CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M-97-R-30 SEPTEMBER 2, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. called the meeting to
order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
SAUL N. RAMIREZ, JR., MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, JR., 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 G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, III CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of August 4, 1997
Budget Workshop of August 8, 1997
Budget Workshop of August 9, 1997
City Council Meeting of August 14, 1997
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Casso was not present.
Cm. Casso joined the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Aircraft Parts
and Development Corporation, a Texas Corporation, for approximately
5,888 square feet constituting Building No. 1307 at the Laredo
International Airport.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing
August 1, 1997 and ending July 31, 1998 and may be extended for
four (4) terms of one (1) year each ending July 31, 1999, July 31,
2000,
July 31, 2001, and July 31, 2002. Lease may be terminated upon
giving 90 days written notice.
2. Monthly rent shall be $1,500.00 and will be adjusted annually
during the primary and extension terms of this lease according to
changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with L.A. Ventures,
Inc., for approximately 289 square of office space constituting Suite
No. 8 of Building No. S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton Road.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1, 1997, and ending
April 30, 1998, and will be extended for one (1) year ending April
30, 1999. Lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a
sixty (60) day written notice. 2. Monthly rent shall be $333.00
and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension term
of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Comision Mexico-
Americana Para La Eradicacion Del Gusano Barrenador (U.S.D.A.
Screwworm Program) for approximately 19,765 square feet constituting
Building No. 1308 and approximately 10,000 square feet of vehicle
parking area located at 4305 Maher Avenue.
1. Lease term is for five (5) years commencing
June 1, 1997, and ending May 31, 2002. Lease may be
terminated by either party upon giving one hundred twenty (120)
days written notice.
2. Monthly rent shall be $4,950.00 and will be adjusted annually
according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Juan Vargas d/b/a
The Education Center for approximately 4,308 square feet constituting
Building No. 1169 located at 4407 Foster Avenue, and used to house a
day care facility.
1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing August 1, 1997, and
ending July 31, 1998.
2. Monthly rent shall be $800.00. Lease may be terminated upon giving
120 days written notice.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with All American
Events, Inc., a Florida corporation, for approximately 4.0 acres of
land located on the northeast corner of Hillside Road and Thomas
Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.
1. Lease term is for two (2) days commencing September 20, 1997, and
ending September 21, 1997.
2. Daily rent shall be $750.00. Premises will be used to host a circus
and proceeds will be used for charitable causes. The Laredo Police
Officers Associations is sponsoring this circus.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Carlos Madrid
d/b/a Madrid Printing Equipment for approximately 8,466 square feet
constituting Building #464 locate at 1705 E. Hillside Road and to be
used for a printing equipment shop.
1. Lease term is for five (5) years commencing August 1, 1997 and
ending July 31, 2002 and may be extended for one (1) term of five
(5) years ending July 31, 2007.
2. Monthly rent shall be $1,270.00 and will be adjusted annually
during the primary and extension term of this lease.
In an effort to provide additional land for development, Airport Staff
wishes to demolish Building #1108 presently occupied by Mr. Madrid
and, thus, relocate his business to Building #464.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
9. Amending Chapter 14, Garbage, Trash, And Refuse Article I, Section 14-
4.1 (D), (7) rates, of the code of ordinance of the City of Laredo, in
order to allow for the collection of landfill fees for disposal of
garbage at the City's Landfill site by private individuals who are
non-residents of the City of Laredo on Sundays, providing for
publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
Mr. Jorge Benavides, City Administrator for the City of Rio Bravo,
requested from council the waiving of the $60 per ton commercial fee
for outside city limits and that they be granted instead the $30 per
ton fee which is the same as for commercial inside the city limits.
Mayor Ramirez asked that staff look at charging the commercial rate,
plus all the mandated fees that are being charged. That the fees be
charged in addition to the commercial rate as a possible mediated
rates for incorporated cities within Webb County.
10. Amending Chapter 32, of the Code of Ordinances entitles vehicles for
hire, by creating a new Article V, entitled shuttle-van operations,
providing for restrictions in general, statement of policy,
administration and enforcement, definitions, operating enforcement,
definitions, operating authority, licensing, holder and driver
regulations, fares, insurance coverage, vehicle and equipment
requirements, providing for publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
11. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to AT&T Corporation, a
New York Corporation, for the use of a conduit on Juarez Lincoln
International Bridge,. License term is for five years commencing on
September XX, 1997 and ending September XX, 2002. Annual rent shall be
$5,000.00 and will be adjusted annually during the term of this
license as provided for in said license plus a fee of $4.00 a square
foot for the occupation of the City of Laredo right-of-way on Iturbide
Street.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #97-O-195, #97-O-196,
#97-O-197, #97-O-198, #97-O-199, #97-O-200, #97-O-201, #97-O-202, #97-O-
203, #97-O-204, and #97-0-205.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 97-O-195 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a partial release of
covenant for the Southgate Subdivision, Unit II-A, Phase II
Planned Unit Development. This release will allow the
developer to proceed with the sale of lots in this
development.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-195.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 97-O-196 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit
for sand an gravel sales/storage, on Lot 7, Block 2003,
South Laredo Industrial Park, located at 2010 Rotary Street;
providing for publication and effective date. (Jose R.
Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-196.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 97-O-197 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 204, Eastern
Division, located at 1502 S. Zapata Hwy., from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District); providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-197.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 97-O-198 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 6, Block 1597, Eastern Division,
located at 2606 Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).
(Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-198.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 97-O-199 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block 1750, Eastern Division,
located at 2919 Cross Street, from R-2 (Multi-Family
Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District).
(Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-199.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 97-O-200 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit
for sand an gravel sales/storage, on Lot 1, Block 1,
Northeast Complex, located at 1319 Muller Road; providing
for publication and effective date. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-200.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 97-O-201 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and 8, Block 697, Eastern
Division, located at 1219 Chihuahua Street, from R-O
(Residential/Office District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District). Providing for publication and effective date.
