CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-38 NOVEMBER 3, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Protem Perez 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
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Mayor
Protem was chairing the meeting and not voting.
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to table this item.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Introducing an ordinance to amend the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
annual budget authorizing the reclassification of one (1) Captain, two
(2) Lieutenants, and ten (10) Investigator positions at the Laredo
Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to table this item.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #97-O-261, #97-O-262,
#97-O-263, #97-O-264, #97-O-264, #97-O-265, #97-O-266, #97-O-267, #97-O-
268, #97-O-269, #97-O-270, and #97-O-271.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 97-O-261 Amending Ordinance No. 92-O-113 known as the Southwestern
Bell Telephone Company ("Telephone Company") franchise
ordinance by amending Section 4 to extend the franchise term
for a period of six months from the date of expiration of
September 30, 1997 until March 31, 1998 to ensure that the
telephone company continues to provide telephone service in
the City pending the grant of a new franchise. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-261.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 97-O-262 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 1, Block 1 and Lot 1 Block 2, Freedom Park
Subdivision, located at Loop 20 at N. Merida Drive from AG
(Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District), providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez, Jr.)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-262.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-263 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 2 and 3, Block 1 and Lots 2 and 3, Block 2,
Freedom Park Subdivision, located at Loop 20 at N. Merida
Drive from AG (Agricultural District) and R-1A (Single
Family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business
District), providing for publication and effective date.
(Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-263.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-264 Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a
Ropa Usada Business on all of Block 759, Western Division,
located at 2802 Davis Street, providing for publication and
effective date.
(Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-264.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 97-O-265 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, Block 761 Western
Division, located at 2800 Juarez Avenue, from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District),
providing for publication and effective date. (Mario G.
Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-265.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 97-O-266 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 0.782 acres out of Porcion 22, Abstract 277, as
further described by metes and bounds, located at 8219 San
Lorenzo Drive from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District)
to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District), providing for
publication and effective date. (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-266.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 97-O-267 Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for
truck/trailer rentals and paint and body work on Lots 1, 2,
3, 10, 11 and 12, Block 1099, Western Division, located at
4420 San Bernardo Avenue, providing for publication and
effective date.
(Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-267.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 97-O-268 Authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a
Bus Terminal on Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 176, Western
Division, located at 1005 San Bernardo Avenue, providing for
publication and effective date. (Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-268.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 97-O-269 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $12,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution
will be $8,125.00, with the City designating $4,375.00, in
matching funds. These funds reflect only 25% of the total
amount of the grant. The remaining 75% of the grant will be
awarded in November 1997. The funding for this grant will be
from October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-269.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 97-O-270 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $7,500.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $4,875.00, with the
City designating $2,625.00, in matching funds. These funds
reflect only 25% of the total amount of the grant. The
remaining 75% of the grant will be awarded in November 1997.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997
through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-270.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 97-O-271 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the
amount of $2,500.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas
Department of Transporta-tion's contribution will be
$2,500.00, with the City designating $2,500.00, in matching
funds. These funds reflect only 25% of the total amount of
the grant. The remaining 75% of the grant will be awarded in
November 1997. The funding for this grant will be from
October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-271.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item IX.B(1) and F(2).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
15. 97-R-127 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Right of Entry and
Possession instrument for the right to enter upon, and take
possession of, a parcel of land owned by Fasken Ltd., a
Texas Limited Partnership, for the construction of a part of
the Laredo Northwest International Bridge.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that this
agreement is allowing the developer the exchange of water
rights at the value of $850 per acre foot when they plat and
develop the area in the future.
Cm. Bruni stated that he has a concern with the City
accepting water rights in lieu of money and the changing of
this type of agreement without the council's approval. He
requested a legal interpre-tation if the same conditions
would apply to other developers and future repercussions.
Jaime Flores, City Attorney, stated that this agreement is
executable only upon amendment of the existing ordinance.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-127.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 97-R-132 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Right of Entry and
Possession instrument for the right to enter upon, and take
possession of, a parcel of land owned by Robert Muller
Family Partnership Ltd., d/b/a
Robert Muller Ltd., for the construction of a part of the
Laredo Northwest International Bridge.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-132.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 97-R-133 Appointing Natalie Guerra and Fernando Montemayor to the
Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
representing the retail sector.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-133.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 97-R-134 Ratifying a provision for a $600.00 administrative fee for
the processing of requests to abandon and close streets and
alleys which were dedicated by plat as public easements, and
whereby title to the street or alley is held by abutting
property owners; and incorporating said provision as Section
9 of the Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook, and providing
for an effective date.
Cm. Bruni wants to make sure that when the barracades are
installed that they are installed to specific-ation of the
City of Laredo and Public Works Department.
Cindy Collazo, Community Development Director, stated that
they will bring something at the next meeting that will
address the issue on the barracades.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-134.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 97-R-135 Accepting a grant from the United States Environ-mental
Protection Agency through the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission under the Clean Water Act Section
319(h) for a grant in the amount of $161,121.44 with the
City designating $107,476.00, in matching funds and/or in-
kind services for a total of $268,597.44, to develop a
Watershed Protection through Enforcement Program for the
period from November 1, 1997 through October 31, 2000.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-135 with the following
amount corrections:
$161,121.44 ----> $161,121.00
107,476.00 ----> 107,414.00
268,597.44 ----> 268,535.00
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item E(1) and F(1).
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
20. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Safety Footwear, six month contract - Fire Department
b) Firearms - Police Department
c) Computers - City Attorney (2), Airport (1), CV&B (2), Bridge System
(4), Water Treatment (1), Water Administration (2), Wastewater
Treatment (1), Wastewater Collection (2), Risk (1), Health Benefits
(2), Police (7).
d) Blue Bags for the City's Recycling Program -Public Works
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. Authorize the purchase of five vehicles for the Police Department's
Financial Task Force. Four vehicles will be purchased through the
Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) -Cooperative
Purchasing Program, in the total amount of $67,026.55, and one from
the SOLE BIDDER, Powell Watson Motors, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the
amount of $21,297.00. Bids were requested for five vehicles, however,
Powell Watson Motors was the only vendor that responded to our bid
notice. Delivery of these vehicles is expected within sixty days.
Funding is available in the Financial Task Force's capital outlay
budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. Authorize the purchase of eight portable radios and one, six unit
rapid charger unit for the Police Department through the Houston
Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) -Cooperative Purchasing
Program, in the total amount of $17,393.65. These voice secure radios
will be purchased through the cooperative purchasing contract vendor
Motorola. Delivery of these radios is expected within sixty days.
Funding is available in the Police Department, Trust Fund -Capital
Outlay (6 radios, 1 charger unit) and in the Police Department, HIDTA
Program - Capital Outlay (2 radios).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. Award of two twelve month janitorial supply contracts to the LOW
BIDDERS, Nogalito Janitorial Supplies, Laredo, Texas in the base
amount of $14,803.00, and National Sanitary Supply, Laredo, Texas in
the base amount of $12,595.91, for providing general janitorial
supplies to all city departments. The base bid cost is approximately
9% less than the previous contract period. A total of seven bids were
received this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Pete Gallegos
Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $1,425,343.50, for the
construction of E.D.A. Project No. 08-01-03080 -Airport Medical
Infrastructure Improvements Arkansas Avenue Extension. Contract time
is eight months. A total of two bids were received for this project.
Funding is available in the EDA Airport/Medical Park Improvements
Other Than Building.
Motion to approve contingent upon right-of-way acquisition from the
U.S. Post Office.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the Laredo
Webb County Community Action Agency (CAA) in the amount of $34,500.00,
to provide homeless prevention services with 1997 Emergency Shelter
Grant (ESG) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Authorizing the City Manager to award 1997 Emergency Shelter Grant
funds (ESG) made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in the amount of $79,920.00 to Catholic Social Services of
Laredo, Inc., for the rehabilitation of the Frontera Halfway House to
include the addition of a security/waiting area and other general
improvements and authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cw.
