, of the

    Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo: specifically Sections 32-18

    Definitions; Section 32-20 Transfer Operating Authority; Section 32-22

    Initial Application for Annual Permit; Section  32-29 Suspension and

    Revocation of Annual Permit; Section 32-31 Number of Taxicab Permits

    Operating; Section 32-33 Substitute or Replace Taxicabs; Section 32-35

    Application; Section 32-37 Term and Renewal; Section 32-39 To Be

    Displayed; Section 32-42 Driver Lists To Be Maintained; Section 32-43.1

    Suspension and Revocation of a Taxicab License; Section 32-48 Insurance

    Required; and Section 32-74 Vehicle Requirements and Inspections,

    providing severability and for an effective date and publication.  As

    Amended.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-037.