CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2007-R-08

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

APRIL 16, 2007

5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Ramirez called the meeting to order.

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Ramirez led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Raul G.  Salinas,                                                                       Mayor

            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,                                                                           Mayor Pro Tem, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Carlos Villarreal,                                                                       City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Deputy City Manager

            Horacio De Leon,                                                                     Assistant City Manager

            Valeria Acevedo,                                                                      Acting City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Mike Garza.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Amaya

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore was chairing the meeting.

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of November 15, 2006, November 20, 2006 and November 29,             2006.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Amaya

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:     6                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Recognitions

            a.  Recognition of the All American Shooting Stars Squad from the All American Dance

                 Studio for winning the National All Star Cheerleading Championship.

 

                 Mayor Pro Tempore and the City Council presented the All American Dance Studio

                 cheerleaders with a Seven Flags Recognition Certificate.

 

            b.  Recognition of Reymundo Valdez, of the Parks and Recreation Department, on his

                 selection as April employee of the month.

 

                 Mike Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Mr. Reymundo Valdez, the                              March employee of the month who has been with the City for over 22 years.   

 

            Communiqués

                 Cm. Garcia announced that on behalf of Cm. Garza he would like to invite everyone to

                 Earth Day from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the next two weeks in District I.  He thanked

                 Wal-Mart, Coca Cola, and Frito Lay for the 300 volunteers that cleaned up the area on

                 Highway 359 and Loop 20.  He mentioned that they collected 7 tons of trash in District

                 II.

 

                 Cm. Landeck reported that last week he had the pleasure of “turning the earth around on           the toilets in Santa Fe”.   He commented that the park had no toilets in the park in Santa                 Fe and now they will be built in the next four weeks.  He thanked staff.

 

                 Cm. Amaya reported that the re-dedication of the Dr. Cecilia May Moreno Splash and                          Skate Park was held this past week.  He thanked the following:  Ronnie Acosta of                     Community Development, Mike Pescador of the Parks and Recreation Department,                       Rogelio Rivera of the City Engineering Department and their staff, the Mayor, and the         Council Members for their support.  He added that there will be another dedication of

                 the Eliseo Valdez, Jr. Park in Zacate Creek.

 

                 Cm. Rendon stated that they are willing to work with the new City Manger and                          welcomed him on board.

     

                 Cm. Belmares welcomed Carlos Villarreal on board.  He thanked the City Manager and           staff for attending the District 6 Advisory Meeting.  He also thanked Chief Dovalina for      providing the escort for the Bill Hearns Run at the Lake Casa Blanca.  He stated that                               there were over 300 people who attended the event.  He congratulated Council Member         Garcia on the work he does in the community.

 

                 Cm. Chavez stated that on April 28th, 2007 there will be a clean up in District 7 and                              invited everyone.

 

                 Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Ramirez asked for a moment of silence for the tragedy at the                         Virginia Tech University.

           

            a.  Invitation by St. Augustine High School students to their shattered dreams event

                 scheduled for April 26, 2007.

 

                 Sara Garcia, St. Augustine High School student; invited the Mayor, City Council, and                                                            the public to attend their program “Shattered Dreams” that will be held on April 26,                  2007 at 10:00 am at 1300 Galveston Street.

 

            b.  Legislative update via telephone conference by State Representative Richard Raymond              regarding 80th legislative session.

 

                 State Representative Richard Raymond reported that House Bill 2600 which allows the             City and the County to join together to build a rail bridge was passed.  He added that                     House Bill 109 also passed and would increase and improve the children’s health                          insurance program.  He stated that this bill gives coverage to an additional 100,000                            children in the State of Texas.  He mentioned that funding for Medicaid was also                           increased.  In addition, he reported that an Electric Utility bill was passed by the House

                 of Representatives which will reduce electric utilities by 15 percent in Texas

 

            Citizen comments

            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.

 

                 Remy Salinas spoke on the Towne Center Shopping Center.  He stated that he was                  concerned about the mound of dirt that will cover the water feature behind the project.

                 He emphasized that the quality of life should be in association with economic                                           development.

                

                 Richard Giessler addressed the Council on Lake Casa Blanca on defending the lake.

 

                 Dr. Alfonso Martinez, Laredo Community College instructor, presented 2,970 signatures           for the protection of Lake Casa Blanca.

 

                 Dr. Antonini spoke against the destruction of another wetland on the Towne Center                  property.

 

                 Maria Eugenia Guerra requested that the City Council do the right thing about the                      wetland.

 

                 Bertha Torres spoke against the destruction of the area in question by Towne Center.

 

                 Danny Gunn spoke in favor of preserving the lake, tributaries, and its wetlands.

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Appointment by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Frank Vida to the Blue Ribbon for

                 International Trade Committee.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                 Second:  Cm. Landeck

                 For:     6                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

VII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

                 Mayor Salinas joined the meeting at 6:27 p.m.

 

            1.  A.  Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action regarding an organizational structural and Departmental

                 unit analysis of the City’s administration’s present organizational format.

 

                 Cm. Landeck stated that all he wants to do is to ask the City Council and Mayor to join            him to authorize the City Manager in identifying a management consulting firm that will

                 help do the organizational analysis.  He asked the City Manager to come back with                    suggestions in the shortest time possible.

 

                 Carlos Villarreal stated that he is in agreement and stated that this discussion eludes to                item #29 in this agenda.

 

                 Cm. Landeck stated that he is concerned with the issue of the structure of city                                   

                 management.  He inquired to the kind of structure we have now and if it needs to be

                 changed. He also inquired if the consulting company could advice Council to see if there

                 is room for consolidation, both between departments and within departments.

 

                 Motion to give the authority to go ahead and start the process and move up item #29.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            2.  Discussion with possible action regarding the wetland at Lake Casablanca that Laredo

                 Town Center et al are asking the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for a section 404

                 permit in order to cover this Wetland and be able to eliminate it. Presentation by the Rio

                 Grande International Study Center

 

                 Mayor Salinas left at 7:38 p.m.

                

                 Cm. Landeck stated that he feels that the general discussion held today was of great                               importance.  He commented that it went in the direction of changing the philosophy     

                 from development first to environment first and wishes that this will be the leading

                 philosophy of the City Council and administration in future developments.

 

Dr. Jim Earhardt, spoke on behalf of the Rio Grande International Studies Center, and        

the 3,000 individuals who signed a petition.  He stated that they are concerned with the filling in of the wetland.  He emphasized that they are bothered by the idea of a           parking lot and would rather see a green space. He showed many photos and pointed out       the various plants, trees and fish found there.  He stated that this could be used as a              supplementary and emergency water source and should be treated appropriately. 

 

                  Cm. Landeck instructed City Manager to enter into a discussion with the buyers of the               land and ask them to reconsider utilizing the land in a different way.

 

                  Carlos Villarreal, City Manger, inquired if it would include a possible approaching of            

                  the County to be able to reconfigure and fit the total project.  He stated that the property

                  in question will not be able to be put to proper use and maybe they may want to be part

                  of this large development.  He also stated that they may be able to find a balance to this

                  project if he can get parameters to be able to approach the County.

 

                  Cm. Landeck suggested including the parameters of the people who are involved in               

                  purchasing the project.  He stated that he shares the same concerns of Cm. Rendon and            others of not harming the community economically.  He suggested that everyone get 

                  together and work out a plan that will benefit everyone involved.  He suggested that 

                  maybe it could be an additional asset to the buyer.

 

                  Cm. Rendon stated that there should be some kind of compromise to be able to work             

                  together.

 

                  Cm. Belmares stated that part of the question to staff is the resolution to the question of              “What constitutes vested rights?”  He mentioned that Keith Selman, Planning and

                  Zoning Director, brought up to the City Council whether or not we want to proceed. 

                  He recommended that this issue be clarified because it will come up again in the future.

              

                  Cm. Rendon directed the City Manger to work with the group and the owner of the land           because it is in the best interest of the community.

 

                  Carlos Villarreal answered that if the Council votes with that direction he will meet

                  with all parties involved.  He stated he will come back to City Council with a                                             meaningful recommendation.

 

                  Motion to table the item and include the instructions given to the City Manager.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                  Second:  Cm. Belmares

                  For:  6                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

     

                B.  Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on the deteriorating streets in the Lakeside Subdivision.

 

                  Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they have had meetings with the engineer,               owner and developer of the Lakeside Subdivision.  He reported that there was an                            agreement made to identify which items will be done by the City and by the developer.        He stated that as of today all the items that were done in the initial phases have been                      completed except for one and that will be done tomorrow.

 

              C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez

            1.  Discussion with possible action on building a recreation center at the 1600 block of

                 Callaghan between Davis and Main Streets.

                

                 Mike Pescador, Parks and Recreation Department Director, reported that they are going           through an upgrade on their master plan which includes doing a citizens survey and                          to get a needs assessment per district.  He suggested waiting for the results to find                        what is needed in the area.  He stated the site in the 1600 block of Callaghan will be                       inspected.

                

            2.  Discussion with possible action on allowing private contractors to develop in the Zacate

                 Creek area.

 

                  There was no discussion on this item.

            3.  Discussion with possible action on building a water park between Sanchez and Coke

                 Streets in the Zacate Creek.

 

                 There was no discussion on this item.

            4.  Discussion with possible action on requesting police officers to control traffic on

                 Guadalupe Street by Fire Station #1 for the children crossing to J.C. Elementary School.

 

                  Police Chief Augustine Dovalina reported that they will monitor the area and will get             `                   traffic units to maintain presence as much as possible.  He will also advice the patrol                   

                  officers to monitor the area in respect to traffic there.  He mentioned that he spoke with              Constable Rudy Rodriguez and he will also offer his services to have a fixed presence          there.

 

VIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article IX [Swimming Pools] of

                 Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances.

                 The following sections are amended:

                 Section 15‑135 [definitions] in order to establish and define the three terms:  building

                 official, private swimming pool, & spa; 

                 Section 15‑136 [swimming pool permit required] in order to require building permit for

                 the construction of a private swimming pool or spa;

                 Section 15‑137 [application for a swimming pool permit], in order to specify the                        requirements for a private swimming pool or spa construction permit;

                 Section 15‑138 [authority to inspect] in order to authorize the building official and

                 designees to inspect private swimming pools or spas;

                 Section 15‑139 [issuance fees] in order to establish issuance fee for a private swimming             pool or spa;

                 Section 15‑140 [duration of permit] in order to establish the duration of a permit for                                 public, semi‑public or private swimming pool or spa;

                 Section 15‑141 [permit renewal] in order to amend caption; 

                 Section 15‑142  [permit revocation] in order to amend caption

                 Section 15‑143  unchanged; and

                 adding new section 15‑144 [private pool or spa barrier requirements], in order to specify          standards for safety barriers for private swimming pools and spas; and

                 renumbering section 15‑144, 145 and 146, to 15‑145, 146, & 147 and as renumbered:

                 Section 145 [penalty for violation] in order to provide for fines from $500.00 to                         $2,000.00 for violation of these new regulations relating to  private swimming pools and                  spas;

                 Section 15‑146 [injunctive relief] in order to provide that building official may seek                    injunctive relief;

                 Section 15‑147 [severability] unchanged; and providing for publication and effective                                date.

                 Following is a summary of the amendment.  1)  Establish ordinance to regulate private                swimming pool construction.  2)  Add to existing 2006 international residential code on      swimming pool construction requirement of a barrier or fence to be in place around the      swimming pool of no more than ten feet from interior wall of the swimming pool; with a            minimum of 48 inches to top of barrier and a self closing self latching gate, with                              flexibility on exiting barriers up to thirteen feet.     3)  Establish fines from $500.00 to                         $2,000.00 for violation of swimming pool ordinance.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 James Arthur stated that he wants the best for the City.  He stated that the International

                 Building Code is part of Laredo’s Building Code and experts and industry                                 representatives have been instructed and directed to implement the best practices in        

                 their industry.  He emphasized that one aspect missing from the ordinance is “existing

                 pools”.  He stated that the only pool builder in Laredo has endorsed the ordinance and he          submitted the following letter to City Council:

 

                 Exhibit A                       

 

                  G.H. Pools

                  517 Shiloh Dr., Ste. #1

                  Laredo, TX  78045

 

                 January 15, 2007

 

                 To Whom It May Concern:

 

                 Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children 1-3 years old and the second leading                  cause of death for children ages 14 and under.  This is why, as an active swimming                        pool professional, I ask for City Council’s consideration on the installation of                                 additional safety barriers or safety devises near and/or around swimming pools.

 

                 We all understand that installing safety barriers or safety devises that are out in the                       market today may not eliminate drowning cases in their entirety, but it is our                                    responsibility as public servants, swimming pool professionals, parents, and neighbors                  to do everything within our power to help eliminate this sort of tragedy from occurring.                   These devises can consist of anything from swimming pool alarms to swimming pool                        safety covers to swimming pool perimeter safety fences.  Installing any one of these or                              combination of the mentioned safety devises would be an excellent first step in                                   

                 preventing child drownings.  With swimming pool alarm prices starting at around                          $400.00, safety covers at $1,200.00 and perimeter fencing at $2,000.00, I feel    

                 installing these items should not be an option.  Our children come first and no amount          

                 of money should be too much to help keep them safe.

 

                  All in all, passing additional safety ordinance(s) for swimming pools may not give us                           any guarantee that this is going to solve any specific problem that arises with a given                   child in a given pool.  But, since there are no guaranties, I feel the best we can do is to                  provide additional layers of protection.

 

                Sincerely

 

                Luis Hinojosa

                Vice President

                G.H.Pools

 

                 Micaela Alvarez stated that she has concerns as the ordinance stands right now.  She                               asked to remove the 10 foot fence requirement.

 

                 Blanca Balboa stated that the problem is the way the ordinance is written and there                    should be some type of concession.  She inquired if the City will provide free swimming                  lessons to Laredo’s children; and will the City provide pool safety workshops which will                 include first aid for parents and pool owners.

 

                 Edward Carmina stated that there should be a license for all contractors and added that    

                 the ordinance should stay as is.

 

                 Imelda Gloria Arthur spoke in support of the ordinance and emphasized that isolation                                          fencing is the most effective safety measure. 

 

                 Susan Antonini spoke against the ordinance as written.  

 

                 Braulio Gloria state that he is in support of the ordinance.

 

                 Cesar Cantu, a pool construction owner, clarified that every professional pool builder in             Laredo is in favor of pool safety.  He stated that there are all kinds of devices that                           provide safety.  He mentioned that his concern is if the City will create an ordinance to        protect children from all dangers in the home as well.

 

                 James Walker Arthur stated that his family has experienced loss of a child as well as                                    friends that were well supervised.  He mentioned that children 1-3 years of age are the                                 ones that need protection from themselves.  He stated that there should be a high                       standard in the City to protect those that can’t protect themselves.  He added that with a                 pool comes responsibility and added liability.  Finally, he pleaded to Council to do what              is best for the children of Laredo and set a standard that gives ultimate protection.

 

                 Cesar Venegas, worker for a pool supplies company, spoke against the proposed                     ordinance amendment.

 

                 Marcus Moreno spoke in favor of the pool amendment ordinance.  He stated that on                              behalf of Moreno Insurance Agency they will not insure a home that does not have a                               perimeter fence around the pool.  He added that this ordinance is within all standards and           believes that all pool owners and pool builders will benefit from this ordinance.

 

                 Evan J. Quiroz urged City Council to vote for this ordinance.

 

                 Ricardo Martinez, from South Texas Guardian Pool Fences, spoke in favor of the                      swimming pool isolation fencing issue.    

 

                 Anna Cecila Gloria is in support of the ordinance.

                  

                 Cm. Chavez reported that there are some bills pending in state legislation and the City              

                 Council should wait for the outcome.

 

                 Cm. Belmares stated that there is a portion of the ordinance that already exists which is              in the International Building Code. He mentioned that the three additional amendments       to the ordinance include isolation fencing, the reduction of the diameter of the chain link                             fence, and it being retroactive.  He suggested approving the transition of the                                  International Building Code from the appendices into the Code of Ordinances and

                 holding off the amendments.

                        

                 Motion to close the public hearing and deny and wait until the outcome of  

                 legislation.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Chavez

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 For:      6                                         Against:  1                                            Abstain:  0

                                                                        Cm. Belmares

 

                 Cm. Chavez instructed the City Manager to create a team of inspectors to inspect                      each individual house that has a swimming pool to see that they are following the                             existing ordinance.

                             

            3.  Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity to comment on their

                 housing and community needs and the projects that they wish to see funded for Fiscal

                 Year 2007-2008 through the 33rd Action Year (AY) Community Development Block

                 Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $3,711,664.00, the 2007 HOME Investment Partnership

                 Grant (HOME) in the amount of $1,290,876.00, the 2007 Emergency Shelter Grant

                 (ESG) in the amount of $160,079.00, and the 2006 American Dream Downpayment

                 Initiative Program (ADDI) in the amount of $12,841.00 in support of the preparation and

                 submission of the 2007 Consolidated One Year Action Plan to the U.S. Department of

                 Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Chavez

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 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

 

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

                 2006-2007 Sports and Community Venue Fund budget by appropriating $125,000.00 for

                 the Arena’s Renewal and Replacement Account.  Each party has to make a yearly

                 contribution of $125,000.00 for facility maintenance.  All expenses are paid through the

                 Renewal and Replacement Account on a 50/50 basis.  Funding is available in the Sports

                 and Community Venue Fund opening balance.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance providing for the adoption of a split program

                 option pursuant to Section 31.03 (a) of the Texas Property Tax Code; which allows a

                 person who pays one-half of the current year property taxes before December 1st may

                 pay the remaining one-half of the taxes without penalty or interest if paid before July 1st

                 of the following year.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            6.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2007-2008

                 annual budget by appropriating   revenues and expenditures in the following amounts

                 from the South Texas Development Council for three City of Laredo Health Department

                 HIV Programs and the approved full-time equivalent positions involved: (1) HIV/Ryan

                 White an increase of $26,654 for a total amount award of $332,717.00, term from April

                 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. (2) HIV/Health & Social Services for a total amount of

                 $51,063.00, for a five (5) month period from April 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007, and

                 (3) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Project (HOPWA) for a total amount

                 award of $78,674, for a nine (9) month period from April 1, 2007 through January 1,                                2008.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Rendon

                 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

 

            7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a supplemental grant awarded and

                 amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Financial Task Force grant budget

                 by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $6,000.00 for operational

                 expenses awarded by the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) High

                 Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  Funds will be used to pay fuel expenses for

                 the Laredo Financial Narcotics Enforcement Team agents from January 1, 2006 through

                 December 31, 2007.

 

                 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. Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning 1.27 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in

                 attached Exhibit “A”, located east of Highway 359 and west of Fiesta Subdivision, from

                 R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business District). 

                 The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.   

                 District II

 

                 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. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia

 

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning 46.9 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in

                 attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3220 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family

                 Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and Zoning

                 Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  District II

 

                 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. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia

 

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning 12.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds

                   in attached Exhibit “A,” located at 3221 Bob Bullock – Loop 20, from R-1 (Single

                   Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).  The Planning and

                   Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.  District II 

 

                   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. Garcia

                   Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

           

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Garcia         

 

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning 112.82 acres, as further described by metes and bounds

                   in attached Exhibit “A”, located on the east side of Interstate 35 north of Shiloh Drive,

                   from AG (Agricultural District) and M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to B-4

                   (Highway Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended

                   approval of the zone change request.   District VI  

 

                   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. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Belmares

                 

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 13, San Isidro- Las Buganvillas

                   Subdivision and .22 acres, as further described by metes and  bounds in attached

                   Exhibit “A”, located at 10550 Sanderiana Court, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced

                   Area District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District).  The Planning and Zoning

                   Commission recommended approval of the zone change.     District VI  

 

                   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. Belmares

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:     7                                        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 upholstery shop on

                   Lot 9, Block 303, Eastern Division, located at 616 Clark Boulevard.  The Planning &                Zoning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.  District IV

 

                   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. Amaya

                   Second:  Cm. Belmares

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Amaya

 

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 80, Eastern Division, located at 417

                   and 419 Garfield Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited

                   Commercial District).  The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of

                   the zone change. District III  

 

                   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:  Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez

                   For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  Cm.  Landeck

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning 5.31 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in

                   attached Exhibit “A”, located on the South side of Lomas del Sur Boulevard east of

                   Louisiana Avenue, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial

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

                   change.  District I

 

                   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. Chavez