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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-05 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 March 6, 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 Elizbeth G. 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 Juan Chavez, Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tempore, VIII Donna Magnon, Deputy 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. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of December 19, 2005, January 12, 2006 and February 10, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Xochitl Mora Garcia, of the City Manager’s Office, on her selection as February 2006 Employee of the Month.
Blasita Lopez, Public Information Officer, stated the following:
Meetings, political forums, ribbon cuttings and opening ceremonies, Xochitl Mora Garcia has touched almost every single project that the City has co-sponsored or been a part of in February 2006.
During the month of February, Xochitl was able to handle an extraordinary amount of work, beginning with the River of Trade Corridor Coalition Quarterly meeting, in preparing for a special media event to hype up the presence of approximately 100 visitors from out of town and their significant platform of promoting the IH-35 traditional NAFTA corridor. In addition, she also helped conference organizers with various logistics in conjunction with the Mayor’s office and the CVB. Prior to the beginning of the current election season, Xochitl coordinated with the Public Access Channel to host a total of 60 candidates seeking elected office at local county and state levels. Pre-forum meetings and tapings of political forums all occurred during February and Xochitl was instrumental in coordinating the entire project, from internal coordination with staff to the external coordination of inviting panelists to attend and participate in the tapings at PAC studios. Furthermore, Xochitl assisted in organizing and supporting the visit from the U.S. Ambassador to Britain, Sir and Lady Manning, El Portal Demolition Ceremony, Larga Vista Park Groundbreaking, and the Cielito Lindo Fire Station Opening Ceremony. The Public Information Office has been very hands-on with a special CVB-Public Relations campaign to promote the positive of Laredo and has had an added work load in scheduling reporters and photographers to come in from around the state and from Mexico this month as well. Xochitl has supported all of this additional activity, as well as handled her regular work load with Public Information requests and general media relations duties at the office. Her talent and capability truly allow us to achieve more with less.
b. Recognizing Les Norton for serving on the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee from 1997 to 2005.
Mayor Flores and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate to Les Norton for serving on the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee.
Patricia Taylor, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau also presented Mr. Norton with a nice gift for serving on the committee and for being so dedicated to the City of Laredo.
Communiqués
a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo Police Department.
“Today, the Laredo Police Department thrives in a bustling border community that has literally exploded in size and population growth. Laredo PD has become a nationally-recognized, premier law enforcement organization comprised of over 500 proud and dedicated, sworn officer and civilian contingency of personnel immersed in community-based and people-driven, policing philosophies. They continue to provide the best possible services by maintaining the best in cutting-edge law enforcement technology; providing continuous and contemporary proficiency training; the recruitment and retention of dedicated and quality personnel; aggressive crime-fighting innovation whose effort targets criminal apprehension / crime deterrence rates via substantive public partnerships which focus on education, public participation, and enforcement.
The South Texas area has been designated by the US Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Consequently, the Laredo Police Department is committed to protecting our community by tirelessly supporting the war on drugs through enforcement efforts which include, but are not limited to, narcotics and their illicit proceeds interdiction, short- and long-term drug investigations, drug-related crime task force participation, and inter-agency collaborations via intelligence-based initiatives. The Department’s efforts in this arena for 2005 are reflected in the documented totals of 697 drug related arrests and the removal of well over $90 million worth of illegal drugs from the “Streets of Laredo.” In the past year, our community has been unfairly characterized in highly exaggerated, over-reported, sensationalized media reports as a veritable hub of “border violence.” Print and electronic media from all over the country have portrayed Laredo as “Little Baghdad” given the drug-related violence occurring along the Texas-Mexico border, particularly in the Nuevo Laredo that has surged over the past year. This violence is caused by intense competition between the remnants of the Gulf Cartel and the “Federation.” The Gulf Cartel continues to be supervised by Osiel Cardenas Guillen despite his arrest in 2003. Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman Loera and Arturo Beltran Leyva are members of the Federation which is attempting to take control of this important drug smuggling corridor from the Gulf Cartel. This is what has caused the ongoing violence in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico - not in Laredo, Texas. Concerned about rising border violence US Department of Homeland Security (US DHS) Secretary Dr. Michael Chertoff visited Laredo recently. Secretary Chertoff said much of the violence across the border has been the result of increased enforcement efforts by the U.S. law enforcement. He lauded the efforts of the Laredo Police Department and LPD’s ongoing collaborations with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in continuing, multi-jurisdictional, law enforcement initiatives that have bolstered border security, including LPD’s role in Operation Stone Garden and Operation Blackjack. Secretary Chertoff added that US DHS was committed to securing the nation's borders as part of the strategy that "involves not only apprehensions at the border, but detention, removal and more vigorous work site enforcement." He pledged to continue funding like initiatives that have proved successful in the past adding that he would be announcing additional monies for another intelligence-based law enforcement border initiative very soon. It’s important to note that although both initiatives were multi-jurisdictional and included federal, state, and local agencies, the Laredo Police Department was awarded the lion’s share of monies for each of the two initiatives (Stone Garden & Blackjack) totaling almost $1 million in overtime monies for operational activities during both operations. As a means of preface, Laredo PD first partnered with other federal, state, and local law enforcement officials in Laredo to create a multi-agency operation called Operation Black Jack in July 2005. Operation Black Jack subsequently evolved into the DHS’s Border Enforcement and Security Task Force, known as BEST. The BEST task force presently incorporates personnel from ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ATF, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and key state and local law enforcement agencies, including Laredo PD. The BEST task force concept incorporates personnel from existing intelligence groups — involved in both collection and analysis — to help identify and disseminate information relating to violent smuggling organizations. The BEST task force has been a highly successful tool to combat violence in the Laredo area. This coordinated approach has led to significant enforcement results, including the January / February 2006 seizures in Laredo of dynamite, numerous live grenades, as well as materials to make roughly 33 Improvised Explosive Devices. Since its inception, BEST has resulted in 31 arrests and the seizure of 41 assault rifles, 12 handguns, 5 silencers, a large quantity of weapons components, kits, and ammunition, as well as roughly 700 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of cocaine and roughly $1.14 million. Although we have seen a fluctuation in the number of homicides recorded in Laredo these past five (5) years, the homicide rate in our sister city, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, did reach record-numbers for 2005 with about 175 recorded murders. Obviously, these are the numbers that have caused the panic-filled media furor and sensationalism. Laredo’s homicide count for 2005 ended at twenty-one (21). Granted that as a society, we rightfully acknowledge that any homicide is one homicide too many, it is important to note that our homicide to population rate is still one of the lowest recorded rates for cities of comparable size. And, we continue to be one of the safest cities in the US. Alarmingly, however, the death count attributed to drug overdose in 2005 ended at twenty (20). The drugs contributing to this statistic range from alcohol to cocaine abuse. In some instances, a combination of more than one abused drug was determined. Laredo also recorded a total of eight (8) suicides in 2005. The motive for most of the suicides was determined to range from personal strife, to domestic violence, and even, to accidental horseplay. We are proud to report that Laredo recorded significant decreases in violent and property crimes. Of the six categories where decreases occurred, four were significant. Aggravated assaults were down showing the 2nd lowest number in the last five years. Aggravated Assaults decreased by 3%. Reported motor vehicle theft decreased by 5%. Most significant was the decrease in property crimes where both, residential and non-residential building burglary numbers were the lowest in the last five (5) years. Residential burglaries decreased by 23% and burglary of buildings decreased by 27%. The strategy used to impact this result is featured in this handout (tab 6).
Additionally, Laredo saw a very slight increase of less than 1% in the number of traffic accidents reported for the year. Traffic accident deaths however, increased from 11 to 13 fatalities, an increase of 18%. The ten most dangerous intersections, those having the most traffic accidents, were also compiled. A strategy to reduce the accident rates at these identified problem intersections will be implemented.
A new feature at the Laredo Police Department has been the acquisition of another explosives detection canine to help beef-up our Bomb Squad. The new canine, “Kimmie” joins the more experienced canine “Arie” on the Squad. They have both undergone extensive training and are fully-certified bomb-dogs. Their handlers are already trained and certified bomb technicians. The addition of the new canine will augment the response and capabilities of our recently created and equipped bomb squad.
Another accomplishment, for the Laredo Police Department is the construction of three new COPS Workstations. Constructed in 2005, these new buildings are just about ready for grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremonies to be scheduled very soon. The COPS Workstations are situated adjacent to existing Fire Stations on the Mines Road, on Loop 20 across from TAMIU, and on Hwy. 359. They will each house a number of police officers including a supervisor and related amenities, including equipment, extending our service networks to provide better services to the people that we “protect and serve”.
We are proud to report that we are in the process of implementing a new, stat-of-the-art, 800 MHz Digital Trunk Radio System which is scheduled to become fully-operational by this summer. At a cost of almost $8 million dollars, this long-awaited public safety amenity is finally coming to fruition after many years of hard work by a bevy of individuals, including the late Jim Dempsey, LPD Communications Manager; Mayor Betty Flores and Members of the Laredo City Council, City Manager Larry Dovalina, E911 Regional Administrator Jessica Hein; City Purchasing Agent Francisco Meza, Laredo Fire Chief Luis Sosa and Deputy Chief and Steve Landin, Laredo Assistant Police Chief Gilbert Navarro, and others. Having operated under an antiquated analog communications system that has long been the bane of public safety given radio signal interference in certain areas of the city causing serious concerns for the safety of all of our public safety personnel, the new system will soon become a reality. We are proud and excited to house the city’s E911 Communications Center at the Laredo Police Department headquarters.
Lastly, we are still hoping to obtain the services of an air unit. The acquisition of a police helicopter is STILL a highly-coveted component of ours. We believe that this air unit will allow us the opportunity to have a veritable “eye in the sky” providing air surveillance and rapid-response capabilities for our ground (patrol) units in the event of the need for immediate emergency law enforcement response to high crimes.
Finally, we pledge to dedicate ourselves to continue to make our community proud by ‘protecting and serving’ to the best of our abilities. After all, we are Laredo’s Finest!”
Cm. Agredano thanked John Orfila and his department for assisting a family who lost their home to a fire. He also thanked everyone for attending the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Cielito Fire Station. He added that the fire station is beautiful. He noted that on March 1st there was a town hall meeting for citizens that reside in South Laredo. He thanked everyone for attending a ground breaking at the El Eden Recreational Park. He encouraged all the citizens to vote in the primary election.
Cm. Garcia thanked everyone that assisted in the grand opening of the Lago Vista Park. He thanked Eddie Zavala, Customer Service Coordinator, and the Women’s Commission for putting on a great presentation honoring the Hall of Fame nominees. He also thanked everyone that participated in the Border Olympics noting that over 900 athletes participated in the event. He went on to thank United Independent School District for allowing them to use the student center. Finally, he thanked United Life Downs for recognizing his father as Rancher of the Year. He said that his father was very grateful and humbled by receiving this honor.
Cm. Galo congratulated everyone for organizing or participating in the following events: the Lago Vista Opening, Grand Opening of Station # 14, U. I. S. D. Drug Buster program, Rancher of the year, Border Olympic Participants, Life Downs, Suarez Brothers, Miss Teen Laredo, and Miss Laredo. He added that no events can take place without volunteers.
Cm. Amaya thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for the great job they have been doing with the city parks throughout Laredo especially in District IV. He encouraged all the citizens to cast their vote in the primary elections.
Cm. Rendon thanked John Orfila and his crew for completing the projects in District V. He added that his constituents are enjoying the parks. He also said that the City of Laredo has been blessed through him by his visit in Rome. He said that he shook the hands of the Pope.
Cm. Belmares congratulated Cm. Garcia and the Border Olympics for holding such a phenomenal event. He said that the Laredo Commission for Women held a wonderful event recognizing the Hall of Fame nominees. He said that Eddie Zavala, Customer Service Coordinator, did an outstanding job organizing the event.
Cm. Chavez advised the residents of Los Martinez that the City would be cleaning the lots behind their subdivision. He also advised the residents of Mines Road that the construction of the overpass would be March 28.
Cm. Ramirez said that he had attended an event at the Casa Blanca Ballroom where they honored Bernardo and his Compadres for 35 years of music.
Mayor Flores agreed that the primary elections are very important and encouraged everyone to vote. She thanked the candidates that are working hard to represent their constituencies noting that it is truly enlightening to see how much people care for the jobs. She thanked the Mayor of Nuevo Laredo for hosting Falcon Task 2012. Both the United States and Mexico are involved soliticiting funds for binational environmental projects. She also thanked Dr. Gonzalez, John Porter, and others for attending the meeting.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores’ announcement of appointments.
Audit and Insurance Committee: Cm. Amaya Oil & Gas Review Committee: Cm. Belmares Rail Policy Committee: Cm. Chavez Traffic Calming Device Program: Cm. Chavez Veteran Affairs Committee: Cm. Ramirez Laredo Metropolitan Organization: Cm. Belmares
b. Appointment by Council Member Johnny Amaya of Louis H. Pellegrin to the Historic District / Landmark Board.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
c. Appointment by Council Member Juan Chavez of:
1. Blas M. Martinez to the Airport Advisory Committee 2. David J. Cantu to the Board of Adjustment 3. Gabriel Delgado to the Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee 4. Javier Rangel to the Historic District / Landmark Board 5. Javier De Anda to the Library Advisory Committee 6. Pat Campos to the Para Transit Advisory Committee 7. Francisco Hernandez, II to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 8. Javier “Rito” de Anda to the Planning and Zoning Commission 9. Hector Perez to the Telecommunications Advisory Committee 10. Sylvia Ornelas to the Third Party Funding Advisory Committee 11. Daniel W. Treviño to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee 12. Frank Hernandez, III to the Tree Advisory Committee 13. Susan Carlson and Imelda T. Rodriguez to the Laredo Commission for Women 14. Ronnie Goodman to the Plaza Theatre Renovation Committee
Motion to approve with the following corrections: Gabriel Delgado to Gabriela Delgado, Francisco Hernandez, Jr. to Francisco Hernandez, III.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Operating Budget in the Environmental Services Fund Budget by accepting a donation of $200.00 from H.E.B. Stores and appropriating said funds for the purpose of providing food for the volunteers at the December 2005 Household Hazardous Waste and Used Tire Collection Event.
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. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Introduction Ordinance: City Council
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget for the Communications System Fund in the amount of $66,961.00. The City of Laredo will be utilizing these funds for the purchase of additional equipment for the City of Laredo’s proposed 800 MHz trunked radio communications system project. Funding is available as a transfer-in from various City departments.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Introduction Ordinance: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a one (1) year lease agreement between the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department and “Escuela de Futbol Guadalajara Soccer” for use of one (1) soccer field at the Ladrillera Park located at 1900 Pinder Road Avenue for a fee of $200.00 per month. The primary purpose of this agreement is to institute a soccer program for the youth of Laredo with the understanding that the fields are open for public use during non-program hours.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Ramirez moved that the funds be placed back in the field budget instead of placing it back in the general fund.
Mayor Flores said that $400 is not very much.
Cm. Ramirez said that staff needs to replace some trees on that field. He also mentioned a fence that was never installed on the Sanchez side.
Larry Dovalina suggested incorporating the projects within the CIP noting that the Parks budget is over $5 Million dollars.
Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager, explained that the General Maintenance would not be any more than what we have for the different leagues. He noted that twenty two hundred dollars would not be significant.
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, informed Council that the department would be able to install the fence on Sanchez Street for a minimal cost through operations.
Cm. Ramirez withdrew his amendment.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Introduction Ordinance: City Council
VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract by and on behalf of the City of Laredo, Grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94 and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Operations Agreement with Bruni International Inc., as Zone Site Operator, to activate approximately 3,000 square feet of warehouse space located at Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94, Site III, effective upon execution. Providing activation, administration and transaction fees be paid to the City and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Overhead Utility Easement Document WR# 11841321 with American Electric Power (AEP) for a 15’ easement (0.9851 acre tract out of Lot 1, Block 2, Laredo International Airport Subdivision) recorded in Volume 16, Pages 45-47 of the Webb County Plat Records for the purpose of installing overhead electrical facilities to serve the Laredo Town Center, Inc. commercial development leased premises; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Adding Article XV (Prohibitions of certain activities by City Employees) to Chapter 21 (Offenses and miscellaneous provisions) of the Code of Ordinances adding Section 21-292 to prohibit discrimination; Section 21-293 to prohibit false statements; Section 21-294 to prohibit bribery; Section 21-295 to prohibit solicitation for Municipal Elections; Section 21-296 to prohibit employee participation in Municipal Elections; Section 21-297 to provide the penalty for any violation; and for discharge of employees convicted of violation; and for non-eligibility for City employment of any other person convicted of violation; providing for publication; and providing for effective date.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. Abandoning a utility easement described as being a 30 foot wide strip of land, containing 6,829.06 square feet or 0.157 acres, more or less, over and across Tract 3, in the Laredo Ranchettes Subdivision, Webb County, Texas. Said utility easement was granted to the City of Laredo by Juan Estrada and Pedro Estrada by conveyance instrument dated April 23, 2004, recorded in Volume 1636, pp. 802-805 official property records of Webb County, Texas and described on the attached Exhibit. Said release of easement being in consideration of an alternative utility easement that was conveyed to the City of Laredo on December 2, 2005.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances # 2006-O-042, # 2006-O-043, # 2006-O-045, # 2006-O-046, # 2006-O-047, # 2006-O-048, # 2006-O-049, # 2006-O-050, # 2006-O-51, # 2006-O-052.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Agredano and Cm. Rendon were not present. 8. 2006-O-042 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-042.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-043 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-043.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-044 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-044.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-045 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-045.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-046 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-046.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-047 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-047.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-048 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-048.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-049 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-049.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-050 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-050.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-051 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-051.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-052 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. As amended.
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
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 delay until staff can provide a workshop informing the public.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 2 Against: 6 Abstain: 0
Motion failed.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-052.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0 Cm. Chavez Cm. Ramirez
X. RESOLUTIONS
9. 2006-R-023 Authorizing the City Manger to submit a grant application to the South Texas Development Council (STDC) in the amount of $40,000.00 with no matching funds. Funds will be used for a litter education campaign.
Motion to approve the Resolution # 2006-R-023.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 10. 2006-R-025 Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the United States Foreign-Trade Zones Board for a temporary boundary modification on behalf of International Trade & Commerce, Inc., in accordance with Ordinance No. 2000-O-183 dated July 24, 2000. The Temporary Boundary Modification consists of temporarily transferring the designation of 1.10 acres from the City of Laredo, Foreign-Trade Zone Site No. 1, located at the Laredo International Airport to the new temporary site which shall be designated as Site No. 1-D and located at 309 NAFTA Blvd.
Motion to approve the Resolution # 2006-R-025.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 11. 2006-R-026 A resolution by the City Council of the City of Laredo urging the President of the United States to reconsider the proposed fiscal year 2007 Federal Budget that provides a reduction in funding and/or elimination of essential programs and services which directly impact the public safety, health and livability of our community, specifically; 1) the reduction of the Community Development Block Grant by 25%. 2) the zero (0) budget allocation for the Centers for Disease Control Prevention Block Grant as it will adversely impact wellness and health promotion, staffing and the Tuberculosis Prevention Program of the City of Laredo Health Department and 3) the elimination of the Community Oriented Policing Services Program.
Motion to approve the Resolution # 2006-R-026.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 12. 2006-R-027 Ordering and proclaiming a general city election to be held on Saturday, May 13, 2006; designating polling places; designating a runoff date; providing for publication; and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Webb County Elections Administrator for the purpose of conducting a joint election with the City of Laredo.
Cm. Galo expressed dissatisfaction with the listed early voting sites which were not listed in the City Election. He said that early voting sites should be consistent from election to election.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that he will be meeting with the Election Administrator.
Motion to approve the Resolution # 2006-R-027 with amendments.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 13. 2006-R-031 Authorizing the City Manager to apply for a grant to fund the Project Safe Neighborhood Anti-Gang Unit awarded by the Office of Justice Programs at no cost to the City. Funding will be used to pay overtime, fringe benefits and operational expenses for an Anti-Gang Task Force from May 1, 2006 through October 1, 2007.
Motion to approve the Resolution # 2006-R-031.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 XI. MOTIONS
14. Consideration to award contract number FY06-046, to the low bidder, Electronic Data Magnetics, Inc., High Point, N.C., in the amount of $57,500.00, for the purchase of custom magnetic swipe cards (Gateway Pass) for the Bridge Department. The terms of this contract allow for one additional order at the same contract pricing with-in twelve months of the initial order. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 15. Consideration for approval of acceptance of the Sidewalk and ADA Ramps Improvements along Juarez Avenue and approval of final payment in the amount of $8,879.75 to ALC Construction, LLC., Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $69,897.50. Funding is available in the Community Development 27th, 28th, and 31st Action Year / 2001, 2002, and 2005 Grants – CD Projects/City-Wide ADA Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 16. Consideration for approval to rescind the selection of consultant Arcadis, Laredo, Texas, for the Site Selection and Design of a Compost Facility for the City of Laredo Landfill since an Engineering Services Contract could not satisfactorily be negotiated, and authorization to re-advertise the Request for Qualifications.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 17. Consideration for approval to award an engineering contract to Puig Engineering, LLC., in association with Mejia & Ruiz Land Surveyors, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas for an amount not to exceed $58,000.00 for design and preparation of plans and specifications for the Flecha Lane Drainage Improvements. Funding is available in the 2005 CO Bond.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 18. Consideration to award an asbestos abatement contract to the lowest bidder, Jupe Environmental, Inc., from San Antonio, Texas, for the project entitled “Asbestos Abatement Services for 1008 Monterrey Avenue & 1016 Monterrey Avenue,” in the total amount of $8,660.00. Funding is available in the Community Development – 31st Action Year – Demolition of Subst |