CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2006-R-24

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

December 18, 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

            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,                                                          Mayor Pro Tem, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                City Secretary

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                        Acting City Manager

            Rafael Garcia,                                                             Assistant City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                        Assistant City Manager

            Melissa Saldana,                                                          Assistant City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Garcia.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of August 28, 2006, September 8, 2006 and September 28, 2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Recognitions

            a.  Recognition of Blanca Vasquez, of the Tax Department, on her selection as December

                 2006 Employee of the Month. 

 

                  Mayor Salinas and the City Council publicly recognized Blanca Vasquez as the                          December Employee of the Month and presented her with a Seven Flags Certificate of       Recognition.

 

            b.  Recognition of Duncan Jalomo, of the Library Department, on his selection as the

                 Employee of the Year.

 

                  Mayor Salinas and the City Council recognized Duncan Jalomo from the Library                        Department for his Customer Service dedication, courtesy, and hard work in serving the                  public.

 

            Communiqués

           

             Cm. Garza thanked Pastor Ibarra from First Christian Church.  He wished Captain Cazares,      firefighter Rodriguez, and firefighter Jalomo who were injured during the recent storm, a              speedy recovery.  He thanked all the volunteers who helped at the Christmas giveaway for         the less fortunate children of District I.  The goal was to provide jackets and shoes.  He                 mentioned that one hundred children were present and five thousand dollars were raised.      He also thanked Jessie and Rose Rodriguez, Jose Maria Vasquez for volunteering.  He                 wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

 

             Cm. Landeck pledged his support to families with missing persons.  He mentioned the                opening of the Carrizales Boxing Annex and also mentioned that two World Champions,             Gaby and Orlando Carrizales came out of it.  He also mentioned that several organizations              and many people came together to help with the creation of the Boxing Annex.  He said he            promised to add an air conditioning unit. 

 

             Cm. Amaya reported that on Saturday, December 16, 2007, there was a very successful toy     giveaway for the less fortunate children who were selected by their school counselors from;         Milton, Ryan, Buenos Aires, Tarver, Sanchez Ochoa, Alma Pierce, Iglesia Methodista              Libre and Communidad Christiana.  He mentioned that tomorrow, December 19, 2007, he            will be at K. Tarver Recreation Center for “Christmas in the Barrio” sponsored by the City     of Laredo between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. located at Lyon and Tilden.  He extended his            gratitude to those that have participated.  He read a message from Cm. Garcia stating that    he injured his back.  He mentioned that Cm. Garcia will be having a bicycle giveaway on            different dates at the following locations; D.D. Harchar Recreation Center, Andy Cuellar          Elementary School and the Larga Vista Community Center.  On behalf of Cm. Garcia and    himself, Cm. Amaya wished the residents of Laredo a Merry Christmas and prosperous                      New Year.

             

             Cm. Rendon mentioned that the previous Council meeting there was a family living in tents          at Lake Casa Blanca. He stated that with the help of Cynthia Collazo, Acting City                          Manager, they found resources to help them for a few days.   He thanked Mr. Filiberto                  Gutierrez and Robert Cadena for their generosity which added two more weeks for this                       family.  He mentioned that he will be at some of the churches and schools tomorrow giving  away jackets and toys for some of the needy kids. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas            and a safe New Year.

 

             Cm. Belmares wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  He echoed his     sentiments along with the Council on the safe return of the Piña family.  He acknowledged           Richard Noriega and the Food Bank for the work they have done.  He thanked everyone                        who participated in the Second Annual Emerald Capital Mortgage Holiday Bow which is a     fund raiser for the Blue Santa.  He announced that they collected $2,600.00 dollars. 

             

             Cm. Chavez mentioned that about a month ago the issue of the train standing in District                           VII and District VIII was discussed.  He stated that recently a train car caught fire and the         fire trucks could not get to the location because of the structure of the streets.  He stated                         that it is important to start talking to Union Pacific to try to move the trains.

 

             Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.     He mentioned that he was at the Portal and he noticed major problems with traffic control. 

 

             Mayor Salinas emphasized that this is a great city because of the generous people that open       their hearts to all the poor people.  He mentioned that he intends to market Laredo in        

             Monterrey, Saltillo, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro, “like never before”. 

 

            Citizen Comments

 

             Diana Montemayor, daughter of the owner of International Lottery Sales located on                   Convent Street, stated that because of the following problem such as; the construction of El        Portal; bomb threats on the bridges; and the long lines created by processing the Mexican           nationals they are losing money. 

 

             Sun Ok Koyama who has owned her business for seventeen years on Convent Ave. stated        that she has had many problems with getting access to her business on account of the                  construction of El Portal and needs help.

                  

            Citizens are required to fill out a witness card and identify themselves at the microphone.  Comments should                 be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional manner.  No derogatory remarks will be permitted.                  There is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.

 

VI.       GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            1.  A.  Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas

 

            1. Discussion with possible action regarding the El Metro Operation Center on Scott Street.

 

                Loyd Williams, Assistant General Manager of Operations for El Metro, stated that he has          a short, mid, and long term proposal to alleviate some of the issues of fueling.  He stated                that for the short time solution one proposal is the changing of the fueling time for bulk        fueling with an A and B plan.  He stated that Plan A consists of  fueling the fleet before       9:00 p.m. and after 4:00 a.m. to diminish the amount of CNG released while residents are               sleeping.  He also stated that Plan B consists of fueling the fleet after 10:00 p.m. and                             before 4:00 a.m.  He reported that a mid term solution would be the moving the fleet fuel           to the City fleet site where they have three CNG pumps.  He added that extra pumps                         would have to be added and it would not be feasible.  El Metro currently has 20 pumps            and it takes a couple of hours to fuel up.

 

                Mayor Pro Tempore pointed out that he had recommended a while back on the                                      installation of an extra fuel tank to the buses and his recommendation was not followed.              He suggested that Mr. Williams call the Transit Department in San Diego to see how they              operate their buses.

 

                Mayor Salinas emphasized that he wants a prompt solution.

 

                Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manger, recommended the change of the fueling time.  She            also recommend for Mr. Williams to meet with the residents to inform them of the                          change and at the same time to look into other ways to research Mayor Pro Tempore                   Ramirez’s recommendation and proceed with a type of recovery system and look into a         long term solution as well.

           

                Cm. Belmares added that staff needs to work with the provider since this is not the only             facility that they service.              

 

                 B.  Request by Council Member Mike Garza

            1.  Discussion with possible action on City Council Advisory Committees and the Texas

                 Open Meetings Act.

 

                 Cm. Garza stated that he has had discussions with his appointees and they felt that they              were being placed in a position where they would be in violation of the Open Meetings      Act if they discussed items pertinent to the items discussed in meetings.  He noted that             they are volunteers and they should not have to adhere to those regulations.  He agreed                  to continue to post the items for public input, but they should not have to follow the                    regulations of the Texas Open Meetings Act because it is not their obligation.

 

                 Motion to allow only the committees that the Council appoints to have to follow the                  Texas Open Meetings Act are the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee, Historic                     District Landmark Board, Board of Adjustments and Civil Service.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                 For:     5                                          Against:  2                                            Abstain:  0

                                                                        Cm. Belmares

                                                                        Cm. Ramirez

 

                 Cm. Belmares commented that his concern is that they have advocated in the past for                             transparency with government.  He stated that the committees appointed have a                         tremendous amount of weight on Council and discussion about city business should be        transparent under ethical obligations and remain as transparent as the Council.  He                    commented that they are not held to that standard and should not be threatened with jail              time and it should not apply to them.  He stressed that the committee should adhere to                  the Open Meetings Act as much as possible knowing that in the future there will be an              ethics committee and it will pertain to them. 

 

                 Cm. Garza amended his motion.  He commented that those appointed can not legally be            arrested.  He stressed that if there are any issues where they are being threatened that it                  will be addressed immediately with the City Manager and she in turn will address it with                 the Directors involved.

                 

                 Motion withdrawn.  No action taken.

                

            2.  Discussion with possible action on the City’s e-mail and internet electronic      

                 communications usage policy.

 

                 Cm. Garza stated that there is a policy in place but he is concerned with the penalty                   portion.  He stated that there should be a clear definition of consequences for certain                       actions.  He asked staff to come back with recommendations. 

 

                Beto Ramirez, Information and Technology Services Director, reported that the policy               was established and implemented in 1999 and no changes have been made since then.                  He stated that he has asked the cities of Corpus Christi, Austin, McAllen and El Paso to          provide their policies, so that some of that language can be incorporated.  He commented          that the language that exists now is very general and he is planning for the policy to be                             more restricted and provide the consequences for actions taken.

 

                Cm. Garza pointed out that prevention and having a filter system is important.

 

                 Mr. Ramirez, informed Council that the City currently uses two filtering applications                   which are GFI and Lightspeed.  He commented that they were purchased five to six year                ago and current applications are more restrictive. 

                

            3.  Discussion with possible action to evaluate the pay of the Acting City Manager and to

                 discuss goals and objectives.  (Reference:  Executive Session #58)

 

                 The item was discussed in executive session and a motion made after executive session.

 

                C.  Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

            1.  Discussion with possible action regarding the City Manager position recruitment bulletin

                 specifically the ICMA credentialing requirement and salary.

 

                 Cm. Landeck stated that since the requirement for International City Manager                                          Association credentialing was included on the recruitment bulletin there have been a                  number of issues. One issue he mentioned was that an applicant with a Bachelor’s in                       Administration degree would need a minimum of five years, while an applicant with an         International City Manager Association certification would require nine years.  He                      mentioned that this difference with the ICMA contradicts time requirements that have                           been set.  He noted that the second issue raised is that individuals who are experienced             City Managers or Assistant City Managers several of which he has discussed this with,             do not have an ICMA credentials.

 

                 Motion to remove the wording to preferred but not required.

           

                 Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                 Second:  Cm.  Garza

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Cm. Landeck advised Dan Migura to add the word “negotiable” to the salary.  He also              commented on adding the size of the city, the budget and the number of people working                  in the City.

         

                D.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

            1.  Discussion with possible action regarding G.E.D. training for employees using the

                 services of the Holding Institute.

 

                 Cm. Amaya reported that the City has more than 200 hundred employees that do not                            have a high school diploma or GED and the only way for them to advance is for them to            have either one.

 

                 Dan Migura, Director of Human Resources Department, reported that staff has been                              aggressively addressing this item.  He mentioned that staff has reviewed the feasibility                 of working with Holding Institute and has visited with them.  He mentioned that they                        have had meetings with those employees identified as lacking a high school education or              GED.  He reported that one hundred thirty four employees were interested in pursuing                        their education.  He also reported that there are currently no funds identified for this                    project and there is no surplus fund from the Tuition Reimbursement Fund.  He                         mentioned that if Council wanted to go to with Holding Institute they are looking at                           $50,000 to $75,000 to help 15 employees and have a pilot program.

 

                Cm. Landeck directed staff to find someone within city management to try and identify               grants from the Department of Education or other organizations, so the city itself could       apply.  He noted that the City could then provide these classes.

 

                Motion to encourage the City Management to go after a grant and to find other ways to             start a pilot program for the GED within the City of Laredo and in the meantime for                        those employees interested to go through the Tuition Reimbursement Program that is                   currently in place.

 

                Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

                Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

              

                E.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez

            1.  Discussion with possible action regarding vehicles being towed away by local wrecker

                 companies and the disposition process of unclaimed vehicles.

 

                  Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, reported that there is an ordinance in place that allows a             towing company or service record to take possession of vehicles towed away upon                         direction of a police officer and to hold them for a period of time.  He also mentioned                       that a registered letter must be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and advice                     them that they are in possession of the vehicle and include any storage fees owed along                  with the towing fees.  He pointed out that if the registered owner does not respond                       within a given period of time, then the wrecker company may petition the State to take                 ownership of the vehicle and the proceeds from the vehicle is the towing companies                           option.  He pointed out that this is according to the Ordinance and the Transportation                          Code.  He mentioned that may be found in the Transportation Code section 683.003 and       in Chapter 32 of our Code of Ordinances.

 

                  Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez stated that he is concerned that the City does not                             receive any money from auctions.  He stated that he is also concerned on how the                      wreckers are being called to pick up the vehicles.

 

                  Chief Dovalina pointed out that the ordinance establishes the rotation list and that                       there is one rotation list for regular tow services and one for heavy duty tow services.

 

                  Cm. Garza suggested increasing the $100.00 fee paid to the City by the towing                          companies or adding a “per tow” fee and having a percentage of the storage.  He                             commented that the City should look into an impound lot.

 

                  Cm. Belmares commented that the City should create an impound lot and continue to                                 work with the towing companies or create one for the City. 

 

                  Ms. Collazo agreed to do a survey.  She commented that it was previously looked at but           it was not economically feasible.

 

                  Motion to create an ordinance to have all vehicles picked up by police to be sold in                                public auction and be advised.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez

                  Second:  No second was made.

 

                  Jerry Cain, Assistant City Attorney, explained that under the State statute a private                   wrecker company has the statutory right to take action.  He mentioned that it would be       in conflict with the state law if an ordinance was created.

 

                  Motion to ask staff to look into a feasibility study and to look into the issue again to see              if it is feasible for the City to go ahead with all of the issues mentioned such as having            an impound lot.

 

                  Moved: Cm. Landeck

                  Second:  Cm. Rendon

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Appointment by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Tranquilino Alvarez, Jr. to the Electrical   

                Examining Advisory Board.

 

                Motion to approve.

           

                Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

                Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                For:     7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            b.  Appointment by Mayor and Council Members of a representative to serve on the Impact

                 Fee Advisory Committee.

 

                 Motion to table.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

                 Second:  Cm.  Chavez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

VIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            2.  Public hearing and Resolution 2006-R-121 amending the Long Range Thoroughfare

                 element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Laredo.

 

                 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 to adopt.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 1-A, Dellwood Commercial                                           Subdivision, located at 1001 Bristol Road, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to

                 B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission

                 recommended approval of the zone change.      (District VII)

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                 Second:  Cm.  Chavez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

                 Danny Gunn, resident of Dellwood Subdivision, spoke on changing the zone from a B1              to a B3.  He objected to the type of business going in there which is a nationalization of      vehicles business.  He stated that they should be regulated by the city.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Chavez

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning 8.75 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in

                 attached Exhibit "A", located on the northwest corner of F.M. 1472 and Mueller

                 Memorial Boulevard, from B-3 (Community Business District) to M-1 (Light

                 Manufacturing District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval

                 of the zone change.   (District VII)

 

                 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.  Chavez

                 Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Chavez

 

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Division 3 (RATES AND

                 CHARGES) of Chapter 31 (UTILITIES) of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances,

                 specifically section 31-138 which provides for connection fees for fire hydrant meters,

                 by changing the use only for construction and creating connection fees for temporary

                 meters for residential construction by only charging the service of residential water rates

                 according to section 31-138, and no other services until a certificate of occupancy is

                 issued; providing for publication and an effective date.

 

                 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.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the FY 2006-2007 Annual

                 Operating Budget in the Fire Prevention and Arson Fund Budget by accepting a donation          of $2,500.00 from Wal-Mart Stores and appropriating said funds for the purpose to

                 purchase Fire Safety Educational Promotional Materials for the Fire Prevention Division             and purchase materials and supplies for the Parks Department Recreation Centers.

 

                 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 with a correction of $2,250.00                        donation. 

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza 

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year

                 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

                 $1,701,183.00.  The revenues are from lease purchase proceeds related to the financing

                 of fifty-four (54) marked police patrol units for the Laredo Police Department.

 

                 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 with a correction in the amount of                    $1,701,830.00.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza 

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            8.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year

                 2006-2007 Capital Improvement Project Fund budget by drawing down opening balance

                 and appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $1,300,000.00 for

                 purchase of land plus incidental expenses in the Central Business District.

 

                 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.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            9.  Public hearing to accept the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Study Update by          URS Corporation and authorizing the City Manager to submit the study to the Federal

                 Aviation Administration for approval.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm.  Rendon

                 Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                

            10.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 28 (Streets,  Sidewalks

                   and Public Places) of the Code of Ordinances by amending Article V, (Commercial               

                   Use of Streets, Sidewalks and other Public Places), Section 28-105 (b) and (c) by

                   adding three additional designated areas where goods may be sold; and providing for an

                   effective date and publication.

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            11.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year

                   2006-2007 Airport Operating Fund by transferring out $250,000.00 to the Airport

                   Construction Fund to contract for professional services to prepare plans and

                   specifications to bid the rehabilitation of Runway 14/32, authorizing the City Manager

                   to implement said budget amendment, and providing for an effective date.

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                   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.  Garza

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            12.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicle and

                   Traffic, Article VI Operation,  of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo by

                   creating Division 5, Heavy Equipment/Construction Type Vehicles, and adding

                   Sections  19-267 through 19-269, which prohibits the use of heavy           

                   equipment/construction type vehicles on public streets,  unless vehicle is transported 

                   on a trailer designed for that purpose; providing for definitions, severability,

                   publication, and effective date.

 

                    Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                   Second:  Cm.  Chavez

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

                  

                  Cm. Rendon stated that there was a recommendation not to prohibit the vehicle, but to              have it escorted.

 

                   Cm. Chavez mentioned that there is a difference between what the ordinance that                      Roberto Murillo, Traffic Department Director, was working on, and what his                                    representative reported.  He stated that his representative reported that if a heavy                             equipment vehicle was working in a neighborhood they could move it to another                               neighborhood if it was escorted, but if they were to move from one side of the City                           to the other the heavy equipment vehicle would have to go on a trailer.

           

                   Roberto Murillo reported that the ordinance was presented to the Transportation                       Committee on November 16, 2006 with the exception of the change on the sixth month                    grace period.  He stated that the committee asked for more information and they wanted                to see an ordinance that  does not require them to be hauled on a trailer but instead to                         provide an escort similar to what the City’s policy requires. 

           

                   Cm. Chavez commented that the escort is in the back and none in the front.

                 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with a 5 month grace period as                        amended. 

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Chavez

                  Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

                   Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Recreation Fund and General Fund by drawing down

                   $83,000.00 from the Recreation Fund balance and transferring said funds to General

                   Fund for the purpose of updating the City of Laredo Parks and Open Space Master

                   Plan.  The proposed update to this master plan is needed in order to evaluate the present

                   and future open space and recreational needs of our community according to Texas

                   Parks and Wildlife and National Recreation and Parks Association standards.

 

                   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.  Garza

                  Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            14.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year

                   2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

                   $94,537.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services for

                   a total amount in funds of $223,188.00 and an estimated program income $59,888.00

                   for the Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program of the City of Laredo Health

                   Department for the period beginning September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007 and              amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 full time equivalent positions.

 

                   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.  Amaya

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1, Cancer Patient Plat, located at 3517 Pine

                   Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential

                   District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone

                   change.  (District I)

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                   Second:  Cm.  Belmares

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  Eduardo Vasquez requested approval of the zone change for a proposed multi-       family                      residence.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and deny as per Planning and Zoning.

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                  Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                  For:     6                                         Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                                        Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

    

            16.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 303, Eastern Division, located at 616 Clark

                   Boulevard, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business

                   District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone

                   change.   (District IV)

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

                   Second:  Cm.  Chavez

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  Jose Brizuela requested approval for a proposed upholstery shop.

 

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

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

                  Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            17.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 319, Eastern Division, located at 2501            

                   Springfield Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community

                   Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the

                   zone change.  (District IV)

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm.  Garza

                   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and deny.

 

                  Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

                  Second:  Cm.  Landeck

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                  

            18.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of

                   the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a child daycare center

                   on Lot 687, Block 41, Del Mar Hills, Section 3, Area “A” Subdivision, located at 804

                   Eden Lane.  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone                    change.   (District VI)

 

                   Motion to postpone.

 

                   Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

                   Second:  Cm.  Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            19.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of

                   the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a home occupation

                   daycare on Lot 1139, Block 71, Del Mar Hills, Unit I Subdivision, located at 813

                   Surrey Road.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the zone

                   change.    (District VI)

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.