CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-014

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

July 17, 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 Chavez,                                                                            Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                                           Council Member, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Deputy City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                                           Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

                       

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of May 15, 2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Rendon

            Second:  Cm.  Belmares

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

 

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

                 Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of Duncan Jalomo, of the Laredo Public Library, on his selection as June           

                 2006 Employee of the Month.

 

                 Maria Solis, Assistant Library Director, reported that Duncan Jalomo has been with the             City of Laredo Library for seven years serving as the Library Tech III.  She                                    acknowledged that he is the reason that the Library’s Summer Programs are a                                tremendous success.  She said that Duncan was in charge of Toddler Tuesday because he              has a way with children.  He is very patient and very kind.  He also spearheaded the                    reading program at Finley Elementary.  The children in Finley Elementary don’t have                       the transportation to visit the main Library; therefore, Duncan makes sure that they have           a reading program in their school.  The children met every day during their library time           at the library and they participated in the reading program.  Duncan visited the school

                 several times by reading, singing, and puppetiering.   He is a frequent visitor of the noon             show for different city held events and appears on many different shows created at the                    Public Access Channel. 

 

            b.  Recognition of City Departments for their contribution and participation in the 2006

                 American Cancer Society Relay for Life by Mayor Raul G. Salinas and Members of the            City Council.

 

                 Linda Teniente, REACH Representative, said that the REACH Committee which stands            for “Reinvesting Employees and Caring Hearts” is a group of employees that have been                  appointed to be the liaisons between the non-profit organization and the City of Laredo

                 She introduced the following members:  Anabelle Venegas, Alejandra Santana, Eddie

                 Zavala, Evelyn Luciano, Carlos Robles, and Cristina Lara. 

 

                 Nancy Garcia, representing the American Cancer Society, extended a warm thank you to          the REACH Committee and to the City Manager, Larry Dovalina for their continuous                     support throughout the years.  She thanked the City of Laredo and the Departments  

                 for the tireless fundraising efforts.  The City of Laredo is considered to be a great team               and this year they adopted the most appropriate name of “City Slickers”.  Although they                 fly under one flag, the city had 19 departments represented and they have raised a grand         total of $33,837.03.  As we all know, the City is renowned for their internal competition

                 and this year the team with the most monies raised for the second year in a row is the

                 Laredo Bridge System.   

 

   

            Communiqués

             

            Cm.  Garza thanked the voters in his District for their support.  He said that he appreciated             everyone’s guidance and support throughout the election.  He wished everyone well and             noted that he looks forward to the upcoming years of serving and providing for the citizens         of Laredo. He specifically thanked his family for their sacrifices that they have met. 

 

            Cm.  Garcia said that he was glad that everyone had a safe 4th of July since there was a lot         of events taking place.  He noted that it was great seeing families spend time together.  He congratulated Mayor Pro Tempore for organizing such a successful 4th of July event.  He         also congratulated the cast of the West Side Story at LCC.  He noted that the City of         Laredo has a lot of talented individuals.  He said that he was especially impressed with    Ricardo Guillen, a graduated from United South High School, for his role in West Side           Story.  He said that Ricardo Guillen will be attending the Walt Disney Resort in Florida as       an operational cast member and then transfer to Texas State University.  He also mentioned        Cecilia Zavala, freshman at Alexander, for participating as the main character in the West           Side Story.  He encouraged the community to support the youth of Laredo

 

            Cm.  Landeck reiterated Cm.  Garza’s statements by agreeing that it is very difficult for their families to bare with them through the election process.  He too said that he is very         proud to be a part of City Council and is happy to participate in the debates.  He said that it           was interesting that the Laredo Morning Times had an article that stated that they recognize       that the Council is working on being transparent through their discussions.  He said that he       was impressed with the activities at the Santa Fe Park since the City installed lights.  He            invited the community to visit the three soccer fields in Santa Rita on Prada Machine. 

 

            Cm. Rendon thanked the Water Works Department for repairing a water leak in his District       at 3:30 in the morning.  He also congratulated the Parks and Recreational Department for assisting in a Field and Track event.

 

            Cm. Belmares congratulated the Del Mar Little League for their performance and             advancement  to defend their title as State Champions.  He said that they have a             phenomenal league noting that the adults work hard to exhibit good sportsman ship as well         as championship baseball.   He also congratulated the Parks & Recreation Department for             sponsoring the City of Laredo Baseball Tournament.  Finally, he congratulated the Mayor             Pro Tempore Ramirez for organizing the 4th of July Celebration at the Civic Center.  He             noted that he was very proud to be a part of the event.

 

            Cm. Chavez welcomed the Mayor, Cm. Landeck, and Cm. Garza in serveing on the City             Council.