(Alfonso Casso)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-201.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 97-O-202 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning all of Block 53, Calton Gardens
Subdivision, located at 5400 Springfield Avenue, from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). Providing for publication and effective date.
(Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-202.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 97-O-203 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 5 and 6, Block 1067, Western
Division, located at 1020 Tacuba Street, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Providing for publication and effective date. (Mario G.
Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-203.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 97-O-204 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 1.8117 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds, located on the west side of Remington
Drive, south of US 59, from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to R-1A
(Single Family Reduced Area District) Planned Unit
Development; providing for publication and effective date.
(Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-204.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 97-O-205 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning 12.5 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds, located south of Killam Industrial Boulevard,
west of FM 1472, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District),
Planned Unit Development. Providing for publication and
effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-205.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
23. 97-R-089 Authorizing the City Manager to utilize $63,000.00, worth of
proceeds from the City's combination Tax and Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 1997-B to purchase an
emergency replacement Emergency Medical Services Unit
(Ambulance) for the City's Fire Department.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-089.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 97-R-090 Accepting the donation of the south 1/2 of Block D and the
south 1/2 of Block E, W.D., from the heirs of Mr. Justo
Sabor Penn and Mr. Amadee Ligarde; provided however, that
any future use of said properties be for the construction of
a park or similar recreational-type facility. The donation
of the above-described property is also to be made on the
express condition that a dedication plaque honoring these
two fine individuals be erected at a strategic point upon
the proposed park or recreational-type facility. Said
properties being situated on the river vega between San
Francisco and San Enrique Avenues; and being further
described by a copy of the City of Laredo Plat.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-090.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 97-R-091 Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application o the
South Texas Development Council for a grant in the amount of
$71,218.00 with the City designating $9,000.00 in matching
funds and for a total of $80,218.00 to implement a Household
Hazardous Waste Collection and Proper Disposal Program (HHWC
& PDP) for the Spring 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-091.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 97-R-092 Supporting Laredo Hamilton, L.P.'S efforts to convert the
Hamilton Hotel to low income elderly housing and authorizing
the City Manager, in further support of this project, to
apply to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development for a Section 108 Loan of up to $1,550,000.00,
on behalf of Hamilton, L.P. subject to negotiations and
underwriting guidelines as may be beneficial to the City.
Steve Snow presented his version of a resolution of support
for their review and consideration.
Erasmo Villarreal, Asst. Community Development Director,
stated that the only difference between staff's and Mr.
Snow's resolution is item 11 on the payments of principal
and interest. That basically what they are asking council
under this resolution is that there is a deferred period of
10 years with no payment, and that the loan be a 30-year
loan. He added that they were looking at section 108
guidelines and they found that the maximum is 20 years.
They explained this to Mr. Snow and explained that they will
probably have to look at a 20-year loan under the Section
108 criteria. He said that another thing that council has
to be aware of, is that the section 108 is a loan guaranteed
program and somebody is going to have to pay back the loan
for a deferred period one way or the other, either the city
through the CD Block Grant for those 10 years or the general
fund. A payment does have to be made back annually to HUD.
He concluded by saying that the 10 year deferred is
something that can be worked out.
Mr. Milton Saenz sponsor and Co-developer of
the Hamilton Project stated they have negotiated and
completed various loans of this type and are familiar with
the structure of these type of loans. They are proposing a
3% interest rate, rather than a non-interest loan. He urged
that they maintain the terms of loan as requested, because
it will assist them in getting the low income housing tax
credits.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that in essence
this project is an approval in concept and is still subject
to negotiations. He asked that if council is interested in
this project and want staff to explore the possible 108 and
possible CDBG. He wants direction from council if they are
interested in any way in using funds other than those
federal funds such as the general fund which if there is a
deferred payment clause in this contract, general fund
monies would have to in some form or another be obligated.
He concluded by saying that they would need a financial
advisor to come to look at this and see what combination of
funds would work.
Mayor Ramirez wants HOME monies be included as another
possible source.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-092.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
The second was withdrawn and motion died for lack of another
second.
Mayor Ramirez said if they put in there that it is subject
to final approval and that it include other funding source
(Community Block Grant or HOME monies) as additional revenue
streams for this project, the resolution would be fine. He
clarified that they are going to add two more conditions.
That other funding sources such as Community Development
Block Grants or Home Partnership monies be looked at as
possible sources of revenue for this project. On number
15th, that all items stipulated above are subject to
approval by the different agencies.
Motion to approve the resolution as amended to include
subject to final approval; addition of item #14 to include
other funding sources such as CDBG and HOME Partnership
monies; and add item #15 that all items are subject to final
approval by the different agencies.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 97-R-093 Requesting legislative Assistance to preserve and protect
the property of its' citizens and taxpayers that are held in
trust by Texas Cities, by protecting the citizens right to
charge and receive just compensation for the use of a
municipality's rights-of-way by charging the fair market
rental value for the use of the public rights-of-way and
advocating that the citizens right to receive just
compensation for the use of its rights-of-way and the
property interests of Texas citizens be the guiding
consideration in the formulation of an interim study to
analyze existing agreements between cities and entities
regarding the use of public rights-of-way, and the payment
of fair market rental values for its use.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-093.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
28. Approve the plans and specifications for the remodeling of the Pacific
Southwest Bank located at 2114 Saunders Street. Under the lease
agreement between City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Pacific Southwest
Bank, as Lessee, Lessor's approval of the plans and specifications is
required before Lessee commences any modifications to the improvements
located on Airport leased premises.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFP's) to
provide Professional Engineering and/or Surveying Services for Cells
11 and 12 of the City of Laredo Type I Landfill located on Texas
Highway 359 and to include engineering design, preparation of plans
and specifications with cost estimates, construction quality
assurance, boundary and topographic surveying as required for
compliance with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's
Subtitle D Requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste
Regulations. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund Improvements
Other Than Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFP's) from area
professional firms interested in providing consultant services to
include preparation of Request for Proposals for the Toll System
Upgrade and Electronic Toll Collection Implementation at all three of
the City of Laredo International Bridges. Funding is available in the
Bridge System Toll Plaza Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for laboratory clinical testing services for the City of Laredo Health
Department. A reference laboratory is contracted to provide
laboratory clinical testing services which are not provided in-house
or by the Bureau of Laboratories of the Texas Department of Health. A
tentative bid award is scheduled for October 6, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for janitorial services at five building sites occupied by the WIC
Program of the City of Laredo Health Department. Bids will also be
requested for janitorial services for the four City of Laredo
recreation centers as well as the Santo Ni¤o Branch Library. The term
of the agreement shall be for a two year period beginning October 1,
1997, through September 30, 1999. A tentative bid award is scheduled
for October 6, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Approval to solicit new bid proposals from qualified Laboratories to
perform analytical testing for Soil samples in compliance with the
Resources Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) for the City of Laredo's
Brownfields site located at the Tex/Mex Railway Yard.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Authorizing the issuance of Request for Qualifications for the design
of plans and specifications for the addition of a Belt Filter Press at
the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plan. The Belt Filter Press will
dry wastewater sludge in preparation for its final disposal at the
sanitary landfill.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Montgomery Watson, Pasadena,
California, in the amount of $47,800.00, for providing EPA Information
Collection Rule (ICR) professional testing and support services for
the Utilities Department. The City is required to complete an
eighteen month monitoring requirement for sample collection and
analysis of various chemical and micro-biological parameters at the
water treatment plant and distribution system. Bid notices were sent
to six potential vendors however, only Montgomery Watson submitted a
bid proposal. This company is familiar with the ICR chemical testing
program. Funding is available in Utilities Department - Construction
Projects - Information Collection Rule.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Nogalitos Janitorial Supplies,
Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $18,459.74, for the purchase of
equipment for the new passenger terminal. The equipment includes
vacuum cleaners, buffers, pressure washers, and other janitorial
equipment needed for the maintenance operations. A total of three bids
were received for this purchase. Funding is available in Airport
Department - Administration - Capital Outlay.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS,
Underground Inc., Pearland, Texas, in the amount of $166,688.00, for
the purchase of a combination vacuum/jet rodder truck for the
Utilities Department - Wastewater Collection Division. This truck is
used to clean wastewater basins and will replace an 1990 Ford truck
with a Camel vacuum body. Delivery is expected within 120 days. A
total of four bids were received for this purchase. Funding is
available in Utilities Department - Wastewater Collection, Capital
Outlay.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Award of professional services contract to Porras Engineering Company,
Laredo, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $11,000.00, for the re-
design of Orilla Avenue between Mann Road and Riverside Road (Carrillo
Road), surveying, and preparation of plans and specifications in
conjunction with the extension of the West Laredo Truck Route. Funding
is available in the Capital Improvement Fund Paving Project 43
Deferred Streets.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Award of a surveying contract to Howland Surveying Company, Inc.,
Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $22,550.00, to provide
boundary and topographic surveying, construction staking, and
certification of the subgrade, HDPE panel layout with seams and
repairs and the two-foot protective cover for Cells 9 and 10 at the
City of Laredo Landfill located at U.S. Highway 359. These services
provide support for the engineering design, construction plans and
specifications, construction quality assurance, and GCLER/FMLER
Reports as required for compliance with Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission's (TNRCC) Subtitle D Requirements of 30 TAC
330 Municipal Solid Waste Regulations. Funding is available in the
Landfill Fund Capital Outlay Improvements Other Than Buildings.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Award of an engineering contract to Rust Lichliter/Jameson, Houston,
Texas, for an amount not to exceed $165,470.00, to provide
professional engineering services for Cells No. 9 and No. 10 to
include design, permit modification, preparation of construction plans
and specifications with cost estimates, construction quality
assurance, and GCLER/FMLER Reports as required for compliance with the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's Subtitle D
Requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste Regulations. Funding
is available in the Landfill Improvements Other Than Building.
Mr. Martin Vila, Regional Manager for Raba-Kistner, requested from
council consideration of the bid as local bidders. He stated that
this job was going out of town when it can be done locally and they
have the experience with other city jobs. He added that the
recommendation to council should be amended to specify that Raba-
Kistner performed the construction quality assurance services for this
particular project.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, read staff's recommendation as
follows:
"They did receive four submissions for consideration: Howland,
Engineering, Raba-Kistner, Rust-Lichliter, and Naismith Engineering.
The firm of Rust Lichliter/Jameson is being recommended for the award
of this project because they are knowledgeable in solid waste and
landfill. They performed the engineering and CQA for cells 5 and 6 of
the landfill in early 1996 and currently are performing the vertical
expansion permit amendment for the entire landfill. Their expertise
in landfill design and CQA have been noticed by staff for cells 5 and
6, particularly when the city received approval from TNRCC for the
acceptance of the cells based on the submitted of the GCLER/FMLER
Report submitted by the consultant. They are in the process of
handling our vertical expansion permit amendment."
Motion that staff bring back recommendation to hire the firm of Raba-
Kistner to perform the engineering study for cells 9 and 10 in order
to spread the work among local firms and out of town firms, subject to
negotiations.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Motion was withdrawn.
Mr. Pena stated that action cannot be taken on this item tonight other
than what is posted in the agenda, but they would cancel the Request
For Proposals if the council is interested in negotiating with this
firm.
Mr. Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated they don't have RFP's for
cell 11 and 12, but they can bring them back for the next council
meeting.
Motion to bring back item 40 as presented, but bring back
recommendation of all four cells at one time, two cells
separate (Cells 9 & 10) plus (Cells 11 & 12) and award all four cells
on the 22nd.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. To approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with
the Laredo Affordable Housing Corporation, a nonprofit corporation, by
allocating $2,435,590.00, of Home Investment Partnership Program
(HOME) Grant and Program Income funds for the construction of 100
affordable single family unit houses in South Laredo's Colonia Los
Obispos Subdivision and 32 affordable single family unit houses in the
Three Points Housing Development.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Laboratory
Corporation of America for the period beginning October 1, 1996,
through September 30, 1997, for the provision of laboratory clinical
testing services, increasing the maximum compensation allowed from
$55,000 to $99,000.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $17,790.00, for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the
Repairs to the Tinaja Creek Concrete Channel Improvements between San
Salvador and Pecan Street, and approval of final payment in the amount
of $21,708.00, to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas. The
original contract amount was $98,790.00, this change order brings the
total contract amount to $81,000.00. Funding is available in Capital
Improvement Fund Tinaja Creek Concrete Channel Improvement Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $4,421.00, to the
construction contract with The Stewart Company, Laredo, Texas, for
additional features recommended by the Consultant in conjunction with
the New Air Conditioning System and its accompanying Roof Structural
Support for the Bridge Administration Building Project located at the
Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge No. 2, final acceptance of the
project and approval of final payment in the amount of $15,483.00.
Funding is available in the Bridge System Bridge Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Approval of amendment no. 3, an increase of $13,500.00 to the
engineering contract with Camp, Dresser & McKee, Austin, Texas, for
additional engineering work consisting of field measurement and study
of corrosion damage to existing clarifiers for the Upper and Lower
Water Treatment Plants on Jefferson Street to increase their capacity
from 38 million gallons per day to 55 million gallons per day project.
Funding is available in the Waterworks System Fund. The original
contract was $572,000.00 and this amendment brings the total contract
amount to $708,320.00. Funding is available in the Waterworks System
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Authorize the cancellation of a thirty-six month copier rental
contract with Ozped, Laredo, Texas, for providing ten copiers for
various City Departments due to non delivery. Staff is requesting
that City Council award a contract to the next low bidder, Xerox
Corporation, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $56,558.16.
Xerox has been the successful contract vendor for the last four years.
The contract pricing is approximately the same as the previous thirty
six month contract period.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Requesting authorization to proceed with an emergency purchase of a
replacement ambulance from Reliable Emergency Vehicles, Comanche,
Texas, in the amount of $85,000.00. This ambulance will replace a
1991 unit that was deemed inoperable and unsafe for emergency
response. The City will receive a trade-in allowance in the amount of
$22,000.00, which will be used to offset the total purchase cost. The
remaining balance will be paid from surplus CO bond funds. Reliable
Emergency Vehicles will deliver the new unit within one hundred twenty
days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Motion to (1) accept the Webb County Appraisal District Property
Appraisal Roll, (2) accept the Effective Tax Rate Calculation, (3)
setting a Public Hearing for September 15, 1997, to discuss the
proposed Tax Year 1997 tax rate, and (4) authorizing the Tax
Assessor/Collector to begin publication of notices.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Adopting a schedule of hearings and proceedings, and directing staff
to prepare a service plan for the annexation of 12 parcels of land
totaling 1,654.3424 acres in accordance with Section 43.052 of the
Texas Local Government Code and which consists of the following:
Unilateral Annexation:
a) Tract 1a: Unitec Industrial Park Tract -338.7082 acres, more or
less
b) Tract 1b: IH35 Tract - 190.2584 acres, more or less
c) Tract 2: Bridge IV Tract - 181.2177 acres more or less
d) Tract 8a: Highway 359 Tract - 61.7122 acres, more or less e) Tract
8b: Highway 359/Landfill Tract -429.1243 acres, more or less
Voluntary Annexation:
f) Tract 3: Killam Industrial Tract - 10.6253 acres more or less
g) Tract 4: Hurd Tract - 17.8736 acres, more or less
h) Tract 5: Salinas Tract - 8.0 acres, more or less
i) Tract 6: Izaguirre Tract - 7.819 acres, more or less
j) Tract 7: Killam Loop 20 Tract - 15.7203 acres, more or less
k) Tract 9: Haynes Tract - 4.6808 acres, more or less
l) Tract 10: Southern Development Tract - 95.7986 acres, more or less
m) Tract 11: Garcia Tract - 265.2185 acres, more or less
n) Tract 12: Newman Tract - 35.1439 ac., more or less
Motion to approve and include the Oscar Ramos Tract located on Hwy 359
as submitted by Cm. Perez.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
50. Update on the status of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that last month there was
notification from the consultants that the application was going to be
late (3-4 months) due to the presence of an endangered species in some
of the tracts.
He added that they have done the following:
(1) Mr. Eddie Garza has reviewed the facility plans to reflect some
changes in the route of those plats that were in conflict with the
Johnson Frankenia or the ocelot habitat.
(2) The Commissioners Court of Webb County have passed an agenda item
to finance the additional environmental studies needed. They accepted
to do this in a reimbursable basis and an item for us to do the next
time they meet, is to amend the contract with Paul Garza and
associates to reflect the additional scope of work. This is not money
coming out of the city, it's coming out of county funds, but for us to
avoid any complications on the timetable if we amend our contract to
them, then they can proceed. It is merely a technicality that the
Texas Development Board asked them to do. There is no danger that the
city will have a problem with the grant, they are looking to going to
the board on January with the financial application.
He said that there are about $150 million left, they have received
proposals from environmental consultants and submitted those proposal
to the Texas Water Development Board for review and approval. He
further stated that next month they will amend the contract with Paul
Garza and Associates, secure the permit from the Texas Historical
Commission and begin the work on the archaeological/biological survey.
He explained that for October they should be finished with those
surveys, have the report finished and delivered to the Texas Water
Development Board for their review. They expect that they will finish
that review sometime in November, the board does not meet in December,
therefore they won't meet with the Finance Committee until January and
the consent agenda in February.
Eduardo Garza, representing Paul Garza Engineering, said he had met
with the residents at Los Altos and Tanquesitos and has kept them
informed on the environmental concern delays.
51. Presenting a status report on the progress of the Santa Isabel Water
Well with possible action. Preliminary results show an improvement in
the water quality samples taken on July 24, 1997.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the quality
continues to be good, most of the piping has been installed, the
computers will be installed in early September, they have the
chemicals on hand, they should be running individual component tests
in September and then a performance test with the whole plant in
October. He is still saying that the 1st of November is when they
will be having the plant in operation.
Cm. Bruni questioned as to when they will they be able to upgrade the
pump and the motor so it can draw the water that the well is capable
of doing? When is council going to provide the funding to put the
right equipment in the hole?
Mr. Roman stated that they have the funding for replacement, the issue
of the pump capacity has to do more with matching the capacity of the
plant. The plant is made to receive 100 gallons per minute, out of
that they will treat and release about 88.
Cm. Bruni asked if what Mr. Roman is saying is that the Reverse
Osmosis can only treat 100 gallons per minute. He asked Mayor Ramirez
if council can authorize staff to look into the possibilities of what
it would take as far as money wise is concerned, to increase the
capability of the RO (Reverse Osmosis).
Mayor Ramirez stated that is fine.
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item G(1).
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
X. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
52. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez Jr.
1. Requesting City Council concurrence on sending a five person
delegation to San Antonio to attend the Governor's Volunteer
Leadership Conference to be held on September 21-23, 1997. Laredo has
been asked to participate in panel discussions that focus on the
resource goal areas that were identified at the President's Summit on
America's Future in Philadelphia, with possible action.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to name the five (5) individuals from within the same group
that was created to work under this program and that they decide
amongst themselves as to who is going.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Presentation by Ricardo de Anda on the Year End Report on Delinquent
Tax Collections for year ending June 30, 1997.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Requests by Mayor Pro Tem Jose R. Perez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the purchase of four
computers and two printers for use by school children at the Santo
Ni¤o Branch Library so that they may be able to complete research
papers and other homework.
Motion to authorize the purchase of four computers and two printers to
the lowest bidder out the this year's $48,000 balance in the Reserved
Appropriations/Capital Outlay Account Number 101-9810-594-99-11.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report regarding staff's research of the South Laredo Park and
its possible use for affordable housing, with possible action.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that the law on park land is very
specific and restrictive, in this case it would have to go through an
election. The additional requirement that they are still researching
is that as the law would say it, "the savor exchange of the park land
even if approved by the voters would then have to be proceeds of the
sale or the exchange of such park land used for acquiring additional
park land." He is still not finished in researching whether they have
a case law that might be able to allow for affordable housing. The
specific exceptions of the law are for cities are under 80,000 or over
a million, otherwise "park land for park land".
C. Requests by Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the assistant driver
positions at the Fire Department.
Cm. Casso stated that he believes that the City has been exposed to a
lot of liability and that it needs to cease immediately due to not
having the proper trained driver personnel.
Fernando Alarcon, President of the Firefighters Union, stated the city
is in a very high liability situation due to the fact that they don't
have enough assistant drivers. There are presently 18 approved
assistant drivers and are using regular firefighters in the place of
drivers.
Mayor Ramirez stated that Laredo is the only city that has assistant
drivers.
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, stated there were 18 assistant driver
positions approved some years back, at the present time they have only
14 left of the 18 due to promotions. They have discussed this
problem, and have reached a possible solution. The association seems
to be in accordance with it, they have decided that they could
conceivably implement those additional 20 or 21 positions within this
budget year, but without having an impact on the budget by phasing
them and approving half of them for October and then the other half
for either January or April. That would constitute just transferring
funds as opposed to having any impact on the budget. He hopes that
the association agrees to this. They are talking of a total of 21
positions within the next year, but because it only incurs the
difference in salaries from one position to the other where the
benefits and everything is already being paid, it would cost anywhere
from $55,000-$60,000 per year, they in essence are asking to
reclassify 21 positions.
Mr. Pena stated he met with the association and the chief to discuss
the assistant chief position and they would be able to phase in these
reclassified positions over the course of next year's budget without
an impact on the budget.
Motion to implement the Fire Chief's recommendation and that it be
brought back to council for action.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the agreement between the
City of Laredo and Central Power and Light for the provision and
maintenance of street illumination. Specifically, the length of time
it takes to replace a burned out light. There are some lights that
have been out for a long time.
Emilio Garza, CP&L employee, pointed that on the agreement and under
the terms and conditions, once there is a power failure the city is
responsible of notifying the electric utility company of that outage.
Once that is done, there is a five (5) day period for the repairs.
They have not held the City to this, and they do not plan to hold the
city to this, they will accept a call from any customer or anybody
that has a concern about a street light being out. There are eight
(8) employees of CP&L that are doing a patrol of the major
thoroughfares once a quarter. Presently, they have two crews working
on lights, in addition they have hired two additional crews from
contractors to do light and maintenance.
Larry Dovalina, Telecommunications Officer, stated he had surveyed and
identified several street lights in his immediate vicinity and was
told by CP&L that no one was assigned to go out and check the streets.
That anytime that a light was out that they would have to report it in
order that it get fixed and yes, they do report them, verify them, and
they do comply with timeline, notwithstanding that there are other
cities within CP&L territory who in fact have an active crew that
works daily at taking care of that problem. He added they have been
scrutinizing their franchise intensely because of all the things that
are happening. He added they believe there is a favored nation clause
within the franchise, that says that anytime any city is treated
differently from the City of Laredo, that the city automatically
should be treated in the same fashion. It is in the clause as it
directly relates to monies, and they believe it applies to the entire
franchise. They think they are obligated to have an active crew to go
out there and be pro-active rather than reactive, because then if they
are reactive we can take the posture that we assume that 5 to 10% of
our lights are out in a monthly basis and reduce our payments to them
for the particular lights by 5 or 10%. The city has over 7,000 lights
and surely more than 700 lights are out at one point in time in the
city. They are trying to encourage them to provide us with the
service and want to be treated like other cities.
Luis Landin, Traffic Director, reported that they have a 1-800 number
for the citizens and that number doesn't work. He added that it is
not acceptable to the citizens to wait so long for the repair of
street lights.
Cm. Valdez suggested that as a City Council they should send a message
to CP&L representatives that they should be active and not pro-active.
He added that Mr. Correa from CP&L had made a statement that the
transferring of CP&L was not going to affect any people in this city
and he knows people that were affected by the closure of this
facility.
Mr. Bruce Earle Miller stated that the 800 number is not working,
people report to them at the telecommunications commission that they
can't get CP&L on the phone so why bother to call and report these
lights. It is a big problem and citizens do come before the
Telecommunications Committee under Citizens Communication and are
concerned about the lights being out, about public safety, and about
burglary rates going up.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the development of a plan to
allow residents who have fences along creeks to move their fences
adjacent to the creek thereby relieving the City of a maintenance
problem.
Cm. Valdez stated that most of the people are in favor of moving their
fences and doing the maintenance work, but there are one or two that
may oppose it.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, explained that there is no
problem in allowing those who are willing to participate to move their
fences.
Erasmo Villarreal, Asst. CD Director, stated that in some areas there
are 15 ft. easements between the actual cyclone fence and the property
owner's fence line that the city maintains. In these areas they are
looking at letting the citizens possibly use these easement for their
own personal use, the city retains the easement and they take care of
it. The problems they have run into is that there is one or two
individuals who are not willing to go along with the plan and
unfortunately, since the whole area is fenced, we only have one way in
and out to take care of the whole area. They are looking at possibly
coming out with a plan where maybe if one citizen is not willing to
take care of that particular area, maybe having the abutting owners
join in and take care of that other half and relieving the problem.
They have approximately 15 orders in the Chaparral area that they will
be working with, they have already identified the ownership and will
be coming back to council with authorization to allow these right-of-
ways.
Motion to proceed with the recommendations and bring back
authorization to allow these right-of-ways at the Chaparral
area, after that move into the Retama I area and at any
other areas where property owners agree.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the disputed utilities
billing for:
a. Dr. George V. Garcia
B. Francisco M. Fanelle.
Mr. Randy Blair, CPA representing Dr. Garcia, made a presentation
before the council on his figures on meter readings on Towne North
Mobile Home Park. He stated that in some instances there were no
readings or the readings were estimates. He added that overages were
done in the 1995-1996 readings in the amount of $43,944.52. What
created the problem in 1995 is that the meters were not being read or
were read and recorded improperly causing the overbearing.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported he has been working with
Mr. Blair and they are trying to come up with a methodology that they
can both subscribe to, they do not necessarily agree as to what
figures they should use, they have had problems studying from the
readings, he has to acknowledge that there were many readings that
were
incorrect that were absent and that were illogical. Looking at six
years of history, it is not logical to look at a place that should be
using at least 15-20 million gallon of water per year vs. 1 year using
8 million gallons, another year using 30 million gallons. There are
many variables, Dr. Garcia's park only has a fixed number of
trailers, therefore, the consumption has to be predictable within
certain reason.
They have been attempting to reconcile the errors and differences, and
perhaps one of the sources of their main differences is how to do what
they see as an difference in over charge and what they see in some
points as and under charge.
There are several things where he would like direction such as: (1)
In some instances just as they may have over charged, they may also
have under charged them. It is possible that in some of the years
because of the method that was used that an under charge has occurred
and recovering that is questionable.
He has already asked the City Attorney to be prepared for this
question, so he does not expect an answer today. The ordinance
directs to correct reading mistakes up to three years prior in which
the petition for review is presented, in this case, it would probably
be about a year ago. They could by ordinance review 1994, 1995, and
1996. The ordinance does not say whether they can under charge if
they discover a mistake. He does not know what to do at this point
until he hears a different opinion.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that possibly an agreed date can be set, reset
the meter back to zero, and start from there that way from that point
on, both meters will start with zeros and we will know where that is
headed after that period. He said that from that point on we will
both be reading what is
shown on these meters because the six year meter activity is hard to
come up with, based on what has been done.
Mayor Ramirez questioned, we have come up with amounts we feel we have
under charged, and they have come up with amounts they feel we have
over charged, and wants to know what is the difference?
Mr. Roman pointed that because of the erratic readings that they have
at some points, they have no readings. At some points they have
consumptions that absolutely make no sense and the data is
questionable. They have accepted that as very fowl.
He added that Dr. Garcia has taken readings on a weekly basis on his
own, with his own staff and sent copies to him of the readings, and he
came up with a figure between January and May where he has been using
on an average about 7,026 gallons per trailer/per month which are
actual figures taken by his staff. With his figures and doing a six
year analysis it comes to an under payment of $18,840, obviously we
still have a huge difference to mediate. The review that is being
made from real documents suggest one thing, but if they look at the
data and don't believe it, then what is the alternative. Dr. Garcia
had also asked that they also look at the Casa Norte Trailer Park. He
said they ran a history on that, and came up with an average per
trailer/per month of 11,800 gallons per month, per trailer compared to
the 7,800 that they came up with the latest figures. If they back
three year they should have paid $61,000.00 and they paid $36,000.00,
in 1995 they should have paid $63,000.00 and they paid $66,000, in
1996 they should have paid $71,000.00 and they paid $81,000. There
was one year where there was
under payment and two years that were in overpayment. He asked
council as to how should they conduct these analysis.
Mayor Ramirez asked that they get three (3) years and average them
out, then come up with an amount that both can agree with 'boron y
cuenta nueva', bring back for the next council meeting for final
action and that a mutually agreed system be implemented to better
account for water usage.
F. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action on recommendation from staff to help
alleviate the truck problems on IH 35.
Luis Landin, Traffic Director, reported that he had gotten direction
from the City Manager to get together with TxDot to see if they could
designate a lane exclusively for truck traffic and they discussed that
with TxDot, however IH-35 is under construction, and they won't be
able to provide that lane until they complete portion of IH-35 all the
way to the Tourist Bureau. Then TxDot will get together with staff
and come with a plan on it. The next phase that they already
implemented is that the Police Chief got additional personnel in that
area, numbering some of the trucks. Trucks do not cross the bridge
until late in the afternoon, but he does not know why they don't it in
the morning, the bridge is ready to accept the cargo in the morning,
but for some reason across the border they do not process the
paperwork which is one of the delays.
Chief Agustin Dovalina stated they have added personnel to work the
area. They have prepared a plan, but they are
talking dollars and cents. The possibility of assigning more
personnel to try to deal with traffic and do what they can to help
alleviate and steady the flow of traffic, it is a matter of paying
overtime.
Cm. Alvarado asked that staff look at all the possibilities available
to facilitate that problem. One other suggestion was having some type
of a modular unit where the police officers can have some type of
shade during their tour checking the number systems when they get
closer to the bridge area. There have been several recommendations
brought forth through the Transportation & Traffic Safety Committee
and the main thing here was to make sure that the information was
getting across to the appropriate staff for review and of course in
recommendation to council.
Chief Dovalina stated he has a plan to deploy more officers, but it is
a matter of paying officers to be there, because it is a matter of
detracting them from their overall assignment of a particular area.
Mrs. Betty Flores spoke in reference to the issue, stating that any
decisions have to be discussed with the Mexican counterparts. She
added there are many dynamics involved, and hoped that the
conversations held be expanded with the Mexican counterparts to help
alleviate these problems.
Mr. Pena concluded by stating that Mr. Gilbert Segovia had some
recommendations from the Transportation and Safety Advisory Board and
needs to present them to staff.
G. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Presentation by Marcelino Hinojosa regarding water utilities deposits.
Mr. Hinojosa made reference to deposits on water connections which are
10 years with the city and that no interests have been received by the
depositor. He also pointed out that there is no reward for customers
with a good record when getting a new water connection. He questioned
the fact that he had received a $600 water bill, but his service was
connected on July 17th and the city is charging for the previous
tenant's water use. He added that this bill had been discussed and an
agreement was reached with the Utilities Director. He said that he
had paid $10 when he assigned the contract, but as he received his
first bill they had added another $10 for the same charge. He
concluded by requesting that staff should study these concerns
including the return of deposits. He has not received any benefits
such as having a good credit standing for having paid
utilities/deposit services on time and then customers still have to
pay another $100.00 deposit on another residence.
Mayor Ramirez explained on the issue of the $100.00 deposits, added
that this is something that council has to approve, deposits have
never been returned, but credited to customers or applied to the new
address if good credit is established. The time that a deposit kept
is something that has to be addressed at council level.
Mr. Roman commented on Mr. Hinojosa's points as follows:
(1) Whether charging a deposit is illegal?
It is not illegal, it is part of an established ordinance.
(2) His second point is that he is a 10 year resident at the same
address and when he moved he was charged a $100.00 deposit again.
That should not have occurred and if staff made an error it will
be taken care of. There is a section that stipulates that if and
when the customer has good credit record, there is a $30.00
charge. There are several conditions that establish what is a good
credit record.
(3) He questioned why deposits are not returned to commercial
accounts?
Mr. Roman answered, Mayor Ramirez explained council's decision at
council level.
(4) Mr. Hinojosa stated that it is an administrative problem that
customers leave without paying an account. He suggested staff
should ask for identification, social security number, etc.
Mr. Roman stated they have already started with this process a few
months ago, they are requiring social security number, driver's
license, or any other type of identification.
Mr. Roman concluded by saying that the problem he had in his business
of the $600 water bill dispute has already been settled.
Mayor Ramirez asked that staff look at the $100 issue and come to an
agreement.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
53. Public hearing amending Section 24.77.1 of the Laredo Land Development
Code relating to permitted lot dimensions in certain districts,
deleting lot depth requirements in AG, R-1, R-1A, R-2, RS, R-O, and B-
1 districts, providing minimum lot area and frontage requirements for
uses such as, but not limited to communication towers and off-premise
signs on tracts platted in conformance to provisions provided in
Section 212.0105 (b)(2) of the Local Government Code and Section
16.343 of the Water Code; providing for publication and effective
date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending Section 24.77.1 of the Laredo Land Development Code
relating to permitted lot dimensions in certain districts, deleting
lot depth requirements in AG, R-1, R-1A, R-2, RS, R-O, and B-1
districts, providing minimum lot area and frontage requirements for
uses such as, but not limited to communication towers and off-premise
signs on tracts platted in conformance to provisions provided in
Section 212.0105 (b)(2) of the Local Government Code and Section
16.343 of the Water Code; 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, Planning Director, made the presentation before the
council.
Mr. Raul Guzman spoke in favor of the ordinance change for the
billboard development.
Motion to increase the lot sizes to at least what they already had,
which is 4,600 in the R-2 and 46 x 100 for the R-3.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
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
54. Public hearing to adopt the Annual Budget for fiscal year 1997-1998
and appropriating the estimated revenues and balances reported therein
for the year beginning October 1, 1997 and ending September 30, 1998,
consistent with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget;
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance to adopt the Annual Budget for fiscal year 1997-1998 and
appropriating the estimated revenues and balances reported therein for
the year beginning October 1, 1997 and ending September 30, 1998,
consistent with the financial plan described in said Annual Budget;
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said Annual Budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Beto Ramirez, Budget Officer, made the presentation before the council
and presented the following recap budget changes:
General Fund Summary
1997-98 Budget Reconciliation
Operating Revenue Before Workshop $57,573,715
Operating Revenues After Workshop $58,081,655
___________
Total amount increase (decrease) 507,940
Description
Increase TMRS transfer in from Health and Benefits Fund $266,352 Increase
revenues - Transfer in from Transit to pay for
Taxi Cab Inspector 32,129
Appropriate revenue expected from CP&L litigation 60,000
Increase in Current Property Taxes 149,459 __________
$507,940
Operating Expenses Before Workshop $57,573,715
Operating Expenses After Workshop 58,119,801
Total amount increase/(decrease) 546,086
Description
Increase TMRS $266,352 Reduction
of expenses - various divisions including filing
positions until 1-1-98 (94,520)
Increase in expense for Asst. City Attorney 50,249
Increase in expense for City Secretary reclass 4,962
Add Assistant Fire Chief 67,578
Increase in expense for Taxi Cab Inspector (2610) 32,129
Decrease rental expenses for City Hall Parking (4,050)
Add appropriations for the following Bethany House 12,000
3rd party funding Paisano Girl Scout 10,000 Del Mar
Little League 3,300
SCAN 50,000
Increase appropriation for the Animal Shelter 11,437 Two Part-
time employees for custodial and recreation positions 16,000
Increase expense for security services (recreation centers) 8,000
Custodial services for the South Laredo Library 8,000
Bruni Plaza Library Conversion 144,649
Appropriate expense for City Hall wiring from CP&L proceeds 60,000
Delete Merit Program reserve (100,000) _________
$546,086
===========
Motion to incorporate $100,000 for the Century City Park out of the
Bruni Plaza monies.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
The second was withdrawn and the motion died for the lack of another
second.
Motion to explore the possibility of having Catholic Social Services
manage our utilities/rent supplement program for the indigent of
Laredo.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 4 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Perez Cm. Casso
Cm. Bruni Cm. Valdez
Cm. Alvarado Cm. Guerra
Cw. Montalvo
Motion did not pass, motions to contracts need 5 affirmative votes to
passage. Cw. Moreno did not vote.
Motion to solicit any interests from qualified providers to provide
this service (manage out utilities/rent supplement program) for us to
see who is willing to do it, and get proposals.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cm. Perez Cm. Casso
Cm. Bruni Cm. Valdez
Cw. Moreno Cm. Guerra
Cm. Alvarado
Cw. Montalvo
Motion to allocate from the Water Utility Fund $5,500 for the Rio
Grande Study Program in addition to the $8,000 that they are receiving
to be sponsors of the "Dia del Rio Event" in October.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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
55. Public hearing concerning adoption of the 1998-2002 Capital
Improvement Program for the City of Laredo.
97-R-094 Adopting the 1998-2002 Five Year Capital Improvement Program
for the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Keith Selman, Planning Director, made the presentation.
Mayor Ramirez stated what they have to do is show them as proposed and
unfunded projects.
1. He clarified, all they have to do is show the list which shows the
Capital Improvement Programs, but show them as proposed and
unfunded.
2. The other part of the CIP is the CIF (Capital Improvement Fund).
On the CIF there were no changes made to the list. They still
have $153,000.00 in drainage projects. On the public works
projects they decided to those in-house, they include the
Broadcrest Drainage Improvements (Ejido/U.S. 59), Chaparral
Channel Improvements (Clark/McClelland and Guerrero Tilden).
Also, Calton Gardens Paving which is 11 block with no curb and
gutter, civic center rehab, cemetery fence to finish in Meadow,
National Guard Armory conversion, Northeast Hillside Park Bridge.
3. The third aspect of the Capital Improvements Program is the CDBG
funds and they have to go through the projects again.
Motion to amend as unfunded projects and to be included in the books
as funded the Tinaja/Pilot Channel to include a pedestrian bridge at
Bismark Street.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
Second was withdrawn.
Motion dies to lake of second.
Mr. Juan Ramon Barrera spoke in favor.
Mr. Jesus Ponce wanted staff to provide the availability in printed
form of the program projects.
Mr. Ponce was informed that there are copies at the Public Library and
there are three (3) copies available in the City Secretary's Office
for public viewing.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that council close the public hearing, that
the resolution be placed back for considera-tion with a revised
listing of all the projects that were added by staff that were not
voted on by council. That all the items that Mayor Protem Perez and
any other councilmember have pending, that have not been included in
this five year plan, be brought back for consideration with the time
that they are proposed to take place (whether there is funding or
not). That the paving projects (Projects 60 and 61) be noted as the
final two paving projects in 1998. That the funding question be
resolved prior to the adoption of this plan to make sure that both of
these two projects are funded.
Mayor Protem Perez asked that the 1900 block of Vicente be included in
the paving projects.
Motion to close the public hearing and approve the Mayor's suggestion.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Mass Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
56. Award of a two year service contract to the LOW BIDDER, Solis Security
Specialist, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $51,376.00 per year, for
providing security guard services at the Transit Center and El Metro
Operations and Maintenance facility. Three guards will be assigned to
the Transit Center and one guard will be assigned to the Maintenance
facility. A total of five bids were received for these services.
Funding is available in the Transit System -
General Administration - Security Guard Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
57. Award of a contract to the LOW BIDDER, Alamo Iron Works, San Antonio,
Texas, in the amount of $10,101.60, for the purchase and installation
of lubrication equipment. The equipment includes all hose reels,
lubrication pumps, control valves, and a storage tank. This system
will service the new buses which require a lubricant approved by the
engine manufacturer Detroit Diesel. A total of two bids were received
for this purchase. Funding is available in the Transit System -
Capital Grants.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Mass Transit Board and convene as the Laredo
Municipal Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess as The Mass Transit Board and convene as The Laredo
Municipal Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
58. Authorizing the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation Director to
submit an application to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for
recognition of tax exempt status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the
Internal Revenue Code. This designation will allow LMHC to apply for
grants directly.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and
convene as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 9:50 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 39
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 2ND DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________ GUSTAVO
GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY