CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2008-R-01

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JANUARY 7, 2008

5:30 P.M.

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present Mayor Raul G. Salinas called the meeting to order.

 

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Raul G.  Salinas led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Raul G.  Salinas,                                                                       Mayor

            Mike Garza,                                                                             Council Member, District I

            Michael Landeck,                                                                     Council Member, District III

            Johnny 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 Cm. Garcia.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Garza

            Second:  Cm. Ramirez

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

 

 

 

 

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition of Shashi and Priya Vaswani for being named Laredoans of the Year.

 

                 This recognition will be rescheduled for the meeting of January 22, 2008.

 

            b.  Recognition of Luis Alvarez for his voluntary assistance as mechanic for the visitors and

                 paisanos during the holidays.

 

                 Mayor Salinas and City Council publicly recognized Luis Alvarez for his unselfish                       mechanic work he performed during the holidays for paisanos.    

 

            c.  Recognition of the Traffic Department for their assistance with the installation of the

                 traffic signal at Loop 20 and Merida.

 

                 Cm. Garza reported that there was no greater issue for the residents along Loop 20 and            Merida because of the accidents that had taken place at Loop 20 and Merida.  The                        intersection was very dangerous and the residents are very excited about the installation

                 of the traffic signal at Loop 20 and Merida

 

                 Mayor Salinas and City Council recognized Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, and the               Laredo Traffic Department employees who were involved with this project. Mayor                         Salinas stated that the Traffic Department always performs their job in an expeditious

                 manner.    

 

            Communiqués

           

            Mayor Salinas asked for a moment of silence for Juanito Rodriguez who had passed away             recently.  He also thanked and congratulated City employees who worked on smoothing out             Jacaman Road

 

            Cm. Garza advised that the United South High School Cheerleaders won National             Championships for the non-tumbling division and Nixon High School came in second     place.  He wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year for 2008.  He continued to           say that he is very happy to serve as Council Member of District I and enjoys working with           his fellow Council Members.  He noted that City staff held a successful town hall meeting   in District I.  He thanked volunteers that assisted him in the jacket and shoe give away      noting that he issued over a hundred jackets and shoes in District I. 

 

            After eighteen years of service to TAMIU, Cm. Landeck announced his retirement from the             TAMIU.  He said that he would be able to serve the community in a larger capacity by retiring from the university.

 

            Cm. Amaya said that he hoped that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New             Year.  He noted that he is in the last stretch of his second term adding that he will continue         to work for the citizens of District IV and the City of Laredo.  He listed pending projects   from District IV including sidewalks, Zacate Creek connecting to the Dr. Cecelia May    Moreno Park,   sun shades throughout the district, the Ryan Elementary Walking Trail         which is a joint project with District II, and the community center. 

 

            Cm. Rendon thanked City Staff for the completion of Jacaman Road before the holidays.              He also offered the community a prosperous and health New Year.  He offered his             condolences to the family of a District V resident, Ambrosio Ambrose.  He thanked  fellow             Council members for their support and hard work throughout the year.   

 

            Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares read a short letter from Cm. Garcia that read “I would like to             wish everyone in District II and the City of Laredo a Happy New Year.  He said that he             would continue to work for a better Laredo.”  Mayor Pro Tem continued by saying that Cm.             Garcia always does a great job in working for his District, especially the Youth of Laredo.              He said that his work with the Border Olympics, Sister Cities Youth Committee, and     charitable organizations are a testament to his love for the community.  He continued by     saying that he hopes that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  He voiced that the United Longhorns were able to honor Coach Sanchez for the United      Longhorns who was selected to the Army All-American elite coaching staff for the team that played at the Alamo Dome.  He expressed that the coach is a testament for the best that         Laredo has to offer and that he does a phenomenal job with the students at United High School.  He thanked the Mayor for all of the work that he has done in the year of 2007 and       noted that he is looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council in 2008.  He went        on to congratulate City Departments for working hard and specifically mentioned the Fire   Department who had to work extremely hard during the New Year.

 

            Cm. Chavez said that he was glad to be back to Council after the holidays and added that he             has a lot of exciting projects taking place in his District.

 

            Cm. Ramirez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  He said that he             would continue to work hard for his District VIII. 

 

            Citizen comments

           

            Miguel Regalado spoke on diverting the paisanos away from Laredo.  He stated that he             awaits their arrival due to his services and spoke against the diversion of the paisanos from             Laredo

 

            Abraham Gonzalez spoke against diverting the paisanos from IH 35.  He spoke on behalf of

            Taco Palenque.

