CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-11

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

June 5, 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 Elizabeth 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 Tem, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Deputy City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of March 27, 2006 and April 3, 2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Announcements

 

            None.

 

            Invitations

 

            a.  Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau and Miss Laredo, Ana Rodriguez, inviting the            

                 Mayor and City Council to the Miss Texas USA Pageant events on June 18 – 25, 2006.

 

                 Ana Rodriguez, Miss Laredo, invited the Mayor, City Council, and staff to attend the                                2006 Miss Texas USA Pageant. 

 

                 Jorge Vega, Project Coordinator for Miss Texas Pageant, thanked the City of Laredo,                            City of Laredo Airport, and Wells Fargo for being a Gold Sponsor for the Miss Texas                                USA Pageant. 

 

            Recognitions

            a.  Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores comments on the volunteerism and service of her appointees             to boards, committees, and commissions.

 

                 Mayor Flores thanked volunteers that serve as appointees to boards, committees,                      and commissions.  She added that they donate their time to make Laredo a better place                  to live.  She thanked her committee members:

 

                 Airport Advisory Committee:                       Javier Garza

                 Board of Adjustments:                                 Daniel Barrera

                 Citizens Environmental Advisory:                  Victor Garza

                 Historical/Landmark District Board  John Keck, Bonnie Lepovitz, Manuel Guerra,                                                                           Frank Rotnofsky, Sharyn Jordon, Elizabeth                                                                                           Gil, Sally Soup, Roberto Cantu

                 Library Advisory Committee                        Brenda Garcia

                 Para Transit Advisory Committee                 Anthony Rencarge

                 Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee     Jerome Jordan

                 Planning and Zoning Commission                 Nathan Bratton

                 Third Party Funding                         Clema Owens

                 Transportation Committee                            Felix Canales

                 Tree Board                                                  Don Fields

                 Charter Review Commission                        Rafael Torres

                 Plaza Theater Advisory                                Yolanda Gutierrez Garcia

                 Vehicles for Hire                                          Consuelo Montalvo

 

                 She also thanked the following individuals for serving on her Business Council:  

                 John Adams, Chris Arthur, Daniel Barrera, Lupita Canales, Miguel Conchas, Dr. Barber,          Dr. Ramon Dovalina, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rotnofsky, Mario Gonzalez, Rene Gonzalez,                    Adolfo Gutierrez, Javier Iregas, Jerry Jacobs, Dr. Keck, Olga Maldonado, A. B.                           Martinez, Dennis Nixon, Edna Pena, Evan Quiros, Hector Torres, Guillermo Trevino,                        Jorge Verduzco, Lucy Santos Wright, Dr. Oscar Rodriguez

 

            b.  Recognition of the Budget Department on receiving the Distinguished Budget           

                 Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the            15th consecutive year.

 

                 Mayor Flores and City Council publicly recognized the Budget Department for receiving            the award for the 15th consecutive year.

 

            c.  Recognition of Victor M. Sanchez, of the Laredo Bridge System, on his selection as May           2006 Employee of the Month.

 

                 Mario Maldonado, Bridge Director, reported that Victor Sanchez was hired in June                   1992 with the Traffic Department and was promoted as a Bridge Toll Technician in                        August of 1999.  His main responsibility is to operate and maintain the toll collection                       system for the World Trade Bridge but is also very familiar with the entire toll  

                 collection system for the International Bridges.  His main responsibility is to                                provide the efficiency and safe crossing of all pedestrians, non commercial and                    commercial traffic.  He is also responsible for Quality Assurance Inspections,

                 installation, preventive maintenance, and repairing testing for the entire toll collection

                 system.  By maintaining the AVI System and the Weigh Motion System, which was an

                 investment of nine million dollars, the City of Laredo continues to be the number one                               inland port in the nation.  Approximately $131 billion dollars worth of goods cross the                port of Laredo.  He is responsible to make sure that the toll collection system operates                    efficiently in order to cross approximately ten thousand commercial trucks per day,                         50,000 non commercial trucks a day and twenty five thousand vehicles per day.  He is an               exceptional leader and motivator who provides excellent customer service.  He recently                  assisted the Bridge Department in raising $7,000 for the American Cancer Relay for

                 Life.  He also dedicates a large portion of his time to the Sacred Heart Children’s Home.   

           

            d.  Presentation of the 2005 – 2006 City of Laredo Cooperative Training Program/Industrial          Cooperative Training (CO-OP/ICT) student employees.  This program allows high                         school students to both study and work part-time with the City of Laredo.

 

                 Mayor and City Council presented a Seven Flags Certificate to the following students:

 

                 Luz Cortinas                        Parks & Recreation Department                       Nixon High

                 Christian Garza                    Finance Department                                          Martin High

                 Isabel Lozano                      Parks & Recreation Department                       Martin High

                 Ariana A.  Muriel                 Health Department                                            United High

                 Mario A. Perez, Jr.              Tax Department                                                United South

                 Elizabeth Rodriguez Parks & Recreation Department                       United High

                 Nancy Ramirez                    Budget Department                                           Nixon High

                 Jaclyn Salinas                      Finance Department                                          United High

                 Jose Manuel Solis                Parks and Recreation Department                     United High

                 Victor Maldonado               Human Resources Department              United South

 

            e.  Recognition of Raul ‘Roy’ Garcia for winning 1st place in the 2006 Keep Texas       

                 Beautiful - Ed Davis Litter Law Enforcement Award category.

 

                 Mayor Flores and City Council publicly recognized Roy Garia. 

 

            f.  Recognition of David Michael Gonzalez for winning 1st place in the 2006 Keep Texas                Beautiful -Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Award – Scouting category.

 

                 Mayor Flores and City Council publicly recognized David Michael Gonzalez. 

 

            Communiqués

 

            Cm.  Agredano thanked everyone that participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony held at             the cemetery on Memorial Day.  He specifically thanked Webb County Judge Elect Danny             Valdez and Commissioner Elect Sergio Martinez representing Webb County for attending.

 

            Cm.  Garcia congratulated all graduating 2006 Seniors noting that the ceremonies were beautiful.  He also congratulated the United Longhorns Baseball team for winning District, Bi-District, Area, and Regional.

 

            Cm.  Galo congratulated all of the graduating 2006 Seniors in Laredo.  He also congratulated Cm. Rendon and his daughter Diana Rendon Gutierrez for holding a wonderful dance recital with over 2,000 attendees.  He congratulated the Public Works Department for working to clean up District III after the recent storm.  He mentioned     attending the Korean War Veterans Memorial held at Jarvis Plaza noting that it was a very           nice reception.  Finally, he noted that this meeting might be his last meeting so he thanked            all the citizens of Laredo for their support throughout the years and added that it was a             pleasure serving the community. 

 

            Cm.  Amaya advised that the District IV Scholarship Recipients have been selected for the             year of 2006 totaling 56 students that have been given monies from the District IV program             with a grand total of over $31,000.  He thanked George Beckelhymer, Manuel Reyna, and             local business for helping District IV achieve their goals. 

 

            Cm.  Rendon sent his condolences on behalf of the Mayor and City Council to Miss Guerra.

 

            Cm.  Belmares congratulated the 2006 Laredo Seniors.  He also congratulated the United             High School Baseball team for their phenomenal year.  He went on to mention the City of             Laredo trip for Bond Rating.  He announced that Fitch announced that the City of Laredo             received an “A+” rating.  He read the following excerpt from Fitch Bond Agency “the A+             rating reflects    Laredo’s historically sound financial management, diverse general fund   revenue streams, aggressive direct debt amortization and rapidly growing economic        base.”  He said that the first part “sound, financial, management” could not be done if it were not for the men and women on Council, City Administration, and Staff.  He said that     the exceptional rating will allow the City of Laredo to borrow monies at a cheaper rate       for additional projects for the    community. 

 

            Cm.  Chavez thanked Mr.  Munoz from the Veteran’s Association for inviting him to their             Memorial Event.  He noted that he was united with a lot of friends that are Veterans.

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez thanked the Khaledi Family for donating $100,000 to TAMIU             and Congressman Henry Cuellar for bringing a $1.427 million dollar grant to the Municipal             Housing Authority.

 

            Mayor Flores wished her mother a Happy 87th Birthday.

 

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

 

How many of you know what is the city’s most precious and valuable resource? It is water, and the department responsible for providing safe drinking water to our community is the City of Laredo Utilities Department.  (Effective May 6, 2005 , exactly one year ago, the operations and maintenance contract between the City of Laredo and United Water was dissolved.  Now, under the operations of the City of Laredo,) the Utilities Department has made effective strides to improve our water and wastewater system’s performance and has developed new programs to better address the needs of our community.

           

The Utilities Department provides water and wastewater services to the City of Laredo and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.  Its customer-base consists of 50,772 residential accounts and 5,399 commercial accounts, serving over 200,000 people.  The department is comprised of nine (9) divisions:  Administration, Engineering, Customer Service, Asset Management, Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Water Pollution Control, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection, a total of 178 employees and over $200 million worth of assets.  Each division is responsible to utilize the department’s resources at maximum efficiency in order to facilitate the provision of potable water.

 

·        The Administration Division provides direction of the department’s resources, policies, and guidance to better serve our customers.

·         The Engineering Division ensures the provision of sufficient water and sewer services by effectively planning, designing, managing, and providing contract compliance for the construction of the department’s capital projects.

·        The Customer Service Division has three sections:  customer service, which is responsible for opening or closing customer water accounts and handling all billing inquiries; the billing section, which is responsible for obtaining meter readings and billing customer accounts; and the collections section, which installs and removes water or fire hydrant meters and enforces that payments are made in a timely manner.

·        The Asset Management Division protects water and sewer system inventory by logging the age of existing infrastructure, identifying areas in need of infrastructure upgrades, gathering data on line-breaks, and controlling work orders.

·        The Water Treatment Division effectively manages the City of Laredo’s water production and pumping system through the operation and maintenance of the water supply system to meet current water supply needs, and to provide safe drinking water that meets state and federal regulations.

·        The Water Distribution Division provides uninterrupted service in sufficient quantities and at required pressure at all times and increases customer satisfaction by providing prompt service.  It is also responsible to reduce the number of breaks, which may cause interruption of services, by replacing water mains and services.

·        The Water Pollution Control Division ensures that our drinking water complies with all state and federal regulations and that our wastewater treatment effluents are discharged to the Rio Grande River in a manner that they do not harm our environment.  It is also responsible to protect the water distribution and wastewater collection systems from exposure to corrosive material or chemicals.  These goals are accomplished through the Bacteriological Examination of Drinking Water certified laboratory by TCEQ, the chemical analyses of wastewater samples at the same EPA-certified laboratory; and by observing the regulations on the Industrial pretreatment and Cross-Connection Control Programs.

·        The Wastewater Treatment Division protects the water quality of the Rio Grande River by treating sewage from the city.  It improves the efficiency of the treatment process, minimizes odors from treatment plant by evaluating sources and implementing solutions, optimizes the cost effectiveness of treatment per million gallons of sewage, and achieve proper levels of certification for the operating personnel.

·        The Wastewater Collection Division is responsible in providing a continuous sanitary sewer service to all residential and commercial customers by the implementation of a preventive and corrective maintenance program.  It minimizes the general public’s exposure to raw sewage and eliminates illicit sewer connections that pose community health risks.

The Utilities Department provides the community with safe drinking water, on demand, and in sufficient quantity.  It also removes and disposes of wastewater and its by-products in an environmentally sound manner.  This year, the department implemented new programs to improve the level of services and customer satisfaction.  Under the operations of the City of Laredo, the Utilities Department has established:

  • The Emergency Call Center expedites all water emergencies, such as: broken water lines, broken water meters, low to no pressure, sewer backups, meter leaks, over watering, water quality, or fire hydrant repairs.  You can contact the Emergency Call Center at 721-2010, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week including holidays.
  • The Pre-treatment Industrial Program is designed to protect our public-owned treatment works (POTW) and the environment from adverse impacts that occur when pollutants are discharged into the sewage system.  It prevents pollutants from passing through the treatment works, prevents interference with POTW operations, including sludge use and disposal practices and ensuring worker health and safety, and it improves opportunities to recycle and reclaim municipal and industrial wastewaters and sludge.
  • The Cross Connection Control Program is designed to protect the City’s public water supply from possible hazardous contamination by enforcing the installation of backflow prevention devices on new or existing facilities and monitoring irrigation systems.
  • The Water Conservation Program is designed to protect and conserve water and to reduce unaccounted water to 10% by the year 2015 by providing water conservation methods to the public through literature, presentations, infomercials, advertisements, replacement rebates and other sources of promotion and education, which will ultimately lead to a more comprehensive water conservation program so that all Laredoans will be doing their part to save water.  This program is also responsible for promoting and enforcing the Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Laredo, which currently is at a Stage 2. 

 

In preparation for hot summer days, the department has successfully completed the following Capital Improvement Projects:

  • 12” Water Line Extension at Winfield Subdivision
  • 12” Water Line Extension at Larga Vista Subdivision

 

The following projects are not yet completed, but they are expected to be completed by summer 2007:

·        TAMIU 2 Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tank

·        18” Water Transmission Line from McPherson to the TAMIU tank

·        18” Water Transmission Line from Mary Help Of Christian Booster Station to McPherson

·        Mary Help of Christina Booster Station Upgrade

 

Laredo’s fast-paced and welcome growth has put pressure on the City’s ability to continue providing high quality water to residential and commercial customers for the future.  In order to address the anticipated population growth, the Utilities Department was looking ahead to the future and implemented a water rate increase plan that went into effect last month.  This will include a series of increases for the next several years.  The additional revenue from the rate increase will be used to secure a major secondary source of water, to construct new water mains and dedicated for a much-needed annual water system maintenance program. 

 

In addition, the department is looking at alternate ways to provide immediate service responses, minimize interruption of services, and incorporate online and phone payment and inquiry methods.  The Utilities Department anticipates establishing a One-Stop Billing Service Area to better serve our residential and commercial customers.  In addition, the department has identified the following future Capital Infrastructure Projects:

 

Water Projects:

  • Hendricks Booster Station, $500K
  • SE Sierra Vista Elevated Tank, $1.3M
  • Water Treatment Plant-5 Million Gallon Clearwell Installation, $2.5M
  • Water Treatment Plant Emergency Electrical Backup, $500K
  • Water Treatment Plant Modifications,  $790K

 

Sewer Projects:

  • SE Upper Zacate Creek Lift Station, $800K
  • Manhole Rehab and Replacement, $725K
  • Utility Modification, $650K
  • Lift Station Rehabilitation, $975K
  • Treatment Plant Improvements, $675K

 

Although the Utilities Department is comprised of millions of dollars invested in pumps, motors, pipes, and operational equipment, ultimately its staff is a family-oriented group joined together to serve the community by providing and protecting the city’s most precious and valuable resource, our WATER.  In addition, it is important to note that the continued success of this department’s future reflects in the successful partnership of its employees with other staff, City leadership, and their customers.

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            None.

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the               City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for mini storage/warehousing, on                       3.29 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at            Monaco Drive and McPherson Road.  The Planning and Zoning Commission                                recommended approval of the Special Use Permit.

 

                 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.  Agredano

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

2.  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.  Galo

                 Second:   Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing postpone for June 19, 2006.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

                 Second:  Cm.  Galo

     For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

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

Corp. (LMHC) Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget by drawing down and appropriating $250,000.00 from its opening fund balance to the City’s Capital Improvement Fund to cover additional costs associated with the Los Obispos Remediation Project.  The amendment is authorized by the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.

 

     Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:   Cm.  Garcia

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant by the United States

Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields program in the amount of $100,000.00 with the City designating $20,000.00 in matching funds for a total of $120,000.00 and amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget for the Environmental Services Fund by appropriating the said grant revenue to the appropriate expenditure accounts.  The grant monies will be used to cleanup the Killam Lake site located in Chacon Creek.  Matching funds are available in the Environmental Services Fund. 

 

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.  Galo

                 Second:  Cm.  Garcia

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

5.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with GearHart Aviation Services, LLC,

for approximately 400 square feet constituting Building No. 124 located at 4603 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on May 1, 2006 and ending on April 30, 2007, and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year each ending on April 30, 2008 and April 30, 2009.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a thirty (30) day written notice from the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $600.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension terms of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

Introductory Ordinance:  City Council

 

6.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero Center, Inc. for Fuel Pad No.

1 consisting of 1,161 square feet located at the East Fuel Farm at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for five (5) years commencing on June 1, 2006, and ending on May 31, 2011, and may be extended for two (2) terms of five (5) years each ending on May 31, 2016, and May 31, 2021.  Monthly rent shall be $500.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index and further adjusted by appraised fair market value at every fifth (5th) anniversary; providing for an effective date.

 

Introductory Ordinance:  City Council

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

            Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances # 2006-O-106, # 2006-O-107, # 2006-O-            108, # 2006-O-109, # 2006-110, # 2006-O-112, # 2006-113, # 2006-O-114, # 2006-O-115,     # 2006-O-116, # 2006-O-117, # 2006-O-118, # 2006-O-119, # 2006-O-120, # 2006-O-121,     # 2006-O-122, # 2006-O-123, # 2006-O-124, # 2006-O-125, # 2006-O-126, and # 2006-O-        127.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

 

7.  2006-O-106  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.     

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-106.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                               Abstain:  0           

 

                 2006-O-107  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).  

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-107.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                               Abstain:  0

 

                 2006-O-108  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

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-108.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                              Abstain:   0    

 

                 2006-O-109  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).

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-109.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                           Abstain:  0               

                  2006-O-110 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).   

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-110.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                   Abstain:  0               

                  2006-O-111 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).   

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-111.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                Against:  0                                  Abstain:  0        

 

                  2006-O-112 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. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-112.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                               Abstain:  0      

 

                2006-O-113  Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Waterworks and Sewer

   System Revenue Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of

   $_________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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-113 with the estimated amount of $17,320,000.00.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

   For:     8                                Against:  0                               Abstain:  0    

 

                2006-O-114  Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination Tax and

  Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2006 in the estimated amount of    

   $__________ 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 c

   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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-114 with the estimated amount of $17,865,000.00.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0   

   

                  2006-O-115 Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas General Obligation

   Refunding Bonds, Series 2006, in the estimated amount of $__________

   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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-115 with the estimated amount of $13,485,000.00.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Rendon

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

    

                 2006-O-116  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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-116.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

  

                 2006-O-117  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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-117.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

   

                 2006-O-118  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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-118.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

                2006-O-119  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 adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-119.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

  

                2006-O-120  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Laredo

  Housing Authority in the amount of $58,600.00 and amending the City of  

  Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget by the same amount.  The  

  agreement’s purpose is to reimburse costs for overtime incurred by the

  Laredo Police Department officers in providing resources for the Weed and

  Seed Community Building Program.  The term of this agreement is from

  April 4, 2006 through December 31, 2006.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-120.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

                 2006-O-121  Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the State of Texas

   Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $49,979.00 and    

   amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget in

   the same amount.  This grant will be for bomb detection and deterrence

   equipment and is offered under the United States Department of Homeland

   Security Fiscal Year 2005 Buffer Zone Protection Plan Program.  The

   terms of this grant agreement will be from April 1, 2005 – January 31,

   2007.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-121.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

2006-O-122  Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute the Federal Transit

Administration (FTA) Grant, Section 5307, TX-90-X706, in the amount of $3,778,375.00 for Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006; and amend the Transit System’s Operating Budget by increasing the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 FTA Operating Grant contribution from $2,943,542.00 to $3,778,375.00 and decreasing the Transit sales tax match for operating expenses from $5,590,646.00 to $4,955,813.00 and increasing the CNG fuel expense by $200,000.00 and providing for grant funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-122.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

                 2006-O-123  Authorizing the City Manager to amend the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006

   Colonias Construction grant fund to appropriate revenues and

   expenditures, provided by Webb County, in the amount of $500,000.00 for

   construction of wastewater lines at Colonia Tanquecitos.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-123.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

2006-O-124  Authorizing the City Manager to execute the U.S. Highway 83 and

Southgate Boulevard proposed Sanitary Sewer Reimbursement Agreement

with 3 applicants, who are named in the agreement, to provide for possible

reimbursement of part of the costs incurred by the applicants, in

constructing a 21-inch sanitary sewer line in south Laredo from Southgate

Boulevard to the Chacon Creek interceptor.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-124.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

 

                  2006-O-125 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aero Center, Inc., for

   approximately 416 square feet constituting Building No. 168 located at

   5103 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for

   three (3) years commencing on May 1, 2006 and ending on April 30, 2009,

   and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year each ending on

   April 30, 2010, and April 30, 2011.  Monthly rent shall be $600.00 and

   will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension terms of this

   lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an

   effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-125.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

   For:     8                                Against:  0                                     Abstain:  0    

      

     2006-O-126  Consider a recommendation authorizing the City Manager to execute a

lease with Aero Center, Inc., for approximately 178 square feet

constituting Air Operations Area (AOA) Office #5 located at 5210 Bob

Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport