CITY OF LAREDO

CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2007-R-13

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

July 2, 2007

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

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, Mayor Pro Tem, District VI

Juan Chavez Council Member, District VII

Juan Ramirez, Council Member, District VIII

Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager

Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager

Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager

Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager

Anthony McGettrick, Acting City Attorney

Motion to excuse Cm. Garza.

Moved: Cm. Garcia

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Cm. Landeck was not present.

IV. MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of March 2, 2007, March 19, 2007 and March 26, 2007.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Cm. Ramirez

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Recognitions

Communiqués

A. Presentation by the Sister Cities Youth Committee on their trip to San Miguel De

Allende, Guanajuato.

Eduardo Gonzalez, President of the Youth Committee, introduced the other youth committee members. He presented a video on their trip to San Miguel de Allende where they met 30 ambassadors from various world countries. He continued to say how much they learned in the exchange with the students of San Miguel and their family members who hosted them.

B. Presentation of the Class of 2007 City Employee Leadership Development Program.

The 2007 City Employee Leadership Development Program introduced themselves and

they were as follows:

Kiko Flores, Public Works

Roberto Peralta, Police Department

Mike Granado, Information Technology Department

Gilberto Sanchez, Budget Department

Humberto Serradell, Utilities Department

Cesar Gutierrez, Finance Department

Watson, Library Department

Lety Alvarado, City Manager’s Office – Real Estate Division

Alvarado, Bridge Department

Ester Granger, Community Development

Jessica Silva, Parks & Recreation Department

Ricardo Martinez, Health Department

Lucky Rodskinsy, Environmental Department

Ana Cortez, Health Department not present

Susana Ramos, Planning Department not present

Cm. Garcia recognized Ronnie Cantu for the work she has done creating the Legislative package in Austin and Washington. He continued by saying that she is a great asset to the City of Laredo. He also thanked the City of Laredo staff for working on the flooded area of Ash Street. Finally, he wished everyone a safe 4^th of July.

Cm. Amaya wished everyone a safe and happy Independence Day. He also recognized Cm. Ramirez and the Parks and Recreation Director for coordinating the City sponsored 4^th of July Parade and Civic Center Festivities.

Cm. Rendon thanked the Mayor for appointing him to the Veteran’s Affairs Committee. He mentioned that the committee met with United States Congressmen Henry Cuellar and he would make sure that the Veterans receive better medical services. He said that they held a teleconference with different representatives of the Veterans where they were able to express their concerns. Congressman Henry Cuellar pledged his support for all Veterans. He also invited his District residents to attend the District V Fourth of July Parade.

Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares congratulated all the individuals that assisted in the preparation of Miss Texas. He commended Wayo and Chuy Ruiz for championing the youth of this community by placing a billboard which cheers the youth.

Cm. Chavez thanked United States Congressman Cuellar for his support to the Laredo Veterans. He also apologized for being absent at the anti-graffiti presentation at Union Park.

Cm. Ramirez invited everyone to attend the Fourth of July Celebration.

Cm. Landeck thanked all the individuals who assisted the flooding victims. He also thanked the family at assisted the flood victim family by assisting their medical needs and purchasing them a van for transportation.

Cm. Landeck arrived at 5:58 p.m.

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.

Martha Inocencio spoke on the flooding problems that she experienced on New York and Barrios. She expressed her frustration with the flooding every time there is an inch or more of rain. She said that it would be difficult to sell her home because of the flooding. In addition, she has problems obtaining flooding insurance.

Hector Cabello, owner of Cabello’s Wrecker Service, stated that if impound lot requests item is passed it would ruin their business and he spoke against it.

Jose Esparza, Jr., Towne East Subdivision and Fiesta Loops, spoke on flooding problems.

Jose Martinez, owner of Martinez Wrecker Service, spoke against the proposed impound lot.

Roberto Aldape, Aldape Automotive, spoke against the impound lot by the city.

VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

None.

VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

1. A. Request by Council Member Hector J. Garcia

1. Discussion with possible action on installing a speed hump on Fiesta Loop East.

Cm. Garcia stated he placed this item on the agenda is because of safety concerns for the

residence.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, said that a study was completed in October, 2006. He noted that the next step would be to place it on the agenda implementing a special provision of the speed hump ordinance and obtaining the funds of $3,600.00.

Motion to use the discretionary funds of District II for installing a speed hump on Fiesta Loop East.

Moved: Cm. Garcia

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain:

2. Discussion with possible action on the creation of an impound lot for vehicles being

towed by the City and the establishment of an ordinance for impounding vehicles

without insurance.

Cm. Garcia explained that he did not want to affect local tow companies but rather create

a system where the City of Laredo can monitor drivers without insurance. He explained

that Laredo has a problem with out of town motorist who are involved in an accident

and are unable to pay their obligations because they do not have insurance. He further

explained that the City would be able to force them to pay by keeping their cars in a

impound lot until their debts are paid. He voiced that it would not affect local

businesses. He instructed staff to bring back an ordinance to reflect possible

recommendations regarding this issue. Finally, he directed staff to contact local

municipalities to see how they handle this item.

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, said that staff has been working on the item and would

like to return to Council in a couple of weeks with recommendations for Council to

consider.

Tommy Ochoa, Municipal Court Clerk, advised that driving without insurance is the

number one infraction in the City of Laredo. He said that it averages 22% of the court

documents. He agreed that there is a lack of respect for the law enforcers.

Mayor Salinas went on the record saying that Council has no intention of hurting the impound vehicles businesses.

Cm. Ramirez said that the new ordinance will have a ripple effect on the community.

B. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

1. Discussion regarding the nomination and selection of the City Attorney in accordance to

Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code, with possible return for action.

Cm. Landeck suggested tabling the above item because of the problems in the Charter with interpretation regarding the selection of the City Attorney in accordance to Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code.

Motion to table.

Moved: Cm. Landeck

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares

1. Discussion with possible action on implementing a Traffic Department solution for the

entrance of Jordan and Springfield Street (JSJ Estates).

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, said that he had submitted five recommendations in

2003 and he explained why they are no longer feasible. He recommended the

installation of deliniar poles that will force the traffic to turn right. He added that staff is

opposed to the installation of a traffic light at the entrance of Jordan and Springfield

Street.

Cm. Belmares suggested considering alternative number five which would allow a left

hand turn. He instructed the City Manager to return to Council with a configuration at

Mann Road and Springfield that will work with alternative number five in the next thirty

days. He advised that the fifth alternative is not permanent and would not cost the

City as much to make changes in the future.

Robert Murillo, Traffic Director, noted that staff would revisit the site and return to

Council with recommendations.

2. Discussion with possible action on the placement of sidewalks on the eastside and

westside of Greenland Street between Snowfalls and Demark and Yukon Streets.

Motion to use the discretionary funds of District VI of $7,300.00 for 250 linear feet of sidewalks on the eastside and Westside of Greenland Street between Snowfalls and Denmark and Yukon Streets.

Moved: Cm. Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

3. Discussion on the status of the widening of McPherson between Mahogany and Shiloh

Drive.

Cm. Belmares said that he had assurance that last year they would begin the widening of

McPherson between Mahogany and Shiloh Drive but it was postponed so the City could

acquire right of ways. He voiced his frustration with the continued delay.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, agreed that the City has lost time during the acquisition

of land; however, they are moving forward with the project. He said that they have sent

the plans to the Utility Committee for final review and will be going out for bids in the

next three months.

Cm. Belmares asked staff to expedite the project by noting sixty days would be enough

time for them to start the project.

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, said that he would research the item with staff and meet

with Cm. Belmares by the end of the week with recommendations.

D. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez

1. Status on the Bristol Road/Flecha Lane Drainage Project to include funding, with

possible action.

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, notified the Council that the City of Laredo will be

going out for bids within the week for the Bristol Road/Flecha Lane Drainage Project.

2. Status report on the heavy equipment ordinance, with possible action.

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, explained that he had met with Chief Dovalina to make sure they have made a distribution of the ordinance for enforcement. The City of Laredo will strictly enforce the new ordinance.

Chief Dovalina said that he has had a meeting with the City Manager and all officers will be informed of the new ordinance by means of meetings and payroll. There has also been a directive for this ordinance to be strictly enforced. The first 30 days included a grace period.

VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 30 (Taxation) Section 4

(Credit Card Processing Fee) of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances clarifying

conditions under which a credit card payment convenience fee will apply and amending

the fee from 1.8% to 3% of the transaction amount, thus assessing a fee which is in line

with other taxing units.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved: Cm. Chavez

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Garcia

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

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

2006-2007 Health Department’s annual budget by reducing the amount of $2,000.00 to

reflect the actual amount awarded of $132,342.00 due to realignment of Fiscal Year

2007 funds by the Texas Department of State Health Services to the City of Laredo

Health Department La Familia Health Care Program for the period of September 1, 2006

through August 31, 2007.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Garcia

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Rendon

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 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues from the Social and Health

Research Center-University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio

(SAHRC-UTHSCSA) and expenditures in the amount of $250,000.00 for Proyecto

Bienestar-Laredo to conduct the 2nd year of this three (3) year Early School Health

Based Diabetes Reduction Project (226-6407); and increasing the Fiscal Year 2006-2007

Full Time Equivalent positions by two (2).

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Garcia

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Garcia

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 City of

Laredo Annual Budget of the City Secretary’s Office Division by accepting a donation

of $1,080.06 from the Laredo National Bank-BBVA and appropriating said funds for the

purpose of the Youth Committee to travel and participate in a student exchange program

with our Sister City of Laredo, Spain.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved: Cm. Garcia

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with the amendment to add $300 from

Falcon National Bank.

Moved: Cm. Landeck

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE

6. Amending Section 2-227(f) [Meetings] of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances to

redefine the attendance requirement for members of the Convention and Visitors Bureau

Advisory Board requirements, namely, that number of permitted absences is defined by

the calendar year.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

7. Amending Section 2-223 [Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board] To abolish

the nominating committee which was created in that section; and providing for an

effective date.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

8. Amending Sections 19.541-19.543 of the Code of Ordinances to abolish the Transit

Committee; and providing for an effective date.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES

Motion to waive the Final Reading of Ordinances 2007-O-109, 2007-O-110, 2007-O-111, 2007-O-112, 2007-O-113, 2007-O-114, 2007-O-115, 2007-O-116, 2007-O-117, 2007-O-118, 2007-O-119, 2007-O-120, 2007-O-121, and -O-122.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

9. 2007-O-109 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget of the

Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) by

accepting a donation of $2,000.00 from Wal-Mart Stores, $250.00 from the

Laredo National Bank, $200.00 from Dr. Joe Castellano, $150.00 from

GNC Stores, $100.00 from House Calls Home Health, and $885.00 from

the International Bank of Commerce and therein appropriating said funds

for the purchase of educational promotional materials utilized for the 1st

Annual Youth Bike Rodeo held on June 2, 2007 for the Laredo Fire

Department EMS Division. These donations were provided from local

businesses who wanted to promote health and safety awareness for local youth.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-109.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-110 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by

appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $70,000.00 in

funds from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to

operate and maintain three continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by

the City of Laredo Health Department for the term period beginning

September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-110.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-111 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by

appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $504,334.00.

The revenues are from lease purchase proceeds related to the financing of

twenty-five (25) unmarked police patrol units for the Laredo Police

Department as approved by Resolution 2007-R-043 on June 4, 2007.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-111.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-112 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a contribution from N.W. House,

Inc., in the amount of $14,500.00 and to amend the City of Laredo Fiscal

Year 2006-2007 Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the General Fund and transferring out by appropriating revenues in the same

amount in the Capital Improvement Projects Fund for improvements of the Robert Muller Park located in the Indian Sunset Subdivision.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-112.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-113 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 1, Block 1, Inscorp Plat, located at 5904 San Bernardo Avenue, from

B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District);

providing for an effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-113.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-114 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

2.01 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit

“A”, located east of Interstate Highway 35 and North of Shiloh Drive, from

R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business

District); providing for an effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-114.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-115 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 1A and 2A, Metex Plaza, located at 4610 San Bernardo Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District);

providing for an effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-115.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-116 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lot 32, Block 5, Chaparral Village Subdivision, Unit IIA, located at 519 E.

Calton Road, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community

Business District); providing for an effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-116.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-117 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

29.27 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit

“A”, located at 4500 Avenida Los Presidentes, from AG (Agricultural

District) to R-1A (Single-Family Reduced Area District); providing for an

effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-117.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-118 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

Lots 1, 2 and 2 acres out of Lot 3, as further described by metes and bounds

in attached Exhibit "A", located at 8002, 8006 and 8010 River Bank Drive,

from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial

District); providing for an effective date and publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-118.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-119 Authorizing the City Manager to convey the 3,858.36 square feet of land as

described in Exhibit “A” out of former Malinche Avenue between Pecan

and Santa Clara Streets to Raul Peña and Omar Gabriel Peña for $8,680.00;

and partially amending Ordinance No. 94-O-050, on the same subject to

reflect that the grantee herein, rather than being Juan Manuel Zapata, are

the present abutting owners, Raul Peña and Omar Gabriel Peña; and

providing for an effective date.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-119.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-120 Amending Chapter 19, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article II

Administration & Enforcement, Division 2, Transportation and Traffic

Safety Advisory Committee, Section 19-51. Duty, function of the Code of

Ordinances of the functions and duties of the Transportation and Traffic

Safety Advisory Committee and providing for an effective date and

publication.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-120.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-121 Extending the contract with the Texas Health and Human Services

Commission for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Outreach

extending the grant period through April 30, 2007 and authorizing the City

Manager to execute said contract.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-121.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2007-O-122 Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Chapter 33, Article VII

entitled “Storm Water Fee” by amending the storm water rates for

residential and multifamily customers and the rate for additional meters for

commercial customers, and defining the credit procedures and providing for

publication and an effective date. The proposed rate will increase from

$2.25 to $4.50. The revenue collected from the fee increase will be used to

fund Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for drainage improvements.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2007-O-122.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

XI. RESOLUTIONS

10. 2007-R-051 A resolution directing publication of notice Of intention to issue City Of

Laredo, Texas combination tax and revenue Certificates of Obligation

Series 2007, in the principal amount of $75,500,000 for paying all or a

portion of the City’s Contractual Obligations for the purpose of (I)

constructing, improving and repairing city streets and sidewalks, together

with drainage, traffic and street signalization and lighting improvements;

(II) acquisition of municipal equipment and municipal vehicles for the City’s Airport Department, Civic Center Department, Convention Center

and Visitors Bureau Department, Engineering Department, Health

Department, Public Safety Department, Public Works Department, Solid

Waste Department and Water and Sewer Department (III) Acquiring,

constructing, improving and equipping the City’s Parks including design

and construction of a city golf course and water park and recreation

centers; (IV) acquisition of equipment and improvements to fire

department buildings and training center, and law enforcement buildings;

and (V) improvements to City’s fleet management facilities and drainage

facilities including land acquisition and right-of-way, construction and

design, and major repairs to municipal buildings, and for the payment of

legal, fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with such projects.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2007-R-051.

Moved: Cm. Garcia

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0

Cm. Landeck

XII. MOTIONS

11. Consideration to reschedule the regular City Council meeting of July 16, 2007 to July

9, 2007 due to the 2007 Bond trip to New York and Washington, D.C. and setting the

August 2007 meeting dates as follows: August 1, 2007, August 13, 2007, August 14,

2007, August 15, 2007 and August 20, 2007.

Motion to approve and include August 6, 2007.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

12. Consideration for approval of an engineering contract to Foster Engineering Company,

Laredo, Texas, for an amount of $44,585.00 for the design and preparation of plans and

specifications for the Riverfront Parking Lot. Funding is available in the Parking

Meters Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

13. Consideration for approval of an engineering contract to Harry Jewett Associates,

Laredo, Texas, for an amount of $28,900.00 for the design and preparation of plans and

specifications for the Dryden Park Improvements. Funding is available in the

Community Development 32nd Action Year 2006 Grant.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

14. Consideration for approval to award a contract to Restek, Inc., Austin, Texas, in the

amount of $122,550.00 for the Laredo Colombia International Bridge for removal and

replacement of deteriorated concrete pavement and erosion controls. Funding is

available in the Bridge System – Revenue Bond Series 2005A.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

15. Consideration to authorize the purchase of turnstile spare equipment in the amount of

$24,169.79 from sole provider, Transcore, LP, for the electronic toll collection system.

Funding is available in the Bridge System Construction Toll Equipment Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

16. Consideration to award a contract with the sole source provider, Transcore, LP, in the

amount of $928,237.00 for the development and project management to upgrade the

existing Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) system of the Laredo Bridge System

from a single protocol reader system to a multi-protocol reader system.

Motion to table at the requests of staff.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

17. Adopting a schedule of hearings and proceedings for voluntary and unilateral

annexations for calendar year 2007, in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas

Local Government Code.

Motion to approve.

Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

18. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreement with Western Union Financial

Services, Inc., to continue to collect water utility payments at our authorized pay station

sites. With this automated service, funds and data are electronically transmitted and

processed for convenient and efficient customer service.

Motion to approve.