CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2007-R-18

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

SEPTEMBER 17, 2007

5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present, Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares called the meeting to order.

 

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

                                                                       

            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

            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

            Raul Casso,                                                                              City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Mayor Raul G. Salinas.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Amaya

            Second:  Cm. Rendon

            For:  7                                                  Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            Approval of the minutes of May 21, 2007, June 25, 2007 and August 15, 2007.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Amaya

            Second:  Cm. Garcia

            For:  7                                                  Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Recognitions

     

            a.  Recognition of SSGT. Esteban Garcia, Sgt. Victor Altamarino, Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, Sgt.

                 David Loredo, Sgt. Guadalupe Medina Jr., and Specialist Eduardo Rubio; for their safe             return on September 7, 2007, stemming from an 18 months tour in Iraq.

 

                 Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares and the City Council welcomed the soldiers home after                           returning from an 18 month tour in Iraq.       

 

            b.  Presentation by the Texas Department of Transportation, for the donation of a check of

                 $4,000.00 to the Laredo Police Department Traffic Division, from an incentive grant, to

                 upgrade software in the Accident Reconstruction Program.

 

                 A Texas Department of Transportation representative thanked the City of Laredo for                              participating in the program.  He reported that 130 Police Departments competed in this            program and only 10 were selected.  He mentioned that Laredo was one of the cities 

                selected.  He presented a check to the City of Laredo.

 

            c.  Recognizing Sgt. Margarito Garcia, of the Laredo Police Department, for his 34 years of

                 dedicated service to the citizens of Laredo.

 

                 Sgt. Margarito Garcia was introduced to the City Council by Chief of Police Agustin                               Dovalina.  Chief Dovalina stated that they are extremely honored to present him his                    retiring badge and gun.             

 

            Communiqués

 

            Cm. Garza reported that the Mayor is back in the hospital.  He mentioned that on Friday he             attended the Welcoming Back Ceremony for the soldiers.  He thanked the Public Works             Department and the Parks and Recreation Department on behalf of District I for mowing the             tall grass we have in our city.

 

            Cm. Garcia wished the soldiers well.  He thanked Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager;              and Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, for finishing the Villa del Sol Park             improvements.

 

            Cm. Landeck mentioned that he is very appreciative of the soldiers for serving the country             and welcomed them home.

 

            Cm. Rendon mentioned that part of Jacaman Road is being reconstructed again and asked             those driving in that area to be extra careful and patient.  He mentioned that he received             very good news regarding the canal.  He stated that because of the extra help, everything is             prepared by where the houses are located. He added that the concrete will be poured today      or tomorrow.  

 

            Cm. Chavez reminded people that around Bristol area there will be construction on the bridge and will take 120 days to be completed.

 

            Cm. Ramirez congratulated the Mexican Consulate on the celebration of El 16 de             Septiembre at San Agustin Plaza.  He mentioned that the Laredo Soccer League had their             awards presentation for the winners on Sunday.

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares congratulated Jorge Verduzco from the International Bank of             Commerce for bringing the I-69 Corridor board meeting to Laredo.  He congratulated   Black Stone Dillworth and TxDot for their great work in creating the San Isidro parkway         off-ramp that connects to McPherson right off of I-35. He commented that this will help         alleviate the traffic.  He mentioned that El 16 de Septiembre has been the biggest event for         quite awhile.  He thanked Tony Reyes and the motorcycle clubs of Laredo.  He mentioned        that there were 350 motorcycles and over 500 riders that participated in the Freedom Run.

 

            Citizen comments

 

            Cesar G. Hernandez appeared before the Council to present a plaque to the City of       Laredo and El Metro System from Convergys.

 

            Richard Geissler spoke on the needs for the Animal Shelter; they need a new shelter of 6             acres; he thanked Council for their assistance.

 

            Monica Perales Garcia, Board Member of the Animal Protective Society, asked for funding       in the amount of $300,000.

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            a. Appointments to Ethics Ad Hoc Committee of:

 

            Anthony Treviño by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares.

            Pastor Miguel Zuñiga by Council Member Mike Garza.

            Imelda T. Rodriguez by Council Member Juan Chavez.

            Jose S. Tellez by Council Member Juan Ramirez.

 

            Motion to approve.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Garza

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:  7                                                  Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VII.     GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            1. A.  Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gene Belmares

 

            1.  Status report on the widening of McPherson from Mahogany Court to Shiloh Drive, with

                 a time table for construction and completion.

 

                 Rogelio Rivera, reported that they are having a last minute coordination with the                         Utilities Department.  He stated that sub-surface explorations are currently being done.                   He commented that markings have been done.  He stated that by the end of the month                         the plan we will go out for bids if no changes are made.  He reported that the final                    plans should be done in the next 30 days if there are no changes.  He added that it would           take 45 days for the bid.  He added that the award would take two to three weeks                    following the bid.  Finally, he stated that the construction would take six months.

 

            2.  Status report on the widening of Del Mar Boulevard from Country Club Drive to Bob

                 Bullock Loop and the installation of a traffic light at Alexander Estates and Winfield

                 Subdivision, with a time table for construction and completion.

 

                 Rogelio Rivera reported that what started out as a big project has ended up as five    

                 projects altogether making the work and coordination more difficult.  He stated that the              water line project on the Windfield and Alexander area has been installed all the way to                  the loop. He mentioned that the Alexander subdivision will be doing their own                                     widening and will be starting early next month.  He commented that bids will be                  received untill October 4, 2007.  He added that he spoke to Howland Engineers that are              doing the plans for the section going to McPherson and the area by the reserve.  He                                  mentioned that he has not received an answer from them as of yet. 

           

                 Thomas Rodriguez reported that the 24 inch water line started on the west side of the                               entrance to Windfield and as of Friday they had reached the gasoline station at the loop.            He mentioned that today they started from the west side of Windfield moving towards                     the reserve.  He added that they would take ten days to finish.  He proceeded to say that         they would go back to Bob Bullock and connect the water line.  Finally, he said that                      from there they would go west to McPherson.

 

                 Robert Murillo, Traffic Department Director, stated that the traffic light was taken out of            the Windfield widening project because there is a contractor on board and it would be                    quicker.  He reported that they are going to start in early October on the actual widening                 on the southside in front of the Windfield/Alexander intersection.  He mentioned that for                the other project, the bid will be awarded in October and then the actual work will start        in November.  He added that in between this project the traffic light will be worked on. 

 

            3.  Discussion with possible action on setting street recycling priorities for the district.

 

                 Cm. Belmares stated that he wants to focus on major thoroughfares and use some type of          a ceiling program for the neighborhood streets for District VI.  He stated that the                             neighborhood streets that need recycling will be done in-house.

 

                 Carlos Villarreal agreed that some recycling can be done in-house.  He commented                  that once the equipment is in place, a schedule will be worked out.  He mentioned that                    staff would then meet individually with the Council Member from each district to find                  out what needs to be achieved.

 

                 Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they have done field surveys on different                               areas of the city which includes:  the residential areas; major thoroughfares; truck routes;            and industrial areas.  He reported that the older residential areas have been targeted first.                He commented that 1500 blocks have been identified and another 1500 blocks have been      identified in major thoroughfares and roadways which includes the truck routes and                  industrial areas.  He pointed out that in the past they had a six year program where 50 to           60 blocks per district were presented to the Council for their input.

 

            B.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on appropriating $300,000.00 from the 2007 Bond

                 Series for the joint project between City of Laredo and Webb County (Commissioner

                 Jerry Garza) for a Community Center on Lexington Avenue adjacent to the City of

                 Laredo Health Department.

 

                 Motion to appropriate $300,000.00 from the 2007 Bond Series for the joint project                                between City of Laredo and Webb County (Commissioner Jerry Garza) for a

                 Community Center on Lexington Avenue adjacent to the City of Laredo Health

                 Department.

 

                 $50,000      from Cm. Garza

                 $25,000      from Cm. Chavez

                 $225,000    from Cm. Amaya

 

                 For a combined total of $300,000.00

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            C.  Request by Council Member Juan Chavez

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on the transferring of the airport traffic tower to the

                 Federal Aviation Administration, with possible action.

 

                 Cm. Chavez stated that the reason why he brought this item to Council was because a                             month ago he was approached by a constituent of District VII in reference to the tower              being transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration.  He stated that the constituent                   mentioned that the City had an option.  He stated that he had Mr. Olivares, Assistant                     City Manager, explained to him and he came to the conclusion that the city does not have          an option.  He mentioned that he would like for Robert Arredondo to explain to the                      Council.

 

                Robert Arredondo, Air Traffic Control Manager, reported that back in May 25, 2007 he          received a copy of a letter from the Airport Director saying that the Federal Aviation                      Administration intends to absorb all sole source towers.  He stated that since 1984 the                   City has had the contract towers.  He mentioned that 5% of the towers are sole source. He       commented that the letter is not “set in concrete” and as of today he has no idea of what           is going to happen.

 

               Airport Director, Jose Flores read the following letter from the Federal Aviation                         Administration dated May 15th that was provided on Friday’s packet to the Council.     

 

May 15, 2007

 

This letter is to inform you that the Federal Aviation Administration intends to absorb all airport traffic control towers presently funded as a sole source contract under the FA contract program into the Federal contract tower national contracts.  The decision has been determined to be in the best interest of the FAA from both a quality control and centralized contract administrative perspective.  The transfer of the Laredo International Airport sole source contract to the Federal Contract Tower National Contracts will become effective on October 1st. 2007.

 

If you have any questions or concerns related to this intended action, please submit them no later than June 29 to the following address.

 

Mr. Flores stated that this letter was reiterated to him last week.  He stated that tower and the facility belong to the Federal Aviation Administration and is not airport property. He mentioned that if the City would opt out of the Federal Contracts Program, the cost to the City would be approximately $500,000.

 

Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, reported that he has not seen any correspondence saying that the City has an option.  He commented that an effort will be made to be able to get some clarification.  He pointed out that this was not an option that the City initiated, but that it came directly from the Federal Government.

 

Motion to table item for September 21, 2007.

 

Moved:  Cm. Chavez

Second:  Cm. Garcia

For:  7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            D.  Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

 

            1. Discussion with possible action to remove a large salt cedar tree (on City property)                    located at the 1800 block of Water Street.

 

                Item will be discussed at the next meeting.

           

            2.  Discussion with possible action to designate part of the City property (39 acres) located

                 adjacent to the Laredo Entertainment Center for a water park and advertise for a request

                 of proposals (RFP’s) from interested parties. 

 

                 Cm. Ramirez reported that he attended a meeting with people from out of town and they            would like to participate in the construction of the water park, but in order for it to be                     fair, it needs to go out for proposals. 

 

                 Motion to designate up to 15 acres for the water park. 

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:  7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:

 

                 Cm. Garza inquired that if the baseball stadium required 39 acres.  He suggested                       that it would be good idea to have both attractions and use the same parking facilities.

 

                 Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager, stated that the Broncos baseball team would like           to have a ground lease on the entire piece of property for future development and retail      purposes.  He mentioned that the City is interested in building a baseball stadium, but                    not at the expense of giving up any ground leases for any future retail development                       around that area.

 

VIII.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health

                 Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and

                 expenditures in the amount of $34,833.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State              Health Services, which includes $901.00 from estimated Program Income for

                 continuation of the Health Department Maternal and Child Health (MCH-Title V)

                 Program for the term of September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                 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

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

 

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

                 Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and

                 expenditures in the amount of $292,937.00 in funds from the Texas Department of State

                 Health Services, which includes $22,814.00 from estimated Program Income for

                 continuation of the prenatal services provided by the Health Department Maternal and

                 Child Health (MCH-Title V) Program for the period of September 1, 2007 through

                 August 31, 2008.

 

                 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

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

 

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

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

                 $61,068.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services to the Health

                 Department Title V Family Planning Services Grant, term from September 1, 2007

                 through August 31, 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. Rendon

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

           

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Health

                 Department Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and

                 expenditures in the amount $123,042.00 from the South Texas Development Council for

                 the Health Department HIV/Health & Social Services, term from September 1, 2007

                 through August 31, 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. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

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

                 2006-2007 Special Fire Grant Budget to appropriate grant revenues and expenses from

                 the 2006 State Homeland Security Grant Sub-Recipient agreement between the City of

                 Laredo and the Texas Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $24,157.00. 

                 The total amount appropriated from the Homeland Security Program will be

                 $335,548.14.  Equipment received through the grant agreement will be used for the

                 City’s Fire and Police Departments.  The above said grant requires no in kind matching

                 funds.

 

                 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

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  City Council

 

            7.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance closing as a public easement the west 20 feet

                 out of the South one-half section of Lexington Avenue (also known as the 2500 Block of

                 Lexington Avenue), which section abuts the East property line of Lot 10, Block 320

                 Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas, as shown in Exhibit “A”, and

                 providing for an effective date.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Motion to amend 20 feet to 18.25 feet.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garza

                 Second:  Cm.Landeck

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as amended.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garza

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:  7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  Cm. Garza

 

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

                 City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a communication tower, on Lot

                 1, Block 292, Eastern Division, located at 2219 Springfield Avenue.  The Planning and

                 Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Special 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. Rendon

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Introduction Ordinance:  Cm. Amaya

 

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

                 City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2A and 2B, Block 1, Bartlett Apartments Subdivision

                 and Jacaman Ranch, located at 6508 N. Bartlett Avenue, from B-3 (Community

                 Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).  The proposed use is for an

                 amusement redemption machine establishment.  The Planning & Zoning Commission

                 recommended denial of the zone change.  District V

 

                 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 deny the permit.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Rendon

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 For:   7                                            Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                

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

                   the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an amusement

                   redemption machine establishment on Lots 3 and 4, Block 18, Western Division,

                   located at 809 Zaragoza Street.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended

                   approval of the Conditional Use Permit.  District VIII

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garza

                   Second:  Cm. Garcia

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                  

                   Tony Silva spoke in favor in granting the American Legion Post 59 for a zone change                 request for Amusement Redemption Machines.

 

                   Martha Fenstermaker with Webb County Heritage Foundation spoke against the zone               change request due to its proximity to the various historical areas.

 

                   Jesus Cantu, District Commander of District 23rd Post 59, pointed out that the Post is                            the second oldest in the state of Texas and spoke in favor of placing 5 amusement                      machines for the veterans.

 

                   Margarita Araiza, Executive for Webb County Heritage Foundation, spoke against the               zone change request due to her concerns on the investments done on historical                      buildings.

 

                   Jose Rodriguez, a war veteran, spoke in favor of the zone change.

 

                   Rosanne Palacios spoke against the zone change request.

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and table.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                   Second:  Cm. Landeck

                   For:  2                                           Against:  6                                            Abstain:  0

                   Cm. Landeck

                   Cm. Ramirez

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:  6                                           Against:  2                                            Abstain:  0

                                                                        Cm. Landeck

                                                                        Cm. Ramirez

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Landeck

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

                   the City of Laredo by rezoning the south 150 feet of the east 150 feet of Block 1116,

                   Western Division, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”,

                   located at 4502 San Bernardo Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4

                   (Highway Commercial District).  The proposed use is for a restaurant.  The Planning

                   and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zone change.   District VII

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Rosa Vera requested approval for zone change from B-3 to B-4.

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Chavez

                   Second:  Cm. Ramirez

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  Cm. Chavez

 

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

                   the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a nationalization of                      vehicles enterprise on Lot 5, Block 1A, Dellwood Commercial Subdivision, located at

                   8910 F.M. 1472.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial of the

                   Conditional Use Permit.   District VII 

 

                   Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                   Valentin Cuellar requested approval for a Conditional Use Permit.

 

                   Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as recommended to deny.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Chavez

                   Second:  Cm. Ramirez

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:

                 

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

                   the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant (food to go)             on Lot 1, Block 1, Country Club Estates Subdivision, located at 3911 Casa Blanca

                   Road.  The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the

                   Conditional Use Permit.  District V

 

                   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. Rendon

                   Second:  Cm. Amaya

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Rendon

 

IX.       INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

            14.  Providing for the adoption of a tax rate of $0.637000 per $100 value with a

                   Maintenance and Operation Rate of $0.511426 per $100 value and a Interest and                                   Sinking Fund Rate of $0.125574 per $100 value for the levy and the collection of                      General and Special Ad Valorem taxes for the City of Laredo for Tax Year 2007 and

                   Fiscal Year 2007-2008. 

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            15.  Consenting to renewal of grazing lease with A/C Cattle Company for one (1) year from

                   October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008 covering approximately 220 acres as described

                   in attached Exhibit “A”, at the annual rent of $1,320.00; authorizing the City Manager

                   to sign the renewal agreement in form attached as Exhibit “B” and providing for an

                   effective date.

 

                   Motion to go out for RFP.

 

                   Moved:  Cm. Chavez

                   Second:  Cm. Ramirez

                   For:  7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

       

            16.  Authorizing the City Manager to reconvey to United Independent School District,

                   Trustee, that 17.331 acre parcel described in Warranty Deed recorded in Volume 1536,

                   PP .512-515, official property records of Webb County, in consideration of repayment

                   of $42,000.00 by UISD, and a copy of this authorized conveyance is attached hereto as

                   Exhibit “B”; and providing for an effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council except for Cm. Garza, Cm. Garcia and Cm.                                                                         Chavez. 

 

            17.  Authorizing the City Manager to convey fee simple title to the “Surface Only” at its

                   adjusted market value of $8,468.50 for certain property described as a 9,963.30 square

                   feet (0.2287 of an acre) tract of land, more or less, out of that former section the 2200

                   block of Hidalgo Street between Eagle Pass Avenue and Laredo Community College

                   property line, situated in the Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas to

                   Milco International, Inc., said tract being generally described on attached Exhibit “A”;

                   and providing for an effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            18.  Closing as a public easement  a 17.7 ft. wide alley dedicated for public use in Block

                   629, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, which traverses the

                   middle of said block from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South

                   side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and also abuts the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and

                   12; which alley is located in said Block 629, midway between the 1100 block of

                   Chihuahua Street and 1100 Block of Guadalupe Street; and  providing for the reversion

                   of the public’s interest in said alley to the abutting owners; and providing for an

                   effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            19.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement

                   approved by Ordinance No. 95-O-154 dated August 7, 1995, authorizing a lease

                   agreement with Aero Center, Inc., for the approximate 1.001-acre tract of land located

                   at the Laredo International Airport.  Said lease agreement was assigned on July 21,

                   1997, by Ordinance No. 97-O-152, from Aero Center, Inc., to a Joint Venture

                   composed of International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez-O’Brien Oil and Gas

                   Corporation.  The Joint Venture composed of International Bank of Commerce and

                   Sanchez-O’Brien Oil and Gas Corporation is dissolved regarding the aforementioned

                   lease agreement and the parties of said Joint Venture request that Sanchez-O’Brien Oil

                   and Gas Corporation be deleted as one of the Lessees; therefore, International Bank of

                   Commerce will remain as the sole Lessee. Said amendment deletes Sanchez-O’Brien

                   Oil and Gas Corporation as one of the Lessees and International Bank of Commerce

                   remains the sole Lessee.  All other terms and conditions of the lease will remain

                   unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            20.  Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the lease agreement

                   approved on April 17, 2006, by Ordinance No. 2006-O-082 with a Joint Venture

                   composed of International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation for

                   the approximate 0.1182-acre tract of land located on Block No. 1 within the southwest

                   fuel farm at the Laredo International Airport.  The Joint Venture composed of

                   International Bank of Commerce and Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation is dissolved

                   regarding the aforementioned lease agreement and the parties of said Joint Venture

                   request that Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation be deleted as one of the Lessees; therefore,

                   International Bank of Commerce will remain the sole Lessee.  Said amendment deletes

                   Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation as one of the Lessees and International Bank of

                   Commerce remains the sole Lessee.  All other terms and conditions of the lease remain

                   unchanged and in effect; providing for an effective date.

 

                   Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

X.        FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

            Motion to waive the final reading of Ordinances:  2007-O-169, 2007-O-171, 2007-O-172,             2007-O-173, 2007-O-174, 2007-O-175, 2007-O-176, 2007-O-177, 2007-O-178, 2007-O-            179, 2007-O-180.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Garcia

            Second:  Cm. Amaya

            For:  7                                                  Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            21.  2007-O-169  Adopt the proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 by

                                        appropriating the proposed revenues, expenditures and balances reported

                                        therein for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2007 and ending

                                        September 30, 2008, consistent with the financial plan described in said

                                        Annual Budget (see Exhibit A); and amendments as made at introduction

                                        of budget ordinance (see Exhibit B); and authorizing the City Manager to                                   implement said Annual Budget. (As amended)

                                       

                                        Motion to amend the budget by $25,000 for the Veterans Coalition for a                                   total of $86, 000.

 

                                        Moved:  Cm. Garza

                                        Second:  Cm. Amaya     

                                        For:  7                      Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                                        Motion to amend the budget by $154,000 for the Animal Shelter.

 

                                        Moved:  Cm. Garza

                                        Second:  Cm. Amaya     

                                        For:  7                      Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                                        Motion to amend the budget by adding an additional $50,000 for the             `                                                  Animal Shelter for a total of $204,000.

                                   

                                        Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                                        Second:  Cm. Landeck

                                        For:  7                      Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                                        Cm. Garcia made a retraction on his motion to leave it as is. 

 

                                        Motion to amend the budget for operations for $154,000 for the Animal                                                Shelter for a total amount of $300,000.

 

                                         Moved:  Cm. Garza

                                         Second:  Cm. Amaya

                                        For:  7                      Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                                        Motion to amend the capital improvements budget by $100,000 for capital                                improvements to the Animal Protective Society Shelter in the amount of                                     $100,000 from various discretionary funds:

 

                                        $50,000 from Cm. Garcia

                                        $10,000 from Cm. Garza

                                        $10,000 from Cm. Landeck

                                        $5,000 from Cm. Amaya

                                        $10,000 from Cm. Chavez

                                        $10,000 from Cm. Rendon

                                        $5,000 from Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

 

                                        Moved:  Cm. Garza

                                        Second:  Cm. Garcia     

                                        For:  7                      Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0