CITY OF LAREDO COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-01 JANUARY 6, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Protem Casso called the meeting to order
due to the Mayor running a little late.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Protem Casso led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
SAUL N. RAMIREZ, JR., MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
ALFONSO I. "PONCHO" CASSO, " , DISTRICT III
CECILIA MAY MORENO, " , DISTRICT IV
ELISEO VALDEZ, JR., " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO GEORGE ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
JERRY CAIN, ASST. CITY ATTORNEY
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of December 2, 1996.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Rescinding Ordinance No. 90-O-144 dated September 4, 1990
authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with
Saul Almaraz and wife Elvira Almaraz for a former 232 square
feet section of Garza Street between San Eduardo and San
Francisco Avenues and a former 233.90 square feet section of San
Eduardo Avenue between Garza and Callaghan Streets abutting Lot
8-A, Block 353, Western Division, which leased area consists of
approximately 465.90 square feet for a term of (10) years with
an option for the City to terminate by 60 days written notice
and for a monthly rental of eleven dollars ($11.00), and
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City of
Laredo any and all necessary documents to effectively convey fee
simple title to Elvira Almaraz for the sale at fair market value
of the "surface only" of a tract of land containing 0.001169
acres (509.29 square feet) more or less out of a certain 240
square feet section of the 500 block of Garza Street between San
Eduardo and San Francisco Avenues and out of a 269.29 square
feet section of the 1700 block of San Eduardo Avenue between
Garza and Callaghan Streets both sections abutting Lot 8-A,
Block 353, Western Division, City of Laredo, Webb County Texas,
said tract of land being encroached by the improvements of the
abutting property, being Lot 8-A, Western Division, for
$1,783.00, this being the fair market value, and providing for
an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. An ordinance affecting participation of city employees in the
Texas Municipal Retirement System granting the additional rights
authorized by Section 854.202 (g) of Title 8, Texas Government
Code, as amended; whereby any employee who is a member of the
Texas Municipal Retirement System is eligible to retire and
receive a service retirement annuity after 20 years of service
at any age, and prescribing the effective date for the
ordinance.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. An ordinance allowing certain employees of the city who have
terminated previous memberships in Texas Municipal Retirement
System, to deposit the sums so withdrawn, plus annual withdrawal
charges, and allowing the undertaking the cost of allowing any
such employee credit in such system for all service to which
such employee had been entitled at date of such withdrawal, with
like effect as if all such service had been performed as an
employee of this city.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Adopting the provisions of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
for safety-sensitive positions established by Resolution No. 95-
R-068, pursuant to the Omnibus Transportation Act of 1994 for
commercial drivers and amending such policy to include all city
employees and authorizing the city to implement policies and
procedures identified herein pursuant to the city of Laredo's
Code of Ordinances.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #97-O-001,
#97-O-002, #97-O-003, #97-O-004, #97-O-005, #97-O-006,
#97-O-008, #97-O-009, #97-O-010, #97-O-011, #97-O-012,
#97-O-013, #97-O-014, and #97-O-015.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-001 Amending the provisions of the City of Laredo's code of
ordinances Chapter 2, Article II, Sec. 2-16, which sets
forth the departments of the City; and 2-17 which sets
forth the divisions in each department; thereby deleting
the transportation department and adding two departments
being the traffic and bridge department and the airport
department; and modifying the divisions within the
applicable departments; providing for publications and
providing for effective date. (City Council) (As
Amended)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-001.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
9. 97-O-002 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a lease
with Terry E. Priestap for approximately 2,040 square
feet constituting Building #1328 located at 4015 North
Jarvis Avenue.
1. Lease term is for one year commencing November 1,
1996 and ending October 31, 1997 and may extended for
one year ending October 31, 1998.
2. Monthly rent shall be $200.00 and will be adjusted
annually during the primary term and extension term
of this lease according to changes in the Consumer
Price Index.
Building #1328 has been vacant for the past 18 months.
(City Council)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-002
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 97-O-003 Approving and authorizing the execution of a 17' wide
utility easement for electrical facilities located at the
R.G. Barry leased premises at the Laredo International
Airport to Central Power and Light Company and
authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute all
necessary documents of conveyance effectuating same.
(City Council)
Motion to approve #97-O-003.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 97-O-004 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a lease
agreement with the County of Webb on behalf of the Laredo
-Webb County Community Action Agency to establish a Head
Start Program Child Development Center on the properties
legally described as Lots 5 and 6, Block 113, Eastern
Division, located on the 200 Block of West Kearney
Street, in the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and
providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-004.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 97-O-005 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use
Permit for a Sexually Oriented Business, on Lot 9, Block
1, Tejas Industrial Park, Unit V, located at 8307 San
Lorenzo Drive, providing for publication and effective
date. (Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-005.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
(Cw. Moreno and Cm. Valdez)
13. 97-O-006 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning a 8.5846 acres out of Porcion 25,
Abstract 50, as further described by metes and bounds,
located south of Del Mar Boulevard east of Country Club
Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-006.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 97-O-007 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning 5.332 acres out of Porcion 25,
Abstract 50, as further described by metes and bounds,
located on Del Mar Boulevard east of the Winfield
Subdivision from R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to B-1 (Limited Business District); providing for
publication and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-007.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 97-O-008 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning 3.1 acres out of Porcion 25,
Abstract 50, as further described by metes and bounds,
located on Del Mar Boulevard east of the Winfield
Subdivision from R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for
publication and effective date. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-008.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 97-O-009 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 10,
Interamerica Distribution Park, Phase V, located on
Killam Industrial Boulevard east of Atlanta Drive, from
M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District); providing for publication and
effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-009.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 97-O-010 Ordinance amending Section 31-92(A) pertaining to the
schedule of Sewer Rates of Chapter 31 (Utilities) of the
Code of Ordinances by increasing the minimum rate from
$5.50 to $8.50, for residential customers; and from
$10.00 to $13.00, for commercial customers; increasing
the escalating rate structure by approximately 14 percent
for commercial and residential customers; and providing
for publication and effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-010.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno
18. 97-O-011 Ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Laredo entitled Fire Prevention and
Protection, by creating a new Article III, entitled
Industrial Districts and a new section 12-61, entitled
"Industrial District Designation", and creating a new
section 12-62. Authorizing a methodology for allocation
of Fire Protection Costs; authorizing the City manager to
enter into and execute said "Industrial District" Fire-
Fighting Services contracts on behalf of the City of
Laredo, and providing for publication and effective date.
(City Council) (As Amended)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-011.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 97-O-012 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 budget
in the amount of thirty thousand five hundred fifty nine
dollars ($30,559) to reflect expenditures for the
purchase of equipment for the Laredo Police Department
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget. (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-012.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 97-O-013 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's Special Police
Program 1996-1997 budget in the amount of $96,228.00, for
a supplemental grant to the Cops Ahead Grant from the
U.S. Department of Justice for the first year funding of
the "Universal Hiring" Program for the period of October
1, 1996 through September 30, 1997, and authorizing the
Interim City Manager to implement said budget.(Cm. Perez)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-013.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 97-O-014 Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and a budget in the amount of
$192,828, for the Tuberculosis Prevention/Control
Projects of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning January 1, 1997, through December 31,
1997; and increasing Revenue Line Item No. 226-0000-323-
4071 from $0 to $192,828.00, and Expenditure Line Item
No. 226-6057 from $0 to $192,828.00. (Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-014.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 97-O-015 Ordinance to transfer Designated Fund Balance for
contingencies to Unreserved Fund Balance and amending the
City of Laredo's 1996-1997 General Fund budget to
appropriate from the Unreserved Fund Balance $288,000 as
a Reserve Appropriation for Capital Improvements to be
used only upon the prior approval of City Council and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
(Jose R. Perez)
Cw. Moreno requested a legal opinion if this transfer
is legal.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that the
Internal Audit Department opinion was that it meets
governmental standards, but he will have a legal opinion
by the next council meeting.
Motion to approve ordinance #97-O-015.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno
VII. RESOLUTIONS
23. 96-R-150 Appointing the nominee of the Mayor and City Council
members to an Ad Hoc Ordinance Review Committee. City
Council directed staff to develop this resolution.
Motion appointing the nominee of Cw. Moreno to an the Ad
Hoc Ordinance Review Committee as follows:
Councilmember Appointee
Cw. Moreno, District IV Joseph Hein
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 97-R-001 Appointing of the nominees of the City Council Ad Hoc
Nominating Committee of the Convention and Visitors
Advisory Board.
Motion appointing the nominees of the City Council Ad Hoc
Nominating Committee of the Convention and
Visitors Advisory Board as follows:
Appointee
Representative of the
Hotel-Motel Assn: D.J. Utterback - La Posada
Ester Firova - Holiday Inn
John Alvarez - Motel 6 N. Dan
Rodriguez - Red Rood Inn
Representative of the
Retail Merchants Sec: Carlos Garza - Dillards
Les Norton - Downtown Merch.
Robin Anderson - N Creek
Representative of
Community/Civic Bus. Louis Shuey - Mi Laredo
Sharon Cruz - Caminos Del Rio
Representative of the
Restaurant Assn: Lewis Lepovitz
Guapos/Laredo Sports Bar
Representative of Ldo.
Chamber of Commerce: Robert Sepulveda-
Chairman of the Board
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 97-R-002 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant applica-
tion to the Governor's Office for tenth year funding of
personnel and direct operating expenses for a Multi-
Agency Narcotics Task Force in the amount of $700,756.00
with the City designating $342,563.00 in matching funds
for a total of $1,043,319.00 and authorizing the City
Manager to sign any and all documents pertaining to this
Grant application. The task force works in concert with
the Laredo Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) in enforcing federal and state narcotics laws in
the city of Laredo and the counties of Webb, Zapata, Jim
Hogg, and La Salle. The cash match will be derived from
existing program generated income.
Motion to approve resolution #96-R-150.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 97-R-003 Accepting 31.0 acres of land more or less in Porcion 38
Abstract 472 Tadeo Sanchez Original Grantee fro use as
park and open space.
Motion to approve resolution #97-R-003.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 97-R-004 Accepting 18.0 acres of land included in Block 21, Lot 1
River Oaks Park Subdivision from the Killam Development
Corporation for use as park and open space, and granting
credit against park dedication requirements in future
development.
Motion to approve resolution #97-R-004.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
Joe Garza, Parks & Recreation Director, requested that
this item be tabled and placed at the next meeting.
Cm. Guerra withdrew his second and motion died for
lack of a second.
Motion to place this item on the meeting of January 20,
1997.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
28. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids for the following:
a) annual contract - automotive parts, Fleet Division
b) annual contract - automotive batteries, Fleet Division
c) annual contract - lab services, Utilities Department
d) annual contract - PVC & related material, Utilities
Department, Wastewater Division
e) annual contract - water repair clamps, Utilities Department,
Water Distribution Division
f) trailer mounted trash pump, Utilities Department, Water
Distribution Division
g) sportstrainer (weight equipment system) - Parks and Recreation
(recreation center equipment)
Bids for annual contracts will be received on January 30, 1997
with a tentative bid award for February 18, 1997. Bids for trash
pump and sportstrainer will be received on January 23, 1997 with
a tentative bid award for February 3, 1997.
Motion to approve bid specifications and authorization to
advertise.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Approval of construction plans and authorization to advertise for
bids for a Freight Booth in Lane 6 at the Juarez-Lincoln
International Bridge No. 2 with tentative award on February 3,
1997. Funding is available in the Bridge Fund-Toll Plaza
Improvements.
Motion to approve construction plans and authorization to
advertise for bids for a Freight Booth in Lane 6 at the Juarez-
Lincoln International Bridge No. 2 with tentative award on
February 3, 1997.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Authorizing the Interim City Manager to request proposals from
local homeless service providers for the award of $74,750 in 1996
Emergency Shelter Grant funds for the rehabilitation of a
homeless shelter(s) and $34,500 for the provision of homeless
prevention services as stipulated in the 1996 Consolidated One
Year Action Plan submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Motion authorizing the Interim City Manager to request proposals
from local homeless service providers for the award of $74,750 in
1996 Emergency Shelter Grant funds for the rehabilitation of a
homeless shelter(s) and $34,500 for the provision of homeless
prevention services as stipulated in the 1996 Consolidated One
Year Action Plan submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Hovertechnics, St. Joseph,
MI., in the amount of $17,605.00, for the purchase of a rescue
hovercraft boat for the Fire Department. The Department is
requesting authorization to purchase this special rescue craft
due to the difficulty in launching a regular rescue boat on the
river banks. Funding is available in the Fire Department's
capital outlay budget.
Motion to award of contract to Hovertechnics in the amount of
$17,605.00, for the purchase of a rescue hovercraft boat for the
Fire Department.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Authorizing a three year lease purchase contract, in the total
amount of $131,213.00, with IBM Corporation, Corpus Christi,
Texas, for an upgrade of the AS/400 computer processor, and the
addition of memory and disk capacity, for the computer network
used by the Police and Fire Departments. This upgrade will allow
for faster processing and storage, and the retrieval of the data
base files used in the Police Department's Crime and dispatching
software, and for the Fire Department's CHIEF's software for EMS
and fire reporting. The terms of this contract will be for three
years at an affected interest rate of 3.97%. Police Trust funds
will be used for this upgrade.
Motion to authorize the three year lease purchase contract, in
the total amount of $131,213.00, with IBM Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Refund of property taxes in various amount to the following
individuals for companies to:
a. Falcon National Bank in the Amount of $1,947.55, as a result
of an overpayment;
b. Pyle Investments, Inc. in the amount of $1,653.78, as a result
of the property being double assessed;
c. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in the amount of $9,626.96, as a result
of payment in error.
Motion to approve the refund of property taxes.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
34. Report on the results of the surveys of the residents living on
the 1700 through 2200 blocks of Lafayette Street, abutting the
West Laredo Overpass.
Erasmo Villarreal from the Community Development Department
reported the results of the options selected by council at the
meeting of December 2, 1996 which are as follows:
Option II preferred by residents ......... 38
Relocate all owner-occupants from 1700-2200 Lafayette St.
24 at a cost of $1,848,000
Relocate all tenants on area - 25 at a cost of 375,000
Acquisition cost (rental properties) 635,000
Incidental Expenses (appraisal & title policy) 93,100
Demolition costs (49 structures) 392,000
TOTAL .............................. $3,343,100
Option VI preferred by residents ......... 9
Requires the acquisition of approximately 5 feet of additional
right-of-way from Main to San Ignacio. It is estimated that it
will require approximately $612,480 to complete the project.
Mr. Villarreal stated that 38 residents preferred option II, nine
(9) residents preferred option VI and there were (2) two that did
not have any preference. He added that the two options would
qualify under the Community Block Grant.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, pointed out that the cost
estimate for the road construction is not included. He said that
the cost estimate is $3.3 million and includes land acquisition,
demolition and relocation expenses, but does not include the
pavement of the road on both sides of the bridge.
Mayor Ramirez asked that if council proceeds with option II, is
there a way to be able to break it so that they can start with
the residents that are closest to the bridge, relocate them first
and work our way out of that area.
Mr. Pe¤a stated that the next step is to meet with HUD, he said
that they can phase the project as long as they make the whole
project. They can phase the purchases based on the availability
of money this year and then in 1997/98. They could phase it and
get HUD to agree to that because they still need to do
environmental hearings, etc. before monies can be released.
Motion to go ahead and proceed with option #2 in phases, and come
back to council with different phases.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. To formalize contract with the firm of Miller and Van Eaton,
P.L.L.C. for legal representation of the City of Laredo in
matters other than related to cable and telecommunications before
the Congress, Executive Branch, and independent agencies of the
federal government.
Motion to approve to formalize the contract with Miller and Van
Eaton.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Presentation by Rafael Lerma, Jr., concerning his desire for a
sidewalk refund at 1907 Lafayette St.
Mr. Pe¤a explained that Mr. Lerma who has handicap problems,
invested in widening the sidewalk, and asked council to reimburse
him, and council authorized that he be reimbursed.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that a time certain be set for claims,
that maybe within 30 days if not they do not have a valid claim.
He suggested that they send them a letter and advise them, only
for sidewalk improvements and only if they did these improvements
during the last two years from the date of construction of the
bridge.
Motion to approve to reimburse Mr. Lerma upon presentation of the
invoice and that staff proceed in notifying residents that they
can make a claim within 30 days and/or if they do have improve-
ments that they would still be included in the negotiations for a
new relocation expense that the city would be liable for.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
b. Motion to cancel the meeting of January 13th and reschedule the
item of the selection of a City Manager to the meeting of January
27, 1997.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
36. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Appointing C.P. Jose Manuel Suarez Lopez and A.A. Lic. Sergio
Lujan as the Mexican representatives to the City's Transportation
and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Motion appointing C.P. Jose Manuel Suarez Lopez as the voting
member and A.A. Lic. Sergio Lujan as the alternate as the Mexican
representatives to the City's Transportation and Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action concerning future City Council
approval of all detention ponds and the status of the ordinance
requiring the concrete lining of all future detention ponds.
Cm. Bruni stated that during his weekly tours he came upon
another retention pond that he wasn't aware of in district.
He said he wants to be notified before any retention ponds are
approved and constructed in his district. He added that this
retention ponds pose more of a risk, additional flooding, health
problems, and he has never been in favor of them, and thinks that
they do not serve any purpose and wants to direct staff to prove
to him that they are needed or finding some other ways of
addressing the problem that this retention ponds are suppose to
stop.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, replied that there would be
no problem in having the Planning Director advise his office
whenever there is a retention or detention pond being proposed by
a developer and notifying him, but as far as the authority there
may be a requirement that they would have to change an ordinance,
but there is a question in his mind that might need be legally
researched as to whether the maintenance of retention pond is the
developers or if it is a requirement of public maintenance. The
council may be able to provide an ordinance that would require
council acceptance of those retention ponds. He concluded by
saying that this requires legal research to see if that can be
done.
Motion to instruct staff that all future retention ponds, before
they are approved and constructed, that the council member be
notified by staff.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report on the Chacon Creek Interceptor Project, with
possible action.
Fernando Roman, Acting Utilities Director, reported that the
interceptor as currently designed meets the requirements of East,
Southeast Laredo, and in the future an area northeast of the
present development, including the Inner Loop area north of the
Casa Blanca Lake, for the next 20 years. The project includes
approximately 23,000 ft. of 54" line form the Southside
Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Chacon Creek and Piedra China,
followed by 5,500 ft. of 42" line and 10,000 ft. of 36" line to
Hwy. 59 and the Inner Loop. This project will eliminate
approximately 25 lift stations in east Laredo.
The project is estimated to cost close to $12.8 million with one
million additional to reach the area north of the East Corridor
Industrial Park. Currently the City has $9.8 million consisting
of $6.1 million from an EPA grant and $3.7 million from a bond
sale. A sale of $4 million will raise the capital needed to
complete the project.
The project is scheduled to bid in October of 1997, unless the
acquisition of right-of-way can be expedited. Construc-tion will
begin in December 1997 and will have a completion date of June
1999. The critical junction of Chacon Creek and Piedra China
will be reached in December 1998 and will enable the colonias
project to be connected to the system.
3. Status report on the Santos Trailer Park, with possible action.
Erasmo Villarreal reported that they have been in contact with
the attorney that represents this family, there are still two
tenants residing there and one of the tenants has said since day
one that he will not move until he is evicted. The other tenant
is a tenant that has been in California, he came back recently
and has been looking for a place to his move trailer. They have
advised the attorney representing them that it is a matter that
they need to follow an eviction notice to able to clear that
property. He has advise and said that the legal proceeding have
been prepared, that the attorney for this matter Mr. Henry
Cuellar will be reviewing this and as soon as it is reviewed they
will be filing with the JP to remove these people.
C. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Request to have a traffic study done at the intersection of
Springfield and Saunders Avenue with possible action. The
traffic stacks back on Springfield, north of Saunders and causes
major traffic congestion during peak traffic hours.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that the intersection
of Springfield is a one lane road which is one of the major
limitations there. The other question is the elevation on
Saunders, it has a hump as you go over and that creates many
delays. He said that the State has a project this year where
they will be redoing and leveling Saunders Street and this will
be helping with that situation. He concluded by saying that they
will do a traffic count to see what they can do in terms of
timing and from there they can adjust the timing and do the best
they can with the traffic light.
Motion to instruct staff to conduct a traffic study at the
intersection of Springfield and Saunders Avenue and look at the
possibility of purchasing additional right-of-way at the corner
to create a right hand turning lane.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Requests by Councilmember Mario Alvarado
1. Request for staff to determine ownership of Ortiz Street (1600
through 1700 blocks) adjacent to Farias Elementary School, west
of Santa Maria. Does it belong to city or school?
Mr. Erasmo Villarreal reported that a research was done which
shows that the street was closed by the Planning & Zoning
Commission on October 15, 1987, but there was no official action
taken in form of an ordinance by the City Council to officially
close this street, so these streets belong to the city.
Cm. Alvarado stated that there is no problem, the school is in
agreement that if we were to open this particular street it would
help with the traffic flow and the drop-off and pickup of the
children, the property is now fenced, it is part of the property
now fenced by the school. He suggested that we now go back to
the appropriate people to discuss this particular project, to
open the Ortiz Street and to make it viable. He also suggested
that it be done on a loop type.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that there is a project
on the 1998 Capital Improvements Program for the school drop-offs
on several schools, subject to the funding being available on a
50-50 match basis with L.I.S.D.
2. Study and recommendation from staff to expand truck route from
Riverside to Industrial Blvd. (Approximately 3 blocks).
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the area by Micro is
in litigation, there was supposed to have been a
court settlement and he has to confirm with legal to see where we
are. In the area where the mixing plant is there is a wall that
is encroaching half way down the middle of a 60 ft. right-of-way
and that particular area can be worked out. He added that
further to the north where they make the turn to connect to the
pave street they will probably need additional acquisition of
right-of-way.
3. Request for cost estimate on the widening and paving of Santa
Maria from Markley to Del Mar Blvd.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that there is a cost
estimate, the budget calls for $3 million dollars for road paving
improvements and $1.6 million dollars for drainage to be done in
'98-'99. The $1.6 million is there for the drainage only.
Cm. Alvarado stated that we need to start looking at a way to
fund the paving.
Mayor Ramirez stated that maybe we can see if it can come out of
CD if funding continues and if it is eligible.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that this is under
investigation right now, preliminary they have told us that it is
primarily serving a commercial area and not a low income area,
they have to see if it is eligible. Mr. Pe¤a stated that council
may need to start planning in the summer of this year for a
possible bond issue for late 1997 or early 1998 since we are
going to have that window of opportunity in 1998-99 of close to a
million dollars which means $10 million worth of projects without
having to impact the taxes.
At this time Mr. Rene Garcia spoke of final reading of ordinance
97-O-012 in reference to industrial districts. He said he was
representing the industrial parks, their main concern was that
there was a possibility that fire protection services might be
disrupted. They were assured by council that this was not going
happen. His first option would be that council go ahead and
pursue an agreement with Webb County honor their contract of
$400,000.00 and bring this item up next year.
He suggested that the methodology for cost be discussed in length
and that the allocation basis that the adjusted city tax rate per
100 valuation multiply by the industrial district valuation
define to include less the free port exemptions. He asked that
they exclude the free port exemptions. That the formula under
item A also include all the income from all the services provided
by the Fire Department. The other item is what do we do about
unimproved property, this ordinance identifies three areas Unitec
Industrial, Pinto Valle which has no improvement on it other than
the streets, they have no need for fire protection services,
there is no incentive for them to negotiate with the city. He
suggested that a minimum cost of $250.00 for unimproved
properties.
Cm. Bruni suggested that Mr. Garcia talk to staff about his
suggestions because a vote was already taken.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that council give direction to staff in
this regard and that they come back with a recommendation to
reduce the charge for unimproved properties within industrial
areas and that they get charged that way until they develop those
industrial properties.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that staff take additional action on
those points that are valid such as the unimproved property and
the free port exemptions.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
37. Public hearing amending Section 24-82.4.1 of the Laredo Land
Development Code relating to the permitted dimensions for on-
premises free-standing signs; providing for publication and
effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 24-82-4.1 of the Laredo Land
Development Code relating to permitted dimensions of on-premises
free-standing signs; providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman from the Planning Staff, made the presentation
before the Council.
Ron Whitehawk, representing Paul Young, stated that what is
needed in order to handle Mr. Young's situation is that free
standing signs on lots that are zoned B-4 be: 200 sq. ft. of
signage for the first 100 linear feet of frontage plus 1.5 sq.
ft. of signage for each additional linear foot of frontage over
100 ft. with a cap of 1,200 sq. ft. of total signage.
Motion to amend the ordinance by changing the provisions of
1.0 sq. ft to 1.5 sq. ft.; over 200 ft. to 100 ft.; and the cap
of 750 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. of total signage.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance as
amended.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
38. Public hearing concerning an ordinance reorganizing subsections
(A) through (C) and creating subsection (D) "Charges for Copies
of Public Information from other City Departments," of section 2-
3, of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo,
thereby codifying and amending Ordinance No. 91-O-249; providing
for an increased charge for birth certificates, definitions and
additional charges for copies to be accessed; providing
severability; and providing for an effective date and
publication.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance reorganizing subsections (A) through (C) and creating
subsection (D) "Charges for Copies of Public Information from
other City Departments," of section 2-3, of Chapter 2 of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, thereby codifying and
amending Ordinance No. 91-O-249; providing for an increased
charge for birth certificates, definitions and additional charges
for copies to be accessed; providing severability; and providing
for an effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Phyllis Colon, Tax Assessor-Collector, made the presentation
before the council.
Jesus Ponce asked for clarification of new charges.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
39. Public hearing amending Section 30-2, titled "Fee for issuance of
property tax certificates," of Article I, of Chapter 30,
taxation, of the code of ordinances of the City of Laredo by;
thereby increasing the fee charged for tax certificates;
providing severability; and providing for an effective date and
publication.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 30-2, titled "Fee for issuance of
property tax certificates," of Article I, of Chapter 30,
taxation, of the code of ordinances of the City of Laredo by;
thereby increasing the fee charged for tax certificates;
providing severability; and providing for an effective date and
publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Phyllis Colon, Tax Assessor-Collector, made the presentation
before the Council.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
40. Public hearing and authorization to reprogram 18th and 19th
Action Year Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) fund
balances totaling $335,676 to carry out the following projects:
1. Public Improvements associated with the Cigarroa, Farias, and
K. Tarver Recreational Centers . . . . $189,200
2. Paving Project 59 Grants . . . . . . . . . 26,480
3. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Stormwater Management Plan . . . . . 44,996
4. Graffiti Removal Program . . . . . . . . . 75,000
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . $335,676
CDBG fund balances totaling $633,886 will still remain available
for future reprogramming.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
41. Public hearing authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit
for an above ground diesel fuel storage tank, on Lot 1, Block
2001, South Laredo Industrial Park, located at 417 Boom Town
Road.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special
Use Permit for a 10,000 gallon above ground diesel storage tank,
on Lot 1, Block 2001, South Laredo Industrial Park, located at
417 Boom Town Road, providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Rogelio Cabello with Halliburton stated that they already have
underground tank and do not have any problems, but they want to
build an above storage tank.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
42. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 annual
budget in the amount of $247,923.00 for a grant awarded by Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission to implement the Ecology
Demonstration Showcase at Father Charles McNaboe Recreational
Complex for the period from 11/01/96 to 9/30/97 and authorizing
the Interim City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 annual budget
in the amount of $247,923.00 for a grant awarded by Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission to implement the Ecology
Demonstration Showcase at Father Charles McNaboe Recreational
Complex for the period from 11/01/96 to 9/30/97.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
43. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 annual
budget by creating a right-of-way maintenance crew for the Public
Works Department composed of five (5) laborers and one heavy
truck driver for a total of $75,808, and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 annual budget
by creating a right-of-way maintenance crew for the Public Works
Department composed of five (5) laborers and one heavy truck
driver for a total of $75,808, and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
44. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's Garbage Ordinance
dated June 6, 1977 and redefining the word "Rubbish" to mean tin
cans, bottles, papers, tree limbs (which shall be cut into
lengths not exceeding 6 feet), papers etc., from any premises
within the city limits, and authorizing the Interim City Manager
to implement said amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's Garbage Ordinance dated
June 6, 1977 and redefining the word "Rubbish" to mean tin cans,
bottles, papers, tree limbs (which shall be cut into lengths not
exceeding 6 feet), papers, etc., from any premises within the
city limits, and authorizing the Interim City Manager to
implement said amendment.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids for the installation of security fencing at the Tomas Flores
Apartments. This project has been identified in the 1997 Capital
Improvement Project budget. Approximately 2,265 linear feet will
be installed around the perimeter of this apartment complex.
Motion to approve the bid specifications and authorize to
advertise for bids.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Municipal Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Mass Transit
Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Public Hearing and motion to realign the following three El Metro
Bus Routes in order to increase efficiency, productivity, and on-
time performance:
a) Route #14 Santa Rita
b) Route #9 Market
c) Route #15 Main/Riverside
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing, realign the three routes and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
47. Motion to adopt a logo, colors and typeface for use on all EL
METRO-related media.
Motion to keep the current/present logo.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Motion to suspend advertising on El Metro buses.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for
bids for the purchase of the following equipment and furniture
for the Transit System Intermodel Downtown Transit Center:
a) (1) three wheel street legal police vehicle (cushman type)
b) (1) parking lot sweeper/scrubber
c) office and lobby furniture.
Motion to approve bid specifications and authorize to advertise
for bids.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Mass Transit Board and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 8:50 p.m
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 24 ARE
TRUE COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 6TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY