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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-06 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 March 27, 2006 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores.
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 Juan Chavez, Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tem, District VIII Donna Copeland-Magnon, Deputy City Secretary Larry Dovalina, City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Attorney Jaime Flores, City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of January 9, 2006 and February 27, 2006.
Motion to approve January 9, 2006 and February 27, 2006.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
a. Presentation by Anna Santa Cruz, Loan Officer, regarding the services provided by ACCION Texas in Laredo.
Janie Barrera, announced that ACCION is a nonprofit organization that lends money to entrepreneurs that do not qualify for loans from a banking establishment. She noted that their establishment may lend up to $5,000 to $50,000 and their total goal is to lend $500,000 in the Laredo Community.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Louis and Janice Weber for the donation of a Suzuki Mini-Grande digital piano to the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Flores and the City Council presented Louis and Janice Weber with a plaque for donating a Suzuki Mini-Grande digital piano to the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department.
b. Recognition of the All America Dance Studio Senior All Star Cheerleading Squad for winning the National Title at the Universal Cheerleading Associations’ National All Star Cheerleading Championship.
The Mayor informed the community that the All American Cheerleaders competed against 23 other teams from around the nation. The girls were the only team from Texas competing in a small senior level four division. Several teams that competed had been attending the Florida competition for many years. The Laredo Cheerleaders drew attention as everyone started asking where they came from. The Senior All Stars from All American literally came in as the new kids on the block and they were not intimidated. They swept the National Title. Laredo and the All American Senior All Stars will long be remembered at the Florida competition.
The Mayor and City Council presented the All American Dance Studio Senior All Star Cheerleading Squad for winning the National title at the Universal Cheerleading Associations’ National All Star Cheerleading championship a Certificate of Seven Flags to each cheerleader.
c. Recognition of Bernardo y Sus Compadres for 35 years in the music service. The Mayor and City Council presented a plaque to a representative of the Bernardo y Sus Compades for 35 years in the music service.
Communiqués
Cm. Agredano thanked John Orfila, Public Works Manager, and his staff for delivering loads of dirt to Century City. He also invited the viewing public to vote in the early elections which would start on April 3, 2006.
Cm. Garcia thanked the team that networked and lobbied in Washington DC for federal funds to be brought back to Laredo. He congratulated the Boy’s Nixon Track Team and the Gir’ls United Track Team for winning the City Championships. He also thanked the District II residents for having faith in him because he is running unopposed in the next City Council election.
Cm. Galo congratulated Cm. Garcia for running unopposed in the City of Laredo District II seat election. He also congratulated the boys and girls track teams for winning the City Championships. He mentioned that the fire and police department did a great job handling a fire that total burned Imperial Garden on Calton Street. He congratulated the Public Works Department and the Parks Department for always doing a great job. He also mentioned that he had received several calls by concerned residents for the dirt that blows at the Slaughter Parks. He mentioned that he would ask the city to go to the park and wet down the dirt. He also congratulated Cm. Agredano for running a clean campaign.
Cm. Amaya invited the residents in his District to attend a public meeting that will be hosted by Community Development in District IV at the Inner City Park.
Cm. Rendon echoed comments given by Cm. Garcia by mentioning what a wonderful job the City of Laredo Directors did in representing the City and its concerns to individuals in Washington. .
Cm. Belmares said that every year City employees and Council Members accomplish their goal of soliciting funds for the City by visiting Washington DC. He noted that Henry Bonilla has granted over 40M in grants to the City of Laredo through this particular networking. Congressman Cuellar worked diligently and has brought grants to the City but because of this trip he worked to get the City of Laredo a helicopter for the Police Department. He went on to say that the work that is done through this trip pays off faster than most people know. The fact that the President of the United States invited Mayor Flores in to discuss immigration policy is a testimony of what is done in the City of Laredo and where we are economically and politically. He added that Univision accompanied the City of Laredo staff and they recorded the actions of everyone and how busy they are during the trip to Washington. Finally he discussed the significance of the 800 MHz Digital Trunk Radio that the City of Laredo purchased for the fire and police department. He thanked the City of Laredo and the Council for having the vision for taking an additional step in purchasing the system. He asked the citizens of Laredo to support the Laredo Bucks.
Cm. Chavez advised that District VII had a town hall meeting and he thanked the Public Access Channel, Blasita Lopez, and Xotchil. Mora. He asked every one that is affected by the construction on Mines Road area to be patient.
Cm. Ramirez expressed his sorrow for the death of Lefty Martinez. He noted that his leadership and devotion to his county will be missed.
Mayor Flores concurred with Cm. Ramirez that Mr. Martinez was an outstanding individual. She added that everyone will remember him for a long time. She also thanked the employees of KLDO, especially the management, for finding the real sources and helping see the vision of getting the information from Washington to the people of Laredo. She mentioned how special the trip to Washington DC was especially because it was her last trip as Mayor of the City of Laredo. She expressed her thanks to all the individuals that made it so special including the President of the United States who called her and invited her to the White House to the Oval Office. She added that every trip to Washington DC has been memorial in the work that they do and the information that is put together. She advised that it is not easy to legislate or govern a City the size of Laredo but the City administration and the current Council make it easy. She congratulated everyone that had anything to do with the Washington trip.
a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo El Metro Transit System.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Council Member Juan Chavez of:
1. Hector Cavazos to the Library Advisory Committee 2. Esther Firova to the Third Party Funding Advisory Committee 3. Cynthia Sierra to the Tree Advisory Committee 4. Imelda T. Rodriguez to the Charter Review Commission
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 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 51, Block 1, North Point Hills Subdivision, located approximately at 249 North Point Drive, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-O (Retail/Office District). The Planning & 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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Against: 0
Cm. Galo was not present.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 3 and 4, Block 89, Eastern Division, located at 117 Laredo Street and 1218 Sanders Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District). The Planning & 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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: Against:
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Ramirez
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 8, Block 95, Eastern Division, located at 802 Chihuahua Street, from R-O (Residential/Office District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Valdez 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 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 3.65 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of U.S. Highway 83 and south of Eleden Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning & 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
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 6.59 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located east of U.S. Highway 83 and south of Eleden Subdivision, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 20.13 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” and located east of U.S. Highway 83 and south of Eleden Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District). The Planning & 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 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.18 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located south of Lomas Del Sur Boulevard and east of Colombia Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning & 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 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Agredano
8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 31.99 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A” and located east of Sandhill Drive and north of Del Mar Boulevard, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) and 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. 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. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.41 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north of Del Mar Boulevard west of Sandhill Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning & 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. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning .37 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located north of Blue Quail Road and Sandhill Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning & Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 7 Against: 0 Against: 0
Cm. Amaya was not present.
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Valdez For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Belmares
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Independence Hill Subdivision Phase 1, located at 4205 Loop 20, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: Against:
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and deny.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 831, Eastern Division, located at 1501 Clark Boulevard, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ron Whitehawk spoke on behalf of the applicant. He pointed out that the zoning case involved two lots; however, the owner owns three lots because his homestead is within the three lots. He noted that the property owner has lived there for over ten year with an antique store next to his home. He chose to omit the homestead portion of the lot which is to the east because he wanted to assure his next door neighbor that his homestead would remain a homestead. The construction that the owner intends to do is on the Seymour side that would not affect the neighbor. He added that there were 29 notices sent out and no one objected as long as the owner stays within his original plan. He asked Council to approve of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Galo For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Amaya
13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Bridge System Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Annual Operating Budget by increasing the Full Time Equivalent positions (FTE’s) by twenty one (21) for the City of Laredo Bridge of the Americas Modification Project (El Portal) which include eleven (11) Bridge Officer/Collectors, seven (7) Bridge Officer/Traffic Guards and three (3) Building Maintenance Mechanics. Funding is available in the Laredo Bridge System Fund.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Section 1 of Ordinance 2005-O- 209 of the City of Laredo and authorizing to reinstate a $35.00 per tag deposit for all new non-commercial and commercial customers that participate in the Automatic Vehicle Identification System (A.V.I.) as further described in Exhibit “A” and hereby repealing all conflicting sections in all ordinances currently in effect.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Against:
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Capital Improvement Fund Budget by appropriating $300,000.00. These funds were generated by a Public Works Equipment Usage Charge on various City bond projects and appropriating said amount for equipment acquisition for the Public Works Department.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 16. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, Article VI “Indoor Clean Air”, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas by amending Sections 15-78 through 15-81; “No smoking in public places”; providing for violations, enforcement and penalties of the policies implementing this Chapter; providing severability; and providing for an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Dr. Garcia shared that he had personally experienced the death of several loved ones in his family who died from cigarette smoking. He asked Council to support the “Indoor Clean Air” Ordinance.
Mayor Flores read the following letter:
“As a physician from Laredo, the concern to protect the citizens of Laredo from Health Hazards induced by exposure to smoking an environmental tobacco smoke is very important to me. Therefore, I am in support of the amended “Indoor Clean Air Quality Ordinance” that will be presented at the March 27, 2006 City Council Meeting for a total ban. I will partner in this effort and would like to voice my support for public comment at the City Council Meeting. If you have any questions please contact me at the numbers above” Dr. Carlos Yanez
Mayor Flores read a list of doctors that are opposed to smoking in public.
Dora Deltoro, Regional Coordinator for the Office of Tobacco Prevention and Control with the Texas Department of State Health Services, said that she was present to provide information on second hand smoke as a public health issue. She read “There have been approximately 30 world studies of passive smoking and lung cancer. Fourteen reported that test for exposure response and ten listed as statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. The 1986 Attorney General’s report the health consequences of involuntary smoking stated that second hand smoke can cause disease in non smokers. In addition, hundreds of studies have concluded that exposure to 2nd hand smoke causes serious health risks. The environmental protection agency concluded that environmental tobacco smoke is a class a carcinogen causing cancer in humans and some say at any level. This is the same classification already given to asbestos, benzene, and other substances know to cause cancer in humans. Second hand smoke is the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the United States killing over 5,300 Americans each year. That is approximately 1,000 people a week. Second hand smoke causes 30 times as many lung cancer deaths as regulated air pollutants combined. Second hand smoke contains a mixture of more than 4,000 chemicals. Forty three compounds in tobacco smoke are known to cause cancer in humans or animals. For every eight smokers that die from tobacco use, one non smoker dies also. One hour in a smoke free section restaurant is as harmful as smoking one cigarette. Two hours in a smoky bar is equivalent as smoking four cigarettes. Employees exposed to second hand smoke on the job are 34% more likely to get lung cancer. Waitress and Waiters are four times more likely to die of lung cancer than other women and twice the risk of dieing with heart disease. Providing a smoking and non smoking section where the use of ventilation does not eliminate harmful exposure. There is also an impact on second hand smoke on ethic issues. Hispanics are less likely to use tobacco products and are most likely to be exposed to second hand smoke at work. Other cities have strengthened their smoking ordinance”..
Pete Soto, representing the American Cancer Society, mentioned that he has been working with cancer patients for the last twenty year in Laredo and has often witnessed cases where the non smoking partner is diagnosed with lung cancer. Second hand smoke is harmful. He invited the interested individuals to visit the cancer center at Laredo Medical Center to see first hand what second hand smoking does to people. Based on several facts, the future of Laredo should be a future without cigarette smoke.
Sara De La Garza, representing Webb County Youth Community Coalition, read the following “It is said that parents, families, and community leaders are concerned about juvenile obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, or other health issues; however, we overlook the consequences of smoking. Time and time again, our generation is always been told that we are the leaders of tomorrow, and we are the leaders of the city, state, and this country but most importantly, our families. By improving this stronger non-smoking ordinance you will help us to finally bring Laredo out. We will be better leaders for our Laredo and improve our families. Help us to bring Laredo, this wonderful city, to a better quality of life. This can be accomplished by all of your approval. By allowing smoking in public places, people are forced to breath in second hand smoke and they have to deal with smoking second hand smoke when they shouldn’t have too. They have the right to go to places and not have to worry about second hand smoke and having cancer.”
Marciel Joval, interested party, stated that the public servants that have passed the legislations do not take the interests of who opposes rather they have the interest of keeping the communities healthy. She added that non smoking restaurants continue to prosper despite the fact that people cannot smoke. She noted that cancer caused by second hand smoke can be avoided with the Council’s approval.
Vincent Norris, attorney at law, spoke in support of the non smoking ordinance.
George Garcia, attorney at law, noted that it is evident that the number of smokers has decreased throughout the years and questioned why few smokers should dictate what happens to the majority. He suggested extending the item to the public and allow them to vote on the issue. He commented that people that go to night clubs/bars will always go to bar regardless if they are allowed to smoke or not.
Laura Llanes, volunteer from American Cancer Society, commended the City Council for considering a smoke free ordinance. She stated that she was pleased that all of the statistics were presented. She said that her husband is Dr. Carlos Llanes, a Pulmonologist and a survivor of lung cancer adding that he never smoked one day in his life. She pointed out that cancer is a terrible disease to battle. Smoking causes one third of all cancer deaths.
Sandra Hernandez, representing Doctor’s Hospital, commented that her son has had asthma since he was six months old and at the age of seventeen she still reminds him to avoid attending clubs where people smoke. Children who suffer from asthma can have an attack on the spot when a person is allowed to smoke in the same building. Cigarette smoke can also cause pneumonia, sinus problems and impaired lung functions. She asked Council to do their best by protecting the community against cigarette smoke.
Walter Alvarez, interested party, asked Council to place health above business revenue profits. He continued to read an article that proved that a no smoking ordinance will not affect the revenue profits for Laredo.
Juanita Martinez asked Council to consider the children and pass the no smoking ordinance.
Trish Keck, LISD Health Services, advocated for the students of LISD, stated that asthma is one of the primary reasons that everyone should be concerned about second hand smoke. It is the most prevalent problem in school children adding that it is the number one cause for absenteeism. On behalf of the children of Laredo, she asked Council to approve the ordinance and improve the quality of life for children.
Hector Gonzalez, Health Director for the City of Laredo, provided information regarding the amendments done to the existing ordinance. He declared that the newly amended ordinance will not allow smokers to smoke in any public place included eating establishments, bars, bowling alleys, malls, theaters, etc. The City of Laredo already has a no smoking policy in city facilities but this will include non city facilities. He further stated that the newly revised ordinance specifies a distance for smokers when they go outside to smoke a cigarette. He advised that the enforcement will be a joint effort through several departments. He stressed the importance of reaching out to the public to inform them of the ordinance and educate them on the new policy of not smoking in public places.
Cm. Garcia raised the issue of enforcement at the Civic Center. He pointed out that the City of Laredo does not enforce the “no smoking policy” at the Civic Center. He further stated that he believes that citizens should have the right and choice to smoke in a bar establishment.
Cm. Rendon advised that he had talked to a constituent that is opposed to the ban on smoking but would be more willing to accept the ban if it would include any and all businesses.
Cm. Agredano acknowledged that he is in favor of the Clean Air Ordinance for the children and for the general public and employees that do not smoke.
Cm. Belmares said for the City Council to dismiss the issue of equal protection under the law is wrong. He said that people should not make assumptions about individuals and why they are working at the bar because it may be all that they can do at the moment. He added that people go to bars to drink and enjoy their friends and they will continue to go to the bars whether they are allowed to smoke or not noting that they do not go to a bar just to smoke cigarettes. Smoking is just nasty byproduct of where people go.
Cm. Ramirez made a motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Cm. Belmares ask to amend the section of the ordinance that pertains to the distance requirement from 15 feet to 5 feet.
Cm. Ramirez said that he would accept a distance requirement of 10 feet but would not accept a 5 feet distance requirement.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with an amendment to change the distance requirement from 15 feet to 10 feet.
Cm. Galo announced that he is a non smoker who understands the entire debate but has a problem with infringing on other people’s rights. He pointed out that the City cannot protect children who live with smoking parents in worse environments. He said that the only way that he could support the Ordinance is by a total ban.
Cm. Garcia mentioned that Austin approved of a Clean Air Ordinance but rescinded the ordinance after two years.
The Mayor advised that Austin is a bad example because they just approved an Ordinance that allows dogs in restaurants.
Cm. Belmares responded that the government always steps in when health issues are concerned. He said that it boils down to the fact that people do not want to show responsibility for their actions so the government steps in.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Rendon For: 5 Against: 3 Against: 0 Cm. Garcia Cm. Amaya Cm. Chavez
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
Dr. Gonzalez congratulated Council for taking a very visionary step by having an indoor air quality ordinance and then taking a stand for the quality of life. Our concern is the merging problem with children and employees.
17. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $138,743.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services to extend the grant period an additional six (6) months, for a total amount of $306,835.00 and $144,222.00 in Program Income for the Office of Public Health Practice (OPHP) of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
There was no public hearing.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Against: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
18. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Carlos Rodriguez for approximately 960 square feet constituting Building No. 1319 located at 4011 North Jarvis Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on March 1, 2006 and ending on February 28, 2009. Monthly rent shall be $480.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: 19. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the Fiscal Year 2006 Veterans Field Fund Budget by providing for revenues and expenditures for Veterans Field in the amount of $100,000.00. Funds will be generated through the Laredo Equities, LLC lease agreement of Veterans Field.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 20. Closing as a public easement a 12,199.49 sq. ft. parcel of land out of the Fairway Lane situated in the Country Club Commercial Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as recorded in Volume 3, Page 18-A, Webb County plat records, as described on attached Exhibit A and providing for an effective.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 21. Designating as a one-way southbound the 3300 and 3400 blocks of Texas Avenue, and designating as a one-way westbound the 2400 and 2500 blocks of Elm Street and designating as a one-way northbound the 3300 and 3400 blocks of Martin Avenue, during the peak hours of 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday, during school days, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate one-way traffic in the directions indicated and providing for publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final readings #2006-O-054, # 2006-O-055, # 2006-O-056, 3 2006-O-057, # 2006-O-058, and # 2006-O-059.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 22. 2006-O-054 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-054.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-055 Amending the City of Laredo 2005 – 2006 An |