 

            Leon Oscar Ramirez Cortez, Motel owner, spoke against the idea of diverting the paisanos             away from IH 35 and the downtown area.

 

            Javier De Anda, Popeye’s Restaurant owner, spoke against the diverting the paisano traffic             away from the City of Laredo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

 

            Appointment by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck of Rafael Martinez to the Board of             Adjustments Committee.

 

            Motion to approve the appointment.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Amaya

            Second:  Cm. Rendon

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            1.  A.  Request by Council Member Mike Garza

            1.  Providing discretionary funding for the replacement, repair and security of the military

                 memorials that were vandalized.

 

                 Cm. Garza expressed his concerns for the replacement, repair and security of the military

                 memorials that were vandalized. 

                

                 Miguel Pescador, Parks and Recreation Director, advised that the cost estimate for the                             plaques would be $5,500.  The camera and other repairs would be in addition to the                               $5,500.     

 

                 Motion to approve the replacement of the three military memorials and take additional               protective measures to avoid further vandalism not to exceed $10,000.  Each Council                     Member agreed to pay $2,000 from their discretionary funds.  

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garza

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            2.  Discussion with possible action on a pay increase for the position of the Municipal Court

                 Judge.

                     

                 Cm. Garza reported that there had been a survey provided to City Council which advised

                 that the Municipal Court Judge should receive a pay increase.  He added that the pay

                 increase would make the salary more comparable to local judges.

 

                 Motion to instruct staff to draft an ordinance to increase $12,000 or 18% for the

                 Municipal Court Judge.  Motion amended to read $100,000.  Amendment                

                 was accepted by maker of motion and the second agreed.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Garza

                 Second:  Cm. Garcia

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

                

 

 

            B.  Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck

            1.  Discussion with possible action on planning of transportation control and routes adjacent

                 to international bridges - especially during high congestion periods.

 

                 Cm. Landeck stressed the importance of going into a very intensive planning process in

                 one form or another for transportation control and routes adjacent to international

                 bridges.  He suggested the creation of a Blue Ribbon Committee composed of different             businessman so they can take their time and plan a solution to the best of their abilities. 

 

                 George Johnson, interested party, stated that he had appeared before City Council ten

                 years ago on the same paisano issue.  He expressed his satisfaction in the current                       Council’s decision to create a welcome camp for paisanos.  He also said that the current

                 Council approached local businessmen regarding paisanos; however, they no longer

                 receive calls from the City for feedback. 

 

                 Mayor Salinas advised that there is a lack of manpower for the welcome camp.  He                  suggested creating ambassadors to assist in greeting the paisanos. 

 

                 George Johnson gave several suggestions for the City to consider in welcoming the

                 paisanos.  He stressed the importance of accommodating the paisano travelers in all                  areas because they spend a lot of money in the community.  He further encouraged City

                 Council to consider including local merchants in their conversations regarding the issue.              Finally, he thanked City Council for addressing the importance of this item.

    

                 Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, gave a comprehensive report on the vehicle crossings

                 on the different bridges.  He commented that the difference in crossings relies heavily on

                 the nationalization of vehicles from bridge to bridge.  He too stressed the importance of

                 working with the Mexican side to accommodate the paisano travelers admitting that they

                 do boost the City of Laredo economy.  He said that the City of Laredo needs to work on

                 the logistics of the travelers. 

           

                 Cm. Landeck asked the Chief of Police to assert aggressive intervention in opening up               additional intersections.

 

                 Motion to create a Blue Ribbon Committee or return to City Council for discussion on

                 the creation of the Committee and how Council would like for it to be structured. 

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Landeck

                 Second:  Cm. Ramirez

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            C.  Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya

 

            1.  Discussion with possible action on installing shade canopy structures along Zacate Creek

                 Linear parks.

 

                 Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, said previously the Parks & Recreation            Department had provided cost estimates for the Zacate Linear Park playground areas                     which total to approximately $58,000. 

 

                 Motion to approve the use of District IV Discretionary funds for installing shade canopy             structures along Zacate Creek Linear parks up to $35,000.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                 Second:  Cm. Ramirez

                 For:     8                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

            2.  Discussion with possible action to construct sidewalks on the following streets by using

                 District V Discretionary Funds:

                 * 900 Taylor – South Side

                 * 1300 Price – South Side

                 * 2200 San Leonardo – West Side

                 * 4400 Hendricks – West Side

                 * 500 Taylor – South

                 * 2200 San Eduardo – West.

 

                 Motion to approve with amendment of changing 500 Taylor – South to 500 Lyon

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            D. Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

            1.  Status report on the Request for Proposals for the water park, with possible action.

                 Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, said that the he had provided information

                 in the Friday packet.  He noted that the Request for Proposals are due Thursday at 4 p.m.

                 and that more than five companies have contacted him with additional questions.  He

                 said that he would return to Council for further instruction.  

                

             2.  Discussion with possible action on the future convention center for the downtown area.

 

                 Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, gave a comprehensive report on the

                 future convention center for the downtown area.  He submitted the following report                    which was presented to Council on November 22, 2004:

 

                 Financial Operations and Economic Impact Analysis of a New/Expanded Laredo                          Convention Center

 

                 Study Goals o & Methods

 

                 Typical measurements used to determine project feasibility:

 

                 Market

                 Financial

                 Economic spending

                 Tax generation

                 Costs/benefits/return on investment

                 Intangible benefits/public good

 

                 Market Demand Conclusions

 

                 Associations

                 SMERF

                 Public/Consumer Shows

                 Mexican Tradeshows/Exhibitions

                 Other Events

 

                 Supportable Building Program & Community Requirements

                 Building Program

 

                 40,000 square feet of exhibit space

                 18,000 square feet of ballroom space

                 15,000 square feet of meeting space\

                 Approximately 10,000 square feet of showroom/office space, “hybrid facility” concept

               

                 Community Requirements

 

                 Headquarters hotel with between 175 and 225 guestrooms located within close proximity          to Center.

 

                 Estimated Financial Operating Results Upon Stabilization of Operations (2004$)

 

                 Operating Revenues:

 

                 Facility rent                                                                          $462,000

                 Food Service (net)                                                                           $242,000

                 Contract service/other                                                                      $271,000

                      Total Operating Revenues                                                           $975,000

 

                 Operating Expenses:

 

                 Salaries and benefits                                                                        $776,000

                 Contract labor                                                                                 $108,000

                 Utilities                                                                                            $174,000

                 Repair & Maintenance                                                                     $  55,000

                 General & Administrative                                                                 $135,000

                 Supplies                                                                                          $  64,000

                 Other                                                                                              $212,000

                       Total Operating Expenses                                                          $1,524,000

 

                 Net Operating Deficit (1)                                                             (549,000)

 

                 New Annual Direct Spending Upon Stabilization of Operations (2004$)

 

 

 

 

                 Total Direct Spending:  $16,650,000

 

                 Hotel                       25%

                 Restaurant               34%

                Other                       10%

                 Local Transit           7%

                 Retail                       14%

                 Entertainment           10%

 

                 New Annual Economic/Tax Impacts Upon Stabilization of Operations

 

                 Total Direct Spending                      $16,650,000

 

                 Total Output                                    $26,800,000

                 Earnings                                          $10,900,000

                 Employment                                    430

                 City Sales/Use Tax                          $280,000

                 City Hotel Occ. Tax                        $263,000

                 City Taxes                                       $107,000

                

                 Cm. Ramirez noted that the City Council should decide what they want to do to keep                               Laredo the # 1 Inland Port in the World.  He added that it has been three years since the

                 City Council has considered the new and expanded Laredo Convention Center

 

                 Cm. Garcia said that the City Council needs to place their priorities and commitments                              together so they can move forward. 

 

                 Cm. Landeck pointed out that all the material for the convention center is outdated. 

 

                 Carlos Villarreal, City Manager, said that he is ready to move forward with projects with           direction from the City Council.

 

                 Motion to instruct staff to talk to the City of Laredo Financial Advisors and see what                               options the City of Laredo might have in going out for the request for proposals or                     reaching out to the private sector options for the convention center for the downtown

                 area. 

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                 Second:  Cm. Landeck

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0 

                

            3.  Discussion with possible action on improving the front section of the Civic Center along

                 San Bernardo Avenue.

 

                 Miguel Pescador, Parks & Recreation Director, submitted the following information:

 

                 Civic Center Grounds

                 Proposed Improvements

 

 

                 Existing Costs – Option “A”

 

                 1)  Walkways                                              $17,550

                 Approximately 450 lf of 6’ wide stamped concrete

 

                 2)  Lighting                                      $6,000

                 Park security lighting only

 

                 3)  Landscaping                                           $8,500

                 To include shrubs and top soil

 

                 4)  Park amenities                                        $8,500

                 To include 8 park benches, 1 drinking fountain and 4 trash receptacles

 

                 5)  Decorative water fountain                       $18,000

                 To include complete system and installation

 

                 6)  Round planters                                       $12,000

                 To be built around 10 existing trees to match existing

 

                 Total estimated cost                         $70,550

 

                 Civic Center Grounds Option “B”

 

                 1)  Walkways (Approx. 450 If of 6’ regular concrete)                                  $9,250

                 2)  Concrete stamped (Approx. 8,500 sq. ft. of concrete stamped                $55,250

                 3)  Lighting (Parking security lighting only)                                        $6,000

                 4)  Landscaping (include shrubs and top soil)                                                $8,500

                 5)  Park amenities (8 park benches, 1 drinking fountain $ receptacles)          $8,500

                 6)  Decorative water fountain (complete system and installation)        $15,000

                 7)  Round planters (to be built around 10 existing trees to match)      $12,000

 

                 Total estimated cost                                                                         $114,550

 

                 Motion to approve the improvements of the front lawn capital improvement funds.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against: 0                                             Abstain:  0

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

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

                 Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 annual budget by appropriating revenues and

                 expenses in the amount of $33,882.00 from the Serving Children and Adolescents in

                 Need (SCAN), Inc., a partnership for services to be provided by the Department’s HIV

                 Program of HIV outreach, HIV testing, pre and post test counseling and pre-treatment

                 services for the term from January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008; and amending

                 the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 full time equivalent positions, by creating one (1) Health

                 Educator position contingent upon availability of grant funds, and authorizing the City

                 Manager to execute the contract.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Rendon

                 Second:  Cm. Chavez

                 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

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

                 Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures

                 in the amount of $175,979.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services for

                 continuation of the Department’s Tuberculosis Prevention & Control Federal Project for

                 the period beginning January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and authorizing the            

                 City Manager to execute the contract.

 

                 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:  City Council

 

            4.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and

                 execute a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount

                 of $19,050,000.00 with a local match of $1,496,480.00 and to amend the FY 2007-2008

                 Capital Grants fund by appropriating said funds for the proposed reconstruction of

                 streets located within the truck route and various industrial parks.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Rendon

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Belmares

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya 

                 For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            5.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and

                 execute a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount

                 of $4,091,400.00 with a local match of $359,626.39 and to amend the Fiscal Year 2007-

                 2008 Capital Grant Fund by appropriating said funds for the proposed construction of

                 seven (7) new toll/inspection booths, to be located at the World Trade Bridge.

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                 Second:  Cm. Rendon

                 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

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

 

            6.  Setting the new speed limit on the .236 miles section of FM 3338 located within the City

                 limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as defined in the Texas Department of

                 Transportation Control Section Map 3532-02, as 60 MPH from 50 MPH, providing for

                 the installation of appropriate signs to indicate new speed changes in the designated

                 areas and providing for publication and effective date.

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            7.  Amending the Community Development Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Full-Time

                 Equivalent positions by creating one (1) full-time Noise Abatement Specialist position

                 with benefits, in the Community Development Department, Real Estate Division, Noise

                 Abatement Program.  Funding is available through monetary grants received from the

                 Federal Aviation Administration through its Airport Improvements Program Grants 40               and 47 Noise Abatement and Airport Construction Fund, respectively.

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

IX.             FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

                  Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance # 2008-O-001, # 2008-O-002, # 2008-O-       003, # 2008-O-004, # 2008-O-005, # 2008-O-006, # 2008-O-007, # 2008-O-008,

                  # 2008-O-009# 2008-O-010, # 2008-O-011, # 2008-O-012, # 2008-O-013, # 2008-O-                              014, and # 2008-O-015.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Garcia

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:     7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            8.  2008-O-001  Accepting a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 from the Texas Department

                                      of Transportation for enforcement of Impaired Driver Mobilization and

                                      amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual

                                      Budget/Special Police in the amount of $25,000.00.  This grant is for

                                      overtime salaries, including fringe benefits, and is funded 100% by the

                                      Texas Department of Transportation for a full year.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-001.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                  2008-O-002  Authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from the family of

                                       Amanda G. and Jose Maria Guerra in the amount of $1,000.00 and

                                       amending and appropriating the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2007-2008

                                       annual budget.  Funds will be deposited in the Friends of the Library Fund

                                       and will be used to purchase books and DVDs about Alzheimer’s disease

                                       for the Main Library.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-002.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-003  Authorizing the City Manager to accept the Texas Department of

                                       Transportation Section 5307 Grant No. 51822F7052 for $667,123.00 and

                                       amending the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Transit Budget by increasing the

                                       State Operating Grant contribution and decreasing Transit Sales Tax match

                                       for operating expenses by $208,902.00.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-003.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-004  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding

                                       between the Laredo Police Department and the United States Marshals

                                       Service (USMS), and to accept monetary reimbursement from the U. S.

                                       Department of Justice and U. S. Marshals Service for salary expenses not

                                       to exceed $15,572.00 annually per officer, incurred by the City of Laredo

                                       Police Department for the Fugitive Apprehension Task Force Operation;

                                       and amending the City of Laredo’s FY2007-08 budget in the amount of

                                       75,000.   

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-004.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-005  Amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008

                                       budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of

                                       $145,933.00 of additional funds from the Texas Department of State

                                       Health Services for the Health Department Public Health Preparedness and

                                       Epidemiology Program (Pandemic Influenza), for a total amount awarded

                                       of $377,542.00.  The term is to be changed from ending on August 31,

                                       2008 to end on July 31, 2008, and requesting to amend the approved full-

                                       time equivalent positions.

 

                                      Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-005.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-006  Amending the City of Laredo Health Department Fiscal Year 2007-2008

                                       annual budget by decreasing revenues to the total award amount of

                                       $23,227.00 from the Texas Department of State Health Services, with an

                                       in-kind amount of $17,421.00 from L.I.S.D. and expenditures to

                                       $40,648.00 for the continuation of the Health Department’s Abstinence

                                       Education Program, term from October 1, 2007 through December 31,

                                       2007.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-006.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-007  Accepting a grant in the amount of $20,829.00 from the U.S. Department

                                       of Justice and amending the City of Laredo’s Fiscal Year 2007-2008

                                       annual budget in the amount of $20,829.00.  This grant is part of the

                                       Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program which will pay for 50% of the total

                                       cost of all approved ballistic protective body armor.  The grant period is

                                       valid through September 30, 2012.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-007.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-008  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

                                       Lot 8, Block 2, Moreno Addition, located at 1820 Harding Avenue, from                                 R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential

                                       District); providing for an effective date and publication.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-008.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-009  Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning

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

                                       “A”, located northwest of intersection of McPherson Road and Shiloh

                                       Drive, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community

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

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-009.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-010  Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Annual Budget for

                                       the Certificate of Obligation Series 2006 Fund by appropriating revenues

                                       and expenses in the amount of $290,746.00 which is derived by interest

                                       earnings of $115,746.00 and $175,000.00 from the Webb County Local

                                       Government and authorizing usage of $665,000.00 from the 2007 C.O. by

                                       deferring $555,000.00 from Independence Park and transferring

                                       $110,000.00 from District I Discretionary Funds in order to complete the

                                       funding for the El Eden Recreation Center.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-010.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

 

                 2008-O-011  Amending the City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedures

                                       Manual ( adopted by Resolution No. 95-R-068), together with the

                                       Addendum (Ordinance No. 97-O-020), by expanding the Drug and

                                       Alcohol Testing Policy and Procedure to include random testing of all

                                       those employees whose jobs fall within the expanded definition of safety

                                       sensitive positions; excluding Police and Fire Department civil service

                                       employees until such time as the Laredo International Association of

                                       Firefighters, Local 1390, and the Laredo Police Officer’s association

                                       (LPOA) accept the terms of this ordinance; providing that Police and Fire

                                       Department civil service employees shall remain subject to all provisions

                                       of the current City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedures

                                       Manual (Resolution No. 95-R-068), together with the Addendum

                                       (Ordinance No. 97-O-020); and inserting the policy in the City of Laredo’s

                                       Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2-“City Work Policies” creating Subdivision

                                       IX, “Drug and Alcohol”, beginning with Section Number 2-50.40;

                                       providing for severability and an effective date.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-011.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7                                Against: 0                                 Abstain:  0

                 2008-O-012  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with the Washington’s

                                       Birthday Celebration Association, Inc., (W.B.C.A.) for approximately ten

                                       (10.0) acres of concrete ramp located on the West General Aviation

                                       parking ramp of the Air Operations Area to include City owned vacant

                                       non-aeronautical use land located at the Laredo International Airport for

                                       the purpose of hosting the 2008 W.B.C.A. Air Show.  Lease term is for

                                       two (2) days commencing on February 16, 2008 and ending on February

                                       17, 2008.  City Council finds and declares that a valid public purpose

                                       would be served in setting the daily rental fee at $1.00; providing for an

                                       effective date.

 

                                       Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2008-O-012.

 

                                       Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                                       Second:  Cm. Garcia

                                       For:     7