CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-15 APRIL 28, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Protem Casso called the meeting to order.
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 " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
CONSUELO "CONSUELO MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cm. Alvarado.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to dispense with the regular order of business and move
up items #13, #14 - B(1) and B(2).
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. FINAL READINGS
Motion to #97-O-090, #97-O-092, #97-O-093, #97-O-094, #97-O-095,
#97-O-096, #97-O-096, #97-O-097, and #97-O-098.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. 97-O-090 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Laredo Independent School District for
approximately 9,216 square feet constituting
Building #1325 located at 4103 Maher Avenue.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing
February 1, 1997 and ending January 31, 1998.
2. Monthly rent shall be $1,996.89. Previous
monthly rent was $1,901.80.
Lease premises are used for storage.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-090.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 2
Cm. Perez
Cw. Moreno
3. 97-O-092 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to grant a
license to Bestel, S.A. de C.V. for the use of a
telecommunications PVC conduit on Juarez Lincoln
International Bridge and on city right-of-way on
San Francisco Avenue and the Riverbank
1. License term is for five (5) commencing on
April xx, 1997, and ending April xx, 2002.
2. Annual rent shall be $10,000.00 and will be
adjusted annually during the term of this
license according to changes in the Consumer
Price Index; providing for effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-092.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 97-O-093 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Mercy Hospital of Laredo d/b/a Mercy
Regional Medical Center for approximately 9,902
square feet of land located on Block No. 21 at the
Laredo International Airport for the purpose of
constructing a roadway.
1. Lease term is for twenty (20) years commencing
May 1, 1997 and ending April 30, 2016 and may
be extended for two terms of ten years each
ending April 30, 2016 and April 30, 2036.
2. Monthly rent shall be $330.00 and will be
adjusted annually during the primary and
extension terms of this lease according to
changes in the Consumer Price Index and further
adjusted on the 20th and 30th anniversaries
based on the appraised fair market value.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-093.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Casso
5. 97-O-094 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease agreement by and between the City of Laredo,
acting in their capacity as the Mass Transit Board
as Lessor, and Greyhound Bus Lines Inc./Valley
Transit Company Joint Venture as Lessee, for a
certain premise containing approximately 5,000
square feet of commercial area, together with a bus
parking area containing approximately 18,000 square
feet, said premises described as, situated in Webb
County, Texas and being all of Block Number Forty
Nine (49), Western Division, City of Laredo, said
demised premises are part of the City of Laredo's
Downtown Intermodal Transit Center,
1. Primary term of ten (10) years commencing on
July 1, 1997 thru June 31, 2007, with four (4)
additional five (5) year renewal option periods,
2. Monthly rental rate of $8,850.00 per month, and
adjusted once every five (5) years according to
the percentage increase in the consumer price
index up to a maximum of four percent (4%) over
the minimum rent charged the previous year, but
only if the amount arrived at exceeds the rental
charge for the previous year.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-094.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-095 Ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a 0.6736
acre easement out of Porcion 36 as recorded in
volume 1407 pages 243-246 of the Webb County
records, and the release of a 40 foot utility
easement located on Santa Fe Subdivision as
recorded in volume 49, pages 327-328 of the Webb
County deed records. This action is a utility
easement trade between the City and Santa Fe
Subdivision which is at no cost to the City. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-095.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-096 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997
(LEOSE) account fund budget in the amount of
$22,756.35 from the State's Law Enforcement
Officers Standards and Education (LEOSE) account
for continuing education for police officers for
the period of October 01, 1996 through September
30, 1997. (City Council)
Motion to approve #97-O-096.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-097 Ordinance amending the ordinance which establishes
bus charter service rates to be charged by the El
Metro Transit System, to be effective as of each
fiscal year (October 1), to be based on the
budgeted operating cost per hour, increased by 25%
to provide for depreciation expense. This amount
would be referred to the "base rate". Currently,
(FY 1996-97), the base rate would be $50.00 per
hour. For each vehicle chartered, a two-hour
minimum would apply. Time chargeable for charters
is measured from the time the vehicle leaves the
transit garage, to the time the vehicle returns to
the garage.
A. The hourly rate for persons or entities not
qualifying for the base rate described above,
or reduced rate described below, would be
charged 150% of the base rate. Currently, this
would be $75.00 per hour.
B. The hourly rate for organizations organized
under the following sections of the Internal
Revenue Code would be charged base rate
(currently, $50.00 per hour):
* 501 (c)(3): Corporations, funds or foundations
organized exclusively for religious,
charitable, scientific for public safety,
literary or educational purposes, or to foster
national or international sports competition,
or the prevention of cruelty to animals or
children.
* 501 (c)(4): Civic league, an organization not
organized for profit, but operated exclusively
for the promotion of social welfare.
* 501 (c)(6): Business league, chamber of
commerce, real estate board, board of trade,
professional football league, not organized for
profit.
C. City of Laredo departments, other local, state
and federal government bodies, school
districts, colleges and universities would be
charged the base rate. (currently, $50.00 per hour)
D. Conventions and events promoted and
underwritten through the Laredo Convention and
Visitors Bureau would be charged at 80% of the
base rate. (Current charge would be $40.00 per
hour); providing for publication and effective
date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve #97-O-097.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 97-O-098 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997
Annual Budget by increasing the PAC Fund Revenues
by $300,000.00 and appropriating $300,000.00 to the
public access capital outlay line item to be used
for purchasing of equipment for the new public
access building.
(City Council)
Motion to approve #97-O-098.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. RESOLUTIONS
10. 97-R-046 Confirming the appointment by the City Manager of
the three members of the Fire Fighters' and Police
Officers' Civil Service Commission of the City of
Laredo.
Motion to amend the resolution by changing the
expiration terms for Raul Garcia from January 31,
1998 to April 28, 1998; Eduard Sherwood from
January 31, 1999 to April 28, 1999; and Joaquin
Romero from January 31, 2000 to April 28, 2000.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion confirming the appointment by the City
Manager of members of the Fire Fighters' and Police
Officers' Civil Service Commission of the City of
Laredo as follows:
Raul Garcia to serve one year from April 29, 1997
to April 28, 1998.
Edward Sherwood to serve two years from April 29,
1997 to April 28, 1999.
Joaquin Romero to serve three years from April 29,
1997 to April 28, 2000.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. MOTIONS
11. Awarding a professional service contract between the Laredo
Urban Transportation Study and Rust Lichliter/Jameson for
professional services in the development of a Hazardous Cargo
Community Risk Assessment and Route Alternative analysis by
and through the City Manager of the City of Laredo, Texas in
the aggregate amount of $30,000.00. Funding is appropriated
under a Section 112 grant.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute a 1996-
1997 urbanized area formula program grant (No. TX-90-X406)
from the Federal Transit Administration in the maximum amount
of $2,370,312.00 (Federal Share); and providing for grant
funds to be deposited in the Mass Transit Department
accounts.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
13. Request for City Council confirmation of City Manager's
recommendation for appointment and employment to the position
of Laredo Chief of Police. The City Manager has interviewed
the four final candidates. They are Richard Clark, Agustin
Dovalina, Stephen Garza and E.J. Laurel.
Motion to table until October 1st and to maintain status quo.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to reconsider the tabling for discussion.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 3 Against: 4 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni Cm. Perez
Cm. Casso Cw. Moreno
Cm. Guerra Cm. Valdez
Cw. Montalvo
Note: Verbatim is attached.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, announced that he had received
a phone call from Arquitecto Antonio Fuentes Flores who is
representing the candidate for the position of Governor of
Nuevo Leon, Fernando Clareond, Partido De Accion Nacional
(PAN). They have asked that the City Council be invited to
attend a meeting on the Colombia side of our Solidarity
Bridge to review and have an exchange of ideas on plans and
programs for the future development of the Solidarity Bridge.
There will be a city bus available to take the group to the
bridge at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6.
Cm. Valdez announced that May 1st is the National Day of
Prayer and invited the Mayor and Council and community to
participate at 12:45 p.m. at City Hall.
IX. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
14. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action concerning the sale of
fifteen replacement vehicles to our Sister City of Nuevo
Laredo, Tamps., as follows:
Vehicle
a) 1989 Ford Taurus 4 door
b) 1989 Ford LTD 4 door
c) 1989 Ford Cargo Van 4 door
d) 1989 Ford Pickup F-150
e) 1989 Ford LTD 4 door
f) 1986 Ford Taurus 4 door
g) 1986 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup
h) 1977 Chev. winch Truck C-65
i) 1990 Chev. Pickup C-10
j) 1989 Chev. Ext. Pickup C-10
k) 1992 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door
l) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door
m) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door
n) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door
o) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
The book values as reported by Abelardo Medellin from Fleet
Management through Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, are as
follows:
Book Value
a) 1989 Ford Taurus 4 door 2000.00
b) 1989 Ford LTD 4 door 2500.00
c) 1989 Ford Cargo Van 4 door 2500.00
d) 1989 Ford Pickup F-150 2000.00
e) 1989 Ford LTD 4 door 2500.00
f) 1986 Ford Taurus 4 door 2000.00
g) 1986 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup 2000.00
h) 1977 Chev. winch Truck C-65 3000.00
i) 1990 Chev. Pickup C-10 5000.00
j) 1989 Chev. Ext. Pickup C-10 4000.00
k) 1992 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door 3050.00
l) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door 4250.00
m) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door 4150.00
n) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door 4150.00
o) 1993 Ford Crown Victoria 4 door 4150.00
B. Requests by Councilmember Jose R. Perez Jr.
1. Request for Executive Session to be conducted pursuant to
Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code to deliberate
the appointment and employment of the Chief of Police. The
City Manager has interviewed the four final candidates.
They are Richard Clark, Agustin Dovalina, Stephen Garza and
E.J. Laurel.
Motion to table indefinitely.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Presentation by the Sylvia Bruni representative for Laredo
Commission for Women regarding the criterion for selection
of a new Police Chief.
Ms. Sylvia Bruni requested if council should include as a
criteria in the selection of the new police chief a specific
work plan addressing domestic violence.
Cm. Guerra commented that one of the candidates that Mr.
Pe¤a was recommending happens to be a board member of the
Stop Child Abuse and Neglect and this is one of his
priorities.
C. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the placement of
Ponderosa Street into the city's current paving program.
Cm. Bruni stated that there seems to be four or five blocks
in Ponderosa that are in poor shape which are in desperate
need of repairs. There might be some kind of under line
problem that is causing this problem. He also added that
complaints have been received that tractor trailers are
starting to use Ponderosa.
Rogelio Rivera, Engineering Director, stated that coming
south from Calton the western half of that street seems to
have been torn up with heavy weight traffic. They have
looked at the under line problem and the possibility that
there might be a water/sewer break line breakage, but Mr.
Roman states that water/sewer lines do not run along
Ponderosa, but rather cross the street. The other thing
probably would be that either there might be a drainage
problem that when it rains, the water stays within those
bounds of the street areas. There might be some kind of
ponding either from the watering of lawns or from water not
draining properly to the valley gutters. They will continue
investigating and take elevations along the stretch that is
torn up. He thinks it does require a reconstruction of some type.
Motion to instruct staff to bring back their recommendation
with cost estimates for the next council meeting.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the wastewater
problems at the 400 block of Ponderosa Street.
Note: This item was combined with item #1.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the placement of a
barricade or similar device in order to prevent vehicles
from accessing Casa Blanca Road from Clubview Drive.
Cm. Bruni stated there is an ongoing problem there, it seems
that every time a barricade is placed there it only lasts a
week and is torned down. The residents on Clubview Drive
are upset that this intersection is being used to access
Casa Blanca Road and there is traffic late at night that is
coming out of Casa Blanca Road and making a short cut into
this area.
Mr. Luis Landin said he contacted the property owner because
they come from the Casa Blanca Road into his property, they
have installed barricades, they keep breaking them. They
have put dirt, now they are going around the dirt. He will
contact the property owner and suggest that he put some kind
of cable or see what can be done to keep them out of the
property.
Cm. Bruni requested a timeline date and that it be brought
at our next council meeting as an action item.
D. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the creation of a
committee to study and make recommendations to streamline
the permit process.
Cm. Casso suggested that a committee be formed to study the
whole permit process to become more competitive in the
market. He added that he would like to see a committee of
developers, builders, realtors, engineers, etc. to get more
input from the public to see how they can streamline that
process. He suggested that council name the members and
have them come back to council and then have public
hearings.
Motion to place the item in the agenda for the May 15th
meeting to name the Ad Hoc Committee members and at that
time, charge the committee with a time certain as to the
work that needs to be done and when they would like them to
report back to council.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the preparation of
a 50 year lease with the childrens museum.
Cm. Casso asked that this lease be placed on the fast track
so that the childrens museum organization can start getting
their donations.
The City Attorney will prepare the lease by the May 5th
meeting.
Motion to reafirm our commitment to work with the Laredo
Children's Museum to provide them with the necessary land to
construct their new facility adjacent to our future library
site.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the reorganization
of the Utilities Collections Division and Tax Division.
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, gave the following report:
Issue 1
Customer service is poor and often do not know whether to go
to the Tax Department or the Utilities Department to resolve
a problem. At times the City Manager's Office has
interceded in resolving the customer's problem.
Goal
This proposed reorganization will place clear accountability
for all aspects of the Utility billing, meter reading and
customer service with the Utilities Director. Customers who
have a problem related to "any aspect of their Utility
Services will be assisted by the proposed Utilities
Department Utility Billing Division. The Tax Department
will continue to perform "collections" functioning as a
payment station.
Issue 2
Since the reorganization in 1991, a significant number of
discrepancies in the billing function have been reoccuring.
Of major concern to City Management are the numerous
accounts which have continued to receive services without
being billed, thus, resulting in a significant loss of
revenues in the water and sewer funds and the general fund
since garbage fees are billed and collected via the utility
bills. The loss of funds is being attributed to accounts
which are not being billed.
Goal
The proposed organization will establish an organizational
structure within the Utilities Department that has clearly
defined functions of 1.) customer service, 2.) utility
billing, and 3.) meter reading. A supervisor will be
assigned to each function and will be directly responsible
for ensuring that discrepancies are not reoccurring and that
they are resolved in a timely manner.
Issue 3
Numerous complaints have been received from builders and
property owners indicating that service connects and
disconnects are not being performed on a timely basis.
Goal
The proposed reorganization of the Utility Billing system
will streamline field operations. The disconnect and
reconnect field operation procedures will be modified to
enable meter servicemen to complete work orders promptly.
Improved communication between the office staff and field
employees will enable the City to perform disconnects and
reconnects promptly and efficiently to reduce the number of
days from the date of the customers request to perform
disconnects and reconnects to the date the work order is
completed.
Issue 4
Improvement is needed in the area of meter reading to ensure
that all meters are identified, included in the Utility
Billing database and read every cycle route. The Water
Audit preliminary findings and the Non-deposit program have
supported that this weakness is of great concern.
Goal
Through coordinated efforts within the Utilities Department,
cycle routes will be evaluated and revised as needed to
ensure that all meter are identified and read every month.
Utility billing exception reports will be used to ensure the
discrepancies resulting from deficient meter readings are
resolved promptly as possible to minimize revenue losses.
Issue 5
Some active delinquent customer are not being terminated in
accordance with procedure, therefore, these customers
continue to receive services. Internal Audit findings
identified an increase of 28% in the total dollar value of
active delinquent customer accounts 120 days past due. This
problem appears to be related to an ineffective connect and
disconnect system.
February 1996 March 1997
Water $171,418 $213,487 24.5%
Sewer 178,303 238,505 33.8%
Garbage 87,546 $110,136 25.8%
Total $437,267 $562,128 28.6%
Goal
This reorganization will enforce existing controls,
therefore, minimizing the number of active customer
accounts, that are over 120 days delinquent. Thus, reducing
the risk of customer defaulting in an amount that exceeds
their $100.00 deposit.
Issue 6
Finding related to 1.) accounts not being billed. 2.)
delinquent accounts not being disconnected in accordance
with policy and 3.) not securing initial meter reads for
newly initiated accounts were identified in the Fiscal Year
1994-1995 external audit. The audit comments suggested that
procedures for new accounts and billing could be
strengthened.
A Tax Department Utilities Division internal audit was
performed in March 1996 which identified 10 areas which
required strengthening. The follow-up audit currently being
completed indicates that only 2 of the 10 areas have been
improved.
Goal
As part of the reorganization more detailed attention to
systems and procedures will be applied to ensure:
1) that customer accounts are set up properly with all
appropriate charges,
2) that new accounts are included in the billing system in a
timely manner,
3) that delinquent accounts are terminated within the
established city policy to minimize default and
uncollectible accounts.
4) field operations for connects and disconnects are timely
and well coordinated so that the appropriate customer
account action is promptly taken.
Mayor Ramirez asked if we would still be doing collections
at the tax office. He asked if his recommendation is to
moved billing back to the Utilities Department at the
airport.
Mr. Pe¤a answered that the Meter Readers would be the only
employees that would physically be moved from city hall.
Mayor Ramirez questioned, if a customer has questions in the
billing would they still report them to city hall?
Mr. Pe¤a answered yes, the customer service person will be
here and their questions will be answered, but that person
reports to the Utilities Director.
Cw. Moreno was concerned with the additional cost that will
be incurred.
Mr. Roman stated it is unavoidable to reorganize the
structure, that regardless whether it stays here or not they
need the cost for reorganizing and staffing.
Mr. Pe¤a stated that the way it is structured right now is
all within the current budget.
Mayor Ramirez asked that the City Manager come back with a
recommendation to start off with the things like the meter
readers, shifting them over and distributing their oversight
to the current supervisor that exists in utilities. That he
also perhaps go into reorganizing the structure to allow
utilities to have a more direct say in connects and
disconnects during the billing cycles and see how that can
be worked into the system to let utilities pick up more of
the slack that we are running into.
He added he hears Mr. Roman saying there is a problem, and
Mrs. Colon is saying that there is a problem, why not get
the two department heads to see how they can better
structure their operations and divide what needs to be
divided.
Cw. Montalvo suggested that employees should be cross
trained for tax and collecting utilities.
Cm. Casso stated he agrees on the separation, but provided
that it does not cost more money during the rest of this
fiscal year. They will then go to the budget workshops and
rehash the entire issue, he wants to see the results in
three or four months to see if it works.
Mrs. Colon explained the process that they have gone through
since 1988 when the departments were combined they went from
27,000 to 40,000, a period of fast growth, which means a big
load on their tax. She requested an opportunity to work a
good workable system.
Motion to proceed with the condition that no additional
monies will be incurred within the current budget and that
it be duly noted that this is only temporary until the end
of this fiscal year and it expires or gets ratified by
council during the next budget.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the Wrecker Service
Ordinance.
Cm. Casso stated he understands there is a rotation list by
which the wrecker service companies operate. One of his
constituents had a concern in reference to the way this
system works. He said that from April 14th through April
20th D.F. Gonzalez Towing was on the list for towing that
week and they were by passed by seven different wrecker
companies. The business was given to Orozco Wrecker. It
is his understanding that there were 30 stolen vehicles that
came from Mexico and were given to Orozco Wrecker to bring
from Mexico to U.S. and wanted to know why?
Interim Police Chief Dovalina stated he was correct,
Gonzalez Wrecker Service was on duty on that particular
week. He explained that the Mexican Judicial Police made
contact with our Police Division Commander of Detectives
in reference to the return of these stolen vehicles from
Nuevo Laredo into U.S. Apparently, the Judicial Police had
been contacted by the Mexican Wrecker service, by a business
named Mora Wrecker Service. The wrecker service owner had
made contact, with the Mexican State Judicial Police and at
the same time they had contacted this particular wrecker
service, Orozco Wrecker Service and made arrangements with
them directly about the actual return of these vehicles.
They were informed that the arrangements had already been
made, the lieutenant was informed that this particular
wrecker service was on call that particular week, however
they were faced with the possibility that because the
arrangements had already been made with the wrecker service
on this side that transfer of vehicles over to the U.S.
would not occur. The were faced with the dilemma of either
going ahead and following it thru with the actual wrecker
service that was on call or receiving the actual stolen
vehicles. So they decided to go ahead and let this
particular arrangement follow thru so that they could have
the return of these vehicles.
Cm. Casso wanted to know what will be done to prevent this
from happening in the future.
Mr. Dovalina answered they have been informed that they will
go ahead and use the wrecker service that is on rotation or
on call on that particular week.
Cm. Guerra spoke concerning wrecker service charges. He
said he had received calls from several wrecker service
operators that are alleging that the rates they can charge
according to our ordinances are to low.
Mr. Dovalina stated that charges have not been raised since
1985.
Cm. Guerra requested that this item be placed on the agendas
regarding wrecker charges for the next meeting.
D.F. Gonzalez spoke in reference to the ordinance
enforcement and compliance, said that the other companies
are aware of the rotation list that the abide by it. He
asked that council look into it.
Mayor Ramirez stated ordinance is at the Legal Department,
public hearings will be held in reference to this ordinance
and will be brought before council.
Cw. Moreno asked that the wrecker services be advised as to
when the public hearing will be held.
5. Discussion and possible action regarding the number of
required parking spaces in commercial establishments.
Cm. Casso stated that he has received numerous calls that
the ordinance is not being enforced and wants feedback from
staff as to what can be done.
Benny Salinas, Building Director, explained the parking
requirements which he states depends on the use of the
commercial establishment and that our requirements are very
minimum.
Cm. Casso stated he will let Mr. Salinas know some specific
sites where there are parking problems because he thinks
that Planning and Zoning is going to have to revisit the
issue because it is becoming a problem in the Heights area.
Cw. Moreno asked that the they also look into the parking
problems in one of the clinics around Cedar.
X. PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. Public hearing concerning the application by Roberto Alvarez,
amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 7, Block 1744, Eastern Division, located at 2806
Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family District) to R-3 (Mixed
Residential District); and that an ordinance be introduced.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1744, Eastern Division,
located at 2806 Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family
District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman from the Planning Staff made the presentation
before the council.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing; concur with P&Z; and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
16. Public hearing concerning the application by Gerardo
Gutierrez, authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for used auto sales on Lot 5, Block 1950, Eastern
Division, located at 3117 Clark Boulevard; and that an
ordinance be introduced. Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Staff
recommends denial of this Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for used auto sales on Lot 5, Block 1950, Eastern
Division, located at 3117 Clark Boulevard; providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing; concur with staff and
override Planning and Zoning and deny the Conditional Use
Permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso was not present to vote.
17. Public hearing concerning the application by Roberto
Magallanes, amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 623, Eastern Division,
located at 520 McPherson Avenue, from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District);
and that an ordinance be introduced. The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 623, Eastern Division,
located at 520 McPherson Avenue, from M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District),
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso not present.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso and Cm. Bruni were not present.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
18. Public hearing concerning the application by Texas Mexican
Railway Company, AFI Whse., authorizing the issuance of a
Conditional Use Permit for warehousing of bagged sand on
15,940 square feet of the north 1/2 of the Texas Mexican
Railway Company Right-of-Way through Block 1082, Eastern
Division, as further by metes and bounds, located at 701
Buena Vista Avenue. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for
warehousing of bagged sand on 15,940 square feet of the North
1/2 of the Texas Mexican Railway Company Right-of-Way through
Block 1082, Eastern Division, as further described by metes
and bounds, located at 701 Buena Vista Avenue; providing for
publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso was not present.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing; concur with P&Z; and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 5 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
19. Public hearing concerning the application by Irma A. Garcia,
amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the south 1/2 of the southwest 1/4 of Block 40,
Calton Garden Subdivision, located at 4601 San Francisco
Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District); and that an ordinance be introduced. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning the South 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of
Block 40, Calton Garden Subdivision, located at 4601 San
Francisco Avenue, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-
1 (Limited Business District); providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
20. Public hearing concerning the application by Gilberto
Salazar, amending the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Salazar Distribution
Center, located at 14002 Mines Road, from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); and
that an ordinance be introduced. The Planning Zoning
Commission recommends approval of the zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance the zoning ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Salazar Distribution Center, located
at 14002 Mines Road, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to
M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication
and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing the owners, spoke in favor of the
zone change to allow for a truck terminal.
Motion to close the public hearing; concur with P&Z; and
introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cw. Montalvo
21. Public hearing concerning the application by the Estate of
Mike S. Jacaman, Carmen Jacaman, and Independent Executrix,
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a
pawn shop on Lot 10, Block 46, Western Division, located at
1019 Farragut Street; providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval
of the Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a pawn shop on Lot 10, Block 46, Western Division,
located at 1019 Farragut Street; providing for publication
and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cw. Montalvo
22. Public hearing concerning the application by John D.
Beckelhymer, authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a jewelry only pawn shop on Lot 4 and the South
8.56 Feet of Lot 3, Block 9, Western Division, located at
1102 Zaragoza Street; providing for publication and effective
date. The Planning and Commission recommends approval of the
Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit for a jewelry only pawn shop on Lot 4 and the South
8.56 Feet of Lot 3, Block 9, Western Division, located at
1102 Zaragoza Street; providing for publication and effective
date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
George Becklehymer appeared before the council to answer any
questions from the council or public.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cw. Montalvo
XI. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Mass
Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Award of a contract to the Low Bidder, Star Data Systems, San
Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $47,444.00, to provide all
required materials and installation of a certified voice and
data telecommunications cabling system at the New Laredo
Transit Center.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Mass Transit Board and
convene as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 7:24 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 25
ARE TRUE COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY