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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2006-R-13 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 July 3, 2006 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Raul G. Salinas called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Raul G. Salinas led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Raul G. Salinas, Mayor Mike Garza, Council Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council Member, District II Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon Council Member, District V Gene Belmares, Council Member, District VI 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
Motion to excuse Cm. Chavez.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of April 17, 2006, May 16, 2006, and May 25, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Announcements
None. Invitations
None.
Recognitions a. Recognition of City employees who received a college or university degree in May 2006 by utilizing the City’s Tuition Reimbursement Program.
Monica Flores, Human Resources, introduced the individuals who received a college or university degree. The Mayor and City Council presented certificates to each employee.
Gala Castillo Health Master’s Degree in Public Health TAMIU Nora Guerra Health Master’s Degree in Public Health TAMIU David Garza Health Master’s Degree in Public Health TAMIU Guillermo Hurd Fire Bachelor’s Degree in Public Science TAMIU Fernando Morales Planning Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts TAMIU Mauricio Del Barrio Finance Master’s in Business Administration TAMIU Vanessa Morales CVB Associates Degree in Management LCC Veronica Lopez Parks Bachelor’s in Science TAMIU
Communiqués
Cm. Garza thanked the voters in his District for giving him an opportunity to serve them as their Council Member.
Cm. Garcia welcomed Cm. Garza, Dr. Landeck, and Mayor Salinas for being elected to serve as part of the City Council for the City of Laredo. He said that he is looking forward to working with them. He thanked the Parks and Recreational Department for holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Eastwood Parks. He also thanked the Council Members in attendance at the ribbon cutting including Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez, Cm. Chavez, and Mayor Salinas.
Cm. Landeck noted that he is very happy to be part of City Council adding that it has been a long road. He said that his purpose for serving as Council Member is to take proper action on all issues. He noted that he is not affiliated with any groups or persons. He added that he will work hard to do the best for his district and for the City as a whole.
Cm. Amaya welcomed Cm. Garza, Dr. Landeck, and Mayor Salinas to the City of Laredo City Council. He wished all the District IV residents a safe and happy Fourth of July week- end.
Cm. Rendon welcomed the Mayor and new Council Members. He thanked the City of Laredo Public Works Department for working very hard in his District. He advised that he was in Dallas at the River of Trade Coalition Conference where he was impressed by Assistant City Manager Rafael Garcia for giving a dynamic presentation. In fact, Mr. Garcia was asked to give additional presentations regarding the City of Laredo at other conferences. He invited all the residents of Springfield and Mayberry for the 4th Annual Neighborhood Parade. Finally, he thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for repairing some of the equipment in the District V parks.
Cm. Belmares welcomed the Mayor and other Council Members to the City of Laredo City Council. He congratulated them on running a great campaign. He encouraged everyone to participate in the neighborhood parades and festivities. He also asked everyone to visit the Bronco game at Veteran’s Field. He also congratulated Cm. Garcia and Cm. Rendon for their attendance at the River Trade Coalition noting that it is important for the City of Laredo to send representatives to the meetings to carry forth the message of the City of Laredo. He too congratulated the Assistant City Manager on his presentation at the River Trade Coalition. Finally, he wished his son ,Jacob, a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez congratulated the Mayor and other Council Members that were elected to serve on the Council. He invited everyone to participate in celebrating the 4th of July with him by attending a parade that will start at the St. Peter’s Plaza and end with an all day celebration at the Civic Center.
Mayor Salinas said that he was so humbled to be elected as Mayor for the City of Laredo. He also said that he was honored and that he thanks the Lord for affording him the opportunity. He mentioned that as Council goes forward and leads this City for the next four years, he said that he could assure everyone that they will work very hard to make the City the brightest and the greatest City in the United States. He went on to say that the prior Council has done an outstanding job. He noted that they will not agree from time to time but that does not mean that they cannot walk holding hands – shoulder to shoulder. He respectfully asked for the Council’s support. He said that he has so much faith in the Lord and he would work very hard to bring prosperity to the City of Laredo. He said that he realizes that the Mayor’s position comes with a lot of responsibility and he plans to carry the mission with the utmost responsibility, ethical standards, integrity, and honest so everyone will be proud of Laredo. He said that if everyone works together the City of Laredo will shine throughout the world. VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointments by Council Member Mike Garza of:
1. Raymond Bruni to the Airport Advisory Committee. 2. Dr. Nedil A. Antonini M.D. to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee. 3. Hope Zuniga to the Library Advisory Committee. 4. Ramiro Martinez to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. 5. Efrain D. Sanchez, Jr. to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 6. Albert Blanco to the Telecommunications Advisory Committee. 7. Sylvia E. Bruni to the Third Party Funding Advisory Committee. 8. Hector A. Gomez to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. 9. Cynthia L. Espinoza to the Laredo Commission for Women.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 b. Appointments by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck of:
1. Ronnie Salamon to the Airport Advisory Committee. 2. Eduardo Perales to the Board of Adjustment. 3. Lorraine Laurel to the Charter Review Commission. 4. Eduardo Quiroga to the Historic District / Landmark Board. 5. Beatriz Escamilla to the Library Advisory Committee. 6. Dr. GeorgeAnne R. Reuthinger to the Para Transit Advisory Committee. 7. Remy V. Salinas to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. 8. Javier Martinez to the Planning and Zoning Commission. 9. Rafael Martinez to the Telecommunications Advisory Committee. 10. Peter Arredondo to the Third Party Funding Advisory Committee. 11. Joe Perez to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. 12. Viviana Rotnofsky to the Laredo Commission for Women.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $57,850.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Public Health Preparedness and Epidemiology Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for a total grant amount of $468,881.00, and extending the grant period which ends August 31, 2006, an additional four (4) months. The term period from September 1, 2005, through December 31, 2006; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Public Access Computer Hardware Upgrade Grant (PAC HUG) from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in the amount of $23,750.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Friends of the Library Fund Annual Budget in the amount of $23,750.00. Funds will be used to replace computers at all three (3) branches.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council VIII. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) DTFASW-07-L-00035 between the United States of America, as Lessor, and the City of Laredo, as Lessee, in order to cover required land sites and easements for existing navigational aid (NAVAID) facilities operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA has installed and is maintaining six (6) facilities that are covered under three (3) separate lease agreements at Laredo International Airport, those being DTFA07-97-L-1047, DTFA07-95-L-0150, and DTFA07-04-L-00018. These lease agreements will be terminated and consolidated into superseding MOA DTFASW-07-L- 00035; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Scheduled Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with Allegiant Air, Inc., for exclusive and non-exclusive joint use space located at the Laredo International Airport passenger terminal for the purpose of conducting commercial air transportation services. Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on June 1, 2006, and ending on May 31, 2009. However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a ninety (90) day written notice from the party terminating to the other. The monthly rent including landing fees is waived for the first twelve (12) months commencing on the date the airline initiates commercial air transportation services at the Laredo International Airport; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the leased agreement approved by Ordinance No. 2004-O-038 dated February 17, 2004, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Webb County Juvenile Board, as Lessee, for the Juvenile Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) school campus for an approximate 100,357 square foot tract of land located on Block No. 11 of the Airport Subdivision Plat at the Laredo International Airport. Said amendment will extend the lease term six (6) months ending June 30, 2007. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 6. Setting the new speed limits on Loop 20 within the City limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as defined in the Texas Department of Transportation Control Section Map 0086- 14, providing for the installation of appropriate signs to indicate new speed changes in the designated areas and providing for publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances # 2006-O-135, # 2006-O-136, # 2006-O- 137, # 2006-O-138, # 2006-O-139, # 2006-O-140, # 2006-O-141, # 2006-O-142, # 2006-O- 143, # 2006-O-144, # 2006-O-146, # 2006-O-147, # 2006-O-148, # 2006-O-149, # 2006-O- 150, # 2006-O-151, # 2006-O-152, and # 2006-O-153.
7. 2006-O-135 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Cuatro Vientos Subdivision, located at 4467 Exodus Drive, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-135.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-136 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 53.34 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 2325 Bob Bullock Loop, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District), R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) and R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-136.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-137 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning .37 acres, part of Block 1, Del Mar Village Subdivision, as further described be metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 6919 San Dario Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-137.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-138 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 2026, Eastern Division, located at 3219 Ross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-138.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-139 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning the Replat of Lot 1A, Block 1, Tesoro Plaza Subdivision, located on Tesoro Plaza Drive north of Calton Road, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Larry Dovalina, City Manager said that there was discussion at the last Council Meeting where the individual that was asking for the rezoning told the Council Member that he would refrain from doing business until he actually paved his parking facility. Council Member Chavez informed him in an e-mail that the individual is ignoring what he had told Council that he would do.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-140 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 17, Lakeside Subdivision Phase I, located at 7223 Bob Bullock Loop, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-140.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-141 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning the west 2/3 of Lot 7, Block 1103, Eastern Division, located approximately at 1906 East Lyon Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-O (Retail/Office District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-141.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-142 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 30.14 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Ejido Avenue north of Exodus Drive, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-142.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-143 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 13.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located west of Ejido Avenue north of Exodus Drive, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-143.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-144 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 8.12 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the northwest corner of Exodus Drive and Pita Mangana Road, from R-1MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-144.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-146 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Customer Service Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $4,825.00 provided by the sale of tables and individual seats during the 2006 City of Laredo Commission for Women Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-146.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-147 Authorizing the City Manager to accept contributions of $30,000.00 from the Laredo International Airport, $15,000.00 from Wells Fargo, $4,000.00 from Coyote Creek, $3,000.00 from HEB, and $500.00 from South Texas Realty for a total of $52,500.00 in contributions for the Miss Texas USA Pageant; and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006 Convention & Visitors Bureau Annual Budget by appropriating an additional $2,500.00 in revenues and expenditures to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Fund.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-147.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-148 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Annual Budget by increasing revenues and expenditures by $30,000.00 of additional funds, for a total amount of $64,678.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Title V Family Planning Services of the City of Laredo Health Department for the term from January 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-148.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-149 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances as follows: Chapter 2, Article II, Division 3 (Leave Policy), Section 2-58, 59 and 60, providing for the exclusion of part-time and temporary employees hired after July 2, 2006 from Holiday, Sick Leave, and Annual Leave benefits except as otherwise stated in any collective bargaining agreement; providing for an effective date of July 2, 2006.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-149.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-150 Approving an agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the amount of $18,000.00 and amending the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 City of Laredo Annual Budget by $18,000.00. The agreement’s purpose is to reimburse cost for overtime and fringe benefits incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing resources to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) task force. The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-150.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-151 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a supplemental overtime award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the amount of $5,144.00 and amend the Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 City of Laredo Annual Budget by $5,144.00. The purpose is to reimburse cost for overtime incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing resources of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-151.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-152 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement and Underground Service Agreement Document, WR# 13147452, with American Electric Power (AEP) consisting of approximately 2.070 acres out of Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 2, Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal Subdivision, recorded in Volume 16, Pages 45-47, for the installation of electrical facilities at Laredo Town Square Project on Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-152.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2006-O-153 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey three (3) City owned lots, namely, lots 6, 7 and 8 in Block 494, Eastern Division, in the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas to Habitat for Humanity, Inc., in support of the construction of three (3) homes; and providing for effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-153.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. RESOLUTIONS
8. 2006-R-071 Accepting the donation of a utility easement from Royal Joint Venture for the construction of a sanitary sewer line from east side of IH 35 to the Unitec Sewer Plant; said easement being described in the grant of same dated June 13, 2006, which is recorded in Volume 2115, Pages 38 – 43, Official Property Records, Webb County, Texas, copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-071.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 2006-R-072 Confirming the appointment / reappointment for a member of the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission of the City of Laredo.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-072 and reappoint Ray Garner.
Moved: Cm. Belmares Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. MOTIONS
10. Approval of a request from Webb County Historical Commission Marker Committee to make application to the Texas Historical Commission for an official Texas Historical Subject Marker regarding the former Laredo Air Force Base and authorizing the City Manager to execute said application.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Consideration for approval of change order no. 2 an increase of $91,294.00 for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the Los Obispos Unit- 5, Remediation Project, Phase III and approval of final payment in the amount of $132,947.30 to LEH Contractors, Inc., San Antonio, Texas. Final contract amount is $904,194.00. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund – Los Obispos Housing Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Consideration to award contract number FY06-102 to the low bidder, Rhino Builders LTD, Laredo, Texas, in the total amount of $59,400.00 for the purchase and installation of concrete traffic barriers at the International Bridge II bridge span. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 an increase of $29,321.25 to add weep holes and sawed/expansion joints to improve long term durability of riprap, acceptance of the Laredo Colombia International Bridge Phase I Concrete Drainage Channel Improvements and approval of final payment in the amount of $44,780.10 to G.O. Excavating and Construction Company, Alamo, Texas. Final contract amount is $183,909.75. Funding is available in the Bridge System Fund – Revenue Bond Series 2005A.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Belmares For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Setting City Council meeting dates for August 2006 and September 2006 as follows: August 14, 2006, August 28, 2006, and September 5, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Adopting a schedule of hearings and proceedings for voluntary and unilateral annexations for calendar year 2006, in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Consideration to authorize the purchase of an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony application server and related equipment from CALENCE for the Public Library, through the State of Texas – Department of Information Resources (DIR) cooperative purchase contract, in the total amount of $30,640.00. Funding for these items is available in the Library’s Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. Consideration to exercise the renewal option for contract number FY05-094 awarded to the low bidder, A-1 Dry Cleaning, Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $60,000.00, for providing laundry dry cleaning services for the Police Department uniformed officers. The city must provide dry cleaning service for police uniforms as a condition of the collective bargaining agreement. Funding is available in the Police Department Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to ratify the emergency purchase order issued to Turbonetics Engineering, Corpus Christi, Texas in the total amount of $ 68,680.00. The City Manager has authorized emergency rehab repairs to two high service pumps located on the discharge of the Jefferson Water Plant. These repairs were authorized to prevent disruption of pumping capacity throughout the water distribution system. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Water Treatment Division Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to ratify the emergency purchase order issued to Bradley’s Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas in the total amount of $36,900.00. The City Manager has authorized emergency repairs to a 300 HP raw water intake pump that was damaged and resulted in low or no water pressure to several areas of the City. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Water Treatment Division Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Amending the contract with Harry Jewett Associates, Inc., Laredo, Texas for $7,320.00 to include basic engineering services required for adjustments and revisions to the water distribution lines on Mines Road Work Order #1. The amendment brings the total contract amount to $228,100.00. Funding is available in the Colonias Project Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. STAFF REPORTS
21. A. Discussion with possible action regarding landscaping improvements along Zacate Creek from Sanchez Street south to Corpus Christi Street, to be paid for with District VIII Discretionary Funds.
Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that staff did meet with Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez advising him of several improvements. He said that staff is recommending planting a total of sixty (60) different kinds of 3” caliber trees along the linear area but concentrating mainly on the intersections. He said that staff would need to install proper irrigation for the trees. The total cost for the trees, irrigation and proper soil cost estimate is $25,500.
Motion to use Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez discretionary funds for landscaping improvements along Zacate Creek from Sanchez Street south to Corpus Christi Street.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
22. A. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Discussion with possible action on a workshop to discuss the water rate increase and United Water and Utilities transition issues; setting a date and time for the meeting.
Cm. Garza stated that as a newly elected Council Member he would like to have an opportunity to review the transitional phase of what happened with the water issues. At the same time, he feels that it will educate the new council members and educate the viewing public of all the criteria that went forth with the entire transaction.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the City of Laredo has sold some bonds based on the water rates. He said that he would be happy to give the new Council Members a presentation. He said that the Council has already received a presentation but he would set up a workshop if the Council so desired.
Motion to instruct the City Manager to set a workshop to discuss the water rate increase and United Water and Utilities transition issues.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Landeck For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Pro Tempore was not present.
2. Discussion with possible action on a workshop to discuss the City of Laredo employment policies; setting a date and time for the meeting. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck and Council Member Juan Chavez)
Motion to set a workshop to discuss the City of Laredo employment policies.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Landeck For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck
1. Discussion with possible action in scheduling a City Charter amendments workshop at a special call City Council meeting.
Motion to call a special City Council meeting to discuss the City Charter Amendments.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion with possible action on status and possible redesign of the Slaughter Park project. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Mike Garza)
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, said that the last survey that was prepared by staff was two seasons ago where staff compared the numbers and there was over 5,000 baseball players in the community, and over 9,000 soccer players. The city has 21 to 23 lighted fields for baseball and no lighted fields for soccer. Staff has been working on refurbishing parks through City Council’s guidance and approval.
Cm. Landeck addressed his concerns for the current design of the Slaughter Park. He acknowledged that the City has a large demand for soccer but noted that District III is not the place to try to facilitate the public’s need for a stadium. He noted that there are currently nine soccer fields in his district. He also expressed his desire to change the design of a pond to a swimming pool. Finally, he requested reviewing the area for horseback riding. He asked Council to support him in postponing the current design so staff could consider offering other options for Council to consider.
Cm. Garcia said that he had a problem with the suggestion to redesign the Slaughter Park. He said that when the property was presented to Council that there was no funding but Council instructed staff to search for monies because the City of Laredo was not servicing the soccer community. He noted that the Council did it to benefit District III and the community as a whole. The Soccer stadium is over due for the City of Laredo. He said that the City owes it to the children that approached Council for a soccer stadium. He said that the City of Laredo is falling behind in the soccer area. He also spoke in favor of the horse back riding trail.
Cm. Belmares stated that removing any of the soccer fields from the current plan would be detrimental to the soccer leagues even more so now that we are trying to get them more organized.
Motion to place the redesign of Slaughter Park on hold to allow for changes and redesign of the park and return to Council for their approval.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Garza For: 3 Against: 4 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Landeck Cm. Rendon Cm. Amaya Cm. Belmares Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
C. Request by Council Member Gene Belmares
1. Discussion with possible action on increasing enforcement of paper license plate violations.
Agustin Dovalina, III, Police Chief, advised that in 2005 the City of Laredo Police Department issued 10,370 citations for unregistered motor vehicle violations which include the paper license plats. Year to date, the department has issued 5,439 citations for the same violation. He further reported that the patrol division, traffic section, and the auto theft tasks forces has been actively addressing the problem. In 2005 the auto task force handled three cases of counterfeiting the paper tags which resulted in two arrests and the seizure of three hundred (300) counterfeit paper tags. In January of this year, the auto tasks force participated in the hearing addressed to change in the transportation rules dealing with paper tags. He continued to explain that the department is working aggressively on enforcing the paper license plate violations.
Cm. Belmares asked if staff has considered addressing this problem on the legislative state agenda.
Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the City of Laredo will add the paper license place issue on the list of the Legislative Agenda.
2. Discussion with possible action on creating a City of Laredo Ethics Commission. |