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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-07 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 April 3, 2006 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Elizabeth G. Flores, Mayor Alfredo Agredano, Council Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council Member, District II John C. Galo, Council Member, District III Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon Council Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council Member, District VI Juan Chavez, Council Member, District VII Juan Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tem, District VIII Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Larry Dovalina, City Manager Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager Rafael Garcia, Assistant City Manager Jaime Flores, City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
None.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None.
Invitations
None.
Recognitions
a. Recognizing Fernando Montemayor for serving on the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee from 1997 to 2005.
Patricia Taylor, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, thanked Fernando Montemayor for serving eight years on the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee. She noted that he was Chairman of the Board for several years where he made a wonderful leader for the Bureau.
b. Recognizing the Del Mar 2005 Major Division All Stars Little League Team on their 2005 District Championship title and their Sectional Championship victory at the Major Division Little League State Tournament.
Motion to postpone for the next meeting.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Agrredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Communiqués
Mayor Flores read the following letter for the record:
“As a physician of Laredo the concern to protect the citizens of Laredo from health hazard induced by exposure to smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) 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.
Sincerely,
Dr. Arturo Garza-Gongora and George Garcia, MD”
Cm. Chavez encouraged the viewing public to support the Buck’s Hockey Team.
Cm. Belmares said that the Del Mar Little League kicked off their season and he is very proud all the participants and their parents. He also said that he mentioned the installation of a two million gallon storage tank under construction east on Loop 20.
Cm. Rendon congratulated the Airport for receiving $2 million dollars for the abatement program. He also informed the viewing public that the Parks and Recreation Department is installing surveillance cameras to deter vandalism in the parks.
Cm. Amaya thanked Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, and her staff for hosting a public hearing at the Inner City Park last Tuesday.
Cm. Galo congratulated Bruce Werstak for hosting the Juvenile Diabetes Walk and all the volunteers that participated to create such a successful event. He announced an upcoming ground breaking for the Slaughter Park on the 20th of April in District III at 10:00 a.m. and encouraged everyone to attend. He noted that the park will be built on 50 acres with a soccer stadium and field, small splash park, baseball fields, jogging trails, and other nice amenities for the Chacon residents. He congratulated the Del Mar Little League for kicking off their season.
Cm. Garcia congratulated Janice Weber, Librarian, and all of the Librarians for celebrating Librarian’s Week. He added that they do and exceptional job throughout the community.
Cm. Agredano advised that it was an honor to be asked to be the Master of Ceremonies at the Cesar Chavez March. He thanked Cm. Ramirez, Cm. Rendon, and former Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr., and Blas Castaneda for attending the annual event. He noted that several individuals approached him and requested that a street in Laredo be named after Cesar Chavez. He thanked the City of Laredo for providing the chairs for the event. Finally, he wished his sons Mark and Freddie a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Flores brought up an interview that she had with a CNN reporter who discussed the immigration issues. She said that it is unfortunate that people discuss global economy but they do not talk about global workforce and people recognize that including the President of the United States. She said when she was interviewed by CNN she received a lot of mail and a lot of calls. She noted that some of the mail was “hate” mail asking her to go back to Mexico. She read the following letter:
“Good Morning Mayor Flores,
I have CNN American Morning on in my home each morning while I get ready for work. I saw your interview this morning and had to let you know how appreciative I am of your views on the immigration bills we put before our government officials. I wish you could be a participant in Washington right now. They need a firm guiding hand and a passionate yet intelligent rational mind to lead them on this journey. It was such a relief to hear from someone who lives daily the border issues and recognizes what is real and what is fallacy in regards to the issues of mass immigration. I live in the state of Wisconsin but work in Iowa and my daughter is engaged to a Mexican immigrant. We love and admire him and his extreme work ethic and fierce loyalty in helping his family to a better life. I cannot believe the outdated and misguided views portrayed by the representatives from our state this morning. Please be assured that many Wisconsinites do not share his opinion and welcome our Hispanic brothers and sisters. I personally know small historical towns in my area that would be shut down without the influence of the Hispanic community to their workforce. In rural Wisconsin there are large numbers being hired to work on big dairy farms which is out major industry. What ideas could you offer me to try to help in this increasingly volatile situation? What information might you have that I could share with my state government officials that would enlighten them? Thank you for expressing the views this morning of so many of us. Leave it to women in politics who really knows what is going on. We definitely need more women in government and I applaud your effort and your hope to hear more and I hope to hear more from you regarding immigration laws.”
a. Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores reports on the City of Laredo El Metro Transit System.
Motion to postpone for the next meeting.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
None.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their housing and community need and projects that they wish to see funded for fiscal year 2006 – 2007 through the 32nd Action Year (AY) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the 2006 HOME Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME), the 2006 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and the 2006 American Dream Downpayment Initiative Program (ADDI) in support of the preparation and submission of the 2006 Consolidated One Year Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jose Prieto spoke in support of funding for the parks noting that several of the soccer fields are still in need of restrooms, lighting, and grass. He said that soccer is a great sport for the students in Laredo and requested that funds be used to beautify soccer fields.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Operating Budget in the Fire Prevention and Arson Fund Budget by accepting a donation of $750.00 from Wal-Mart Stores and appropriating said funds for the purpose of purchasing Fire Safety Educational Promotional Materials for the Fire Prevention Division.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Agredano Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance 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.
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. Galo Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a renewed lease with International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation, A Joint Venture, for approximately 0.1182-acre tract of land located on Block No. 1 within the southwest fuel farm at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is for five (5) years commencing on October 1, 2005 and ending in September 30, 2010, and may be extended for an additional five (5) years ending on September 30, 2015. Monthly rent shall be $463.50 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. 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 Rafael A. Morales, Inc., as Zone Site Operator, to activate approximately 15,000 square feet of warehouse space located at Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94, Site III, Killam Industrial Park, effective upon execution. Providing activation, administration and transaction fees be paid to the City and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. 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 Nippon Express USA, Inc., as Zone Site Operator, to activate approximately 7,000 square feet of warehouse space located at Foreign-Trade Zone No. 94, Site III, Killam Industrial Park, effective upon execution. Providing activation, administration and transaction fees be paid to the City and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances # 2006-O-060, # 2006-O-061, 3 2006-O-062, # 2006-O-063, # 2006-O-064, # 2006-O-065, # 2006-O-066, # 2006-O-067, # 2006-O-068, 3 2006-O-069, # 2006-O-070, # 2006-O-071, # 2006-O-072, # 2006-O-073, # 2006-O-074, # 2006-O-075, # 2006-O-076, # 2006-O-077, # 2006-O-078, and # 2006-O-079.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second Cm. Amaya
7. 2006-O-060 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-060.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-061 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-061.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-062 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-062.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-063 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-063.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-064 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-064.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-065 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-065.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-066 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-066.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-067 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-067.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-068 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-068.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-069 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-069.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-070 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.
On July 28, 2004, City Council approved to award a construction contract to Leyendecker Construction, Laredo, Texas, in the amount not to exceed $19,059,090.00 for the City of Laredo Bridge of the Americas Modification Project (El Portal).
Once completed, this bridge will have one additional vehicular lane and a new pedestrian turnstile system. The pedestrian turnstile system consists of thirteen (13) automatic pedestrian gates, which include two ADA Act-model pedestrian gates, two ticket vending machines and four point of sale terminals which require to be manned.
The Bridge of the Americas Modification Project (El Portal) will require the following additional personnel: Bridge Officer/Collectors 11 Bridge Officer/Traffic 7 Building Maintenance Workers 3
Based on “El Portal” personnel requirements for FY2005-06, a total of twenty five new FTE position were required. Bridge Staff was able to reduce this amount to twenty one.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-070 as amended.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-071 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-071.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-072 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-072.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-073 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. As Amended.
Jalinna Jones, representing the Laredo Entertainment Center, said that she is concerned with the required 10’ distance which will be enforced with the new ordinance. She asked Council to consider a grandfather clause that would allow existing non-smoking facilities to continue to operate their smoking patios without regard to the distance measurement.
Ana Rivera Soto, spoke in favor of the new ordinance.
Robert Howland, Andariego Restaurant, stated that he is worried that the no smoking ban will have a detrimental affect on his business. He went on to say that if this restaurant does not do well that his family will be broke and that is why it is an important issue for him. He submitted information to Council and noted that there has been a lack of information submitted to the Council. He added that he found a study that was done by researchers at the Department of OSHA and it showed that the study depends on the quality of the air conditioning systems, infiltration of those systems, the ceiling heights, and the general movement of the air. The OSHA test was taken from 16 different restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee and the results showed that it was not dangerous for workers to be in a smoking atmosphere.
Juan Angel Martinez spoke in favor of a total ban on smoking.
David Cabello, Kush Lounge, spoke against the total ban on smoking.
Tony Lopez, Galaxy Billiards, spoke against the total ban on smoking.
Patricia Keck, representing Laredo Independent School District Health Services Coordinator, said that the eyes of the state are often on Laredo with immigration and border issues but now they are focusing on health issues. She spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Patty Pharr, TKO Bar & Grill, stated that she is afraid of what a total ban might do to her business. She said that she and her husband have put all of their heart into their business. She noted that they have over 25 employees and have worked for her for over five years. She asked Council to carefully consider the Ordinance which does not allow a middle ground or a compromise on smoking in public places.
Alfredo Barco, Alexander High School, spoke in favor of the ordinance for a total ban.
Rafael Martinez, The Cooler Management Company, argued that the ordinance infringes on his rights as business owners telling him how to run his business. He said that prior to the ordinance, his patrons have a choice of smoking or non smoking and that is their right. He agreed that smoking causes cancer but that should be up to the individual whether they want to smoke or not.
Susan Parish, Webb County Community Coalition, said that the coalition began advocating for a smoke free Laredo. This is not a campaign that has been hidden rather one that has gained momentum over the years. The coalition has worked to educate the community on the dangers of second hand tobacco smoke.
Jose Luis Munoz spoke against the total ban on smoking.
Vincent Norris, attorney, spoke in favor of the smoking ban.
Terry Pratz, Cocktails, feels that this ordinance will hinder his business and ask council to amend the ordinance and allow smoking in establishments that are operating as bars. He also asked for Council to create and ordinance that would be fair to both smokers and non smokers.
Sandra Hernandez, Doctor’s Hospital Nurse, spoke in favor of the ordinance and asked Council to listen to the recommendations of the doctors.
Pedro Soto spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Elena De La Cruz spoke in favor of the total smoking ban.
Dora Maria Ramirez spoke in favor of a total ban on smoking.
George Garcia, attorney, spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Marcia Jovel spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Dr. Antonini stated that they are seeing an increase in pulmonary cancer on persons who do not smoke and requested approval of the ordinance for total ban.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-073 with amendments.
Cm. Galo asked to amend the Ordinance regarding the 10’ distance requirement.
Cm. Belmares said that the intent of the Ordinance means 10’ from the entrance of the facod but if they have a patio specifically designed for smoking then it can be used.
Cm. Ramirez said that he would not accept the amendments.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, said that the Ordinance states that the patio would be inclusive of the facility and therefore will be 10’ from the entrance of the facility inclusive of the patio being described of the entrance of the facility. He said if the patio is included as part of the facility therefore it is 10 feet from the patio or any entrance to the facility.
Cm. Ramirez noted that 10’ requirement should be clarified. He said that a smoker should be able to smoke in the patio.
City Attorney said that the patio is part of the facility so that the 10’ from the entrance to the facility is inclusive of the perimeters including the patio. He asked Council that if they do not want the patio to be 10’ from the door?
Mayor Flores indicated that Council wants to allow smokers to smoke if the facility has a smoking patio which is 10 feet from the door and 5’ from the patio of the facility.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Agredano For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia Cm. Amaya Cm. Chavez
2006-O-074 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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-074.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-075 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-075.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-076 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-076.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-077 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-077.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-078 Amending Chapter 28, (Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) of the Code of Ordinances by amending Article V, (Commercial Use of Streets, Sidewalks and other Public Places), as follows: Deleting section 28-100 (c); section 28-101 to allow for vendors to contract within the city; section 28-104 by adding a requirement for an official street vendor picture identification and a fee of $20.00 for street vendor picture id’s; permits per vending area; authorizing a fee of $200.00 for issuance or renewal of a street vending permit; section 106 by enabling approved carts to be used outside the central business district; section 28-108 by requiring vendor to provide the City with a complete criminal background record; section 28- 110 providing for a penalty; providing for injunctive relief and severability; authorizing a penalty for violation of this ordinance; and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $13,420.00 in additional funds from the fees related to identification cards and providing for effective date and for publication. As Amended.
Dr. Gonzalez, Director of the Health Department, said that the amendments will change the cart fee from $200 to $100 and implement a new permit fee for the photo identification of $20.00 instead of $15.00.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-078 as amended.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 2006-O-079 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).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-079.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Agredano For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. MOTIONS
8. Consideration to award contract number FY06-058 to Professional Embroidery, Laredo, Texas, in the base amount of $17,835.00 for the purchase of Polo Shirts; and Champs Distribution, Laredo, Texas, in the base amount of $11,500.00 for the purchase of Pewter Trays for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Funding is available in the Convention and Visitor Bureau Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. Consideration to award contract number FY06-004 to the low bidder, Power Car Wash and Detail, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $51,870.00, for furnishing car wash services for the City’s automotive fleet. Bids were requested on car wash services with and without inside vacuum. All services are secured on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. Consideration to exercise the renewal option for one (1) additional year for contract number FY05-061 awarded to JJJ International Safety Equipment, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $25,000.00 for providing powdered electrolyte replacement drinks (Sqwincher) for City services crews. Electrolyte replacement drinks are purchased on an as needed basis during the summer months for the service crews to prevent dehydration. Funding is available in the following budgets: Public Works, Solid Waste, Fleet Maintenance, Traffic Safety, Engineering, Risk and Parks and Recreation.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Consideration to authorize the purchase of five (5) auto side loader collection units through the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (Buy Board) contract pricing in the total amount of $367,465.00 from McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Hutchins, Texas. These units will be installed on five (5) chassis trucks recently ordered. Funding is available in the Solid Waste Department’s Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Authorizing the City Manager to acquire through negotiations, the “Surface Only” of Lot 4, Block 23, Western Division, for the widening of Salinas Avenue and construction of a pedestrian plaza, between Zaragoza and Water Streets, as part of the El Portal Project, in an amount not to exceed $325,000.00, plus incidental expenses. This will be a voluntary transaction. Funding is available in the Bridge Operations Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Award a construction contract to the lowest bidder J. Solis Maintenance, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $1,644,759.00 for the construction of the SH 359 Tanquesitos I – Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Improvements Project, subject to the approval of the TWDB. The Tanquesitos I – Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Improvements consist of constructing 8” water distribution line and 10”/8” sanitary sewer collection line to Colonias Los Tanquesitos I within SH 359 Planning Area. The construction time is 300 calendar days. Funding is available in the Colonias Construction Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Galo Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. STAFF REPORTS
14. A. Discussion with possible action to consider Firefighter Anthony Joel Tice’s second (2nd) request for an extension of injury leave with pay in accordance with 143.073 (b) of the Texas Local Government Code.
Dan Migura, Human Resources Director, reported that Firefighter Tice is currently going through physical therapy. He recommended for Council to postpone the item until the firefighter can return to Council and give an update of his recovery.
B. Report by Parks and Recreation Department and Land Design Partners regarding the Municipal Golf Course proposal, with possible action.
Brent Luck and Dave Bennett from Land Design Partners gave a presentation before Council.
General Overview – Phase I
In April of 2005, the City conducted a feasibility study for a municipal golf course. Results indicated:
Two existing cou |