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CITY OF LAREDO CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2007-R-22 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 NOVEMBER 19, 2007 5:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Raul 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 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
IV. MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of July 2, 2007, October 30, 2007 and November 5, 2007.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions Recognition of Gerardo “Jerry” Piña of the Environmental Services Department on his selection as the November employee of the month.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, spoke of what an honor it is to have Gerardo “Jerry” Pina as an employee for the Environmental Services Department.
The Mayor and City Council presented Gerardo “Jerry” Pina of the Environmental Services Department a City Manager’s Certificate of Recognition on his selection as the November employee of the month.
Communiqués
Mayor Salinas announced that the City of Laredo was fortunate to have two great visitors that serve at the United States Capitol in Washington, D. C. including Kay Bailey Hutchison, United States Senator; and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House for the United States Congress. He noted that he met with both visitors and stressed the importance of the different alternatives to the “wall”. He continued to say that he has received over 1,000 letters of hate mail from throughout the United States which threatened him and his family for his conversation on the Glen Beck show. He reassured everyone that the City of Laredo is a great City and he will always stand tall for the City of Laredo.
Cm. Garza congratulated high school football teams in South Laredo especially United South High School. He also congratulated Nixon High School for going to the play-offs. He informed the viewing public that Cynthia Espinoza represented him at an event at Cigarroa Recreation Center where several sponsors presented sixteen food baskets with turkeys to less fortunate families. He advised that the program is called “adopt a family” program which provides food for the family for one year. He continued to discuss where 350 elderly individuals from various daycares were presented food, gifts, and games on behalf of Judge Veliz, Mayor Salinas, Council Member Chavez, and the Laredo Fire Fighter’s Association. He wished all the families a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cm. Garcia mentioned that he had the opportunity to meet with the new Mayor of Nuevo Laredo prior to the election and he looks forward to working with the officials from Nuevo Laredo. He thanked HEB for the Feast of Sharing and for assisting him with a 100 turkey drive in his district. He said that he also distributed 25 food baskets assembled by the Laredo Commission for Women in the Laredo Independent School District areas. Finally, he thanked all the City of Laredo employees that assisted with the Lou Gerick’s Disease Walk.
He congratulated the new Mayor of Nuevo Laredo. He said that the new Mayor, Mr. Barrios, is very sincere about his willingness to cooperate with the City of Laredo.
Cm. Amaya said that he along with the District IV Special Project Committee members, Laredo Police Department, and the Laredo Fire Department will be holding their turkey give-aways to over two hundred of the less fortunate families. He added that in the seven years as Council Member he has been able to provide 1,200 families turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Cm. Rendon congratulated John Ofilia, Public Works Director, and his staff for expediting their work on Jacaman Road. He mentioned a dinner/dance where 1,200 individuals will go to the Casa Blanca Ball Room to enjoy the Thanksgiving Celebration. He advised that he had read a proclamation in the Mayors honor to fight the hunger and homeless and he said that he was moved because he saw so many individuals stepping up to help the homeless.
Cm. Belmares thanked HEB for everything that they have done for the people of Laredo. He also congratulated the local football teams for their year of performance. He also congratulated the four United High School marching bands for their award winning presentation during half time. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cm. Chavez gave a brief update on the Bristol Road and Railroad Bridge projects in his district.
Cm. Ramirez reminded everyone to pray for the men and women serving in the armed forces across the world. He invited everyone to attend the “Tree Lighting Ceremony” at the Civic Center.
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.
Susan Ghertner, Environmental Affairs Associate from HEB, gave a short power point presentation on the efforts that HEB is taking to be environmentally friendly. She applauded the Council’s recent decision of going “plastic free” and introduced a new bag that HEB will be offering interested shoppers who would like to go plastic free.
Maria Eugenia Guerra, Publisher of Laredos, expressed her dissatisfaction of a proposed donation by the GEO Group. She encouraged City Council to vote against accepting the $250,000.00 donation by the GEO.
Ron Rodriguez, Attorney at Law, was representing two families that have suffered the death of a loved one at the hands of the GEO Group. He encouraged City Council to reject the donation from the GEO Group noting that it would be shameful for them to encourage an establishment like theirs to be built in the City of Laredo.
Dr. Jim Earhart thanked City Council for the efforts that have come forth concerning the plastic bags.
Remy Salinas spoke against accepting the $250,000.00 donation from the GEO Group. He also spoke about a service plan that is attached to the annexation items on the agenda. He also encouraged City Council to postpone the annexations on the agenda until after the park dedication ordinance workshop is held.
Faviola Flores, Attorney at Law, asked Council to continue their positive trend in the City and deny acceptance of the $250,000 donation from the GEO Group.
Ricardo Soliz spoke against accepting money from the GEO Group.
VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A. Reaffirming the appointment of Sandra Rocha-Taylor, representing the Avenida San Bernardo Assoc. and the Pan American Courts Hotel, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee as sponsored by Council Member Juan Chavez, District VII.
Motion to approve.
Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 B. Reaffirming the appointment of Clema Owen, representing the Embassy Suites, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee as sponsored by Council Member Juan Ramirez, District VII.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 C. Reaffirming the appointment of Lisa Morales, representing the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee sponsored by Council Member Hector Garcia, District II.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 D. Reaffirming the appointment of Guillermo “Memo” Treviño, representing the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee sponsored by Council Member Mike Garza, District I.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Status report on the Municipal Golf Course Project and related funding, with possible action.
Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation, confirmed that the City of Laredo had a range from $2,250,000 to $5,450,000 during the feasibility study for the golf course. The feasibility study indicated that there is a market for a golf course.
Cm. Garza expressed his concerns regarding the golf course. He said that the golf project was earmarked $5.6 million 2009 project which was accelerated. He noted that the location that is being discussed is a far distance from the City of Laredo; therefore, he questioned what kind of improvements necessary to get to the site.
Tomas Rodriquez, Jr., Utilities Director, provided a comprehensive report on additional costs that need to be considered for the proposed golf course. He recommended for the City to lease the water rights of 339 acres because 500 acre feet would be provided by the owner of the golf course. The cost of that would be $6 an acre foot which computes to $20,340. In addition to the water rights the Council needs to consider a system that will suspend solids from the Rio Grande for irrigation and that would be $1.6 million dollars. He mentioned the extension of the water line to Santa Isabel Creek which would cost an estimated $528,000. Finally, the City would need to pump the raw sewerage to Laredo Columbia which would cost an additional $1.1 million dollars. He further mentioned that the original contract reads that the developer will cover some of the above mentioned costs.
Cm. Garza said that the new proposal should be very specific. He said that they should include the mileage parameters in the proposal indicating the true distance so all costs can be considered. He said that the City of Laredo should also approach Webb County for assistance in the project.
Gary Jacobs, representing families of interested investors in golf course, said that the golf course is a quality of life vision for the Council Members to embrace. He encouraged City Council to instruct the City Manager to negotiate with the family who won the bid submitted by the City. He added that the group of investors (seventeen individuals) have complied to all of the requests and are anxious to see the project to fruition. He went on to say that the golf course will pay for itself by attracting the retiring generation and it will allow the City of Laredo to compete with other cities throughout the United States.
Cm. Garza asked Gary Jacobs what the total cost would be for their proposed golf site.
Gary Jacobs answered that the City of Laredo has had several meetings with the interested party and the agreed price included the donation of one million dollars in cash, the land donation of 300 acres, and $5.5 million dollars from the City of Laredo. He spoke against working with any other entity at this moment.
Cm. Garza said that it would behoove the City to include the County in the golf course negotiations because they could save the City of Laredo a lot of money that could be utilized for more important issues.
Gary Jacobs informed City Council that if they approve the motion that he would not submit a proposal and the City of Laredo will forgo the largest single gift in the history of Laredo.
Motion to instruct the City Manager to initiate a new Request for Proposals on the Municipal Golf Course Project. The proposal should be cost specific regarding all issues including water rights, irrigation costs, extension of water lines, and the cost to pump the raw sewerage.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Chavez For: 3 Against: 5 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza Cm. Landeck Cm. Garcia Cm. Amaya Cm. Chavez Cm. Rendon Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Cm. Ramirez
Motion to proceed with the existing project on the Municipal Golf Course.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Landeck For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garcia Cm. Garza Cm. Landeck Cm. Chavez Cm. Amaya Cm. Ramirez Cm. Rendon Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares
2. Discussion on the item requested by L.I.S.D. Board of Trustees related to Zapata Hwy., discussed at the November 5th Council Meeting.
Cm. Garza expressed his concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians crossing the Zapata Highway.
Carlos Rodriguez and Danny McGee from Texas Department of Transportation, discussed several alternatives for pedestrians crossing the Zapata Hiway. He informed Council that he has been working with law enforcers in controlling the speed limit and jaywalking. He continued to say that TxDOT has a temporary 30 mph zone in the said location. He said that the second avenue that they are considering is education. He said that they have met with L.I.S.D. school officials regarding the education perspective. Finally, the third alternative is engineering. The Pedestrian bridge is not used effectively. After researching the item it was reported pedestrians refuse to use pedestrian walkways. He said the problem with the walkways is they make you go up and then straight horizontally. The cost of the walkway is over a million dollars without the right-of-way.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, explained that if there is a barrier then the pedestrian walkway is used; however, if pedestrians have the opportunity to cross with no barrier then they will not use the walkway.
Cm. Garza advised that officials need to look at all the options for creating a safer crossing for pedestrians. He noted that he has met with Mr. Medina and he suggested lowering the speed limit or installing flashers in the area.
Danny McGee explained that TxDOT has installed an additional piece of raised median just south of Zacatecas because that is where the young man was recently hit by a car.
Cm. Garza explained that the other problem is enforcement. Our police officers need to strictly enforce the speed limit in that area. He asked TxDOT to submit several alternatives for the site.
3. Discussion with possible action on using the old Mercy Building for assisted housing.
Cm. Garza stated that using the old Mercy Building for assisted housing is a great opportunity for the City of Laredo because they can obtain loans.
Mayor Salinas said that there is a long waiting list for housing. He noted that the City could contact the local legislators and encourage them to assist the City of Laredo.
Cm. Garcia added that the City of Laredo could host the Veteran’s Clinic at the location.
Cm. Chavez shared that he had requested information from the Community Development Director, Ronnie Acosta.
Ronnie Acosta, Community Development, reported that she provided statistics regarding the elderly in the community. She said that the elderly make up 12% of all renters in Webb County and of those 16% are low income. Also 68% are faced with housing problems.
Motion to proceed with the feasibility study and the purchase of the old Mercy Regional Medical Building for assisted housing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck
1. Discussion with possible action regarding amendments and possible additions to the redemption machines “maquinitas” or 8-liners ordinance, with all possible changes regarding facilities, operation, fees and any other related issues. (Co-sponsored by Council Member Juan Chavez)
Cm. Landeck said that during the last meeting several Council Members brought up the problem with the maquinitas. He said that it is coming clear to him that the City is dealing with an issue that is destroying families in the community. He noted that the City of Laredo is losing time in dealing with the maquinitas which will allow additional families to be destroyed. He said that he feels uncomfortable ignoring the community problem.
Motion to freeze the issuance of license to new or existing maquinita businesses until the City Council can attend a workshop regarding the businesses.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second: Mayor pro Tempore Belmares
Second was withdrawn.
Raul Casso, City Attorney, said that temporary moratoriums are to address specific problems. The harm that the maquinitas are doing will continue to exist during a moratorium by virtue of the permits that are currently in existence. The permits that would be denied under the moratorium would not impact the community because the problem will continue to happen; hence, the purpose of protecting the public’s health and safety is questionable. A moratorium is not proper for this problem. He encouraged City Council to focus on the workshop where the City of Laredo can initiate a comprehensive plan that includes enforcement.
Cm. Garcia stressed the importance of tough enforcement on existing businesses.
Cm. Landeck continued to stress that the community is suffering from the maquinita businesses and he is very disappointed that the answer is that the City has no legal means to protect this community from further damage.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares explained that the City of Laredo is a HomeRule City and they have latitude as to what they can and cannot say regarding issues in the community.
Motion to table the item until the scheduled workshop.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion with possible action in order to eliminate from the contract with Poznecki and Camarillo, Inc., the condition not allowing Poznecki et. al., to meet with representatives of the third site i.e. Project 45 or the other DD Hachar Foundation site, and further to meet with interested City Councilmen and any other person or group that City Council may deem necessary for better understanding and possible clarifications related to the selection/recommendation of a site for Bridge 5 as well as related issues.
Cm. Landeck noted that he wanted to remind City Council and the public that all interested parties were all in agreement to build a commercial bridge because Laredo has no need for a non-commercial bridge. He expressed his concerns regarding the bridge. He said that the decision is not reflected in the Poznecki reports. They are talking about relieving Bridge I & II from non-commercial traffic and connecting to the other side of Nuevo Laredo to a resort center. He said that he feels that one of the problems that the City is having with this report is that neither he or other Council Members and Commissioners have any possibility to discuss issues with Poznecki and to share with them thoughts. He further stated that it would be in the interests of everyone to remove the communication restriction with Poznecki. He suggested creating a workshop with Poznecki to exchange ideas and express concerns.
Motion to remove the restriction and work closely with Poznecki Company.
Moved: Cm. Landeck Second:
No second – motion dies.
C. Request by Council Member Johnny Rendon
1. Presentation and possible action on the City of Laredo contracting with Laredo Community College for specific economic development services.
Blas Casteneda, Chief Officer for External Affairs at Laredo Community College, gave the following presentation.
Laredo Community College Economic Development Center
Contents
LCC and Economic Development EDC Mission & Vision Current State of Things Strategies Proposed
Connecting Education to the Global Economy
“People must be educated about modern economy and global competition and drawn into the process of better preparing for it” Michael Porter, Bishop William
Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School
Economic Development at a glance Business Attraction Business Retention & Expansion Diverse Competitive Workforce
Mission Statement
To develop, in conjunction with city and county leadership, workforce boards, economic development organizations, the private section, labor and community groups, and other stakeholders; innovative solutions in identified strategic priority areas for growth and development.
Vision
To advance Laredo and South Texas economic prosperity through high quality education and services focusing on continuous workforce improvement, technology deployment, and business development.
Working towards a brighter future now
What are the current drivers of our local economy? How much potential do we have? How do we better utilize our strengths? Where do we see ourselves in 20 years from now? Which region (s) should Laredo seek to integrate with? (If Laredo is interested in the strategy)
Motion to instruct the City Manager to work out a contractual agreement with the Laredo Community College for specific economic development services.
Moved: Cm. Rendon Second: Cm. Chavez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, stressed the importance of being specific about the type of service that will be offered by the Laredo Community College. He noted that it should include the dates of service and the amount of money that should be set forth in said fashion. He noted that he would not want to be looking at an overall figure that is not budgeted.
2. Status report on the storm drainage project in Belmont Plaza Subdivision at Sage Drive and Esperanza Drive.
Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, said that this project was awarded on October 1, 2007. The consultant has 90 days and they have completed their survey by gathering the data from TxDOT and Utilities. The design is 20% complete and the City of Laredo should receive the final plan by the end of January 2008 which will allow the City to initiate a bid.
3. Discussion with possible action to provide funding for speed humps on Chaparral Street between Alabama Avenue and Gallagher.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, indicated that the records show that for Chaparral there was a motion to place four speed humps; however, the City of Laredo staff has not obtained the required signatures that are required to proceed. He said that Alabama needs three speed humps at a total cost of $5,400. Gallagher needs three speed humps.
Motion to use the Discretionary Funds of District V for the speed humps on Alabama and Gallagher.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Status report on the dome for the basketball court in Eistetter Park.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the City of Laredo has a contract for the design and the contractor has been given a notice to proceed. The project should be complete in ten weeks.
D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez
1. Status report on the Plaza Theater, with possible action.
Ronnie Acosta, Community Development Director, gave a comprehensive report on the Plaza Theater noting that the city of Laredo purchased the facility with CDBG funds in 1999. She further explained that the facility has a new roof, petitions have been removed as well as asbestos. The stressed that the effort of the City is to preserve the integrity of the structure. She added that the total cost to renovate the building is $6.1 million dollars. She informed City Council that the Ad-Hoc that was created to discuss issues of the Plaza Theater was complete because they were used to consider the feasibility study.
Motion to instruct the City Manager to initiate a Request for Proposals for the Plaza Theater to see if a private investor will show interested in renovating the building.
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion with possible action on the upcoming expiration date of the contract with First Transit.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, reported that he has not seen the contract from First Transit. He advised that there had been some miscommunication related to the naming of the manager but as a company and as a whole they have been doing a good job operating the transit system. He noted that there is nothing that precludes him from bringing back a recommendation to go with first Transit at the end of January.
Cm. Garcia said that he was concerned about some of the issues that the City Manager mentioned but he is currently pleased with the current administration.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, noted that he would be in a position to make a recommendation to City Council regarding First Transit based on all the scenarios that have been presented to City Council. He added that the company has the expertise to create a better system. He informed City Council that he would be placing the item back on the agenda.
3. Discussion with possible action on placing a statue between Santa Ursula Avenue and San Dario Avenue on Matamoros Street on the east side of the Laredo National Bank.
Cm. Ramirez said that he brought the item to City Council because he had discussed the item four years ago. Huntsville placed a statue of Sam Houston and that has been an attraction to that City – they create an attraction.
Cm. Garza suggested creation of an ad-hoc committee.
Cm. Garcia expressed his dissatisfaction of placing a statue between Santa Ursula Avenue and Dan Dario Avenue.
Cm. Ramirez advised that is would assist with the tourist dollars.
Mayor Salinas recommended reaching out to the private sector to obtain donations for the statue. He further stated that he would review the item and consider creation of an ad hoc committee.
4. Discussion with possible action on placing sidewalks in District VIII at the following locations:
1. 1700 block of San Jorge Avenue (east side) 2. 1800 block of San Jorge Avenue (east side) 3. 2500 block of Salinas Avenue (west side) 4. 2500 block of Juarez Avenue (west side) 5. 2500 block of Davis Avenue (west side) 6. 2600 block of Main Avenue (west side) 7. 1800 block of Constantinople Street (north side)
Motion to use the discretionary fund of District VIII for placing sidewalks in District VIII at the following locations:
1. 1700 block of San Jorge Avenue (east side) 2. 1800 block of San Jorge Avenue (east side) 3. 2500 block of Salinas Avenue (west side) 4. 2500 block of Juarez Avenue (west side) 5. 2500 block of Davis Avenue (west side) 6. 2600 block of Main Avenue (west side) 7. 1800 block of Constantinople Street (north side)
Moved: Cm. Ramirez Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Article II, Section 2-16, “Departments of the City,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, Texas, by creating, consolidating and eliminating departments; and providing for severability and an effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with changes discussed including separating the Environmental Services and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares recommended that City Council should postpone the creation of and Economic Development department because of the contractual agreement discussion with Laredo Community College.
Cm. Landeck said that he was not invited to the discussion regarding the structural changes. He said that the last decision that the City Council made was to accept the recommendations of the Water’s Group Corporation with the exception of the Police Department. He said that what he would expect to see today is the chart of the Water’s Corporation put on the table because there are many changes that have been done to the chart that is being presented. He questioned the structure that was being provided at the current meeting.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, explained that according to the City Charter the Tax Department and the Planning and Zoning Department must remain as a stand alone department. He said that he has been requested of evening out the departments as far as responsibilities. He noted that he has met with different Council Members for recommendation.
Cm. Landeck expressed that he does not feel that the City Manager is handing the reorganization of the City Council properly. He stressed that the discussion needs to be brought before the public. He stressed that all comments need to be brought before the public.
Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, said that it has been very hard for him because there has been so many recommendations made that eventually the City of Laredo has to operate. He said that is was difficult for him to have a reorganization with the instructions that there will be an organization but no people should be affected by salary. He said that it is quiet hard to have a reorganization in that vein. Regardless of what staff does the organization cannot conflict with the City Charter. He stressed that he is ready to comply with whatever City Council wishes.
Cm. Landeck said that staff should be careful with following City Charter procedures. The City Charter states that the organization should be done by the City Council and the positioning of the staff should be done by City Manager.
City Manager, Carlos Villarreal, addressed Council and agreed to bring back what was originally voted on according to the motion. Staff can make changes according to what they feel is necessary as per the City Charter. Staff can then return to City Council with another organizational chart indicating changes that balance the different department. Thirdly, staff could return to City Council for the final approval.
Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares said that he would return to City Council with an item to eliminate the Economic Development Department.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Landeck For: 4 Against: 4 Abstain: 0 Cm. Garza Cm. Garcia Cm. Landeck Cm. Rendon Cm. Amaya Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Cm. Chavez Cm. Ramirez
Mayor Salinas voted in favor for tie breaker.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 2 Administration Article VI Investment Policy of the Code of Ordinances in order to: 1. Add new Section 2.257 Authorizing Investment Advisors; and 2. Add new Section 2.270 Investment Strategy by Fund Type; 3. Deleting part of renumbered Section 2.258 Authorized Investments, to delete thereform (d) Bankers Notes and (e) Commercial Paper; and 4. Amending and modifying the other sections of Article IV in order to make the article comply with Chapter 2256 of the Government Code known as the Public-Investment Act; and providing for an effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Garcia For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance providing for the taxation of goods-in-transit pursuant to Section 11.253 (j) of the Texas Property Tax Code. Goods-in-transit are exempt from taxation, unless the taxing unit provides for the taxation prior to January 1st of the tax year in which the tax is proposed. The goods-in-transit shall remain subject to taxation until this action is rescinded or repealed.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares Second: Cm. Amaya For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and reject.
Moved: Cm. Chavez Second: Cm. Ramirez For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 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 2A and 2B, Block 1, Bartlett Apartments Subdivision at Jacaman Ranch, located at 6508 N. Bartlett Avenue. 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mario Santos requested an amusement machine business for 175 machines, they are moving from another building from McPherson to Bartlett Ave.
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