CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-10

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

May 15, 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

            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 Protempore, Dist. VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                             City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                       City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                     Deputy City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                           City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse:  Cm.  John Galo.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Cm.  Rendon

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of February 21, 2006 and March 6, 2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

           

None.

 

             Invitations

 

            a. Invitation by the Laredo Broncos Baseball Club to their Inaugural 2006 Baseball Season.

 

General Manager, Jose Melendez, thanked the Council for inviting him to the City Council and he extended an invitation to the Mayor Flores to throw the first pitch on May 26, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.  He added that there will be plenty of promotions to draw attention to the Laredo Broncos and encouraged everyone to support the Laredo Broncos.

 

            Recognitions

 

            b. Recognition of Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores.

 

                Motion to postpone.

 

                Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                Second:  Cm.  Agredano

                For:    7                                            Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

            c.  Acknowledgement of appointees to boards, committees, and commissions by Mayor   

                 Elizabeth G. Flores.

 

                 Mayor Flores requested to postpone her acknowledgments. 

 

            d.  Recognition of the appointees for District I, by Council Member Alfredo Agredano.

 

Cm.  Alfredo Agredano recognized Robert Simpson for serving on the Library Advisory Committee.

 

            e.  Recognition of Blas Jasso, of the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, on his         

                 selection as April 2006 Employee of the Month.

 

Patricia Taylor, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director, reported that it was a pleasure to be able to report, on behalf of the Convention and Visitor’s staff, a member of the department who plays a key role , Mr.  Blas Jasso.   He began his employment with the City in 1994 and became a full time City employee in 1999.  She said that a person can basically see Mr.  Jasso everywhere from the World Trade Bridge to the Airport, from the HEB to Nuevo Laredo, Blas is in charge of all the department’s running, messages, and distribution.  He controls the inventory of promotional supplies in the department.  His job continues to grow and his ability to comply with his responsibilities and his growing workload is commitment and dedication that displays what true public service is.  She noted that she truly appreciates his commitment and dedication.

 

            Communiqués

 

Cm.  Agredano said that he was honored to represent the Mayor at the United South Middle School for honoring Margaret Cigarroa and for naming their Library the “Margaret Cigarroa Library”.  Secondly, he noted that he and Cm. Rendon welcomed the soldiers from Iraq and Iran.   He said that they welcomed them home and thanked them for their dedication and patronage to this country.  Thirdly, he encouraged the Citizens of Laredo to vote for the Webb County Judge of their choice. 

 

Cm.  Garcia thanked the residents in his district for giving him the opportunity to serve four more years.  He noted that he did not have an opponent.  He congratulated Council Member Gene Belmares and Municipal Court Judge, Alfonso “Boyer” Ornelas, for being elected to serve another four years.  He also congratulated local teachers for celebrating “Teacher’s Appreciation Week”.  He also mentioned that the officers will be celebrating “National Police Appreciation Week”.  He stated that both professions deserve recognition for the exceptional work that they do in serving the community.  He commended Public Works for being prepared during the recent storm. 

 

Cm.  Amaya congratulated Cm. Hector Garcia and Cm. Gene Belmares on their reelection victories.  He advised that his Special Projects District Committee held a fund raiser several weeks ago to raise scholarship monies for District IV students.  He noted that they were able to provide $2,000 to seventeen students in District IV.  He thanked everyone that participated or donated monies for that fundraiser. 

 

Cm.  Rendon thanked the Public Works Department employees for all the work that they have been doing in District V.  He said that they have been busy assisting constituents trimming their trees.  He mentioned that District V Upward Bound Scholarship Committee gave $3,000 of scholarships to five seniors in his district.  Finally, he congratulated Council Member Hector Garcia and Council Member Gene Belmares on their return to Council.

 

Cm. Belmares said that he owes all of his blessing to God Almighty.  He said that He carried him through the race and believes, like all believers do, that all things are possible through Christ in whom he gives all the glory.  He said that he is truly committed in serving the community he loves and it was difficult for him to hear some of the negative comments that people were saying during the campaign.  He expressed his dissatisfaction in comments made about city employees and him.  He thanked Alfonso Martinez, one of his opponents, for running a clean race.  He thanked all of his supporters, more specifically Orlando Navarro, whom he said has become his closest friend.  He also congratulated the City of Laredo employees for participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  Finally, he thanked his wife for all of her support through the campaign.  He noted that he could not be a City Council Member without her love and support.

 

Cm.  Chavez wished all mothers a belated Happy Mother’s Day.

 

Cm.  Ramirez asked for a moment of silence for Police Officer Ismael Alardin who passed away recently.

 

Mayor Flores asked for a moment of silence for Guadalupe Martinez.  She noted that he greatly contributed to the City of Laredo community. 

 

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

 

Motion to table.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

a.  Confirmation of Eva Montoya to the Housing Finance Corporation Board.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2005-O-121

authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for inventory storage on Lots 1 and 3, Block 992, Western Division, located at 3902 Main Avenue, by removing the term limit restriction of the permit.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.   

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez                  

 

     Mayor Flores left temporarily and Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez chaired the meeting.

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1490, Eastern Division, located at 2501 Market Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council                  

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for sale and outdoor storage of commercial metal racks on the Lots 6, 8 and 10, Block 1030, Western Division, located at 4102 Santa Maria Avenue.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez                  

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 11.96 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located at the southwest corner of F.M. 1472 and Trade Center Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Chavez                  

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 5, Las Flores Subdivision Phase 2, located at 211 Floral Boulevard, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia                  

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block 1694, Eastern Division, located at 2819 Clark Boulevard, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Garcia                  

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a bus terminal on Lot 10, Block 176, Western Division, located at 1102 Santa Ursula Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the conditional use permit. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and postpone for next month.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo’s Land

Development Code, Article IV, Section 24.63.2, entitled Permitted Land Uses, and Appendix A, by establishing and defining shooting range (indoor) in specific zoning districts; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      6                                         Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council                  

 

9.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,

Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of $13,975,000.00 for the purpose of improving and extending the City’s combined Waterworks System and Sewer System, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     6                                          Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council                  

 

10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,

Texas Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2006 in the estimated amount of $17,370,000.00 for paying all or a portion for the City’s Contractual Obligations for the purpose of constructing and equipping Police and Fire Department improvements for substations, a training center and headquarters building, constructing, improving, repairing and extending city streets, and providing for road improvements for Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) projects including the West Laredo Corridor Project, Cuatro Vientos Project, US 83 Project and other related road improvements, together with drainage improvements and traffic and signal equipment and improvements, constructing and equipping improvements to the City’s health complex, branch library, and municipal parks and for the payment of legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with such projects; approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract, making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council 

 

11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo,

Texas General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of $18,245,000.00 for the purpose of refunding general Obligation Bonds; approving an Official Statement; authorizing the execution of a purchase agreement and an Escrow Agreement; making provisions for the security thereof; and authorizing amendment to the City’s Budget to appropriate such proceeds for the purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council 

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006

Annual Operating Budget Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Texas in the sum of $73,230.00.  This will fund a project that will develop a comprehensive hazard Mitigation Action Plan for the City of Laredo.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council   

 

13.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the

Universal Service Program grant from the Schools & Libraries Division / Universal Services Administrative Company / Federal Communications Commission in the amount of $566,169.55 with the City designating $83,423.85 in matching funds, which includes $69,976.00 (11% matching funds required) and $13,447.85 to cover non-funded needed items for a total of $649,593.40 for multi-year E-Rate discounts and communication and technology infrastructure enhancements and to appropriate said funds in the Friends of the Library Fund, and extending the contract previously awarded to Avnet Enterprise Solutions now doing business as Calence to September 30, 2006.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council 

 

14.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept an

$89,734.00 donation from the BP Newman Investment Co. / Peggy Newman for the purchase of playground amenities and a shade structure to be installed at El Eden / Newman Park and amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Capital Improvement Fund by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the form of a donation in the amount of $89,734.00 for said purchase.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

15.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the

lease agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Center for the Arts dated November 27, 1996 to provide for additional lease space, suite B and D at El Mercado in the amount of 1,342 sq. ft. for an increase of lease space totaling 15,035.20 sq. ft. Special use days of the 2nd floor mezzanine have also been designated for city use as part of this lease amendment.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     6                                        Against:  0                                           Abstain:  0

 

There was not public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia