CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-36 OCTOBER 20, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Protem Jose R. Perez, Jr. called the meeting
to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Protem Perez led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
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
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. and Cw. Montalvo.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mayor Protem Perez was chairing the meeting and not voting.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of September 15, 1997
Special City Council Meeting of September 27, 1997
Special City Council Meeting of September 29, 1997
City Council Meeting of October 6, 1997
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to Grande River
Communications, Inc., for the use of a telecommunications PVC Conduit
on Juarez Lincoln International bridge and on 1000 square feet of City
right-of-way on the XXXXX block of San Francisco Avenue and the River
Bank for a term of five (5) years with an annual rent of $10,000.00
plus a fee of $4.00 a square feet for the occupation of the City of
Laredo Right-of-Way.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Amending Section 6-66 (c) titled "Special Permits" for large livestock
and wild animals, of Chapter 6, Animals and Fowl, of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Laredo; thereby specifically clarifying the
said subsection so that the Health Director has the final authority to
grant or deny a special permit independent of whether abutting and
adjacent neighbors consent to or oppose the special permit; providing
for severability; and providing for an effective date and publication.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
Motion to reconsider item #4 and change the wording from "Future
Farmers of America" to "students participating in agriculture
education programs".
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances 97-O-235, 97-O-246,
97-O-247, 97-O-248, 97-O-249, 97-O-250, 97-O-251, 97-O-252, 97-O-253,
97-O-254, 97-O-255, and 97-O-256.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 97-O-235 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents associated with a public sale to convey the
"Surface Only" of a 3.0183 acre tract of non-aeronautical
use land (approximately 131,480 square feet) being a part of
Block No. 21 -Subdivision Plat of Laredo Airport and located
at the Laredo International Airport, together with
improvements located thereon and subject to that lease
agreement as amended between the City of Laredo, as Lessor
and Pacific Southwest Bank, as Lessee, and being more
particularly described by metes and bounds to Commerce Bank
for the purchase price of $1,492,000.00. Said tract of land
is located at the 2100 Block of Saunders Street. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-235.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-246 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement
providing for possible reimbursement of part of the cost of
constructing a sanitary sewer line incurred by Camilo Prada.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-246.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-247 Ordinance granting a license to Grande River Communications,
Inc., to erect, construct, maintain, and operate a wire
telecommunications system pursuant to the City of Laredo's
Wire Telecommunications System licensing Ordinance No. 96-O-
185. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-247.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-248 Ordinance granting a license to GST Telecom Texas, Inc. to
erect, construct, maintain, and operate a wire
telecommunications system pursuant to the City of Laredo's
Wire Telecommunications System licensing Ordinance No. 96-O-
185. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-248.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 97-O-249 Ordinance amending Section 2-5, titled "City Council
Meetings," of the code of ordinances of the City of Laredo,
thereby limiting the number of discussion items that may be
placed on a City Council Meeting Agenda by each
councilmember to four (4); providing severability; and
providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve #97-O-249.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 97-O-250 Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit
for Gas Extraction on 5.0 acres out of Porcion 35, as
further described by metes and bounds, located east of
Highway 83 and south of Southgate Boulevard, known as the
Zachry No. 3 Well. Providing for publication and effective
date. (Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-250.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 97-O-251 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 94-O-077, authorizing the
issuance of Special Use Permit for gas extraction facility
on Lot 1, Block 1, Plantation Centre Subdivision, Unit 1,
located on the northeast corner of the intersection of
McPherson Road and Del Mar Boulevard, amending Section 3,
(1), by changing the distance requirement for placement of
structures near the well-head from 250 feet to 100 feet;
providing for publication and effective date. (Joe A.
Guerra) Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-251.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 97-O-252 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual
Budget to increase the revenues by an amount of
$2,000,000.00 received from the Federal Aviation
Administration Grant Offer No. 3-48-0136-20 and
appropriating $2,222,223.00, comprising of the
$2,000,000.00, grant plus the local match of $222,223.00, to
the Airport Capital Outlay/ Improvements other than
Buildings account for the purpose of purchasing four
passenger boarding bridges for the new airport passenger
terminal and to acquire a portion of the Runway Protection
Zone to Runway 35L. The local match to the grant is
available in the Airport new passenger terminal reserve
account line item. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-252.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 97-O-253 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budgets in the amount of
$492,000.00, for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program
and $146,000.00 for the (Community) Health Education Project
(total $638,000.00) of the City of Laredo Health Department
for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through August
31, 1998; and increase revenue line item 226-0000-323-4034
from $0 to $492,000.00, and 226-000-323-4069 from $0 to
$146,000.00, and expenditure line item 226-6065 from $0 to
$492,000.00 and 226-6066 from $0 to $146,000.00. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-253.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 97-O-254 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budgets in the amount of
$42,000.00, for the Chronic Disease Prevention Program,
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Project, of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning September
1, 1997, through August 31, 1998; and increase revenue line
item 226-0000-323-4055 from $0 to $42,000.00, and
expenditure line item
226-6068 from $0 to $42,000.00. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-254.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 97-O-255 Ordinance approving amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
Annual Budget in the amount of $330,110.00. The Department
of Justice will provide $297,099.00, and the City will match
$33,011.00, for the first year of funding. This supplemental
award is under the "Universal Hiring" Grant for the COPS
Ahead Grant which will fund the salaries and fringe benefits
of ten police officers for a period of three years. The
total amount of the grant is $750,000.00, with the City's
match being $407,650.00, for a three year period (August 1,
1997 through July 31, 2000).
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-255.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 97-O-256 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $98,391.00, for an agreement with
the Drug Enforcement Administration for the funding of an
HIDTA Intelligence Unit for the period of October 1, 1997
and ending September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-256.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the regular order of business and consider
items G(2), B(4), and F(1) at this time.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
17. 97-R-120 Authorizing participation by the City of Laredo with other
Texas cities in the Texas Coalition of Cities for franchised
utility issues; naming a representative to the steering
committee; authorizing payment of a participation fee and
providing an effective date.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-120.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 97-R-121 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the
Texas Department of Health in the amount of $200,000.00 for
the restructured La Familia Health Care Project (previously
known as the Diabetic/ Hypertension Education Project) of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-121.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 97-R-122 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the
amount of $1,516,584.00 to operate the Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) Program, and to issue approximately
$8,460,000.00 in federal food vouchers by the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 1997,
through September 30, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-122.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 97-R-123 Urging the United States Congress to amend the $12.00,
International Arrival and the $12.00, International
Departure Aviation Excise Tax levied on international air
travelers to exempt United States airports located on the
Mexican and Canadian borders from collecting said tax.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-123.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 97-R-124 Authorizing the acceptance of a donation of the "surface
only" of lot number 47-A, in Block Number 2, of the
Eastwoods Subdivision, Phase, III, a Subdivision in the City
of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as per plat of said
subdivision recorded in Volume 17, Page 19, Webb County plat
records for use as a city park from Big O Development, L.C.,
a Texas Limited Liability Company.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-124.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 97-R-125 Authorizing the issuance of a Drilling permit to drill and
operate a natural gas well on 5.0 acres out of Porcion 35,
as further described by metes and bounds, located east of
Highway 83 and south of Southgate Boulevard, known as Zachry
No. 3 Well.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-125.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 97-R-126 Supporting the designation of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo as an
American Heritage River.
Cm. Guerra read a letter from State Representative Robert
Turner on the American Heritage Rivers Initiative dated
August 18, 1997 as follows:
"Please register my strongest possible objection to the
President's American Heritage Rivers Initiative. When I
consider the amount of energy that has been expended by my
office alone in an effort to keep the President from
launching this illogical, ill-conceived and poorly-defined
initiative it makes me quite angry. Over the past three
years Texas has been the target of several efforts to give
federal designations to our land and waters and frankly, we
are tired of it.
If this idea made any sense at all perhaps I wouldn't be so
annoyed. There is nothing it proposes to accomplish,
however, that cannot be accomplished now especially if, as I
have been told, the AHRI will not involve the appropriation
of any new money or the creation of any new rules. Whether
the issue is economic development or environmental quality,
there is no problem that this federal designation can solve
that cannot be solved without a designation.
If the problem is that federal agencies need to improve the
"delivery of services" I would be happy to suggest a much
better, more direct and certainly a more appropriate remedy
than giving a federal designation to a river. Moreover, if
federal agencies can spare an employee to act as a River
Navigator to do a job that elected officials are there do to
according to the wishes of their constituents, then the
federal agencies have too many employees. I would be happy
to suggest a remedy for that problem, too.
There are too many unanswered questions. The AHRI makes no
sense. If the President issues an executive order enacting
the AHRI, one of two things must be true. Either this
administration supports programs that are meaningless and
illogical or there is more to the AHRI than has been
presented.
I reiterate my disapproval of the AHRI and make a specific
request that the proposal be withdrawn completely."
Cm. Guerra also read part of a letter from Ron Paul who
represents an area called Surfside, Texas which states what
he is leading a team of 8 Texas Congressman who sent a
letter to President Clinton urging him to withdraw his
executive order. He said the letter closes by saying that
the federal government has absolutely no authority to step
in and regulate the rivers and the lands through which the
rivers flow. The President is acting far outside the bounds
of the constitution and this initiative must be stopped.
Cm. Guerra urged that council vote against this resolution.
Cm. Casso read the third paragraph of the resolution where
it states, "we have been assured by the President's office
that designation of the Rio Grande as an American Heritage
River will not impose any new laws, mandates, nor
limitations or restrictions to existing property rights
and/or water rights, nor will it result in overzealous
application of existing regulations." He said he is in
support of protecting the river, but if the clause he read
is meaningless than they are going to approve a resolution
that could be detrimental to this community's future and the
river's future.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that this item
was brought forth by Mayor Ramirez as support to the
President, the idea that the river be recognized as a
ecological and cultural importance to our country. He said
there is not much detail as to how this program is going to
work so they included the provision read by Cm. Casso.
There is not much written on it, it was tend to support it
on its global way, but with that specific provisions that it
does not have an effect on property owners' right.
Cm. Valdez wants to make sure that when this resolution
comes back to them again, that it has a listing of all the
pros and cons, benefits and effects before it is considered.
Motion to table this item until the Mayor is present.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 97-R-127 Authorizing staff to negotiate and execute a Right of Entry
and Possession instrument, the right to enter upon an
approximately sixty-two-acre parcel of land owned by Fasken
Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership, for the construction of
the Laredo Northwest International Bridge. Said sixty-two-
acre parcel and to be further described on a certified
document at a later date.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-127.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to reconsider this item to rescind its adoption.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
25. Approval of the construction plans and specifications and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Laredo International
Bridge No. 1 Pavement Reconstruction at Approaches, Phase I with
tentative award on December 1, 1997. Funding is available in the
Bridge System Import Lot.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Public Works Materials - Annual Contract
b) Restaurant Equipment - Airport Terminal
c) Vehicles: Police Department (8), Airport (1), Bridge (4), Utilities
- Water Billing (2), Civic Center (1)
Funding is available in the respective Department's operating budget.
A tentative bid award is set for November 17, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposal (RFPs) for
consulting engineering services to design and prepare plans and
specifications for a belt filter press to be added to the South Laredo
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Award of annual supply contract to the LOW BIDDER, Thomas Petroleum,
Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $900,000.00, for the
purchase of transport loads of unleaded fuel and low sulfur diesel
fuel, and tank wagon loads of low sulfur diesel and unleaded fuel, for
the City of Laredo's fleet. The bid price unleaded fuel is $0.003
cents less than the previous year and $0.0015 cents more for diesel
fuel. A total of two bids were received on purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Award of an annual contract to the LOW BIDDER, TREADCO, Inc., Laredo,
Texas, in the estimated amount of $11,480.00, for providing tire
recapping services for the Fleet Maintenance Division. The Fleet
Maintenance Division has been recapping tires used on the refuse and
dump trucks with good results. New tires can be recapped two to three
times therefore extending the usefulness of the core tire. Each tire
sent for recapping is inspected and repaired as needed prior to the
recapping process. A total of three bids were received for these
services. The bid pricing is approximately 5% less than the previous
contract period. Funding is available in the Fleet departments
maintenance budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Cantu-American
Construction Co., Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $133,000.00,
for the Laredo Health Department Canopy for Perimeter of the W.I.C.
Building located at 2600 Cedar Avenue. Funding is available in the
Health Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Approval of change order no. 1, an increase of $985.00, acceptance of
the Willow/Chacon Drainage Improvements, and approval of final payment
in the amount of $13,616.50, to Ramex Construction Company, Inc.,
Laredo, Texas. The original contract amount was $103,995.00. This
change order will bring the contract total to $104,980.00. Funding is
available in Community Development Willow/Chacon Drainage Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $13,532.20, acceptance
of the 18 Inch Diameter Sanitary Sewer Main along Bustamante Street
from Meadow Avenue to East San Francisco at Zacate Creek, and approval
of final payment in the amount of $74,928.35 to BRH Garver, Inc.,
Houston, Texas. The original contract amount was $742,983.00. This
change order will bring the contract total to $729,450.80. Funding is
available in EDA Airport/Medical Park Improvements Other Than
Building.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Approval to release two and one half percent of the five percent
retainage of the items that are one hundred percent (100%) complete
and accepted in the amount of $360,724.96 to Don Krueger Construction
Company, Victoria, Texas in conjunction with the Laredo International
Airport New Passenger Terminal Project. The total contract amount is
$15,087,145.00. Funding is available in the Retainage Payable.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Approval of a contract with Texas Department of Transportation -Ads in
the amount of $16,800.00, for the purchase of a 1/2 page, 4 color
advertisement in the "1998 Texas State Travel Guide." The Laredo
Convention and Visitors Bureau Board recommends approval of this
contract.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Authorizing a lease purchase contract, in the amount of $391,888.05,
from the LOW BIDDER, DSI Consulting, McAllen, Texas, for the purchase
of a new AS/400 computer. This computer will replace the current
system which maintains the City's financial and operational software
requirements. The software packages currently installed includes:
governmental accounting, budget, purchasing, payroll, utility billing,
miscellaneous receivables, fleet maintenance, fixed assets, and the
Health Department's medical software. The term of the lease purchase
contract shall be for a 5 year period and will be financed by IBM
Credit at an effective interest rate of 5.85%.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts with the
providers listed below to provide professional health care services to
clients of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of
September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998.
Provider Program Contract Amount
1) Dr. Victor Maternal and $35,000.00
Trevino Child Health
2) Dr. Antonio Maternal and $20,000.00
Salinas/Carlos Cruz Child Health
3) Mercy Regional (a) Maternal and
Medical Ctr. Child Health $50,000.00
(b) Breast and Cervical
Cancer Control Project $50,000.00
4) Dr. Winder Vasquez TB $20,000.00
5) Dr. Benson Huang TB $20,000.00
6) Dr. Maurice Click ADM./HIV $25,000.00 $215,000.00
Jerry Robinson, Health Director, explained about Title V, medicaid
delivery fees and how they work. He said that the Health Department
by state law, must have a physician that serves in the capacity of
Health Authority and Dr. Click was selected. He explained the RFP's,
the agreement with Dr. Click, and the provider program and amounts.
Dr. Mark Stater, President CEO of Mercy Health System of Texas,
representing Mercy Regional Medical Center and Laredo Medical Group.
He said both groups have asked that six or seven family medicine
physicians and OBGYN Physicians rotate equally in the Health
Department Program in delivering clinics for the Health Department
patients who are expecting. He added that Mr. Robinson pointed out
that at their Mercy Hachar, Cigarroa Center, and Zacatecas they
delivered about $350,000 worth of services billed at medicaid rate
last year and they participated with the Health Department which paid
us $50,000.00 which is fine, that's part of Mercy's mission, and part
of their responsibilities as religious sponsor not for profit health
organization. In the breast/cervical cancer control program they
delivered about $250,000 worth of services billed at medicaid rate and
they were paid about $50,000. He said that with Dr. Click serving as
the Health Authority Director and the HIV Physician, many of those HIV
patients will eventually need in patient care, most of them are
eventually terminal and that care is delivered at Mercy and is free of
charge.
One of the areas where there is compensation available, not through
the city but through subsequent medicare payment is in the
maternal/child health care, and approximately 90% of that is delivered
at the Health Department. Currently Laredo Medical Group Physicians
are not included in that rotation, and that is his request, that the
seven (7) members of Laredo Medical Group who are family medicine
physicians and OBGYN's who wish to rotate and participated would be
allowed too. His second proposal which they have not discussed in
writing, is that currently the Health Department is paying $100,000 in
preventive prenatal health care services to physicians. Laredo
Medical Group if they chose to contract with LMG exclusively they
would be willing to waive that fee which is currently costing the city
$100,000 annually that way the city can take those monies and apply
them to other needed services such as diagnostic services, lab
services, etc.
Motion that the Laredo Medical Group physicians be rotated
and allowed to participate with 6 or 7 of their OBGYN physicians and
that all physicians who provide coverage for the OB Clinic at the
Health Department be rotated equally to provide the needed services.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Casso
Dr. Mark Stater clarified that they made two offers, to rotate equally
with current provision of compensation or a second option is an
exclusive where they would waive the current compensation.
Mr. Pena stated they will bring both back to council with
an analysis of each.
Motion to approve items 3(b), 4, 5, and 6.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 5 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Casso
37. Authorizing the City Manager to sell to Holt Company of Texas three
motor graders under the guaranteed re-purchase program for
$115,000.00, each and using the proceeds to go out for bids to
purchase two new larger 140H motor graders.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
38. Requesting authorization to direct the Laredo Affordable Housing
Corporation to allow the Laredo Builders Association an opportunity to
review the construction plans for the Los Obispos Housing Project and
to prepare bid specifications in such a way so as to allow general
contractors and/or subconstractors to bid on the project. Any
significant change to construction specifi-cations will be brought
back to City Council for approval.
Cm. Casso stated that when we went out to bids the first time they did
allow contractors to bid and subcontractors. What happened was that
there was only one bid, one company was only interested, then it
turned out it was too expensive, so what they did was to create this
non-profit organization, so that we can build the homes ourselves. He
is opposed to stopping or going back, supposedly the builders
association had nothing to do with this. As a group the association
did not endorse what is being put in the City Manager's Report. What
he thinks is happening is that they don't like the fact that we are
going to build larger homes, in larger lots, for lot less money,
that's the problem. He added that 132 homes to him is not going to do
much damage to local developers in terms of competition. He thinks
these homes should be built, he is completely opposed to stopping the
project right now. If we were to stop it who is going to pay the
architects again to do all the work again?
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that it was the Chairman Mr.
Chris Arthur of the Builders Association Committee that made the
request. They felt they wanted an opportunity to bid in the project
and to review the specifications. As far as cost, if in fact they
want to recommend changes to specifications (to the building size)
those changes would have to come back to City Council for approval and
at that point we would have to pay the architect.
Cm. Casso stated that if they wanted to bid on the project, why didn't
they bid on the project based on the specs that council authorized.
He doesn't want these people coming over here and reducing the size of
the homes, if we can put people in homes larger than 800 sq.ft., lets
do so.
Cm. Bruni quoted, "this council had already given the City Manager a
directive and instructions, and you didn't follow them, you brought
them back, you already have your marching orders...Mr. City Manager.
In the future, once this council tells you to do something, the whole
council you just go ahead and do it."
Cm. Casso stated they had acted on this item, they already made policy
on it and they are not going to stop in the middle of the road. He
stated for the record that he is opposed to the lot size and the home
size. It angers and irritates him that the homes being built are
bunkers, which is why this council temporarily suspended the project
because certain developers were skirting the guidelines.
Cm. Guerra stated we do need a city participation in this effort in
order to maintain a balance between the public and private sectors.
39. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Local Government Code
551.071 to consult with legal counsel regarding contemplated
litigation regarding 1st and 14th Amendment Constitutional issues
arising from an application for a Special Use Permit for a sexually
oriented business.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Local Government
Code 551.071 to consult with legal counsel regarding contemplated
litigation regarding 1st and 14th Amendment Constitutional issues
arising from an application for a Special Use Permit for a sexually
oriented business.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session Mayor Protem Perez announced that no formal
action was taken.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
Cm. Guerra read a letter from Southwestern Bell Company which reads as
follows:
Dear Customer:
Beginning this month, Southwestern Bell's deregulated pay phone
organization will increase pay phone rates to 35 cents in Texas. A 35
cent charge for directory assistance also will be implemented.
The rate changes are a result of the federally mandated deregulation
of pay phone services, which will result in market-based pricing in
the pay phone industry.
Pay phones will be changed over to the new rates over the next few
weeks. Our technicians will be visiting each of our pay phones to
post new instruction cards.
These changes will not affect Southwestern Bell's contract with your
company, the structure of our agreement, the commission rate your
company receives or other elements of our arrangement. If usage
remains the same, commissions on local coin calls, excluding directory
assistance, should increase.
Southwestern Bell remains committed to providing the best pay phone
value to site owners and customers alike.
Cm. Guerra stated he did not have an opportunity to place the item on
the agenda and they will not be able to act on it.
He stated he was displeased with the action taken unilaterally.
because they were advised after the fact. He instructed staff to look
into this issue and bring a report at the next meeting.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
40. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Pro Tem Jose R. Perez, Jr.
1. Announcing an invitation by our Sister City of Cienega de Flores'
Mayor Homero Quiroga to his "Tercer Informe del Gobierno Municipal de
Cienega de Flores," to be held on Thursday October 30, 1997, at 8:00
p.m. This will be his last official act as Mayor and consequently he
would like to invite the Mayor and City Council to this event.
Mayor Protem Perez read formally read the invitation to the council.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the FAR PART 150 Noise Abatement project with
possible action.
Mr. Pena stated that basically they have a grant pending
for approximately $30 million to help property owners
that live within the noise contour on the south side to
reduce the level of noise by either fixing their homes
and/or purchasing, if necessary. He added that the grant
is still pending. They will be going to Washington next
week to get a status on some grants, this one in
particular.
He said that in regards to the pamphlet that was passed
out, they have received approval from FAA on it and are
proposing to mail the notifications to those property
owners on the status of the program.
Cm. Bruni wants to see if this flyer can be mailed to
everybody in the affected area, probably from the 2400
block of the east/west streets from Guadalupe back up
towards Saunders all the way to the east end part of
District II. He wants that included with this flyer,
that staff mail a letter explaining how close we are in
getting funding for this study.
He wants information on the day/night average sound
levels, if they have increased since the study was taken
in 1994. If they have increased, he wants to know to
what levels and the frequency of the increase. In the
1994 study it showed that a jet flying over 1,000 ft. is
equivalent to the indoor sound of a rock band and he is
afraid that District II is rocking a lot lately. He
added that it is interfering with the sleep, the
tranquility of the residents and they are getting very
upset. He continued by saying that additional commerce
and airfreight is good for the city, but its to the point
where it literally does not let anybody sleep. On some
nights there is heavy commercial jet lower than 1,000 ft.
so the maximum sound level is probably higher than 110
which is creating problems with security systems going
off, car alarms and most importantly people are awaken.
He wants to know if the daytime/nighttime sound levels
have increased and wants a report from staff addressing
all these problems.
There is also contamination problems, on some roofs there
is aviation fuels which is another concern. The
breathing of aviation fuel is also another concern, and
wants that the Health Department address this issue.
What are we doing to better the quality of living in that
area.
Cm. Bruni wants to know the status on the negotiations
for the extension of our runway to the north. He wants a
report given to council and if there are any comments
from any other members of the committee.
Charles Martens, member of the Airport Advisory Board,
stated they are going through a $155 million growth right
now, consisting of a $25 million passenger terminal, $11
million to reconstruct runway 17L 35R (approximately $2
million for land acquisition, approximately $5 million
for the Runway 17L 35R extension, also Phase I of the FAR
PART 150 Noise Compatibility Program that is a $30
million program of which Phase I is a $5 million). They
are going through the Arkansas Street extension which is
$3 million, the new Mercy Hospital which is $102 million,
relocation of Public Works for $2.5 million, that is $140
million ongoing with the $155 million that we are doing.
He added that land acquisition has been slow with the
family that owns the property to the north due to
negotiation problems. On the runway extension, they have
planes taking off right off at Highway 59, some jets do
leak, there are fumes, they are loud, this is part of the
noise compatibility program, they are behind schedule,
they have not received the $5 million from FAA and they
are working as a group. The point that needs to be made
is that the 2,000 ft. extension to the north is the key.
Humberto Garza, Airport Operations Manager, reported that on noise
program flyer, the are now compiling a database of all the parties
affected with the noise and they will have that flyer going out in
about two weeks. He added that concerning the runway reconstruction,
that is 99% complete and they should have it ready by October 21st.
2. Status report on the reconstruction of Runway 17L/35R with possible
action.
This item was discussed with #1 above.
3. Discussion and possible action on IH-35 congestion at the Lincoln
Juarez Bridge with possible short term solutions to the congestion
problem, until the completion of the new Fourth International Bridge.
(Co-sponsored by Councilman Mario G. Alvarado)
This item was discussed together with B(3), C(3), and #43.
4. Request by UISD to have district campuses included in metro government
committee review of traffic circulation around schools with possible
action. (Co-sponsored by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr. and Joe A.
Guerra)
Robert Chapa, UISD Risk Manager, and Jim Ramsey, UISD Assistant
Superintendent, thanked the city staff of different departments for
their assistance in making their district a safer operating campuses.
He also commended the City Councilmembers for their effort to ensure
the safety of their young Laredo citizens for the creation of the
Metro Committee which is timely and critical given the explosive
growth of our city and the traffic problems accompanying that growth.
He added that UISD is presently engaged in the district wide review of
traffic safety in their campuses since 23 of their 27 campuses are
located in the city limits. They were relief to read in the newspaper
that the city has initiated efforts to review the traffic safety via
the Metro Government Committee. They were requesting that UISD
campuses be included in the city's traffic safety review and any
actions taken to improve the safety of the children.
Motion to include UISD campuses in the review process with the Metro
Government Committee, allow the UISD Board to select the official
representatives, and identify the problems.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the procurement of the proper
equipment to combat fires in the county and status report on the
airport crash truck.
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, reported that he has been in contact with
the County Purchasing Agent on the possibility of the county
purchasing Forestry Service Tankers with the tank capacity of 1,000-
1,500 gallons which is two or three times as much water as they can
carry on the much more expensive pumpers that they have to put into
service. They can purchase them for about $300,000-$350,000, where
the cost for the rural areas could possibly purchase Forestry Service
Vehicles for possibly less than $50,000 each. If they can purchase
them and lend them to city to fight these fires, we would have a
bigger advantage and at the same time cut down drastically on the
mistreatment of our equipment because these trucks are made for paved
and wide
streets. He concluded by saying that he will keep the City Manager
and council informed.
Cm. Bruni stated if we accept this trucks from the county, who is
going to be responsible for the maintenance and repairs.
Mr. Ramirez stated that we might go ahead and take the responsibility,
he will try and reach an agreement for them to pay for the parts, our
mechanics are very well trained in pumpers and diesel engines.
Cm. Bruni stated he is not too sure about accepting equipment from the
county and then the city having to foot the bill for the repairs.
Mr. Ramirez stated to his information these are new vehicles, they are
made available to the county because of the rural
areas and are made available at a discount by the Forestry Service.
There are two vehicles at the county compound, that are sitting there,
that they had to turn in when they requested them back at one time.
They will lend them to the city, but they are still county property
and whenever they want them back they can have them back.
Cm. Bruni encouraged the county to establish their own Fire
Department.
Cm. Casso stated his position is completely opposite to Cm. Bruni's
position which is that the county should be fighting
their own fires. Yes, they should be fighting their own fires in
terms of cost, but he does not believe we the taxpayers should pay
because 80% of the taxpayers in Webb consist of Laredo citizens and
the tax base comes from Laredo citizens. He is not one to encourage
the county to start their own Fire Department because the one ending
paying for it are the citizens of Laredo. All that has to be done is
reach an agreement as to who is going to bear the cost and work out
all the legal ramifications.
In reference to the airport crash truck, it is said that it takes 60
seconds to respond to an airplane crash, in other words all we have is
60 seconds, are we o.k. in terms of staff there and in terms of
safety? Is it a fair statement to say that right now we can respond
without adding a captain there or will it actually help the situation
if we had a captain there.
Chief Ramirez stated that the statement from 60 seconds to 90 seconds
to have a better chance of effective rescue because in an aircraft
fuel fire the heat is intense and if you don't
have the crash trucks there within a period of time, there is very
little possibility of getting anybody out of there alive. The fire
service and every study recommends a minimum of four people (4 men on
each unit). They recently upgraded the Colombia unit with four
people. Every unit is made up of an officer which for reasons of
responsibility is responsible for the full crew plus equipment. At
the present time the monies are not available to fund for personnel on
the crash truck and there are only three people there.
Cm. Casso concluded by saying that they will start looking at trying
to get a captain for the next budget or will look at it in the next
few months.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the Metro paratransit lift
program and the FTA Grant Application (project #tx-90-x406-0) for the
purchase of eight buses, and five paratransit vans.
Cm. Casso stated that he had received complaints on problems with the
scheduling, calls from physicians that they have had to take patients
home because there is no transportation available under the El Lift
program. There are some problems with the El Lift Program, it is not
working well, there is need out there and something needs to be done.
William Caine, General Chairman of Local 1670 Union of El Metro,
representing the drivers and maintenance personnel of El Metro, stated
that the concerns that they have are about efficiency, double
scheduling, and dispatch problems. Last week after he had a meeting
with Cm. Casso and discussed this issue with the company, the company
completely revamp the dispatch and with that switch in one day they
caught up and improved the system, in that same day they also put 10
more people in the scheduling. This problem have existed and have
been there for a long time, but are being addressed and now things are
moving.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that this is the first
that he had heard of these problems and asked that Gilbert Segovia,
Transit Manager, address the questions and the changes that have been
done to improve the operation.
Gilbert Segovia, Transit Manager, replied that they have addressed
some of the problems in the efficiency area primarily due to
scheduling difficulties. There has been a manual scheduling forever
and now they are looking at automating the scheduling process to be
more efficient and do on the fly scheduling. One of the things done
recently is to assign some personnel that they felt might be strong in
this area. Another process going on is that are they are going
through the client list and purging those because they do have a
number of people that on the schedule continuously for various reasons
(dialysis, school, work, etc.) that their need for the service is no
longer there and so they periodically purge those lists, which they
expect will also increase the productivity of the system and the
responsiveness. The system has a lot of demands, they heard the
request for additional service, this is a service that is limitless
and one that they have to every year determine the level of service,
balance it off against the fix route service, against their budget,
they have taken the steps to evaluate what the need are and then
recommend to council what if any, increases in the service they will
propose.
Cm. Casso wanted the status on the FTA grant on buses and extra vans.
Mr. Segovia stated that in reference to the buses, they are on the
agenda tonight, they received 15 CNG buses, the contract had an option
on it for eight additional ones and what they will do is allow them to
accelerate that process rather than going out for bids again. They
will exercise that option to receive those buses in about a year which
is the delivery time. As far as the vans, those are in the same
grant, however they are not out for vans but will be very shortly.
The grant is not approved yet, the approval is in the process now,
they do not expect any problems, and do expect approval by the end of
the year and by that time they will schedule the bids to come in at
the time of the grant approval.
3. Status report on the staging area for the elimination of the trailer
congestion on IH-35.
This item was discussed with B(3), C(3), and #43.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the Canizales Boxing Gym on
Guadalupe Street. (co-sponsored by Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Cm. Casso asked that staff look at the building and get a cost
estimate of all necessary repairs, air conditioning, and refurbishing
the building and look at a bond issue for financing.
D. Requests by Councilmember Cecilia May Moreno
1. Discussion and possible action regarding a request to have staff look
at increasing the illumination at the intersection of Ash and
Springfield Streets, and for a 3 block radius from said intersection.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, reported that they did a quick
survey for that area, all intersections have a straight light in place
right now. What they need to do now is to make sure that it is the
lumins, and if it is the lumins, they can be upgraded.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the Health Department's
mosquito spraying program to include a schedule of spraying times and
places. Additionally, what other programs are in place to eliminate
other animals such as opossums, etc.?
Jerry Robinson, Health Director, reported that depending on the
temperature they start mosquito control activities in April and
continue through October. During periods of high rainfall, such as
this year, we may continue our fogging operations until November.
Mosquito control activities include area fogging, and site specific
insecticide application. Fogging is done daily from 4:00 a.m. to 7:30
a.m. and site spraying is done during the day. During wet months we
continuously fog the entire city covering the city every five days.
Because of wet weather we are continuing this weekly schedule until
the weather changes. The Animal Control Program has impounded 7,221
animals during FY96-97, of these, 525 or 8% of the total number were
opossums. As of today we have fifty (50) traps that we have set at
different areas of the city in order to catch these elusive animals.
E. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Status report regarding the drainage and erosion problems along the
fence which borders the eastern section of the Hidden Meadows
Subdivision fence.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that as a temporary measure what
Public Works has gone in there and cleaned the area. They have
addressed the bottom of the ditch, they have cleared the area where
they can come back and put as a temporary measure for an erosion
control of the footing on the fence some type of rip-rap as a
temporary measure until they come back with a permanent solution which
is either the use of the additional pipe that we have on the McPherson
Drainage project. They have to study the sizing of the drainage
system that is needed, if they can use the 36" pipe they will put it
as part of this years' program.
2. Status report regarding the recommendation on a special sewer rate for
elderly individuals on fixed incomes.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that staff is looking
at restructuring our sewer rates to accommodate the elderly. There
are some problems associated with doing that which Mr. Roman is
researching and they will get a report by the first meeting in
November regarding the pros and cons.
3. Status report regarding a staff recommendation on a safe crossing area
for children to use while walking to Alma Pierce Elementary School
along Springfield Avenue.
Roberto Murillo stated they have looked at the area, but what they
need to do is get a pedestrian count at peak hours to see where the
majority of children cross. They have a traffic light at the
intersection of Springfield and Taylor, this would be the safest place
for the children to cross, what they can do is improve the signal, put
pedestrian signals, and push buttons at crosswalks. They will
continue to look and see where the majority of the children are
crossing if not, they can always try to recommend that they channelize
them to go toward the end where the traffic signal is.
Cm. Valdez stated there is Taylor which is a long way from San Pedro
and Bustamante, feedback from residents is that Bustamante is one of
the streets being used the most by the children. He wants signage or
stripping or whatever can be done along
that street (Bustamante).
Mr. Murillo stated they will continue looking at the area and at
Bustamante to see if there is need in that area.
4. Status report regarding the development of the City's "Snowbird"
attraction plan.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that if council is
interested in being a builder of a trailer park for winter tourist as
a developer, the only source of monies he can think of at this point
to do this would be the airport. There is a plan for strategic
development which will involve trying to get other sources of income,
but right now there are no sources of income do this plan. There will
be a public hearing for the CIP meeting where council will allocate
some monies to do something like this because he is not sure the
airport has the resources to develop a project at the present time.
What they can do with the Convention and Visitors Bureau is put out a
request from builders in town that we are willing to work with them in
whatever way we can within our financial resources by either favorable
lease arrangements at the airport or something such as this for
someone to develop a park.
Cm. Valdez stated something needs to be done to leverage the tourist
attraction and that we need to diversify and do something on this
regard. He stated he expects another report next month as to what
will be done or what we can do.
F. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by the BEST Organization to discuss their concerns about the
service being provided by El Metro and El Lift with possible action.
Mr. Danny LaDuque, a four year Laredo resident, stated that he was
grateful for the services provided by El Lift vans, but spoke against
the 25 cents increase to the El Lift program.
John Arndt, from BEST Organization, asked council to rescind the 25
cent increase and added that some people are not being picked up due
to the lack of vans and drivers because lack of funds. He said that
ADA does bite, someone refused to put a ramp costing $50.00 requested
by disabled people, it got to the word of some of the advocates and
they took it up. Those people are still settling that suit for $2,200
in fines plus they are going to do the ramp and do modifications on
the inside, which is what it cost them because they refuse to put a
$50.00 ramp. He said that they don't want that situation with the
city because the ADA says they are going to fine them according to the
debt of their pocket. If there was someone calling that they were
going to the doctor tomorrow and they were told by the Lift that they
can't go, it is against the law to turn them down. The ADA says if
they call 18 hours in advance they cannot turn them down, them must
haul them.
He asked council to consider the situations presented, maybe it takes
more funds, let them have it, take better care of the disabled, the
ADA is a dual that bites when they do the move. He asked that the
rescind the 25 cents, he wants that council give them more monies so
they don't have to turn anybody down and obey the law so that the city
won't have to be liable for lawsuits by ADA.
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney stated that it would be more
in order to instruct the City Manager to take this matter to the
Transportation Committee.
Mr. Pena stated it would be in order to instruct staff to re-evaluate
the 25 cent increase which was considered by the Transportation
Committee, a public hearing was held and was adopted, Council can
consider that fare.
Motion to bring item C(2) in conjunction with this item.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to instruct staff to prepare the necessary documents to rescind
the 25 cent increase for the elderly and handicapped only, plus
instruct staff to look at the risk matters presented by Mr. Arndt and
to evaluate the service route system.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item H(1).
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Update on the drainage problems along Mann Road (at Laredo Manor) with
possible action.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that he had met with
the owners and they did come back with a revised cost estimate as was
requested. Their cost estimate came down to $600,000 and they also
received an opinion from CD Block Grants stating that a portion of the
project will be eligible which is still subject to approval under
Community Development Block Grants. The entire portion is not
eligible, but the run-off portion that the housing project creates.
Cindy Collazo, CD Director, stated that they have requested a survey
of the occupants of the 100 units and it turned out that 100% were low
and moderate at that time. The only thing is that everybody around
the area does not qualify as low/moderate the only thing that they
could do is pro-rate the cost and what they got was the on-site
improvements which is about $30,700 could be eligible for CD funding,
the total cost of the project is estimated at $644,000 and they don't
have any funds allocated. They spoke to Mr. Anderson and he was
willing to have it placed
on the CIP if council wishes. They can wait to see if any funds can
become available.
Cm. Guerra stated that owners of the project brought monies to the
table approximately 183,000 plus 30,000 from CDBG (not allocated yet),
council would have to find some funds to allocate.
Mr. Pena stated they are about $400,000 short.
Motion to incorporate the Manor Apartments Project (Drainage Project)
into CIP and place the item for Monday's meeting for discussion.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
G. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action on reviving the Youth Advisory Council.
Cm. Alvarado stated that the Laredo delegation that went to the
President Youth Initiative in Philadelphia have requested that we also
involve the youth participation in this activity and what better
vehicle than this particular vehicle to bring in the youth and get
them involved in this process. He had asked staff to bring council
up-to-date as to the perimeters, duties, responsibilities and
guidelines that have been placed before.
Cindy Collazo stated that the Youth Advisory Commission was created in
1992, with age group of 13-21, single or married, they sent out
applications and had them apply, council selected two members plus one
alternate for each district, in fiscal year 1993 it was funded with
$15,000 and $15,000 in fiscal year 1994, the funds were for the youth
and the fundraisers, for CIS (Communities in Schools), the Johnny
Canales Show. Since then it was transferred again in 1994 to the
Parks and Recreation Department and she knows they were actively
involved in the Spurs Scholarship Fund and the CIS. She understands
they
were working together with Parks and Recreation but she does not know
to what extent and thinks what needs to be done is to revive the
members.
Cm. Alvarado concluded by saying that his wish is to revive this youth
council and asked if there were any perameters or
guidelines that they need to adhere to in looking at reviving this
activity.
Mrs. Collazo stated it was left opened, it is up to council if they
want to designate any perimeters. She will provide council with all
the previous information on the youth commission.
2. Presentation by the Red Ribbon Coalition.
Ms. Toni Gamboa, Webb County Coalition Chairperson, announced that
this year's fight against drugs and their campaign "Say No To Drugs"
will begin with a parade on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. on Park Street in
front of Martin High School and continue into Shirley Stadium. There
will be a ceremony at 7:00 with approximately 3,000 students
participating. She informed council that the coalition is composed of
the different law enforcement agencies, the Health Department,
students, and other volunteers. She concluded by inviting the council
and public to join them in this very important event.
H. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the naming of a three member
Ad Hoc Committee to review the ongoing operations at the City's El
Metro Transit System.
Motion to name Mayor Protem Perez, Cm. Alvarado, and Cw. Montalvo to
the El Metro Ad Hoc Committee.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
41. Public hearing providing interested citizens an opportunity to comment
on the City's proposed change in the use of the South Laredo Community
Center from a social service facility to administrative office space
for the Parks and Recreation Department in compliance with the
Community Development Block Grant regulations cited in 24 CFR 570.505;
and approval of a Motion to convert the South Laredo Community Center
from a social service facility to administrative office space for the
Parks and Recreation Department and to reimburse the Community
Development Block Grant Program for the purchase and rehabilitation of
the facility at the appraised fair market value of $440,000.00, to be
amortized over a 20 year period to allow for 240 monthly payments of
$1,833.33.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and approve.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Public hearing for the voluntary annexation of ten tracts of land
totaling 491.1278 acres, more or less, and the unilateral annexation
of three tracts of land totaling 1,286.5786 acres, more or less, for a
total of 1,777.7064 acres, as required by Section 43.052 of the Texas
Local Government Code.
Tracts proposed for voluntary annexation are as follows:
a) Tract 3: Killam Industrial Park Tract - 10.6253 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: Killam Industrial Development Partnership, LTD.
b) Tract 4: Hurd Tract - 17.8736 acres, more or less. Petitioner: Hurd
Urban Development, LLC c) Tract 5: Salinas Tract -8.0 acres,
more or less.
Petitioner: Gerardo G. Salinas, Manager
Village Heights, LTD.
d) Tract 6: Izaguirre Tract - 8.0668 acres, more or less. Petitioner:
Tomas L. Izaguirre
e) Tract 7: Killam/Loop 20 Tract - 15.7203 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: Killam Oil Company
f) Tract 9: Haynes Tract - 4.6808 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: Richard E. Haynes
g) Tract 10: Southern Development Tract - 95.7986 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: A.R. Sanchez Jr.
h) Tract 11: Garcia Tract - 265.2185 acres, more or less. Petitioner:
E.G. Ranch, LTD
i) Tract 12: Newman Tract - 35.1439 acres, more or less. Petitioner:
Newman Investment Company
j) Tract 13: Ramos Tract - 30.0 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: Dr. Oscar Ramos
Tracts proposed for unilateral annexation are as follows:
k) Tract 1a: Unitec Industrial Park Tract - 362.173 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: City of Laredo
l) Tract 1b: I.H. 35 Tract - 190.2584 acres, more or less. Petitioner:
City of Laredo
m) Tract 2: Bridge IV Tract - 181.2177 acres, more or less. Petitioner:
City of Laredo
n) Tract 8a: Highway 359 Tract - 61.7122 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: City of Laredo
o) Tract 8b: Highway 359/Landfill Tract - 490.8365 acres, more or less.
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman, City Planner, made the presentation before the council
and read the service plans for the unilateral annex-ation and the
voluntary annexations. A written service plan was not provided by the
City Planner to the City Secretary for public review.
Jesus Ponce asked how the city is going to afford the services for all
of these annexations.
Keith Selman replied that the only tracts for which the services are
required are those that are unilateral in nature, that is unvoluntary
annexations, there are services currently provided in those areas and
services are available specifically water services. The water line in
359 and the water that already exists up towards the Unitec area.
Motion to close the public hearing and proceed with the annexation
hearings.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Public hearing to receive citizen input on the feasibility of
establishing a truck staging area in North Laredo to contain
commercial trucks transporting cargo into Mexico, via Bridge II.
Additionally, informing the public regarding the complete
reconstruction of Saunders Avenue (Highway 59) from Ejido Avenue to
Interstate 35 and how it will impact cargo as well as passenger
traffic during the next 18 months.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Tom Wade, Executive Vice President of the Laredo Transportation
Association, reported that their recommendations were as follows:
* Upon completion of the IH-35 project by TxDOT, projected completion
date in December 1997;
* Utilizing Texas Senate Bill 773, pass a city ordinance designating
the inside left lane of Southbound IH-35, for use by all cargo
carrying commercial traffic entering Mexico;
* Thus allowing other vehicles the use of the remaining lanes;
* And with the assistance of TxDOT, erect signs to indicate the lane
designation in a manner sufficient to inform all motorist of the
lane designations;
* And with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department, enforce the
above ordinance by utilizing dedicated officers along the Southbound
IH-35 area, including, providing traffic control at all cross
streets at the entrance of Bridge II;
* And have the City of Laredo Traffic Department work with TxDOT to
install traffic signals that can better control the movement of
commercial traffic and passenger cars at the cross streets located
just before entering the southbound toll lanes of Bridge II;
* And if funding is required to provide full time traffic control, and
enforcement of the proposed ordinance restricting commercial traffic
destined for Mexico, entering at Bridge II, impose a $.05 increase
in the toll of all vehicles entering Mexico at all Laredo Bridge
system toll booths as recommended by the City of Laredo's Traffic
Safety Advisory Board. This $.05 toll increase to be utilized to
fund traffic control and enforcement. This toll to last the
duration of the ordinance designating special land usage;
* And when Bridge IV becomes operational, abolish the ordinance
designating special lane usage on southbound IH-35 and by ordinance
move all commercial traffic to Bridge IV, and Bridge III (Colombia
Solidarity Bridge);
* And that all, of the above recommendations have been discussed with
the staff of various departments within the City of Laredo municipal
government, including, but not
limited to; City Manager, Planning, Traffic, Police, Bridge System,
and that a portion of these recommendations relating to IH-35
traffic control, have been discussed with the Texas Department of
Transportation.
* The membership of the LTA opposes the ideas of any truck staging
that would occur at a location that is not immediately adjacent to
the bridge. The membership feels that an off site staging area
would in fact only move the line of commercial vehicles entering
Mexico from IH-35 to a line of commercial vehicles located at the
entrance/exit and surrounding areas of an off-site staging area.
Should the City of Laredo choose to implement an off-site area, we
would ask that commercial traffic be allowed to remain on IH-35 until
the completion of that off site staging location. Should the City of
Laredo implement changes in the hours of bridge access for commercial
vehicles going to Mexico via Bridge II, we would ask for 30 day
notice, to allow us time to contract our shipping customers, and
advise them of the changes, so they can make essential decisions on
the movement of their cargo being shipped through the Port of Laredo.
Mr. Richard Francis Flynn, Chairman of Pro-Life America 2000, spoke of
loud noise produced by the trucks, stated that the city needs a noise
abatement ordinance.
Cm. Bruni stated that he was in agreement with the recommenda-tions
provided by the Transportation Association.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, reported that the Planning and Zoning
Commission felt that different alternatives should be taken into
consideration, one being much as stated continuing
to use IH-35, adopt legislation to enforce it, another being looking
at methodology to use the Anna Truck Route and Santa Isabel as
potential staging area as well, and possibly providing an on ramp on
the other side of bridge two, looking at a methodology using 1472 as
staging area in conjunction with possibly using the Colombia Bridge,
making better usage of signage along highway in English/Spanish on IH-
35 and finally, potentially looking at fee scheduling to provide
incentives for the movement of truck during certain hours of a working
day.
Jesus Ponce stated that the train people should hire more people to
help with the crossings and that if a staging area is the best
solution, then it should be done.
Charles Martens stated that the Fourth bridge is the answer and we
should move on it as quickly as possible.
Cm. Casso stated he is opposed to the increasing of toll fees, and
feels that the additional bridge charge should be placed on commercial
traffic to absorb that cost, not the entire citizens. On the queuing
area, we are going to have a staging area, basically what the LTA said
on their letter, that they are opposed to a staging area that is away
from the bridge because that is what is going to happen with the
Fourth Bridge we are going to have a staging area there. He needs to
know how much acreage there is going to be, because from the last
meeting there wasn't that much acreage assigned to handle 240-500
trucks, so staff needs to look into that because we are going to be
transferring the problem from IH-35 to the Mines Road. People are
beginning to question the location, people are saying that saying that
all we are doing is transferring the problem to the Mines Road in
terms of traffic. He can't see leaving trucks on IH-35 another two
years past Del Mar Blvd. and thinks that council is going to have to
act or a referendum is going to be the only alternative to see what
people really want.
Hemeregildo Gonzalez, representing the Mexican Customs Brokers from
Nuevo Laredo, stated that they are also looking for solutions, but the
problem is the increase in cargo and that includes rail shipments. He
said that Columbia Bridge implicates additional costs and it's up to
the importer and they won't use it due to the increase in cost. They
are working with Mr. Pena to find a solution and that their
association will work with the City of Laredo in finding a solution to
this problem.
Juan Villarreal, TxDot Engineer, gave an update of the undergoing
construction of IH-35 and on Hwy 59 project.
Motion to adopt the recommendations of the Laredo Transportation
Association and incorporate them into the public hearing and instruct
staff to advise TXDoT to strip the dedicated lane and place additional
signage at IH-35, instruct staff to prepare the documentation and
explore the feasibility of a staging area, working with the private
sector to make the plan work, and to push for a dialogue between
Laredo/Nuevo Laredo getting them to crossing the bridge during the
extended hours (early in the morning and later in the evening) and to
see if they can continue with that dialogue and get some type of
solution there too.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 4 Against: 2 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Casso
Cm. Guerra
Mr. Pena stated the direction is to prepare an ordinance, and
hopefully within the next 30-45 days they will bring the ordinance,
and would have met with Highway Department to see how it is going to
work, will have an analysis as to the possibility of a staging area,
and the costs.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Public hearing authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a
sexually oriented business, on Lot 9, Block 1, Tejas Industrial Park,
Unit V, located at 8307 San Lorenzo Drive.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a sexually
oriented business, on Lot 9, Block 1, Tejas Industrial Park, Unit V,
located at 8307 San Lorenzo Drive, providing for publication and
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jeffrey Czar, Attorney for James Marchak, stated that his client has
complied with all requirements under the Sexually Oriented Business
Special Use Permit provisions and was requesting approval from
council.
Motion to close the public hearing, rescind previous council action,
and table for further review by staff with the owners.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Public hearing approving an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget in the amount of $1,516,584.00 to
operate the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, and to issue
approximately $8,640,000.00, in federal food vouchers by the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October 1, 1997,
through September 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approving an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $1,516,584.00 to operate the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, and to issue approximately
$8,640,000.00, in federal food vouchers by the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning October 1, 1997, through September
30, 1998; and increasing revenue line item for the WIC Program 226-
0000-323-4037 from $0 to $1,516,584.00, and expenditure line item 226-
6071 from $0 to $1,516,584.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
46. Public hearing approving an amendment to the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget in the amount of $200,000.00, for the
restructured La Familia Health Care Project (previously known as the
Diabetic/Hypertension Education Project) of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through August
31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approving an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $200,000.00, for the restructured
La Familia Health Care Project (previously known as the
Diabetic/Hypertension Education Project) of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through August
31, 1998; and increase revenue line item 226-0000-323-4036 from $0 to
$200,000.00, and expenditure line item 226-6063 from $0 to
$200,000.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as the Mass Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Award of an annual supply contract in the estimated amount of
$400,000.00, to the LOW BIDDERS, Thomas Petroleum, Laredo, Texas, for
the purchase of transport loads of low sulfur diesel fuel and tank
wagon loads of unleaded fuel for the El Metro fleet. The bid price for
unleaded fuel is $0.0015 cents more than the previous year and $0.0030
cents more for diesel fuel. A total of two bids were received for
this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Motion to waive all bus fare collection on November 28, 1997, as
participation in the City of Laredo's co-sponsoring the HEB Feast of
Sharing. This action will introduce new riders to El Metro. Based on
Thanksgiving Day 1995 revenues of $2,350.00 and HEB's contribution of
$1,000.00, the estimated forgone revenue will be approximately
$1,300.00.
Motion to waive all bus fare collections on November 28, 1997 as
participation in the City of Laredo's co-sponsoring the HEB Feast of
Sharing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Motion to exercise a contract option to purchase an additional 8 Nova
coaches for the total price of $2,499,128.00 ($312,391.00 each)
contingent upon approval of Federal Transit Administration grant
amendment.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 ÿAgainst: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Mass Transit Board and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
50. 97-RMH-118 Authorization from the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation
(LMHC) Board of Directors to accept and implement the Annual
factor increase offered from the Laredo Housing Authority -
Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Program. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows
landlords to increase the Section 8 rents by the annual
factor increase percentages which are as follows: 2.6% for
rents ranging from $310.00 -$349.00 and 2.3% for rents
ranging from $350.00-$419.00. The rents being proposed are
still lower than comparably sized apartments throughout our
community. HUD pays the difference of the rent charged by
landlords, meaning that this proposed increase will not
affect the current rent being paid by Section 8 participants.
In addition, Section 8 participants are only responsible for
paying rent based on 30% of their income. The revenues
generated from the rental rate increase will be used to
assist in funding the necessary LMHC Capital Improvement
Projects (CIP) and operational costs. The Section 8 Annual
Factor increase will be implemented to all Section 8
contracts as they are renewed at both the Jose A. Flores
Apartments and Tomas Flores Apartments.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
97-R-36 (S) OCTOBER 20, 1997
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
A. Consideration and action to develop a program to address the drop-off and
traffic congestion problem at L.I.S.D. schools.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that the Metro Committee
met with a representative of LISD Board on October 16th, Cm. Alvarado and
Cm. Perez were present at the board meeting when they appointed three of
their members Frank Staggs, Mr. Rodriguez, and Joe Valdez to a committee
to deal with the City Council on working with LISD schools to develop a
program to address school drop-off problems. In addition, they
specifically dealt with Farias Elementary School which council authorized
a study to be done there, and they have a proposal which was delivered to
council which shows the city cost contribution to be approximately
$113,000 to construct Ortiz Street and put a traffic signal in that area.
The rest of the improvements which are basically parking lot improvement
and a drop-off zone on the Chicago Street side would be paid for by the
school district. They took further action at that meeting directing their
staff to appropriate funds approximately $830,000 to make this project a
reality. The city does not have the $113,000, there will be a workshop on
the Capital Improvements Program in October 27th and council might want to
consider that project. The school district was very interested in
developing a funding program by meeting with the Metro Committee and their
committee and prioritizing as to which schools can be done within the next
two or three years.
Cw. Moreno asked that staff makes sure that Buenos Aires is included in
this program.
Motion to incorporate the plan to address the drop-off and traffic
congestion problems at LISD into the CIP.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 10:30 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES O1 TO 42
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THE 20TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY