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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-17 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS1110 HOUSTON STREETLAREDO, TEXAS 78040 SEPTEMBER 4, 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 Hector Garcia, Council Member, District II Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III Johnny Amaya, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon, Council Member, District V 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 Valeria Acevedo, Acting City Attorney
Motion to excuse Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes for June 18, 2007.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Cesar Cardenas, Martin High School 2007 Valedictorian, for winning 1st place Outstanding Award, a National Contest held in Washington, D.C.
Mayor Salinas and City Council presented Cesar Cardenas, Jr., an honors program student at Texas A & M International University, with a Seven Flags Certificate of Recognition.
Communiqués
Cm. Garza thanked the Texas Department of Transportation, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Works Department for cleaning several right-of-ways such as the areas around schools. He also gave his appreciation to the Police Department who helped in conjunction with the school districts. He reported that that the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra was rated third in the country. He announced that there is an event on Friday to welcome the soldiers that recently came back from Iraq. Finally, he thanked our counterparts, the Webb County Commissioners Court, for unanimously settling the lawsuit amongst each other.
Cm. Garcia congratulated the Webb County for the work they are doing. He stated he will make sure that the issue with the Fifth Bridge will happen quickly. He wished good luck to all the teams in high school and junior high school. He congratulated 1,500 high school band members and over 2,000 junior high school band members for preparing all summer for the season.
Cm. Landeck reported that he had the opportunity to meet with representatives and the Secretary of Economic Development for the state of Tamaulipas for the main reason of showing cooperation. He mentioned that they have a different perception of it. He stated that the issue of the bridge at Columbia does not belong to the City, but to the County who is taking the lead on it.
Cm. Amaya announced that District IV Special Projects Committee Members, the Laredo Police Department and the Laredo Fire Department, visited less fortunate schools in District IV on Labor Day to donate backpacks full of supplies to less fortunate students. He thanked the following people: Veronica Guerra, Laredo Independent School District Superintendent; principals, counselors; Marissa Limon, KLDO; Juan Rodriquez, KLDO; Paco Diaz, El Mañana; and Celina Alvarado, Laredo Morning Times.
Cm. Rendon mentioned that it was a great feeling to welcome the heroes who returned from Iraq and he thanked the Mayor for being there.
Cm. Chavez reported that he was at the demonstration against the wall this past Sunday. He reported that before school started, he and his family gave out 75 backpacks to the children of District VII. He added that the Friday before school started, he took 125 children to Wal-Mart and gave them $50.00 each to purchase school supplies and any other necessity. He thanked the following people: Robert Santos from United School District, the Transportation Department, Esther Firova, and Juan Roberto Ramirez.
Cm. Ramirez thanked the people who participated in the Fiesta En La Playa Festival. He mentioned that because of the rain some events were cancelled.
a. Video presentation from the Parks and Recreation Department showing this year’s summer highlights
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a video on this summer's events.
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.
Hector Farias, Chairman of the Laredo Veterans Coalition, asked Council to fund the veterans at the levels where they should be instead of the present $45,000.00.
Richard Geissler spoke on veterans and the needed funding. He also spoke on the Animal Shelter and mentioned that the City has given them $140,000. He commented that this works to about $1.40 an animal. He asked Council to quadruple the funding.
Jose M. Soto, Executive Director for the Laredo Veterans Coalition, spoke on veterans’ issues and the need for an additional funding of $100,000.00.
Jerry Schwebel, a representative from the North America Super Corridor Coalition, Inc. invited the Mayor and Council to become a member.
John Kennedy spoke on the search for a secondary water source and that they were one of the proposers. Mr. Kennedy was representing Dimmitt County Water Supply Company.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Council Member Hector J. Garcia of Roylin Wilson to the Laredo Commission for Women.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment to Ethics Ad Hoc Committee of: Alma Perez Lopez by Council Member Rendon. Ronnie Goodman by Council Member Hector J. Garcia. Mario Zaragoza by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS a. A. Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas
1. Discussion with possible action to have Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau to accelerate and augment efforts to attack additional tourism to the City of Laredo.
Mayor Salinas commented on discussing ways to accelerate and work to attract more tourism to Laredo. He mentioned that he talks to officials about Laredo while traveling for the purpose of insuring the promotion of the City of Laredo. He suggested doing a bus tour and talking to local business and hotels in areas such as, Zacatecas, the State of Nuevo Leon, the State of Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi. He added that several people have expressed the idea of having a shopping day in Laredo to attract people from the American Consulate. He stated that follow up letters should be done to show them that we really want them here. He suggested having local business to participate as well.
Blasita Lopez, from the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, reported that they do have some strategies planned for the next fiscal year. She mentioned that a shopping tour, bus tour, and the use of an air service carrier are being developed. She added that she hopes to implement it to use the Sister Cities network to do an exchange.
2. Discussion with possible action to expand economic development opportunities for all contractors/businesses in all our local, state and federal government contracts.
Mayor Salinas stated that the reason he brought this item up is because of a discussion he had with Congressman Henry Cuellar. He stated that he wants local businesses to have an opportunity to get these contracts. He stated that it bothers him that sometimes the contractors do a halfway job. He emphasized that we should give local people the opportunity to do the work. He added that local dollars should stay in Laredo.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, stated that we can work to try and achieve this as long as there are stipulations included in some of the state and federal contracts. He commented that he would like for the local merchants to be able to take advantage. He mentioned that the City has to make sure to abide by the low bidder and the open bidding process.
B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Discussion with possible action instructing staff to conduct a study for a recreational facility for persons with disabilities and special needs population.
Cm. Garza stated that he has talked to several people about the adult population who have disabilities. He commented that parents have to take care of their adult children in their home because there are no other facilities. The only facilities available are for the elderly. He stated he would like to see something innovative and maybe create a recreational center specifically for those individuals.
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreations Department Director, reported that he included information in the Friday’s packet on the National Recreation Parks Association. He stated that he has researched this topic for this type of recreation center and has not been able to identify a recreation center. He mentioned that there is special playground equipment that exists. He added that there is a new ADA accessible park facility located in Leon Valley next to San Antonio that he would like to visit. He reported that he is following the National Recreation Parks Association’s policy to include both people with and without disabilities. He commented that that their programs include both people with and with out disabilities. He mentioned that the Parks and Recreation Department partners with agencies such as: MHMR, Border Regent, Special Olympics, Special Needs Fishing Derby, Elderly Care at the Senior Centers. Finally, he reported that they are looking at ways to include people with special needs in the regular programs. He stated that he would like to continue researching this particular area and bring back to Council more information.
Cm. Garza commented that he would not like to create a segregation type of system and suggested to partner with the community. He asked for an investment from the Council to bring in our leaders that deal with this population and develop an area that is usable for this type of situation. He stated that during the school years in the public school system, there are daily activities. He added that when they graduate there is nothing left. He asked Mr. Pescador to do further research.
2. Discussion with possible action establishing a Standard for the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Gold Medal Certification.
Cm. Garza reported that he has been doing research and stated that he believes that the goals are attainable. He commented that we have to set standards for ourselves. He suggested to go forward with this and asked for Councils support.
Motion to instruct staff to meet these standards.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, mentioned that they are looking into pursuing the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Gold Medal Certification. He reported that they have already submitted information for their recreational programming and added that information for the National League of City’s recognition has also been submitted.
C. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck
1. Reporting, discussion and possible action regarding meetings of the Mayor and City Manager with Mexican, US, Railroad and other officials on issues related to a possible Bridge V and Rail Bridges including a report of Councilman Landeck on an informal meeting on these issues with the Secretary of Economic Development for the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Cm. Landeck stated that he is concerned about meetings that have taken place with the Governors of the State of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon and others. He added that because of this, there is a feeling that policy is being made first and then it is brought forth to the Council whether it is acceptable or not. He emphasize that it should be discussed first and then voted on. He commented that negotiating first and then going to Council is not the way the City Charter has foreseen the operation of the Council. He mentioned that various officials of the State of Tamaulipas have expressed that they felt they were not in the \ loop in the discussions about Bridge V and they wanted very much to be a part of it. He reported that he had a meeting with the Secretary of Social Economic Growth and reported that the State of Tamaulipas has a different concept than what we have regarding Bridge V. He mentioned that they are looking at not only the bridge, but an eventual rail bridge with an incorporation of “maquiladoras”, twin plants, and free trade zones on both side of the border to try and activate a whole economic development in Nuevo Laredo and Laredo. He referred to a letter that was sent to the City where it stated that there is a willingness to cooperate by asking to join us in the site selection. He stated that he hopes that the City responds to it in a positive manner.
Mayor Salinas responded by emphasizing that there is a spirit of cooperation with Mexico and stated that relations are solid. He mentioned that the Governor of Tamaulipas, Eugenio Hernández Flores, said that there was enough for everyone. He pointed out that Council Member Landeck has special interests. He added that Resolutions have been passed and there is constant communication with them. He assured Council Member Landeck that the spirit of cooperation has been worked on for years. He mentioned that he recently spoke with the Governor of Tamaulipas and said that he understood and respected the project with Governor José Natividad González Parás. He reiterated that the Governor of Tamaulipas said in Spanish “hay para todos”.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, commented on the letter that was received by the City and written by Alfredo Gonzalez. He stated that he found it surprising that Mr. Gonzalez found out about sites through the news media. He mentioned that several City staff members have attended bi-national meetings for the last six years. He added that sites have been discussed in these meetings. He commented that they reported to them exactly where the sites were located for both the City and the County. He mentioned that at the State Department level the City was questioned if the City and the County were working together and stated that if they are then they can help with appropriations to get the project going. He commented that in reference to the meetings, they met at 8:20 in the morning for breakfast and then proceeded to a press conference at the Palacio de Gobierno. He added that from there they went to Paseo Santa Lucia where they continued to the Forum where they met with the ambassador. He continued by saying that from there they went to the radio station and then from there they went to Multimedios in Monterrey and then they went to Televisa at 10:00 at night. He stated that he believed that they were following the policy because a Resolution had just passed by the City Council and by the Commissioner’s Court on the 9th of July, 2007. He pointed out that he does not understand how the person representing the State of Tamaulipas at the Bi-National Commission indicates that he is not getting the information. He emphasized that at the meetings he has attended where he represented the County there was never any concern on the technical or urbanized nature with any of the sites. He stated that there were never any problems discussed. He said he did not know how they found out through the news media if all they have to do is go back to the files to find out any information.
Cm. Garcia stated that for the record the committee made the recommendation to move forward on our selection of engineers for our side. He commented that “we have to do what we have to do”. He reported that they have been working on this for five to six years and a Presidential Permit has been applied for. He stated that they can jump aboard if they wish.
Cindy Collazo, Deputy City Manger, clarified that the City submitted the Presidential Permit application back in 2003 and prior to that there was a “convenio” with the City of Laredo and the City of Nuevo Laredo. She commented that prior to working on the application the City met with the Economic Development Director and the Planning Director. She added that at the Bi-National meetings both the City of Laredo and the County of Webb were present and that at those meetings the former Mayor Flores made the presentations. She added that sometimes in conjunction with the Mayor of Nuevo Laredo they made a joint presentation always on the site where the City has the Presidential Permit application on. Finally, she stated that both sites have always been identified and they have worked closely with them.
D. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon
1. A status report on the reconstruction of the Drainage Channel along Canal Street, from San Francisco to Maryland Avenue.
Alejandro Labrada, Public Works Director, showed pictures of the repairs that have been done. He turned in the following status report (Exhibit A):
CANAL ST. DRAINAGE CHANNEL REPAIRS Status Report September 4, 1007
The project consists of reconstruction approximately 1,500 lf of collapsed concrete walls at Canal St. Drainage Channel, to include several concrete floor sections and miscellaneous improvements (chain link fencing, asphalt and storm drainage outlets repairs, etc.)
Total estimated repair cost as of August 31, 2007 is $200,000.00
The repairs started on July 25, 2007 and the project has been delayed about 5 days due to rain
Canal St. Drainage Channel Repairs is scheduled to be substantially complete by December 2007, weather permitting.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, commented that the process is too slow at this point and if there is a possibility to work in conjunction with the private and public sector it will be done. He stated that he will come back with a recommendation.
2. Discussion with possible action to place a speed hump on Arizona Loop, between West Mayberry Street and Alabama Avenue.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Department Director, stated that two speed humps will be placed on Arizona Loop costing of $3,600.00.
Cm. Rendon suggested placing three speed humps if necessary.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 3. Discussion with possible action to provide funding for a sidewalk at Taylor Park to be located on the North side of Chicago Street, with the possibility of including an ADA ramp.
Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the City Engineer, Rogelio Rivera, provided an estimate for $5,200.00 to 240 linear feet of sidewalk and that is what is being proposed.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public hearing considering the adoption of 2008-2012 Capital Improvement Program for the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Salinas was not present.
There was no public input.
Motion to instruct staff to start, beyond the study, on the convention center development concept, finance plan and option.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing for the adoption of a tax rate of $0.637000 per $100.00 value for the Tax Year 2007. The tax rate will provide revenue for the general fund and debt service. The rate includes $0.511426 per $100.00 value of Maintenance and Operation and $0.125574 per $100.00 value for Sinking Fund of the Debt Service and is estimated to generate a tax levy of $57,974,749.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance to adopt the proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 by appropriating the proposed revenues and expenditures and balances reported therein for the year beginning October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2008, consistent with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget (see Exhibit A); and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to add $10,000 to the Veterans Coalition.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, suggested monitoring the amount to see if it is being spent quickly. He added that if there is a need for more money any additional funding can be allocated in the middle of the year.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to increase Revenues in the Consolidated Budget Report to reflect the totals that appears on the Water System Fund Operating Budget.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to decrease revenues and expenditures due to the changes done in Hotel/Motel for 3rd party funding. Reduce transfer out to the Capital Improvements Fund.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to reduce property tax revenue and expenditures for General Fund and Debt Service respectively due to final calculation. Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to increase FTE’s by two Firefighter/Cadets in General Fund for the Fire Department.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garcia For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve 3% across the board effective October 2007 and suspend the Merit increase.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Public hearing and recommendation of Resolution 2007-R-068 adopting without amendment the City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept an award in the amount of $346,000.00 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by decreasing revenues in the amount of $1,573.00 and decreasing expenditures in the amount of $9,594.00 in the Autotheft Fund. The City of Laredo will be designating $263,234.00 in matching funds, and Webb County will be designating $38,427.00 in matching funds for a total of $647,661.00. This grant is effective from September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Amaya Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Laredo Housing Authority in the amount of $74,068.00 and amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Special Police Fund Annual Budget by $15,468.00. The increase is to reimburse costs for overtime incurred by the Laredo Police Department officers in providing resources for the Weed and Seed Community Building Program. The term of this grant is from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Garza For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Amaya For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 General Fund Annual Budget to appropriate revenues and expenditures in the amount of $100,000.00 for attorney’s fees paid to De Anda Law Firm due to increased collections in delinquent property taxes. The expenditures of attorney’s fees will only be incurred and disbursed if the revenue is collected by the Tax Department.
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. Ramirez Second: Cm. Rendon For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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