Montalvo
27. Approval of amendment no. 2, an increase of $13,545.00, to the
contract with Naismith Engineering Inc., Laredo and Corpus Christi,
Texas for soil boring to be completed as monitoring wells in
compliance with Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission RG-17
rules and regulations, at 4200 Bartlett (LPST ID No. 101133). The
increase which was not anticipated, is due to additional drilling,
sampling, and laboratory analysis required as a result of the presence
of sub-surface hydrocarbon contamination. The original contract amount
was $42,087.00. This amendment will bring the contract total to
$58,968.00. Funding is available in the Airport Fuel Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Approval of change order no. 4, an increase of $23,378.28, to the
construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Inc., Houston,
Texas, for additional gypsum board ceiling system and MEP revisions to
accommodate the fire suppression system; to add a sign as requested by
the Library; and other miscellaneous items to the New Main Library.
The original contract amount was $5,641,000.00. This change order will
bring the contract total to $5,783,381.28. Funding is available in the
New Public Library Building.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Approval to reject all bids received for the provision of Internet
services for the Public Library. The City received bids from
Southwestern Bell Internet Services, San Antonio, Texas, and AT&T,
Laredo, Texas. The bid from AT&T exceeded our budget allocations and
the bid from Southwestern Bell required a three year commitment. Only
a one year commitment is needed due the construction of the City's
Institutional Network (I-Net) which will provide Internet access for
all City departments. New bid specifications will be prepared with
revised requirements and new bids solicited.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Approval to select EMCON Engineering and Environmental Services, Fort
Worth, Texas, and authorization to negotiate an engineering contract
to provide professional engineering services for mitigation of Methane
Gas Migration at the City of Laredo Type I Landfill located at Highway
359. This work will include the nature and extent of the methane gas
migration, engineering design, and the preparation of construction
plans and specifications with cost estimates as required for
compliance with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Subtitle D requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste
Regulations. A total of six firms responded to the City's request for
proposals. Funding is available in the Landfill Fund Contract
Services.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Authorizing the City Manager to contract with Catholic Social Services
of Laredo, Inc. (CSS) in the amount of $114,629.00, to administer the
City's Fiscal Year 1998 General Fund Welfare Assistance Program
through which rental, utility, burial, transportation, ambulance, and
health care assistance is provided to indigent individuals and
families residing in the community.
Judy Baber, Internal Auditor, stated that Catholic Social Services has
requested that they do a monthly disbursement to them, the contract
indicates quarterly so they are going to modify it upon council's
approval with a one month advance so that they will have a cash flow
to administer the program.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cw.
Montalvo
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
32. Presenting a status report on the progress of the Santa Isabel Water
Well with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the contractor has
made all the systems work and they can produce water. They need to go
to the State for approval on its use for public consumption as a water
supplier. He added that the cost for placing an 8 inch water cost is
about $300,000 per mile and the 16 inch line would cost about $400,000
per mile to extend it to the residents. On the water point
distribution, he stated that there is a cost of $25,000 to $30,000 for
dispensing the water.
Cm. Alvarado asked that Mr. Roman follow-up on Senate Bill 1509 which
is one of the items discussed at a meeting with the Mines Road
residents. He said he contacted Representative Henry Cuellar's staff
to provide him information of this particular Senate Bill and to also
provide an application to see if the residents in the Mines Road area
would benefit from the provisions of this particular bill. He said he
does not have that information yet, but hopefully this may be one way
that they can provide some type of relief and be able to get these
people hooked up to the water well now that its ready to produce
water.
Motion to draft a formal request to the County in assistance, in the
same agreement that we are continually working under, to setup a water
point distribution out at the Santa Isabel Water Well so that we can
make that water available not only to the residents that fall within
the 500 feet, but to all of the residents that reside at the county.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Update on the status of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that the supplemental
environmental report that was being prepared as consequence of finding
the Johnston Frankenia has been completed. He said this information
will be turned over to the Historical Commission by the 10th or 15th
of this month and they normally have a 30-day review period. The
consultant is optimistic that this could be right at 30 days and that
we will have the ability to go to the Finance Committee probably in
late December, but with the coming holidays he suspects that we will
be there in January. He concluded by saying that everything is in
order they will be going to the board for funding in February of 1998.
34. Discussion and possible action regarding setting a date for a workshop
to review and prioritize the list of capital projects for possible
bond funding.
City Council advised staff to call the meeting on Tuesday, November
18th at 5:30 p.m.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
35. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez Jr.
1. Presentation by Ricardo DeAnda, the City's Delinquent Tax Collector of
the 1st Quarter Delinquent Tax Collection Report.
Ricardo DeAnda reported that the figures for delinquent tax
collections for July through September 1997 as follows:
July 1 July -
Delinquent September Percent
Tax Roll Collections Collected
1997 $3,625,297 901,077 24.9%
1996 3,464,588 678,269 19.6%
1995 3,359,277 761,840 22.7%
1994 3,225,258 602,034 18.7%
1993 3,029,404 501,490 16.6%
July 1, 1997 Delinquent Tax Roll $3,464,587
Less:
Double-Assessments -22,571
Non-Existent Mobile Homes -21,405
Defunct Business Accounts -295,908
Governments-Owned Properties -18,988
Bankruptcies -521,805
Deferred/Over 65 -554,908
Unencumbered July 1, Tax Roll $2,028,999
July - September Collections 901,077
Percent of Unencumbered Roll Collected 44.4%
Current Collection Rate:
1997 (1996 Taxes) 95.61%
1996 (1995 " ) 93.91%
1995 (1994 " ) 93.94%
1994 (1993 " ) 92.74%
1995 1996 1997
Lawsuits Filed 137 178 181
Lawsuits Disposed 293 437 217
Properties Posted
for Foreclosure 15 35 53
Properties Foreclosed 0 8 1
Collection Letters Posted 20,860 12,218 15,489
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action on instructing staff to conduct a study
on the placement of temporary portable restrooms on IH-35 from
Lincoln-Juarez Bridge No. 2 to the appropriate mile marker. (Co-
sponsored by Councilmember Consuelo Montalvo)
Cm. Bruni asked that staff to meet with TxDOT and any other Department
necessary to see the feasibility of placing temporary portable
restrooms on IH-35.
Tom Wade, Vice-President of the Transportation Association, stated
that he concurred with Cm. Bruni's request.
Cm. Casso stated that this was a waste of staff's time to conduct such
a study and thinks that the idea is illegal and that staff should
proceed to look at different alternatives to solve the problem.
Cw. Montalvo asked that staff contact the state and ask if it is
feasible or not.
Motion to instruct staff to have a dialog with TxDOT to look at the
feasibility of their request.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 4 Against: 2 Abstain: 1
Cm. Bruni Cm. Casso Cw. Moreno
Cm. Valdez Cm. Guerra
Cm. Alvarado
Cw. Montalvo
C. Requests by Councilmember Cecilia May Moreno
1. Status report with possible action on the Ochoa Neighborhood Park that
was funded two years ago.
John Vidaurri, Assistant City Manager, stated this project is a CDBG
project, there is approximately $75,000 for this project, legal
completed the review of a Joint Use Agreement that was forwarded to
LISD who is currently reviewing it. He said they hope to have this
agreement brought back to City Council prior to the end of this month
and hopefully have the project moving forward for construction
possibly by the early part of spring of 1998. They will try to get
this project moving as soon as
possible subject to approval of the Joint Use Agreement to speed
things up.
2. Status report with possible action on the Health Department Playground
that was approved two years ago.
John Vidaurri reported that this is a CDBG funded project and they
they have approximately $6,000 from CDBG for the project. He
understands from CDBG staff that on October 27, 1997 we requested a
lease of funds for this project and other CDBG projects and have not
received a response from HUD yet, but that they should be forth coming
fairly soon. All they are waiting for is the request of release of
funds approval for this project and other CDBG projects from HUD.
3. The Industrial Loop (outer loop) is listed on the MPO work plan and
divided into a number of smaller projects. This is a request to have
City Council move-up the dates for those sections that connect I-35 to
the Mines Road and US 83 to the Bob Bullock Loop, with possible
action.
Cm. Alvarado stated that all the arteries that are on the Thoroughfare
Range Plan need to be addressed by the MPO because these items will
take years to be funded. He added that Bridge IV is going to be a
reality within the next couple of years and there will not be enough
arteries to take care traffic. He wants to make sure that all these
arteries are looked at by the MPO to see which ones are the priority
arterials and see how they are going to get funded.
Motion to ask MPO to consider moving the timelines for that section of
the Outer Loop that will tie I-35 to the Mines Road and that section
of the road that would tie US 83 to the Highway 359.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action on placing concrete on the
intersections of Calton Road/Springfield and Calton Road/Marcella due
to heavy traffic deteriorating asphalt pavement at these
intersections.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra)
Florencio Pe¤a, City Manager, explained that what is going to be
available is the bond funds that they hope to sell in January for
projects that possibly could be used. There was a program that was
started years back that identified various intersections that need
concrete lining, they are basically 15 intersections, some are more
traveled than others, but it would be appropriate if council wants to
include an allocation in this year's CIP to take care of these
intersections. He stated it is a matter of priorities and funding,
the only funding source that is available would be the CIP funds in
January.
Cm. Bruni asked for the list of the 15 intersections on a per district
basis and also wants to include Hillside and McPherson.
Mr. Pena stated that they make list available and will include the
traffic counts, so they can select and see which ones they want to do
first. He added that if council allocates monies in November 18th,
they can discuss in more detail what they are going to cost.
Motion to consider and look at the possibility of concrete lining
those 15 intersections such Calton, Springfield, Marcella, and other
streets as were prescribed by Councilmembers. That they conduct the
study and if the study justifies, then prioritizing those
intersections and to include Cm. Bruni's request to include Hillside
and McPherson plus include San Francisco and Calton Road and look at
other construction projects that are still pending the intersections.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Request by Dr. Hector Farias for a presentation concerning police
matters and traffic congestion problems at Bridge I and II with
possible action.
Dr. Farias addressed the council on the increase of trailer theft
which he said has increased dramatically. He stated that about 300
trailers have been stolen since the peso devaluation and is concerned
that the business may go elsewhere. He feels that the Police
Department has left this concern aside, they have tried unsuccessfully
to meet with the Chief of Police. He said they have several
questions, has the city not been able to establish communications with
the county? Is there a task force in place involving Customs, the
Department of Public Service, and the FBI so that everyone can control
the theft of trailers when the thefts occur? He said that by that
meaning the county would control the county roads, the city the city
roads, custom the bridges, so on and so forth. The security advisors
are concerned with the accelerated cost of insurance that has affected
them. The insurance and warehouse rates are very high and requests
that council comes to grip with this situation. He will meet with the
Chief of Police, the Security Advisor and whoever Mr. Pena feels
should participate in this meeting.
Dr. Farias is also concerned with the haz-mat issue. He asked that
council direct all haz-mat traffic to the Columbia Bridge and that the
city stop allowing them through Bridge I. He said he feels it is not
structurally sound. His was also concern
in case of a spill, and if it goes into the river what is the city's
liability to the citizens of this community.
On the issue of truck congestion on IH-35 he doesn't believe that all
the trailers arrive at the same time to Laredo and that this is just
poor planning by the freight forwarders. He asked that council
strongly considers the forming of a committee for international trade
and include the hiring of a Director of International Trade.
Cm. Casso said that they will meet to make recommendations to
Council in a week or so. On the International Trade Committee issue,
he does not see a problem with that. He thinks its a good idea if
they can get more people involved and can get staff to start the
paperwork and if council finds it acceptable they can get a committee
to make recommendations so they can have future public hearings with
things such as the re-routing of the haz-mat. He added he wants to
re-route everything through Colombia so they need to meet with the
Mexican Officials to start moving in that direction.
Cm. Guerra asked that staff follow-up on Cm. Casso's comments. He
said that we need to work closer with Dr. Farias and his group plus
with TxDot and Customs to get input and see what direction can be
taken to address the problems.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that they are concerned with the
theft problem, they have been trying to meet with Dr. Farias. He
added that they are working with other agencies to tackle the problem
and come up with solutions.
Cm. Bruni stated for the record that he thinks that that Chief of
Police is doing an excellent job, is doing all he can, he has not only
cargo theft problems, but traffic congestion, murder problems and
works under a budget also. He said he would not like to see that
politics are being played right now, its common knowledge in the city
that Cm. Casso is always been against our present Chief of Police. He
was on the imposing side when the decision came to chose a police
chief, quoted "Chief you are going to be picked on every time you come
by here in stuff that is just politically motivated."
Cm. Casso stated he did not place the item on the agenda,
he had nothing to do with this, he did not talk to Mr. Farias about
this issue. The chief knows that he is not picking on him and wishes
that Cm. Bruni would stop making reference to the fact that he is
running for Mayor and that he is doing this for politics.
Steve Landin, Laredo Firefighters Association, stated they would like
the hazardous materials re-routed to the Colombia Bridge because that
bridge is setup for haz-mat or has preventive structure.
Rafael Garcia, Bridge Manager, stated that Bridge I is structurally
safe, if it were not it would not be opened and they are doing
everything in their power to maintain the safety of that bridge by
minimizing the stress on it and minimizing the number of trucks that
are on it on any one time.
Mr. Farias stated that as far as the structurally soundness bridge, he
questioned has the Mexican Government come in yet to fix that part of
the bridge? Has the Brown and Root report been resolved?
2. Discussion and possible action on the proposed Fred M. Bruni Park in
east Laredo.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Mr. Steve Snow stated that they will be dedicating to the City either
9 or 14 acres as a park, depending on what UISD does. They have a
proposal outstanding to them now, to locate an elementary school there
and they may take 5 of the 14 acres as part of that campus. They
would like to proposed to council that something be done with the
school district, possibly city participation like it was done with
Father McNaboe Park.
Cw. Montalvo suggested that they bring figures in cost.
Motion to name the subject property that the developers are going to
dedicate to the city for a park in Mr. Fred M. Bruni's memory.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Bruni
F. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Presentation by Del Mar Industrial Park representatives, with possible
action.
Jorge Gonzalez, from El Banquito, spoke on the safety issue along
Santa Maria and Del Mar Industrial Park and asked council for traffic
signalization.
Jaime Gomez, representing CPL workers at 7300 CPL Road, stated that
the employees were requesting a traffic light also.
Luis Landin, Traffic Director, stated that the signal at that
intersection is warranted, it is on the CIP for 1998-99, and at budget
time council needs to scheduled it in a line item on the CIP. They
have two signals for this coming year on TAMIU and Loop 20 and the
other one in Gale and McPherson and the others will come up as per set
priorities by council. He explained that normally they do not like
put four way stop signs unless they are really needed or necessary,
that they rather wait and see if the signalization is warranted, then
they come before council and get the funding and put them. The cost
is to place a signal is approximately $45,000 because they are
installing them, but if they were to go through a consultant the cost
would be $70,000-$80,000.
Cm. Alvarado stated he had identified some reserve funds for both of
those traffic signals, and it was Cm. Casso that decided at the time
that they should get one and not both.
He said there are people of several businesses requesting the traffic
signal at Industrial Blvd. because of the amount of traffic and
because it is very difficult to cross he had requested them to be here
and put their request before the rest of the council.
Motion to include Santa Maria/Industrial Blvd. with the understanding
that Santa Maria is now under the drainage project and that we are
also looking at resurfacing Santa. Maria, that it will be
approximately about a year to finish both of this particular projects,
and that the traffic signals should be a priority at that particular
intersections. He added that they also address the extension of the
truck route on Orilla Avenue through Industrial Blvd., to be
considered as part of the CIP deliberations.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Presentation by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
requesting the City's help and participation with a cleanup project
schedule for the Mines Road area on November 16, with possible action.
Mary Nelda Barrera on behalf of the State Health Department and on
behalf of Mi Laredo asked for council approval and support of free
landfill. She explained that the area to be covered is along the
Mines Road and includes the Colonias of Penitas, Antonio Santos, Los
Corralitos, and Los Minerales.
Cm. Alvarado asked that they waive the fees for that one particular
day (November 16th) for volunteers. He said that Southern Sanitation
will be doing the transportation, and asked on the possibility of
adding the haz-mat component to one of the four sites at the Mines
Road area.
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, stated that it can be done, some of the
chemicals may not be so easy to dispose of because they have be
contained, but it can be done and they can assign someone to look into
it.
Mr. Pena stated they have hired and paid a hazardous disposable
company that will come on site November 15 they are the only certified
handlers of hazardous materials and would have to amend their contract
to take them out there and handle that material. His question was if
council wants to amend the contract for them to do that. He added the
current grant does not cover county property.
Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, suggested that on the 15th people
bring those household hazard waste to that Park and Ride and on Sunday
they will pick up the rest of the trash.
Motion to waive the landfill fees as a Cleanup Project on November
16th, that the household haz-mat material disposal be made available
to them and that this household hazardous
materials be brought to the Park and Ride on a regular schedule day of
(November 15th).
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
36. Public hearing repealing ordinance 97-O-149 dated July 7, 1997,
Section 7; to decrease the fare on the EL LIFT Transportation Program
from $1.00 to $0.75.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Repealing ordinance 97-O-149 dated July 7, 1997, Section 7; to
decrease the fare on the EL LIFT Transportation Program from $1.00 to
$0.75. Providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
37. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $50,000.00, and appropriating these funds to the
Department of Telecommunication's line item to establish the position
of Telecommunications Network Specialist.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the amount of
$50,000.00, and appropriating these funds to the Department of
Telecommunication's line item to establish the position of
Telecommunications Network Specialist.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
38. 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.
TRACTS PROPOSED FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION:
Tract 3: Killam Industrial Park Tract - 10.6253 acres, more or less
Petitioner: Killam Industrial Development Partnership, LTD
Tract 4: Hurd Tract - 17.8736 acres, more or less, Petitioner: Hurd
Urban Development, LLC
Tract 5: Salinas Tract - 8.0 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Gerardo G. Salinas, Manager, Village Heights,
LTD.
Tract 6: Izaguirre Tract - 8.0668 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
Tomas L. Izaguirre
Tract 7: Killam/Loop 20 Tract - 15.7203 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Killam Oil Company
Tract 9: Haynes Tract - 4.6808 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
Richard E. Haynes
Tract 10: Southern Development Tract - 95.7986 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: A.R. Sanchez, Jr.
Tract 11: Garcia Tract - 265.2185 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
E.G. Ranch, Ltd.
Tract 12: Newman Tract - 35.1439 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
Newman Investment Company
Tract 13: Ramos Tract - 30.0 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: Dr. Oscar Ramos
TRACTS PROPOSED FOR UNILATERAL ANNEXATION:
Tract 1a: Unitec Industrial park Tract -362.173 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 1b: I.H. 35 Tract - 190.2584 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
City of Laredo
Tract 2: Bridge IV Tract - 181.2177 acres, more or less, Petitioner:
City of Laredo
Tract 8a: Highway 359 Tract - 61.7122 acres, more or less,
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Tract 8b: Highway 359/Landfill Tract - 490.8365 acres, more or less
Petitioner: City of Laredo
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Keith Selman, Planning Director, made a presentation on each tract and
also explained the service plan for each tract.
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the purchase of kitchen cabinets for the Jose A. Flores
Apartments. Bids are being requested on the finished cabinets only,
with the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation maintenance staff being
responsible for their installation. Cabinets will be replaced in 15
rental units. A tentative bid award is scheduled for December 1, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to recess as The Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and
reconvene at the City Council.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
M97-R-38(S) SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA NOVEMBER 3, 1997
XI. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by reclassifying
three firefighters to three Captains to the Airport Fire and Rescue
Unit and authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
b. Introducing an ordinance to amend the City of Laredo's
1997-98 annual budget authorizing the reclassification of one (1)
Captain, two (2) Lieutenants, and ten (10) Investigator positions at
the Laredo Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amend the City of Laredo 1997-1998 annual budget
authorizing the reclassification of one (1) Captain, two
(2) Lieutenants, and ten (10) Investigator positions at the Laredo
Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 8:38 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 26
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD THE 3RD DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY