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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-14 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS1110 HOUSTON STREETLAREDO, TEXAS 78040 JULY 9, 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 Mike Garza, Council Member, District I Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III 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 Susan E. Herrera, Deputy 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. Garcia and Cm. Amaya
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
None.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Odie Arambula, of the Laredo Morning Times for being an outstanding journalist and for his contributions to public service.
Mr. Arambula was not present.
b. Recognition of Ricardo Gomez of the Community Development Department on his selection as July 2007 employee of the month.
Elizabeth Alonzo, Municipal Housing Director, recognized Ricardo Gomez on his selection as the July 2007 employee of the month. She stated that he is a customer service oriented individual who takes pride in his work. He was hired as a Building Maintenance Mechanic and since then has mastered many other areas.
c. Recognition of the 2007 Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program city employee graduates for the successful completion of the program.
Dan Migura recognized the following 2007 Texas Certified Public Manager Program employee graduates:
Humberto Delgado, Financial Services Arturo Diaz Jr., Health Department Jose A. Gamboa, Fire Department Gregorio E. Hernandez, Bridge Department Ivette Limon, Bridge Department Gilberto Navarro, Police Department Thomas L. Ochoa, Municipal Court Rena Ren, Public Library Ellie Reyes, City Manager’s Office Leopoldo, Rodriguez, City Manager’s Office Linda Teniente, Human Services Department
The following graduates were not able to attend:
Ernesto Elizondo Jr., Solid Waste Department Ivan Sanchez, Bridge Department Maria G. Solis, Public Library
Communiqués
Mayor Salinas congratulated Council Member Ramirez for an outstanding job organizing the Fourth of July parade on San Bernardo Avenue. He also congratulated Council Member Rendon on his parade. He mentioned his meeting with Nuevo Leon’s State Governor Jose Natividad Gonzalez. He also reported that he has been visiting areas that have been affected by the flooding and assured the citizens that help is on its way. He stated that the City will meet with citizens concerned about the tax appraisals. He inquired about working jointly with both school districts to help teenagers finish school after hearing at the Mayor’s Conference that 52 per cent of Hispanic teenagers are not graduating from high school.
Cm. Garza mentioned that he was not able to attend the parades. He acknowledged the staff’s organization of the events. He thanked everyone who helped at the fundraiser held for Ms. Reyes who passed away. He also thanked the individuals and City Departments that helped preventing people from crossing barriers during the recent flooding. He mentioned that he attended the National Conference for Latino Association Elected Officials. He asked for support for the Latino Museum in Washington, D.C..
Cm. Landeck commented on developing an ordinance for the Civil Service. He mentioned that employees who are presently “at will” will now need to go through a new process.
Cm. Rendon thanked all the participants who help on the Fifth Annual Neighborhood Parade. He thanked Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares for assisting in the parade. He congratulated the Rio Grande Rockies who won first place in the championship. He thanked Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, and his staff for hand delivering the message to the Governor that the City is in a disaster area.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares congratulated all the Little Leaguers who participated this season. He thanked the Parks and Recreation for maintaining the fields. He encouraged everyone to attend the production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Civic Center.
Cm. Chavez thanked Thomas Rodriguez, Utilities Department Director, and his staff for responding to a recent situation at the Mines Road.
Cm. Ramirez thanked everyone involved in the parades and the Fourth of July Celebration. He presented a video on the festivities.
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.
Fernando Solis spoke on the flooding of the Colonia Chaparral. He requested the City’s help to build a retention pond.
Hector Treviño stated the he is a Calton Gardens resident and has lived there for 32 years. He mentioned that in all those years there has never been any flooding. He thanked the City for the $2,000.00 grant given to him and his family. He added that he needs help.
Franklin Leal, a local reporter, asked the Council for their support to help fund his appearance in the reality show called Mision Reportar in Miami, Florida. He stated that he is the finals and was the only one chosen from Texas. He presented a video.
Wanda Reyes from PMDG Advertising gave a recap on the sponsorship for the Hispanic Media awards held on May 24, 2007. She mentioned that this was a great opportunity to inform the media about Laredo. She added that the value of the advertising was worth $114,000 and the City’s investment was only $7,000.00.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Appointment by Mayor Raul G. Salinas of Rafael Tawil to the Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A. Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas 1. Status report on the installation of a traffic signal light at the International Airport and Bob Bullock Loop, with possible action.
Tony Garcia from the Traffic Safety Department reported that the merchandise for the construction of the traffic signal light has been ordered and the first load will be received at the end of the month, or within the first two weeks of August. He also reported that the second study analysis for the traffic signal has been executed and a letter is to be sent out for review and approval from the Texas Department of Transportation. He stated that the traffic signal light will be ready in approximately three months.
B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Discussion with possible action to consider hiring a firm to evaluate the Santo Niño Branch Library construction options with possible funding coming from interest income.
Cm. Garza reported that through an inspection that was done of the Santo Niño Branch Library, structural issues were found. He stated that there have been discussions to replace the facility that exists and suggested to have a study done. He added that the money would come from the interest income from the sale of the Bond.
Motion to hire a firm to evaluate the Santo Niño Branch Library construction options with possible funding coming from interest income from the Bond Sales.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion with possible action on a resolution in support of the National Hispanic Museum in Washington, D.C.
Motion to have a resolution at the next City Council meeting in support of the National Hispanic Mueseum in Washington, D.C.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck
1. Discussion and possible action regarding cooperation with the “Laredo Broncos” professional baseball team for the construction of a baseball stadium. Presentation by representatives of the Broncos organization.
Brad Wendt, principal owner of the United League Baseball, stated that there have been several discussions to locate a new ball park. He suggested implementing a public/private partnership where the United League Baseball leases the land on a long term basis and in return the League will construct and pay for the Minor League Ball Park. He mentioned that the estimated cost that the League will incur is between $5,000,000.00 and $7,500,000.00. He mentioned that field turf would be installed on the playing surface in order for the ballpark to be used year round. He added that the community would be able to use it at cost when it is not being used by the primary tenant which will be the Laredo Broncos. Finally, he commented that he wants the Laredo Broncos to be pushed to the next level and he sees this as a great opportunity for the citizens of Laredo.
The following handout was given to the City Council:
City of Laredo, Texas Multi-Use Ballpark Complex
· Complex Overview
o Location-Laredo Entertainment Center Parcel o 40-acres o 10 acres shared parking o Long term ground lease to United Sports o City Owns facility and retains ownerships of land
· Community Facility
o Usage § United League Baseball (15%) § Laredo Community (85%) o Potential Constituents § City of Laredo § Laredo Independent School District § Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) § Youth and Community athletic
· Field Turf
o 3rd generation Astroturf o Immediately configurable to all sports § Women softball § Youth baseball § High School football § Soccer o Facilitates 24/7 usage
· Complex Costs
o Sole responsibility of United Sports § Construction § Operating § Maintenance
· Complex Revenues
o Within 40-acres boundaries United Sports § Entitled to, collect, and retain all revenues § Reimbursement Agreement for City levied · Fees and assessments · Taxes
Motion to authorize City Manager to discuss and negotiate with the “Laredo Broncos” professional baseball team the construction of a baseball stadium and have staff bring back a recommendation to City Council.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares
1. Status report on the dedication of right-of-way and the extension of Shiloh.
Keith Selman, Planning and Zoning Department Director, reported that the roadway is ready for construction and it will allow for north and south movement. He mentioned that there is a section where there is a flood plain and the developer proposed to make an amendment to it to add a drainage system. He stated that when the water course is altered the developer needs to go to FEMA to get the map revised. He added that they are currently in the process of doing that. He stated that in order to put in a culvert or do any improvements in the flood plain, a map revision and an application to FEMA needs to be done.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, stated that they will be sending out an RFQ and the contract will be given to Council in August 2007. He stated that there are major drainage issues that need to be addressed.
Rogelio Rivera, Engineering Department Director, reported that the Real Estate Division has already made contact with the property owners. He stated that the RFQ that will be sent out will include all work necessary to bring the project forward. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares stated that it has been more than a year since the landowners said that they were willing to make a dedication and talk to someone. He emphasized that Real Estate was given the directive to begin acquiring those tracks. He stated that two of the landowners have never heard from the City. He mentioned that he is concerned that they may not be in a giving mood. He emphasized that this project needs to move forward. He then instructed City Manager to begin negations with the landowners in earnest.
2. Status report on the water main replacements for the Regency Subdivision.
Thomas Rodriguez, Utilities Director, stated that the water main replacement from Stratford to Windsor will commence in 90 days. He commented that it would take that long because he is asking Council to amend the Ordinance to be able to hire 20 people for the construction of water and sewer lines. He mentioned that this would be funded by the Bond Series 2007 and some funds from the 2006 Bond Series. He added that no line breaks have taken place in May or June, but they do need to be replaced since they are made from cast iron.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares stated that the water pressure is not what it used to be. He stated that the resurfacing streets are pending the water lines get replaced. He inquired if it will be done in house.
Thomas Rodriquez stated that no time will be wasted in hiring an engineering firm since it will be done in-house.
E. Request by Council Member Juan Chavez
1. Motion to instruct the City Manager to draft a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation and copy our representatives at the Federal and State level, addressing the Union Pacific Railroad reluctance to understand the safety issues and concerns caused by their standing trains to the citizens, especially the children, of District 7 and District 8, with possible action. (Co-sponsored by Mayor Raul G. Salinas and Council Member Juan Ramirez)
Motion to instruct the City Manager to draft a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation and copy our representatives at the Federal and State level, addressing the Union Pacific Railroad reluctance to understand the safety issues and concerns caused by their standing trains to the citizens, especially the children, of District 7 and District 8.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
F. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
Discussion with possible action regarding the removal of loading zones in front of vacant buildings in the downtown area and substitute these zones with the placement of parking meters.
Cm. Ramirez reported that the property on the 900 Block of Lincoln St. is vacant and has a sign that reads “No Parking Loading Zone”. He suggested placing meters there.
Tony Garcia, Traffic Safety Department, stated that they are in the process of evaluating different areas downtown. He reported that they should have a response in a couple weeks. He added that the merchants will be informed.
1. Discussion with possible action on installing brick pavers at the Civic Center in front of the auditorium.
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, reported that there are several options being considered which are: adding to the concrete slabs that are already there; adding a trail similar to the San Agustin Plaza; or fix the turf for drainage. He requested more time to come back to Council.
Cm. Garza recommended incorporating a green space.
Cm. Rendon suggested placing and selling bricks with family names.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $30,000.00 of additional funds to the Health Department’s budget from the Texas Department of State Health Services to the Title V Family Planning Services grant for a total amount awarded of $91,068.00 for a term from September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2006-2007 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $23,774.00 of additional funds to the Health Department’s budget from the Texas Department of State Health Services for the Health Department Public Health Preparedness, Epidemiology, Pandemic Influenza and Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance for a total grant amount of $955,873.00 term period from September 1, 2005, through August 31, 2007; amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Full Time Equivalent positions to be increased by two (2); and authorizing the City Manager to execute contract.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance allowing interested persons to comment on the 2007 Consolidated One Year Action Plan which identifies the projects proposed to be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through entitlement program funds and anticipated program income, as follows:
33rd Action Year Community Development Block Grant $3,711,664 and $96,060 in CDBG Program Income
Community Development Administration $629,978 Housing Rehabilitation Administration $194,200 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program ($96,060 derived from CDBG Program Income) $351,999 Code Enforcement $504,820 Graffiti Removal Program $ 43,573 Hamilton Hotel - Section 108 Loan Repayment $163,154 Cielito Lindo Park $225,000 Slaughter Park Construction $400,000 Shade Structures along Zacate Creek $100,000 Sidewalks (District IV) $125,000 Sidewalks (District V) $125,000 Fire Truck (Station #4) $340,000 EMS Ambulance (Station #1) $180,000 Eistetter Park Multi-purpose Field Improvements $100,000 Dryden Park Expansion $225,000 Canizales Park Pavilion and Improvements $100,000
2007 HOME Investment Partnership Grant $1,290,876 and $60,006 in Program Income
HOME Program Administration $129,087 Downpayment Assistance $697,683 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance $330,480 Community Housing Development Organizations $193,632
2007 American Dream Downpayment Initiative $12,841
Downpayment Assistance $12,841
2006 Emergency Shelter Grant $160,079
ESG Program Administration $ 2,600 Homeless Prevention Program $48,000 Homeless Shelter Program (Operations and Rehabilitation) $69,479 Essential Services $40,000
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Chavez For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Belmares For: 5 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm. Landeck
IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement approved by Ordinance No. 2004-O-184 dated August 2, 2004 between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Ronny Salamon d/b/a Avionics Services, as Lessee, for approximately 5,980 square feet constituting Hangar No. 1307 located at 4400 Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport. Said amendment will extend the lease term five (5) years ending on July 31, 2012 and increase the monthly rental to $1,675.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Amending Section 3(a) of Ordinance 2007-O-097 to reflect that the allowable monthly reimbursement for transportation/vehicle cost for the Mayor is $1,200.00, instead of $500.00; and ratifying reimbursement of the amount of $1,200.00 for the June 2007 payment for same.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the Final Reading of Ordinances: 2007-O-123, 2007-O-124, 2007-O- 125, 2007-O-126, 2007-O-127, 2007-O-128, 2007-O-129.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 2007-O-123 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 adopt Ordinance 2007-O-123.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-124 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 adopt Ordinance 2007-O-124.
Moved: Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-125 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 adopt Ordinance 2007-O-125.
Moved: Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-126 Amending the FY 2006-2007 City of Laredo Budget in the City Secretary’s Office Division by accepting a donation of $1,080.06 from Laredo National Bank – BBVA and $300.00 from Falcon National Bank 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. (As amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-126.
Moved: Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-127 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-127.
Moved: Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2007-O-128 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.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 2007-O-128.
Moved: Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garza For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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