 

            Mayor Tempore Ramirez thanked the participants of the July Parade especially Cm.      Belmares who was the Master of Ceremonies.  He also thanked Cm.  Garcia and noted that         without their support the parade would not have been possible.  He thanked several sponsors including CabelloWreckers, LULAC, Light Productions, and other dance groups             who performed throughout the day. 

 

            Mayor Raul Salinas congratulated Sam and Noemi Lopez, Christ Worship Center, for             celebrating 35 years of worship in Laredo.  He commended Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez             for the outstanding 4th of July program.  He advised the viewing public that his doors are             always open to the public and encouraged anyone to visit him.  He said that if he is not   available to leave their name and number and he will return their call.  He shared a personal          story of how Natalio Castillo awakened after a stroke while he and his wife were praying       for him at the  Laredo Medical Center.   

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Appointments by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of:

 

            1.  Rufino Lopez to the Airport Advisory Committee.

            2.  Lula Morales to the Board of Adjustment.

            3.  Diana Juarez to the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee.

            4.  Sandra Cavazos to the Library Advisory Committee.

            5.  Gabriel Holguin to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

            6.  Jorge Gutierrez to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

            7.  Belinda Guerra to the Telecommunications Commission.

            8.  Lucy Quintanilla to the Third Party Funding Committee.

            9.  Yolanda Castillo to the Laredo Commission for Women.

            10.  Maria Elena Morales to the Charter Review Commission.

            11.  Jose Luis Muñoz; Hector Garza; Mike Molina and Richard Geissler to the   

                   Veterans Affairs Committee.

            12.  Raquel Gonzalez to the Laredo Housing Authority Board of

                   Commissioners.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     8                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            b.   Appointments by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Council Members to Committees, Boards,             and Commissions.

 

                 Motion to rename the Audit/Insurance Committee to the Audit Committee.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:0                                              Abstain:  0

 

                 Audit Committee

 

                 Mayor Raul Salinas

                 Cm.  Landeck

                 Cm.  Garza

                 Cm.  Johnny Amaya

 

                 Community Action Agency Advisory Board

 

                 Cm.  Chavez

                 Cm.  Garcia

                 Cm.  Ramirez

 

     El Metro Transit System Committee

 

                 Cm.  Garza

                 Cm.  Johnny Amaya

                 Cm.  Johnny Rendon

 

                 Engineering Review Committee

 

                 Cm.  Chavez

                 Cm.  Hector Garcia

                 Cm.  Johnny Amaya

 

                 Health & Benefits/Issues Committee

 

                 Cm.  Garcia

                 Cm.  Amaya

                 Cm.  Garza

 

                 Legislative liaison Committee

 

                 Cm.  Landeck

 

                 Sports Venue Committee

 

                 Cm.  Garcia

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 Cm.  Chavez

 

                 Metro Government Committee

 

                 Mayor Raul Salinas, Chair

                 Cm.  Garcia, Vice Chair

                 Cm.  Landeck

                 Cm.  Chavez

                 Cm.  Rendon

 

                 Oil & Gas Review Committee

 

                 Cm.  Belmares

                 Cm.  Amaya

                 Cm.  Rendon

 

                 Protocol, Procedures, & Customer Service Committee

 

                 Mayor Raul Salinas

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 Cm.  Garcia

 

                 Rail Policy Committee

 

                 Cm.  Juan Chavez

                 Cm.  Juan Ramirez

                 Cm.  Landeck

 

                 South Texas Development Council

 

                 Cm.  Ramirez

                 Cm.  Amaya

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 David Cardwell

                 Guillermo Trevino

 

     Traffic Calming Device Program

 

     Cm.  Landeck

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 Cm.  Chavez

 

                 Veterans Affairs Committee

 

                 Cm.  Amaya

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 Cm.  Chavez

                 Col.  Gilberto S.  Trevino

                 Dr.  Hector Farias

                 Rodolfo Flores

                 Carlos Chavez

                 James Rendon

                 Mauro Sandoval

                 Cesar Montemayor or Bobby Flores

                 Cande Rodriguez or Ignacio Sanchez, Jr.

                 Andy Lakhiani or Ralph Cantu

                 Jose Luis Munoz

                 Hector Garza

                 Mike Molina

                 Richard Geissler

 

                 Water Issues Committee

 

                 Cm.  Rendon

                 Cm.  Amaya

                 Cm.  Belmares

 

                 Laredo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners

 

                 Arabella pena

                 Raquel Gonzalez

                 Maria Luisa Cardona

                 Maria del Carmen Rodriguez

                 Judge Jesus Garza

           

                 Metropolitan Planning Organization

 

                 Mayor Raul G.  Salinas

                 Cm.  Garza

                 Cm.  Garcia

                 Cm.  Belmares

                 David Casteel, Interim District Engineer

                 Clay Smith, Interim Deputy District Engineer

                 County Judge Louis Bruni

                 Commissioner Judith Gutierrez

                 Commissioner Cynthia Brunner

                 Judith Zaffirini

                 Richard Raymond

                 Rayan Guillen

           

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Motion to rename the Audit/Insurance Committee to the Audit Committee.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

            c.  Appointments by Council Member Mike Garza of:

 

                 1.  Juanita Isabel Martinez to the Board of Adjustment.

                 2.  Jose Martinez to the Historic District / Landmark Board.

                 3.  Luisa J. Campillo to the Para Transit Advisory Committee.

                 4.  Angelina Martinez the Laredo Commission for Women.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Rendon

                 For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            1.  Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on the 2006 Consolidated One         

Year Action Plan which identifies the projects proposed to be funded by the U. S.         Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 32nd Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the 2006 HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the 2006 American Dream Downpayment Initiative; and the 2006 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), through CDBG Program Income, HOME Program Income and through Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund. Also for discussion and comment is the Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 – 2005 Consolidated Annual Performance Report regarding the City’s administration of HUD Programs.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, reported that a public hearing is being held to allow the citizens an opportunity to comment on the City’s Consolidated Plan.  She advised that the plan has been placed for public comments for three weeks.    The Plan outlines how funds received from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development will be utilized in the community for next year.  The City of Laredo is an entitlement community meaning that we are entitled to receive funds from Community Development Block Grant, Home Program, and ESG.  The grant represents a 10% reduction in the City’s allocation and it is 400,000 less than what we received last year.  The Home Grant and ESG remained the same.  She advised that the City of Laredo has been successful in reaching their timely goal of 1.5 ration on the use of their HUD monies. 

 

Motion to close the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Valdez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

2.  Public hearing providing interested citizens an opportunity to comment on the potential

environmental impact to the City of Laredo Chacon Interceptor Extension Phase II. The preliminary cost estimate for the proposed improvements is $3,000,000.00.  It is anticipated that the City of Laredo proposes to use a total amount of $1,192,922.00 which has been provided by the Environmental Protection Agency State Revolving Fund (EPA-SRF).

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2000-O-064

authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 9, Block 351, Eastern Division, located at 114 West Lyon Street by repealing the existing conditional use permit and approving a conditional use permit for a tire shop.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm. Garcia

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Roy Villarreal stated that he was requesting the zone change for a tire shop.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a C.U.P.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Amaya

 

4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Ordinance No. 97-O-058

authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a truck/trailer rental center (Uhaul dealer) on Lot 2, Block 8, McPherson Acres Development Subdivision Unit II, located at 1613 Calle Del Norte to include a paint and body shop.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Enrique de la Garza appeared before the council to request approval of the zone change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Rendon

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a snack bar on Lot 6, Block 233, Eastern Division, located at 320 Mier Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Landeck

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Landeck

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 67.16 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the west side of Bob Bullock Loop North of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. 

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Garcia

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 83.10 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the west side of Bob Bullock Loop north of Winfield Parkway, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.   

 

Motion to open the public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 29.7 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the southeast corner of Bob Bullock Loop and International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 19.4 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 4.5 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway 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:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm. Belmares

Second:  Cm. Ramirez

For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning 2.62 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A,” located on the south side of Bob Bullock Loop east of International Boulevard, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending ordinance No. 2002-O-142

authorizing a Special Use Permit for mini storage/warehousing, on 2.78 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 7819 East Country Drive, by revising the site plan.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change. 

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Rendon

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Belmares

 

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

City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an assisted living facility on Lots 2 and 4, Block 167, Western Division, located at 1718 Victoria Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the Conditional Use Permit.  

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  David Kelley, representing the Woodcare Group, spoke in favor of the Conditional Use  

  Permit for the Assisted Living Facility.  He noted that the Wood Group currently

  operates fourteen other facilities across the state of Texas.  He added that their facilities  

  are licensed to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. 

 

  Rene Castillon, Executive Director for MHMR Community Centers, explained the  

  different services that the Community Centers offers to the citizens of the City of

  Laredo and Webb County.  The Woodcare Group has been providing services to border

  region since 1998 at which time they have operated two homes with no negative issues. 

  The homes provides an environment that provides support to individuals that have

  problems taking medications.  The Centers also provide rehab skills for patients which    

  allows them to become more functional.  In the long run, it is more cost effective for

  the City to have individuals who needs support and assistance with an environment

  similar to this. 

 

  Elsa Ibarra Valdez, 1717 Washington Street, asked Council to deny their request for a

  zone change.

 

  Jose Cerda, Director of Trevino Magnet Fine Arts School, reported that their concern is

  the safety of the students and requested denial of the zone change request. 

 

  Nina Pena, property owner next to this property, asked Council not to allow the

  requested use in an R-1 area.

 

  Javier Cabello, representing the owners, spoke in favor of the request for an assisted  

  living facility.  He added that this facility will be monitored 24/7 for safety and

  security.  

 

  Motion to close the public hearing deny.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Ramirez

  Second:  Cm.  Chavez

  For:     5                                        Against:  3                                            Abstain:  0

  Cm. Garza                         Cm. Garcia

  Cm. Landeck                                Cm. Rendon

  Cm. Amaya                                   Cm. Belmares

  Cm. Chavez

  Cm. Ramirez

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 666, Eastern Division, located at 4119 McPherson Road, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change. 

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Patricia Barrera, representing Jose Angel Benavides, requested approval of the zone

  change.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and send it back to Planning and Zoning for a Conditional Use Permit consideration.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

  Second:  Cm.  Garcia

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Country Club Estates Subdivision, located at 3911 Casa Blanca Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone change.    

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Chavez

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Juan Salinas spoke in favor of the zone change request.

 

  Jose Flores, Airport Director, said that the subject property lies within the noise contour

  of the airport.  He noted that the City has had an active noise abatement program in the

  immediate area.  The City has acquired properties within the Country Club Estates

  because it is noise impacted.  The proposed development would serve to compound the

  problem. 

 

  Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that the applicant should give the City of Laredo a  

  navigation easement and abide by the additional requirements of the building standards.

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and go against the recommendation of Planning and

  Zoning Commission and allow a zone change with the following conditions:  applicant  

  donates his navigation easement and follows the building standards.

 

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Rendon

  Second:  Cm.  Belmares

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Rendon     

      

16.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Land Development Code, as

follows: Section 24-92.4 (Procedures – Notices, Hearing, Recommendation of Planning and Zoning Commission and action of City Council) Paragraph (4), to reconcile the 200 foot notification requirement to surrounding property owners in accordance with state law; providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance amendment.

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Garcia

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

17.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 24, Article IV,

Supplementary Zoning District Regulations Section 24-65.14: B-4 Highway Commercial District, Paragraph (16) Amusement Redemption Machine Establishment Provisions, Subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c), of the Laredo Land Development Code, by deleting subparagraphs (a), (b), and (c) which provide distances from various uses and other locational criteria amusement redemption machine establishments, providing for publication and effective date.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the ordinance amendment.

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Cm.  Belmares stated that Cm.  Amaya had brought this forward and the concern that  

  they had as they continued to push these establishments out to a B-4 was to reduce the

  distance from where they should be located from another redemption machine facility

  and not so much remove the restrictions of 1,000 from a public private, elementary

  school or a church.  Secondly, they were concerned about the methodology in which

  the City does the measuring.  He said that he recognizes for the City to go back and

  reconcile the way it was brought forward we might have to table this item.  He advised

  that if the City would measure door front to door front it would not impact the residents

  in this area. 

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and postpone.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

$51,000.00 in contributions for the 2006 Washington trip and amend the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006 Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Budget as follows: increase revenue appropriations in the amount of $11,000.00 (excess of original budget) and expenditures in the amount of $31,002.00 ($11,000.00 from contributions and $20,002.00 from designated fund balance).

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Association of Laredo Forward Agency     $  5,000

  First Transit                                               $  2,500

  Rush Truck Center of Texas                      $  2,500

  Juan Sanchez                                             $     500

  Turner Collie & Braden                             $  2,000

  Foster Engineering                         $  1,000

  Wilbur Smith and Ass.                               $  1,000

  McWilliams and Associates                       $     500

  Crane Engineering                          $  1,000

  Malcolm Pearney                                       $  1,000

  Holt                                                           $     500

  TEC Engineers & Consultants                    $  1,000

  William M.  McKamie                               $  1,000

  Duty Free                                                  $10,000

  Mejia Engineering                          $  1,000

  Infrastructure Solutions                              $  1,000

  Faskin Oil & Ranch                                   $  2,500

  Hyden Engineering & Survey                     $  1,000

  Mini Mall of Laredo Inc.                            $  1,000

  Sepulveda & Associates                            $  1,000

  Estrada, Hinojosa, & Company                 $  2,000

  Lawrence Friedman                                   $  2,000

  Carl Parkers & Horten                              $  1,000

  Structural Engineering & Asso.                   $  2,500

  Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal $  1,500

  Blackstone Dilworth                                  $  5,000

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:    8                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

monetary reimbursement from the State of Texas, Attorney Generals Office for partial expenses incurred by the City of Laredo Police Department in order to process evidence involving sexual assault victims and that the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2005 – 2006 Budget is hereby amended by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $25,000.00.  Funding will be used to partially pay for the examination for sexually assaulted victims.  The City of Laredo will receive approximately $25,000.00 annually.

 

  Motion to open the public hearing.

 

  Moved:  Cm.  Garcia

  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

  For:     8                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.