CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M98-R-02 JANUARY 19, 1998
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, " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, III, CITY MANAGER
JERRY BRUCE CAIN, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
City Attorney Jaime L. Flores.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of November 18, 1997
City Council Meeting of December 1, 1997
City Council Meeting of December 15, 1997
City Council Meeting of December 19, 1997
City Council Meeting of December 22, 1997
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Closing as a public easement a 227.50 square feet parcel of land more
or less (3.5' x 65') out of the 700 block of Hendricks Avenue between
Cortez and Guatemozin Streets, said parcel of land being encroached by
the improvements of the abutting property being the North 1/2 of Lot
1, Block 605, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, County of Webb, and
authorizing the sale of "The Surface Only" of said parcel of land at
the adjusted fair market value of $395.85 and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey fee
simple title to Irma Yolanda Garcia and providing for an effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Establishing a 20 MPH maximum speed limit zone on Springfield Avenue
from 150 feet south of Bustamante Street to 150 feet north of Ryan
Street during the specified hours of operation starting at 7:15 A.M.
to 8:30 A.M., and 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. to provide for a safer
crossing of students attending Alma Pierce Elementary school,
prescribing penalties for violations and providing for publication and
effective dates.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
Mr. Rico Flynn stated that 20 MPH speed limit should be establish for
every school.
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #98-O-001,
#98-O-002, #98-O-003, #98-O-004, #98-O-005, #98-O-006,
and #98-O-007.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 98-O-001 Closing as a public easement a 15 foot wide section of Diana
Avenue between Hillside Road and Aurora Street dedicated as a
public easement as per the Jesus G. Sepulveda Replat of Block
Four (4), Calton Gardens Subdivision, Number One (1), Northern
Division of the City of Laredo, County of Webb, Texas recorded
in Volume 2, Page 201 of the Webb County Plat Records and upon
closing of the street, the City will retain the entire
property as a utility easement and providing for an effective
date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-001.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-002 Street Improvements Project 60; declaring the necessity for
and ordering the paving and improvements of certain streets in
the City of Laredo, Texas; approving the Street Paving
Assessment Roll and cost estimates as prepared by the City
Engineer; and directing the City Secretary to file this
ordinance with the County Clerk as a notice of its enactment
and ordering and setting a public hearing on the 17th day of
February 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-002.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-003 Adopting the provisions of the return to work policies and
procedures for all city employees including civil service
employees pursuant to their collective bargaining agreement
and civil service rules and authorizing the City Manager to
implement the policies and procedures identified herein
pursuant to the City of Laredo's Code of Ordinances. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-003.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-004 Authorizing the City Manager to grant a Right-of-Entry Permit
to the U.S. Government for military construction, training,
and operations in the area encompassed by the following City-
owned blocks, including any public right-of-way abutting said
blocks: all of Block 672A WD, all of Block 666 WD, all of
Block 677 WD, all of Block 667 WD, all of Block 676 WD, all of
Block 668 WD, all of Block 675 WD, all of Block 669 WD, all of
Block 670 WD, all of Block 671 WD, all of Block 672 WD, all of
Block 660 WD, all of Block 659 WD, all of Block 657 WD, all of
Block 658 WD, all of Block 645 WD, all of Block 644 WD, all of
Block 630 WD, all of Block 629 WD, all of Block 416 WD, all of
Block 415 WD, all of Block 414 WD, all of Block 425 WD, and
all of Block 426 WD. Said Right-of-Entry Permit being
described and providing for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to table this item until after item #52.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to table the item.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 3 Against: 4 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni Cw. Moreno
Cm. Casso Cm. Valdez
Cw. Montalvo Cm. Guerra
Cm. Alvarado
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-004.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 4 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Cw. Moreno Cm. Bruni
Cm. Valdez Cm. Casso
Cm. Guerra Cw. Montalvo
Cm. Alvarado
9. 98-O-005 Rescinding Ordinances dated December 22, 1981, closing,
vacating, and abandoning as a public easement that portion of
San Ignacio Avenue between Matamoros and Houston Streets in
the Western Division of the City of Laredo, Webb County,
Texas; and Ordinance dated June 21, 1982, authorizing the City
Manager to enter into the necessary contract and to execute a
deed for certain City property formally known as the 800 block
of San Ignacio Avenue between Houston and Matamoros Streets to
Pablo Lozano and hereby reopening as a public easement the
above mentioned street and providing for an effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-005.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-006 Authorizing the City Manager to accept modification of lease
agreement to an existing lease with Panorama Broadcasting
Company approved by Ordinance 84-O-160b; which was previously
executed November 29, 1995 without City Council authorization.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-006.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-007 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a certain lease
agreement between the City of Laredo, as lessor, and the
Laredo Children's Museum, Inc., a Texas Non-profit
Corporation, as lessee, for a tract of land containing
approximately 3.5189 acres or approximately 153,283.28 square
feet, located at the New Laredo Public Library site located at
the intersection of McPherson Road and Sandman Road, for a
primary term of twenty-five (25) years commencing January 5,
1998, through January 4, 2023, at the annual rental rate of
ten and no/100 dollars ($10.00) with one (1) twenty five (25)
year renewal option. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-007.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-008 Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to effectively convey title to the State of Texas to
the "Surface Only" of two parcels of land at the intersection
of IH35 and FM3464 (Milo Interchange) for the construction of
two turning lanes. Said parcels being situated in Porcion 20,
Webb County, Texas; being generally described below and more
particularly described by metes and bounds;
PARCEL 1 - Being a 15,678.00 square feet (0.35992 of an acre)
tract of land, more or less, out of and a part of the Barbara
T. Fasken 489.11 acre tract of land lying and being in
Porcion 20, Abstract 48, original grantee, Bautista Garcia, as
executed by Palafox Exploration Company to Barbara T. Fasken
by deed dated December 17, 1984, and recorded in Volume 1089,
Pages 391-392, Webb County Real Property Records, save and
except 8.68 acres conveyed to the State of Texas by deed
recorded in Volume 1308, Pages 728-735, Webb County Real
Property Records.
PARCEL 2 - Being a 5,000.00 square feet (0.1148 of an acre)
tract of land, more or less, out of and a part of the Barbara
T. Fasken 489.11 acre tract of land lying and being in
Porcion 20, Abstract 48, original grantee, Bautista Garcia, as
executed by Palafox Exploration Company to Barbara T. Fasken
by deed dated December 17, 1984, and recorded in volume 1089,
Pages 391-392, Webb County Real Property Records, save and
except 8.68 acres conveyed to the State of Texas by deed
recorded in Volume 1308, Pages 728-735, Webb County Real
Property Records. (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-008.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-009 Amending the City of Laredo's Special Police Program 1997/1998
manyears by reclassifying two police officers from general
fund to Special Police Program for the Local Law Enforcement
Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This grant
will be in its second year of funding for the period of
October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-009 amending the City of
Laredo's Special Police Program 1997/1998 manyears by
transferring two police officers from general fund to Special
Police Program for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from
the U.S. Department of Justice.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-O-010 Ordinance transferring Designated Fund Balance for
Construction to the Bridge Construction Projects for Fiscal
Year 1997-98 and amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
Bridge Construction Fund for said purpose in the amount of
$371,061.00, and authorizing the City Manager to implement
said budget. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-010.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-011 To create a special revenue fund in accordance with the
provisions of the new proposed hazardous material ordinance
which requires that all fees collected shall revert to a
hazardous materials management permit fund and shall be used
for the purpose of administering and enforcing the provisions
of such ordinance and for the planning and development of
hazardous materials emergency response measures. (City
Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-011.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-O-012 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget by
increasing estimated revenues and appropriations in the
general fund by $3,445.20, and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget, providing for publication and effective
date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-012.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-O-013 Amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health and
budget in the amount of $78,916.00, for the HIV/AIDS
Prevention, Counseling and Partner Elicitation/Notification
(PCPE) Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-013.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 98-O-014 Amending the City of Laredo's 1996-1997 Annual Budget in the
amount of $62,712.00, for additional salary, overtime, fringe
benefit costs and direct operating expenses for the Multi-
Financial Disruption Task Force awarded by the Office of
National Drug Control Policy for the period of July 1, 1997
and ending June 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-014.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 98-O-015 Repealing Ordinance No. 97-O-275 and amending the City of
Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget authorizing the
reclassification of one (1) Lieutenant for one (1) additional
Captain, reclassification of two (2) Sergeants for two (2)
additional Lieutenants, reclassification of three (3)
Investigators for three (3) additional Sergeants, and
reclassification of (10) Police Officers/Cadets for ten (10)
additional Investigator positions at the Laredo Police
Department and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-015.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
20. 98-R-010 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to
the Governor's Office for funding of personnel and direct
operating expenses for a Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force in
the amount of $830,135.00, with the City designating
$423,985.00, in matching funds for a total of $1,254,120.00,
and authorizing the City Manager to sign any and all documents
pertaining to this grant application.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-010.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 98-R-011 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas
Department of Health in the amount of $173,829.00 for the
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning January 1, 1998, through
December 31, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-011.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 98-R-012 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the Texas
Department of Health in the amount of $142,492.00, for the
Neural Tube Defects Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning October 1, 1997, through
September 30, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-012.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 98-R-014 Concurring with the findings of the Environmental Assessment
regarding Loop 20 (F.M. 3464) from I.H. 35 to the proposed
Laredo Northwest International Bridge and urging the Texas
Department of Transportation to initiate construction of this
project in order to coincide with the construction timetable
of the Laredo Northwest International Bridge.
Cm. Bruni wanted briefing on right-of-way amendments
for the Fasken property and the Muller property. He said the
communication page indicates we are saving $4.13 million and
wants that staff brief them on the amendments and how much
these addendum to the right-
of-entry are going to cost the city.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, reported that there is a
provision in the environmental study that refers to a $4.1
million savings and that is one of the justifications used in
supporting alternative #2.
In addition there are two or three more reasons, in
regards to the Fasken interest for the right-of-entry which is
for the bridge head only, not for the right-of-way that they
entered an agreement with. The contract provided, in the
addendum, certain conditions that the city had to comply with.
They have costs associated within, but his opinion as staff,
none of those costs are cost that would have been borne have
it not been for this development. In other words, as the
property is being donated there are certain improvements that
have to be made to the property. He discussed the
negotiations that they had on this right-of-entry and what the
cost of those items are.
First item, approximately $25,000 cost to relocate utilities
in the area. Since the property has utility lines, in order
to continue servicing the property of the Faskens, they need
to be moved from the property that is being purchased and we
are doing it at our cost. Since he is donating, it would not
be something we would require of the person that is donating
the property.
Another cost is the $180,000 for the extension of an 18" sewer
main. This main is to service the property of the bridge and
the auxiliary uses of the bridge which include customs and
immigration. Any oversizing that will be required for that
line to require future development of the area would be at the
cost of the developers. There is no cost there, but the cost
of that extension is approximately $180,000.
He further pointed that the other is a $250,000 cost for a
lift station, he believes it is a 250,000 gallon a day lift
station. He said that basically it is a force main, that lift
station is needed for the development, they cannot build the
bridge and have customs, immigration, and all the activities
of the trucking without getting rid of sewer, so a lift
station was required for the project. It is being built, it
is built 50% greater than what would be required, so half the
cost is being over sized all ready. In discussing this with
the engineers it is more economical to build a 250,000 gallon
facility than to go in there and tear up and build
additionally.
There is a $300,000 water line, there is a 12" water main on
Mines Road that needs to be extended to service our facility,
it cannot be serviced with anything less than that because of
the pressure (the PSI) required to service the bridge
facility. Any oversizing would have to be paid for by the
developers, so if developers ties into that line, and we are
not able to handle their capacity, at that point if it needs
to be oversized the developers will have to pay the cost of
that.
Finally, there is a perimeter fence around the entire bridge
footprint, they concur with it and think it is needed, and
customs would require it so there is a cost associated with
the perimeter fence anyway. The only difference is that the
people donating the land are asking for it to be concrete
fence (block/brick) and to provide a berm in order to provide
additional noise breaks for the surrounding areas. The
estimated cost is $176,000, for fence and berm.
He concluded by saying that those are the cost elements. In
general he is advising that those costs would have been borne
by the city in any case, in the development of that bridge
property. He further gave a chronology report of the
environmental assessment. The city's time frame is no later
than July of 1999 to be under construction with the bridge and
to be finished maybe by October 1999 to be fully operational,
in the worst scenario maybe January 2000.
The total amount of figures is approximately
$1,009,000.00 which is what the city is going to have to put
in for development requirements.
Cm. Casso stated we are going to put $4.13 million in cost
savings, there are people saying that the city is not doing an
appraisal on the land is that correct or false?
Mr. Pena stated that the environmental assessment required an
appraisal to be done and they have the appraisal available.
Mr. Pena answered that is correct.
Cm. Casso stated that just to set the record straight, however
you are saying to reconstruct on a new road, how much more is
that going to cost? In other words he is trying to get to the
cost of the savings because if Mr. Pena is saying $4 million
and the $4 million is just coming from the saving of the
right-of-way, and it doesn't include the relocation of
utilities, he wants to know what the true cost is because the
$4.1 million does not give you the true cost.
Mr. Pena stated the $1 million he just identified were cost
that would be included in that project whether the land is
donated or not. For us to develop the bridge at that
location, and provide the water, and sewer to that area would
cost us this amount, so it does not matter. If we keep it
there it will cost us $1.9 million and if we move it to the
new alignment it will cost $1.9 million.
Cm. Casso said that what needs to be stressed and to set the
record straight for the public is that this council is going
to be blamed if this bridge is delayed. He added that Mr.
Hurd is going to sue the City of Laredo, and he is going to
delay the project. He stated for the record, "that this
council, and this administration, primarily is not to blame
for the delay of that bridge....it is the previous
administration because it failed to acquire the right-of-way,
they should have acquired it two years ago and they never
did." He added that he does not think that this
administration should be blamed for that, it is not their
fault that you have two landowners at each others throat.
Cm. Bruni stated that his concern is that there is no traffic
study to support the need of three roads approximately 1,000
feet away between IH-35 and the Mines Road. There is no
engineering report telling council that F.M. 3464 will in fact
be disrupted by building a new road, and also this $4.13
million savings is coming out of thin air because in 1995 we
were told that it was going be $8.5 million savings and that
number has changed. He thinks it makes no sense to accept the
conclusions of the environmental assessment without having an
opportunity to review the basis for those conclusions and
under those circumstances he would suggest that this
resolution be tabled.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
Second withdrew his motion.
Motion dies for lack of second.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-014.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 5 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni
Cm. Guerra
24. 98-R-015 Authorizing the City Manager of the City of Laredo to accept
an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to
widen and reconstruct the South Meadow Bridge at Chacon Creek
and to authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary
documents.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-015.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 98-R-017 Canvassing the returns of the Special Election held on January
17, 1998; approving the results; and ordering a Special Run-
Off Election, if necessary.
City Secretary Gustavo Guevara, Jr. read the following
election results for the record:
MAYOR TOTAL VOTES MAJORITY
(Percentage)
Betty G. Flores 5,819 38.82%
John L. Cabello 37 .24
"Rico" Flynn 23 .15
Juan Ramon Barrera 19 .12
Felipe A. Castaneda Sr. 23 .15
Poncho Casso 4,506 30.06
Fausto Sosa 4,563 30.44
TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTES 14,990
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-017.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 98-R-018 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount
of $15,000.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $9,750.00, with the City
designating $5,250.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect
the remaining balance awarded to the Laredo Police Department.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997
through September 30, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-018.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 98-R-019 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount
of $10,000.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $5,000.00, with the City
designating $5,000.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect
the remaining balance awarded to the Laredo Police Department.
The funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997
through September 30, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-019.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. 98-R-020 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount
of $37,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $24,375.00, with the
City designating $13,125.00, in matching funds. These funds
reflect the remaining balance (75%) awarded to the Laredo
Police Department. The funding for this grant will be from
October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-020.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. 98-R-021 Appointing an interim member to the Policy Board of the
Metropolitan Planning Organization. This member will serve
for the duration of Mayor Pro-Tem Jose R. Perez, Jr.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-021 confirming Louis Bruni
as the interim member to the MPO.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. 98-R-022 Requesting that the Texas Water Development Board include a
representative of the City of Laredo as a member of the
initial water planning group for area "M" of the State, and
adopting nominations, pursuant to Senate Bill No. 1 of the
75th Texas Legislature.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-022.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
31. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Car Wash Services, Annual Contract - Public Works, Fleet
Maintenance Division
b) Dry Cleaning Services, Annual Contract, Police Department
c) Manholes/PVC Pipe - Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection
Division
d) Steel Pipe Casing - Utilities Department, Water Distribution
Division
e) Vehicles and equipment as listed in the schedule of capital outlay
from certificates of obligation for FY98
2 - 1 1/2 ton trucks with aerial device (Parks-1,
Traffic 1), 2 - dump trucks (Public Works - 1,
Parks -1) 1 - riding mower, with a 72 inch cutting deck (Parks)
A tentative bid award date for the Car Wash/Dry Cleaning Services,
Manholes/PVC Pipe/Steel Pipe Casing - Utilities Department is
scheduled for February 16, 1998 and for Vehicles/Equipment the bid
award is scheduled for March 2, 1998. Funding is available in the
respective Department's operating budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the West
Laredo Traffic Circulation Study. This study will analyze and
identify traffic patterns and provide alternatives for improved
circulation and the resolution of traffic congestion. It will be
funded through L.U.T.S.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFPs) for
consulting engineering services to include a feasibility study,
surveys, design and preparation of plans and specifications for the
Laredo Bridge Department Security Systems with an option for providers
of security systems to provide and install all equipment and materials
for a complete project at the three Laredo International Bridges and
the proposed Fourth International Bridge. Funding is available in the
Laredo Bridge System Toll Plaza Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Approval to reject the sole bid received for the Extension of a Fence
at the City of Laredo Cemetery and approval to modify the construction
plans, and re-bid the project. Funding is available in the Cemetery
Fence Improvements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Authorize the rejection of all bids received for the annual contract
for ready mix concrete and authorize that new bids be solicited. New
bid specifications will be modified to include provisions for damages
caused by substandard materials and will provide for higher penalties
for failure to deliver materials within the time frame required.
Mayor Protem Perez stated there were three bidders, two did not comply
and the last one they had problems with. His
question is why if the third bidder complied with all the information,
yet they are having problems with him, yet he did comply with all the
information why was his bid not accepted?
Why are we penalizing one person and the others didn't comply.
Mr. Meza, Purchasing Director, said that the recommendation brought
forth by the department is that they need to review the specs and make
them more tighter as far as some of the requirements for complying
with the delivery time, delivery of substandard materials, and
penalizing for those standard materials. There are some provisions
that need to be strengthen.
Cw. Moreno questioned why didn't they take care of that before putting
out the specifications, why are they doing it after the bids are in?
Mr. Meza said he could not answer that question, specs were reviewed
and submitted to his office, they were published as they were
presented to his office.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that they had discovered that in
the specifications, that when a concrete fails a test and we have to
go in there and tear it out, and the supplier comes back and puts
concrete, that there is no penalty included in the contract or to
reimburse the city the cost of the labor to re-paved that sidewalk,
etc. and with this particular contractor it happened so many times.
Cm. Perez suggested that staff ask for those requirements from him.
Mr. Pena stated he would have to voluntarily agree to it, we could not
require it of him or the contractor, they can ask him if he could
consider a provision.
Motion to table and ask the vendor if he would consider complying with
our requirements or provision, and if he does not comply with the
requirements then re-bid the item.
Moved : Cm. Moreno
Second: Cw. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the IBM
Corporation in the amount of $12,589.44, for the purpose of providing
maintenance to the AS400 computer and the uninterruptedly power supply
(UPS) equipment at the Health Department for a one year period.
Funding is available from Health Department program income.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Rankin Automatic Transmission,
Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $50,000.00, for an annual
contract for transmission repairs for the Fleet Maintenance Division.
The bid pricing will be firm during the contract period and all repair
work will be secured on an as need basis. The price is the same as
last year.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Award of annual service contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Cantu Electric,
Inc., Laredo, Texas, in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, for
electrical services for traffic signals and street lights (Section I);
and $100,000.00, for construction and underground work associated with
new and/or upgraded traffic signals and maintenance of street lights
(Section II).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Award of an annual contract to the LOW BIDDER, Gateway Auto Glass,
Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $15,000.00, for providing
glass replacement service for the Fleet Maintenance Division. A total
of four bids were received for this service.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Juan Flores Roofing Inc., Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $11,500.00, for roof repairs needed at the
Jefferson Street Water Treatment plant. The City received three bids
for this contract. The repairs will be completed within two weeks
after award of contract. Funding is available in the department's
operation budget.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS, Duro-Test
Corporation, Fairfield, NJ in the amount of $22,575.00, for the
purchase of high quality, low maintenance traffic signal lamps.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Award of twenty four month copier rental contract to the Xerox
Corporation and Best Office Solutions, Laredo, Texas, in the monthly
amount of $1,095.00, for providing three copiers with coin vending
devices. These three copiers will be rented in accordance to the
provisions of the State of Texas ADA copier rental contract, class
713-A3. These copiers are designed specifically for library use as
they are designed with a beveled edge so that the spines of books are
not damaged during the copying process. The monthly rental cost
includes the use of the machines, consumable supplies except paper,
and full maintenance.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Approval of: (1) change order no. 3, a decrease of $74,744.97, which
includes $53,900.00, for liquidated damages at the Santa Isabel
Reverse Osmosis Project, and $20,844.98, for decreased items of
construction, (2) Acceptance of the Sierra Vista 5 Million Gallon
Ground Water Storage Tank and approval of final payment in the amount
of $192,150.26, to Ramex Construction Company, Inc., Houston, Texas;
and (3) approval of retaining $32,063.71, for pending punch list items
for the completion of the Santa Isabel Reverse Osmosis Facility
Project. Final construction contract amount is $3,960,430.23. Funding
is available in the Water - Santa Isabel Waterwell and Water South
Laredo Ground Storage Tank.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Approval of amendment no. 2, for an amount not to exceed $9,400.00, to
the engineering contract with Structural Engineering Company (SEA),
San Antonio, Texas, for the Laredo Northwest International Bridge
(Fourth Bridge) for additional survey work made necessary by the
increase in the area for the bridgehead. The original contract amount
is $70,450.00 and this amendment brings the total contract amount to
$679,850.00. Funding is available in Bridge System Architectural Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City's contract with Parsons
Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc., for Environmental Assessment (EA)
Service associated with the Laredo Northwest International Bridge
(Fourth Bridge) and connecting roadways at an increased labor cost of
$13,861.00, plus expenses to compensate for project tasks not covered
by the current contract and to extend the contract period from January
15, 1998 to April 30, 1998. Contract price will increase from
$113,426.00, plus expenses to $127,722.00, plus expenses.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Renewal of lease agreement with Casa Beto, Laredo, Texas, in the
amount of $16,800.00, for the lease of a warehouse facility located at
702 Davis. This warehouse is being utilized by the Health, Finance,
Bridge, and Engineering Departments as a central storage facility of
records and documents. This will be the third year that the City has
occupied this facility. The lease cost of $0.16/sq. ft. is prorated
based on the square footage utilized by each operation.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the
Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of
$159,543.00, with the City designating $70,343.00 in matching funds
for a total of $229,886.00, for funding a Domestic Violence Grant
under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 1,
1998 through May 30, 1999.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. (1) Acceptance of the City of Laredo and the Laredo Independent School
District (LISD) Sidewalk Program (13 LISD Schools) for Buenos Aires
Elementary, Ochoa/Sanchez Elementary, J.C. Martin Elementary, D.D.
Hachar Elementary, Kawas Elementary, Ligarde Elementary, Daiches
Elementary, and Zachary Elementary Schools, for Cigarroa Middle,
Memorial Middle and Lamar Middle Schools, and also for Cigarroa and
Nixon High Schools, (2) Approval of payment in the amount of
$30,718.58, to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, and (3)
Approval to retain $6,496.54 in the sidewalk program, for pending
sidewalks along Ejido Avenue at Zachary Elementary School where (LISD)
is proceeding with work on a retaining wall. Funding is available in
the Capital Improvement Fund Retainage Payable and in Capital
Improvement Fund School Sidewalks.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up items D(1),
A(1), and C(1).
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
49. Return of Medicare overpayment for ambulance billings for the period
of July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996, in the amount of $137,316.01. The
overpayment is resultant from:
(A) Medicare policy that limits payments for strictly defined
medically necessary ambulance transports with periodic changes to
the definition;
(B) yet, they pay all claims as submitted and one or two years later
audit and determine how much they overpaid that must be returned.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item #52 at this time and
consider item #8 afterwards.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
50. Update on the status of the Colonias Facility Plan and financial
application, to update contractual provisions with the consultant,
Paul Garza and Associates with possible Request for Executive Session
pursuant to Section 551.071(1)(A) of the Texas Government Code to
consult with legal counsel concerning contemplated litigation
regarding contractual provisions with the consultant Paul Garza and
Associates, and return to open session for possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that as per authorization
from council to give the consultant 10 days before they took any
action, including legal action, if he did not pay. To this date Mr.
Garza has paid about half of the monies that he owed to the
environmental firm and has finished the facility plan. He is ready to
turn in the facility plan to the Texas Water Development Board. Mr.
Garza has expressed to him that he has obtained the money from the
bank and he will be issuing checks tomorrow to the consulting
engineers on the technical side, and that he will be assigning the
remaining of the money (about $15,000 to the environmental company).
In the meantime, they have the assurances of the environmental firm
that have continued with the project but that they are not ready to
release it until they have been paid. They will have it ready so when
they get the check they will send it to the state. Unofficially, they
had February 1st deadline to turn in this documents. He asked if they
can extend that deadline of 10 working days that they were granted the
last time, to maybe this Friday to allow the consultants the
opportunity to pay if indeed he has the money in his hand to issue the
checks and then if that is not the case, then we would take the action
required.
Motion to extend the deadline until Friday, February 23rd to
allow the consultant the opportunity to pay if indeed he has the money
to issue the checks and then if that is not the case, then they will
take the action required.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Note: Supplemental agenda item was taken at this time.
51. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas
Government Code to consult with legal counsel concerning the pending
litigation styled Royal Joint Venture, a Texas Joint Venture Comprised
of LPC Capital Partnership, L.C.I. Group, Inc., Sawco, Inc., a Texas
Corporation, and Modern Form Co., Inc. vs. Louis H. Bruni,
Individually and in his Official Capacity as City Council Member for
District II of the City of Laredo, the Laredo Morning Times, a
Division of the Hearst Corporation, the Hearst Corporation, NRS
Consulting Engineers, and William F. Ueckert Jr., Professional
Engineer, Individually, Civil Action No. L-95-136 in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, and return to open session
for possible action.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that there was no
update on this item and asked council to table it.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni stated that they have an update letter to the City Council
and it was already discussed. The letter was sent back to City
Council's attorneys through our Municipal League Attorneys, that is
why it is on the agenda. Cm. Bruni said he wants the City Council to
hear the response from the letter that was sent from the attorneys of
the Plaintiff.
Motion to reconsider this item.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to go into executive session.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Protem Perez announced that no
formal action was taken.
52. Presentation by Border Patrol regarding the construction of the access
road along the Rio Grande from Tex-Mex to Central Power & Light.
Chief Border Patrol Luis Barker explained to the council the
proposal to construct a river road beginning at the immediate west
side of the Tex-Mex Railroad along the Rio Grande River to Ugarte
Street which is approximately six (6) miles of road. He added that
the project consists of a clearance of a 32 feet wide area and will
result in the construction of a 10 feet wide driving surface with a
caliche base. He said that they would assist the City of Laredo in
preparing a request for additional funding in the following year to
construct an additional 10 feet wide caliche-based roadway with the
city providing the materials for a blacktop. He advised that the
military is being used to construct this roadway and assured the
public that they are not armed and added that this project is for the
purpose of Border Patrol usage and not for military troops. The issue
on the erosion is that it is natural and not due to the road, this
issue has been addressed and taken care of.
Cm. Alvarado stated some constituents were concerned as to how this is
going to affect the area, the environment, and the impact it will
have. He said he went to planning and there is an existing path, and
because of the illegal activity it can no longer be used for anything.
If they can work something jointly, with the city they can develop it
as a scenic route in the future. He is in favor of the project as it
stands at this point.
Cm. Bruni had several concerns as follows:
Item 1(b) says, restoration of the area in construction is not
required and waived by the owner. He said we are waiving the right of
restoration and the damage done by the U.S. Government, we are
waiving that right.
Item 2, Exhibit "A" says the permit includes the right of ingress and
egress on other lands if necessary and not otherwise conveniently
available to the government. In essences what we are doing there is
allowing the government to go into any street they want to in the City
of Laredo.
Item #4 talks about damages and he thinks there has already damage
done to the ecology. Why was the U.S. government not required to get
a permit from the International Boundary and Water Commission. Also,
why our counterparts in Mexico, ICLA, were not advised?
He wants to see the contract with LCC and why the public hearings were
not initiated for the environmental impact study.
Cm. Bruni quoted, "Mr. Mayor Pro-temp and fellow Councilmembers: I am
opposed to the U.S. Government's proposal to militarized our border.
This is an idea whose time never should have come. Militarization
only bodes bad news for Los Dos Laredos. We only have to look at the
shooting death of an innocent west Texas goatherder at the hands of
the military and to think that this tragedy could happen in Laredo if
the military come in. I fear that water will not be the only thing
floating down the river.
Furthermore, the area they want to set up shop in is highly
ecologically sensitive. We are already suffering contamination and
erosion problems with the river. Why are we going to hurt a bad
situation even more?
This proposal is also going to thwart our plans to construct a river
walk that would bring positive economic development to the long
neglected part of Laredo. What kind of beauty are we going to have if
the only things our citizens and tourists see along the river are
olive green army trucks and vans with machine guns hoisted on top of
them? So much for our planned beautification if this happens. And
finally this whole proposal reeks of a bad waste of tax payer money.
Therefore, Mr. Mayor Pro-temp and council members I CANNOT in good
conscious support a measure that would threaten the safety of innocent
lives, hurt both the highly sensitive ecology of the river, our plans
for positive development in the area and shoot tax payer money down
the drain. Lets put a stop to this NOW."
He added there is talk about a minimum of about 500 troops, that are
going to be set up and down the river, and also of 200 personnel
vehicles being bulldozers and other equipment, there is talk of
setting up as many as 15 helicopter pads so we are going to have
helicopters coming up and down the border. Also, I want to go on
record as saying that I am against drugs...I am against infiltration
of drugs to enter the United States and to get into the hands of our
school children, but not at the cost of setting up a military presence
in the City of Laredo and on the river banks. I think that what we
are gonna do here is open the door for the military to set foot on
City owned property and stay there, and my idea of the river is to
beautify the river and to beautify it for economical...economic
development and to have like San Antonio Riverwalk area, and not have
the military there."
Cm. Casso stated for the record that he is opposed to the
City of Laredo granting a right-of-entry permit to the military for
construction training and operations in this area for many reasons.
1) Operation hardline has disrupted the flow of commerce in this
community, its been a disaster and the federal government has not done
much to help this community in expediting the flow of commerce. If
the government is going to spend a lot of money on 240 miles of road,
then why is it that they don't put money in this community for
infrastructure? He added that he is opposed to drugs, but this is a
phony drug war.
He had concern with the environment, said he spoke to Dr. Earhart
from LCC, and he was opposed to it, there have been several articles
in the newspaper where he has presented concerns. He wants to
revitalize the riverfront, maybe a convention center there, parks and
trails, but he just doesn't think that we should grant the military
the right-of-entry just like that. He does not believe that we should
have the military here right now, it is creating an adversary posture
with Mexico. He said that before we know it, we will have military
all the way across the border, the flow of drugs will not be stopped,
it is a poor anti-drug initiative, as long as there a demand for it,
they will not stop because it is a billion dollar industry how are we
going to stop it, not by clearing roads.
Cm. Bruni stated the only thing that it would create would be setting
up a military problem on both sides.
Cm. Guerra disagreed with his colleagues and said we are loosing the
war on drugs on illegal immigration and we need to put a stop to that.
He further stated he thinks this is a step in the right direction and
supports the efforts by the Border Patrol and the Department of
Justice.
Cm. Alvarado wants that city staff meet with border patrol so that we
can have the scenic route that has been spoken of, so that we can
beautify the area and make sure that all the environmental concerns discussed preivously are being looked.
Cm. Bruni wants item #8 and #52 tabled until they have more
information from staff and from the U.S. Government. He also wants
answers to his questions and wants clarification on "Exhibit A" item B and in item 2.
Mayor Protem Perez stated they will ask the City Manager to follow-up
on those items.
Mr. Jesus Ponce spoke on the issue and stated the council needs to
stop these congressmen from telling us or giving these rulings that hurt the communities along the river more than they
help.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Candalario Viera appeared before the council to request an
extension for his injury leave.
Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, summarized on Mr.
Viera's request. He said that on August or September of 1997 they had
this item on the agenda, Mr. Viera was requesting an extension, he had
exhausted the prior extension that was requested and had a summation
of how much time had been spent on leave with pay. On November 13th
Mr. Viera went to the doctor and the doctor gave him an indication
that he would not be able to work and that was an indefinite ruling.
His next appointment is on February 12th, so they do not have any
indication as to what his status his or ability to return is,
currently the records indicate that he has used 110 days of his sick
leave and approximately 45 days of sick leave accrued is remaining,
and 66 days of annual leave is remaining.
Mr. Viera stated he had a letter from the doctor which he submitted to
city staff.
Mr. Gilbert Sanchez stated the letter Mr. Viera provided does not
indicate that he can return to full duty and that has been the
underlined issue all along, (whether or not he can be released back to
full duty). He added that Mr. Viera has been out since 11-18-92.
Mayor Protem Perez requested a complete analysis from staff
and a recommendation, then council will make a decision for the next
agenda on whether or not grant the extension.
B. Dr. Earhart spoke in reference to the item #52 and said there
is great concern for the quality of life, has worked on this problem
for 25 years. He is concerned about what is taking place and believes
that there are things that are very easy to see, we reside upon deep
layers of river silk. He spoke of the condition of the soil, water
quality, erosion and the environmental assessment. He said we need
governmental help, we need the expertise of Corp of Engineers to help
us understand the problems.
C. Cm. Casso stated for the record that he is not endorsing any candidate
for the run-off election and announced he will be running for May 2nd.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
53. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Presentation by Tex-Mex Railroad representatives regarding the
donation of a parcel of property situated between Arkansas Avenue and
New York Avenue to provide traffic access to area residents.
Larry Fields, President of Tex-Mex Railroad, announced to council that
they were officially donating this property valued at $85,000 to the
City.
The second item Mr. Fields spoke of road consolidation and closures of
railroad crossings. He said Laredo is a Transportation Center, the
trains and trucks built Laredo, they are history and will be our
future. He stated that Tex-Mex is moving out of town. They are
moving to the other side of Loop 20, they are building a $7 million
yard, they will get out there and there won't be any road crossings,
they are building 15 miles of track and this will help the City of
Laredo, but they still need to close some of these roads. If you go
from Loring to Seymour it's 300 feet, 300 feet from one crossing to
the other, they don't need every 300 feet and they don't have them
every 300 feet. They do not expect this council, or any council, or
the citizens to support closing all road crossing. Recently, they
hired 101 people, increased their payroll by $5 million, those are
real jobs and are jobs that pay taxes, those jobs average to $15 per
hour, 82% of those people of citizens of Laredo, with that growth
comes some pain and that is road crossing and its closures. In almost
every case Tex-Mex was there first in Laredo for the exception of two
or three where the road existed before they got here, but if the
railroad was there first then they are grandfathered. If people want
a road crossing, it is the city, state and county's responsibility to
provide it, not the railroads. He added that they want to work with
the city, they want to get ISTEA funds, to build some overpasses/
underpasses to help the citizens in South Laredo. They were seeking
help from council, because there will be more traffic generated and
they need to think about what they will do on a long term, are they
going to make every one happy when they consolidate or close the road,
of course not, and they don't ask that and expect that, but they do
think they need to look at closing some of them and doing some things
to improve that, they were seeking help and will work with city when
it's time to do that.
2. Status report on the Chacon Creek wastewater interceptor with possible
action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the Chacon Creek
Interceptor is very close to being a project under construction. They
have the design complete and they are just waiting for a permit by the
railroad and arrangements with the three land owners along the route.
They will have the money for the complete project by mid February and
are awaiting the finding of no significant impact from the
environmental report. They have had all the public hearings and will
be bidding this project by late February. He said they have $9.8
million of which $6 million come from EPA as a grant and they will be
floating an issue of $5.4 to supplement.
3. Status report on the extension of Arkansas Avenue with possible
action.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that they have received the
pre-construction on this project Friday. They have been given orders
to proceed commencing today and they have asked the contractor to
coordinate the start-up with the outgoing construction contract that
TxDot is doing on Highway 59. The project is about 7- 1/2 months and
the actual construction might take place by this coming week.
Note: Cm. Alvarado's items were taken at this time.
B. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the hiring of Mario Martinez
and Associates as a legislative consultant for the City of Laredo.
(Co-Sponsored Cw. Consuelo Montalvo)
Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the contract with Mario
Martinez and Associates.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the cleaning of creeks
citywide.
Cm. Casso requested that staff look at a Rosales Street and take
appropriate measures to clean it, and maybe try to improve it. He
said that U.S. Celluar is close to this home where the creek is, there
is some property there and they are dumping all kinds of debris. He
asked that staff go out and clean it up and hold owners accountable to
that property because it's a fire hazard to the homes of the area. He
asked for a creek report by the next meeting.
Cm. Bruni requested that the creek report include all districts
including city easements.
C. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action concerning a request by Texas A&M
International University to provide additional fixed route bus service
on weekdays and implement service on Saturdays.
Gilbert Segovia, El Metro Manager, stated that pursuant to last
council direction, he had communicated formally with TAMIU to see what
their ability and inclination to fund this and any other service
increases. Mr. Segovia said they are in the process of evaluating all
our routes to determine what the productivity is of all routes in
order to determine where the most productive routes are in order to
identify where they might direct modifications during the next budget
year. They intend to discuss those preliminary findings with the Ad
Hoc Committee next month. They are also evaluating another service
which is the LCC shuttle to determine if they need to do anything with
that one. The last time he was not in the position to recommend the
increase in service because it does come at the beginning or the
middle of the budget year and this service was not contemplated when
they went to the budget workshops. For him to recommend an increase on
that issue, would have not been to the best interest to the city.
Several other reasons for that, are that there are several revenue
sources that of which the realization are still in question. The
sales tax fortunately is coming in very well, but they have other
revenues that they are looking at, primarily federal revenues. The
ISTEA was extended for a few months, they do not know what the final
outcome is on the federal funding.
In summary he thinks that to increase service, and any other service
at this time, he is not the position to recommend this because of the
budgetary implications.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that he recommends that we look
at all the routes because there might be some routes that are not as
efficient and maybe they can be changed some way, but that requires
more time to get that information together. There was a committee
appointed by council, the Metro Committee, and they would like to
share this with them because there is concern where they do not want
to be in a situation next year where they do not intend to fund the El
Metro with general fund monies.
Cm. Alvarado stated that he sits on the Ad Hoc Committee and the next
meeting will be held on February 3rd. He added that these issues were
brought up at a previous meeting, they have asked Mr. Segovia to start
looking at a five year plan so they can look at the growth, demand,
and how they expect to finance this growth.
Arturo Sanchez III, TAMIU Student President, said that it's important
that they have transportation to and from the University especially on
Saturdays. The need is for the students living on campus and students
needing the campus facilities on Saturdays and he asked council to
look at this issue.
Mr. Pena said they will bring a budget amendment for the next meeting
to amend the budget with a cost of $14,000.00 to implement that route.
Motion to instruct staff to look for a solution and implement a route
immediately on Saturdays.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
D. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Report by the South Texas International Summit Committee on the Youth
Conference held on the January 8 and 9, 1998, and acknowledgment of
local businesses and entities who helped with the conference.
Cristelo Garza, from the International Summit Committee, gave a report
on the President's Summit in Laredo in which there were 800
participants which included both school districts from Laredo,
students from Zapata, Hebbronville, and some students from Nuevo
Laredo. The summit took place at TAMIU on January 8th and at LCC on
the 9th. He reported that they opened the ceremonies with
entertainment, students were treated for lunch at campus, after that
they were taken to several areas in the city where they did volunteer
work, clean-up on the Zacate Creek area, after they finish the
activities for the day, the boarded the buses back to school. They
following day the met at LCC where they had group session, workout
sessions where the students discussed several items, foremost on those
items for the break out sessions, were things that came out of the
President's Submits which is that every child in America needs a
marketable skill through education, an ongoing relationship with the
carrying adult which would be a mentor, a tutor, a coach, a safe
places and structured activities, during non-school hours, a healthy
start, and an opportunity to give back through community service.
After the breakout session at LCC students game out with some
suggestions which they took back to their schools and now they will
work through their schools to implement their suggestions for these
five resources which came out of the President's Summit as something
that the students/children of America need in order to succeed.
Note: There was a video presentation of the events that took place.
Mayor Protem Perez recognized entities involved in this endeavor:
International Bank of Commerce, Texas A&M International University,
Mercy Regional Hospital, U.S. Cellular, Laredo Community College,
Colombia Doctors Hospital,
ITT Automotive, Alexander Pay Phone Communications, Inc., Texas
Department of Transportation Tourist Bureau, Office
Communications Systems, and H.E.B.
2. Report from staff on the Lafayette Bridge area relocation project.
Cindy Collazo, CD Director, reported that on Phase I they completed
all the acquisition. On Phase II they lack one family that is still
there, they are building a house that
ÿ should be out by April. Regarding the demolition, they have
released several contracts. They had to survey the area because of
the lead base paint and the asbestos. They have a contract already
that council awarded in December for the abatement process. They also
have another contract that they have asked Mr. Pena to sign for the
demolition. Three of the units did not contain and lead base or
asbestos so those will be sold by the contractor. The gentleman that
got the bid will be selling some of the units. There is a 60-day turn
around. On Phase II they have already sent the letters, the
appraisals are underway and they expect some appraisals by the end of
the month and the remaining four by February so they can start making
the offers and get those people moved.
Cm. Alvarado stated he has received calls on traffic concerns on
Lafayette and Pinder asked that Mr. Landin look into this matter and
make recommendation.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
54. Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $173,829.00, for the Immunization
Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget in the amount of $173,829.00, for the Immunization
Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso not present
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
55. Public hearing regarding approval of an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$142,492.00, for the Neural Tube Defects Project of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning October
1, 1997, through September 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance regarding approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of $142,492.00,
for the Neural Tube Defects Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning October 1, 1997, through September
30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
56. Public Hearing authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1998-B,
in the principal amount of $16,160,000.00, for the purpose of paying
all or a portion of the City's Contractual Obligation for the
construction of drainage improvements; construction of street
improvements and repairs; construction of a New Public Works Building;
repairing and remodeling the Canizalez Gym, Old Library Building, and
Municipal Court Building; acquisition of municipal vehicles and
equipment for municipal departments, together with a Landfill
Collection System, and the acquisition of land for a Municipal
Landfill, and for paying legal, fiscal, architectural, and engineering
fees in connection with such projects; and other matters relating
thereto.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas Combination Tax and
Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1998-B, in the principal
amount of $16,160,000.00, for the purpose of paying all or a portion
of the City's Contractual Obligation for the construction of drainage
improvements; construction of street improvements and repairs;
construction of a New Public Works Building; repairing and remodeling
the Canizalez Gym, Old Library Building, and Municipal Court Building;
acquisition of municipal vehicles and equipment for municipal
departments, together with a Landfill Collection System, and the
acquisition of land for a Municipal Landfill, and for paying legal,
fiscal, architectural, and engineering fees in connection with such
projects; and other matters relating thereto.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Jesus Ponce reminded council that last year there were several bonds
that were extended and was mentioned to cut down the premiums of those
bonds I hope if these bonds go through to have improvements to our
community, however we're going deeper into the hole in debt, ask that
we make sure that they are well spent.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
57. Public hearing authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Combination Tax and Sewer System Revenue Certificates of Obligation,
Series 1998-A, in the principal amount of $6,415,000.00 for the
purpose of paying all or a portion of the City's Contractual
Obligation for improvements and extensions to the City's Sewer System,
and acquisition of land in connection therewith, and for paying legal,
fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this project and other
matters relating thereto.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of City of Laredo, Texas
Combination Tax and Sewer System Revenue Certificates of Obligation,
Series 1998-A, in the principal amount of $6,415,000.00 for the
purpose of paying all or a portion of the City's Contractual
Obligation for improvements and extensions to the City's Sewer System,
and acquisition of land in connection therewith, and for paying legal,
fiscal, and engineering fees in connection with this project and other
matters relating thereto.
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 the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
58. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $345,000.00, for the sale of three motor graders to
Holt Co. of Texas under the re-purchase program and the purchase of
two new motor graders and the lease or purchase of a loader. Providing
for publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $345,000.00, for the sale of three motor graders to Holt Co.
of Texas under the re-purchase program and the purchase of two new
motor graders and the lease or purchase of a loader. 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 the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
59. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
by increasing estimated revenues and appropriations in the Paseo Del
Antiguo Laredo fund by $1,345,198.00, and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget, providing for publication and effective
date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget by
increasing estimated revenues and appropriations in the Paseo Del
Antiguo Laredo fund by $1,345,198.00, and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget, 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 the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
60. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $15,000.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of Transportation's
contribution will be $9,750.00, with the City designating $5,250.00,
in matching funds. These funds reflect the remaining balance awarded
to the Laredo Police Department. The funding for this grant will be
from October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $15,000.00, for the Speed STEP grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of Transportation's
contribution will be $9,750.00, with the City designating $5,250.00,
in matching funds. These funds reflect the remaining balance awarded
to the Laredo Police Department. The funding for this grant will be
from October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998.
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 the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
61. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $10,000.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $5,000.00, with the City
designating $5,000.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect the
remaining balance awarded to the Laredo Police Department. The
funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $10,000.00, for the Occupant Protection STEP grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $5,000.00, with the City
designating $5,000.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect the
remaining balance awarded to the Laredo Police Department. The
funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
62. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $37,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from the
Texas Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $24,375.00, with the City
designating $13,125.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect the
remaining balance (75%) awarded to the Laredo Police Department. The
funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $37,500.00, for the "El Protector" grant from the Texas
Department of Transportation. The Texas Department of
Transportation's contribution will be $24,375.00, with the City
designating $13,125.00, in matching funds. These funds reflect the
remaining balance (75%) awarded to the Laredo Police Department. The
funding for this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
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. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Municipal
Housing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
63. Adopting Resolution No. 98-RMH-09 to amend the Articles of Amendment
to the Articles of Incorporation of the Laredo Municipal Housing
Corporation (LMHC) as recommended by the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) in order to be considered for tax-exempt status under Section
501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The LMHC Board of Directors
authorized the submit of an application for recognition of tax
exemption under Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on
September 2, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation and
convene as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7
XIV. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Mass Transit
Board.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
64. Authorization to solicit bids for awarding a two year uniform rental
contract for maintenance personnel. The contract will include weekly
laundry service and includes forty four employees assigned to the
maintenance division. This service is provided in accordance to the
terms of the collective bargaining agreement. A tentative bid award
date is scheduled for February 16, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
65. Public hearing regarding the realignment of the El Metro #5 Marcella
bus route in order to increase its efficiency and remove a difficult
turning maneuver from Bartlett Street to Jarvis Street.
MOTION
Approval of a motion to realign the El Metro #5 Marcella bus route in
order to increase its efficiency and remove a difficult turning
maneuver from Bartlett Street to Jarvis Street.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close and table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Mass Transit Board and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
SUPPLEMENTAL MINUTES
IX. CITY MANAGERS REPORT
a. Consideration and action regarding a request from the Laredo National
Bank of dedication as public right-of-way and paving improvements with
sidewalks on a strip of City property adjacent and west of the South
Laredo Fire Station and parallel to the former 2500 block of South
Malinche Avenue between Zacatecas and Chacota and to include parking
improvements and landscaping to the area South of the Fire Station.
Total cost of the City's participation is $50,000.00, to be allocated
from the 1998 C.O.'s and the dedication of the right-of-way appraised
at approximately $50,000.00, and the engineering services. The Laredo
National Bank's share is approximately $97,460.00. The total cost
of the project is $197,460.00. A presentation regarding these
improvements will be made.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:20 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 43
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDING OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON THE 19TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY