CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M98-R-15 MARCH 23, 1998
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores call the meeting
to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
ELIZABETH G. FLORES, MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, JR., COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
CECILIA MAY MORENO, " , DISTRICT IV
ELISEO VALDEZ, JR. " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, III, CITY MANAGER
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cm. Casso.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Alvarado was not present.
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up items
A(1), E(1), F(1), F(2), F(3), #15, AND #19.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Alvarado joined the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Amending Ordinance No. 92-O-113 granting Southwestern Bell
Telephone Company the non-exclusive right to use the rights-
of-way in the City for its telecommunications business, by
amending Section 4 to extend the franchise term for a period
of two months from the date of expiration of March 31, 1998
until May 30, 1998; providing for publication and effective
date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances 98-O-076,
98-O-083, 98-O-084, 98-O-085, 98-O-086, 98-O-087, 98-O-088,
98-O-089, and 98-O-090.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. 98-O-76 Establishing a 15% penalty on delinquent tax
accounts as of July 1, 1998, to defray cost of
collection pursuant to Section 33.07 (a) of the
Property Tax Code.
Cw. Moreno requested the amounts be broken down in
terms of taxes, penalties and the 15% for the tax
attorney. Also a report on the last few months on
what is coming in and out on the 15% penalties that
are being paid and what it's being applied to.
Mayor Betty Flores, added that in establishing the
15% penalty on delinquent tax accounts that The City
of Laredo does not assess this delinquency under the
following (3) circumstances:
- when a taxpayer is over 65 and has entered into a
partial payment plan prior to February 1st of the
year in which the taxes become delinquent
- when a taxpayer qualifies for homestead exemption
deferral for taxpayers who are 65 years of age or
older. Pursuant a state law taxpayers over 65 may
defer payments of such taxes until paid by the
owner's estate or upon conveyance.
- when a taxpayer has entered into a payment plan
for homestead property as per City Counsel
ordinance
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-076.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Bruni
4. 98-O-083 Amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6, of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo, entitled
pay administration, by amending Sections
2.87.7(d)(15)(b), thereby adopting a revised pay
schedule increasing all steps in all grades in the
pay schedule from two and one half percent (2 1/2%)
to three and one-half percent (3 1/2%) with an
effective date of implementation of April 1, 1998;
and
Amending Section 2.87.7(d)(15)(c), thereby adopting
a revised pay schedule decreasing all steps in all
grades in the pay schedule from two and one half
percent (2 1/2%) to one and one half percent (1
1/2%), with an effective date of implementation of
September 30, 1998. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-083
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Perez asked staff to revisit the remaining
1-1/2% increase in June instead of September 30th.
5. 98-O-084 Ordering and proclaiming a general city election to
be held on Saturday, May 2, 1998, designating
polling places, designating the run-off date, and
providing for publication. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-084
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 98-O-085 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual
budget by increasing estimated revenues and
appropriations in the General Fund by $3,500.00 to
fund the production of a Laredo Area Cemetery
Preservation Plan; and authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget, providing for publication
and effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-085
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-086 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual
budget drawing down $500,000.00, from fund balance
and $209,048.00, from salary savings reserve and
transferring same to the Bridge Fund to appropriate
said funds for amendment no. 3 on the engineering
contract with Structural Engineering Company (SEA)
and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-086
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-087 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 U.S. Customs
Service Fund budget in the amount of $5,000.00, and
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with the Department of Treasury/U.S.
Customs Service for the reimbursement of $5,000.00
for funding the Laredo Border Violence Task Force to
assist U.S. Customs Agents in conducting official
Treasury investigations. These monies will be used
to pay overtime wages for Laredo Police Narcotics
officers involved in this Task Force. This will be
the first year the City has entered into this
agreement and is at no cost to the City; providing
for publication and effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-087
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-088 Altering and extending the boundary limits of the
City of Laredo, for the voluntary annexation
additional territory of 400.5859 acres, located in
Porciones 12, 13, and 14 as further described by
metes and bounds, specifically the Unitec Industrial
Park Tract, providing for the effective date of the
ordinance, adopting a Service Plan for the annexed
territory, and establishing the initial zoning.
(City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-088
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Bruni
10. 98-O-089 Approving an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budget revision in
the amount of $4,233.00 for the HIV/AIDS Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning February 1, 1998, through January
31, 1999. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-089
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-090 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the 1997-98
Airport Fund Budget to appropriate $1,491,897.00,
being the proceeds from the sale of Airport non-
aeronautical use land and to increase by
$245,000.00, the new airport passenger terminal
construction line item to provide funding for a food
sanitizer, restaurant and to finish out airline
office space and ticket counters and to provide
contingency funding; providing for publication and
effective date. (City Council)
Motion to adopt ordinance #98-O-090
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
12. 98-R-037 Authorizing the City Manager to amend the City's
application to the Texas Department of
Transportation for a State Infrastructure Bank loan
to reflect a request for financing in the amount of
$27,000,000.00 in support of the construction of the
Laredo Northwest International Bridge (Fourth
Bridge) and related improvements and to execute any
and all contracts resulting from this application
amendment.
Motion to approve resolution #98-R-037
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-R-046 Appointing the nominee of Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
to the Historic District/Landmark Board.
Motion to approve resolution #98-R-046
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-R-048 Expressing the City of Laredo's appreciation to the
Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), and
especially recognizing Mr. Robert Cuellar, P.E., in
his previous capacity as Acting Director, for
working in true partnership with the City in helping
to secure necessary state financing for the
construction of the Laredo Northwest International
Bridge, related facilities, and major improvements
to the connecting roadway system.
Motion to approve resolution #98-R-048
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-R-049 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation
from the Friends of the Library, Laredo, Texas,
Inc., in the amount of $90,000 for the purchase of
books to augment the collection at the Laredo Public
Library.
Motion to approve resolution #98-R-049
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mrs. Amici from the Friends of the Library made the
presentation of the $90,000 check.
16. 98-R-050 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a proposal
and gift from H.E. Butt Grocery Company, estimated
value of approximately $150,000 for the automation
and equipping of the Multi-Purpose Programming Room
at the Laredo Public Library, as presented by
H.E.B.'s consultants, Adamson Services.
Motion to approve resolution #98-R-050
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
17. Award of an engineering services contract to Traffic
Engineers, Inc., Houston, Texas, for an amount not to exceed
$28,460.00 for surveying, design, and preparation of plans and
specifications for the Farias Elementary School Access
Improvements (school drop-off), a cost-sharing project with
the City participating with $108,837.50, and the Laredo
Independent School District contributing $128,325.00, for a
total estimated project cost of $237,162.50. The funding will
be taken form 1998 C.O. bonds and LISD participation.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
18. Informing the Laredo City Council of the status of the future
sewer assessment on the north side of Highway 59 from Ejido to
the Casa Blanca golf course, with possible action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that upon his
investigation he found there are 5 pieces of land where
business is located to whom he spoke to 3 of the individuals.
The project is estimated to cost $47,000 dollars. Based on
the 3 individuals that the project has been discussed with,
it is possible that they have commitments for about $30,000
dollars. He added that full funding of the project is pretty
close without having to go in sewer assessments, however, if
the full amount is not provided, then they would do a sewer
assessment and for that matter are already looking at a map
that describes the properties, the front footage, and doing
the preliminary work to the sewer assessment if necessary.
Cm. Bruni recommends staff to continue their dialogue with the
people that are affected and report to council on the next
couple of meetings.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, added that they are also
working on a map to identify all similar areas in the city, to
start quantifying and to locate the areas of no sewer.
19. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation from
the Airport Advisory Board to City Council regarding methods
of funding passenger jet service at the Laredo International
Airport being (a) continue to pursue the Economic Development
Corporation sales tax election, (b) actively support the
private sector initiative by joining with the Board's members
to meet with community leaders, (c) consider a finding that
the provision of jet service is a legitimate public purpose in
relation to the legal opinion, and/or (d) explore other
options for funding jet service.
Charles Martens, Airport Advisory member, reported that thru
an analysis of the Texas cities along the border all were at
8.25% tax and Laredo is still at 8.00% which makes it the most
inexpensive place to buy goods on the Texas border. He added
that recently they have had the sufficient amount of increase
to get to the jet service stage of the Continental contract.
As far as the Economic Development Tax and Economic
Development Council Corporation if ever the IBC and the LNB
can come upon an agreement, then we would all be able to look
at it pretty genuinely. He hopes that the Economic
Development Tax is created at a later date along with leading
banks and all other banks in our community to endorse this for
the benefit of the public in general.
Cindy Moreno, Airport Advisory Member, stated that the flights
are presently at full capacity and that we should go ahead
with jet service.
Elmo Lopez, Airport Advisory Member, said that he would like
to have the city pursue an election in August and ask the
private sector to look at the contracts that are available to
the city and ask council for their support as well as
searching for other alternatives for public funds without
including a sales tax increase.
Joe Flores, Airport Director, reported on a benchmark for 1997
with Continental Airlines doing about 67 round trips per day,
on the first 19 days of March there was an increase to 92
passengers per day, which is their criteria for a contract for
jet service. He said that time is of the essence and we need
to pursue all options.
Cm. Bruni requested that this be expedited to get the jet
service as soon as possible.
Motion (as per Joe Flores) to pursue the options including the
private sector and to join the board with the private sector
lending the City Counsel support for this endeavor before the
benchmark moves up.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071 (1)(a)(b) to discuss pending litigation
and a settlement offer in Cause No. L-97-13, Luis Rodriguez,
Santos Ayala, Ruben Alvarez, Francisco Alvarez, and Juan
Lopez, v. City of Laredo, Texas, in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Texas Laredo Division, and
return to open session for possible action.
Motion to go into executive session pursuant to Texas
Government Code Section 551.071 (1)(a)(b) to discuss pending
litigation and a settlement offer in Cause No. L-97-13, Luis
Rodriguez, Santos Ayala, Ruben Alvarez, Francisco Alvarez, and
Juan Lopez, v. City of Laredo, Texas, in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Texas Laredo
Division, and return to open session for possible action.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Flores announced that no formal
action was taken.
21. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071 (1)(a) to discuss contemplated litigation
regarding Highland Subdivision Unit III and the North Laredo
Wastewater Reclamation Plant, and return to open session for
possible action thereon.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas
Government Code Section 551.071 (1)(a) to discuss contemplated
litigation regarding Highland Subdivision Unit III and the
North Laredo Wastewater Reclamation Plant, and return to open
session for possible action thereon.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Cm. Alvarado read a letter addressed to Mayor Betty Flores
from Rudy R. Trevino, Executive Director of the TTMA
(Texas Talent Musicians Association) in regards to The
Tejano Music Awards held on March 07, 1998 and some
comments that were made by a comedian, Carlos Mencia about
Laredo. There were a lot of Laredoans present at the
event who were not pleased with the comments made by that
comedian and sent letters to the local editor. Mr. Rudy
Trevino, sent his apologies on behalf of the Board of
Directors of the TTMA and also assured that they would
edit all tapes so that these remarks made about Laredo
would be eliminated in any television, radio, or video
cassettes.
b. Cm. Alvarado congratulated Orlando and Gaby Canizales from
District VII who have brought a lot of fame and attention
to Laredo thru their boxing careers. He stated that he
was very displeased for the small publication that was
given to Orlando Canizales because not only was he the
former IBF Banim Champion, he is currently the IBO Super
Feather Weight, and therefore deserves a larger
publication than the one given.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
22. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Recognizing the accomplishments of the Laredo All-American
Cheerleaders which consists of 26 school girls ranging in ages
from 8 to 14. These outstanding young ladies represented the
City of Laredo at the National Cheerleaders Association
competition held in Dallas on February 27-28, and placed
fourth nationally.
Mayor Flores recognized the Laredo All-American Cheerleaders
and presented them with a recognition plaque.
2. Status report regarding the Market Street Tennis Courts
Project, with possible action.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, reported that the reconstruction
of the Market Street Tennis Courts Project was delayed until
after the Border Olympics to make certain that there was no
disruptions. A notice to proceed will be issued tomorrow so
it will be under construction for about 4 months. He added
that a new building will be built there and is to include a
Pro Shop in that within the next 30-45 days should be asking
for proposals.
Tina Trevino announced that May 9th would be Texas Tennis Day
and asked the Council to keep an eye on the facility
construction by putting it on a fast track and using May 9th
as the focus date. She also hoped that we hire a professional
as soon as possible.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the following long-term water supply projects
with possible action:
a. Santa Isabel Water Well
b. Aquifer Storage and Recovery
c. USGS Well Survey
d. Effluent Reuse
e. Weather Modification
f. Regional Water Management Plan
Fernando Roman - "Yes thank you very much, Fernando Roman again, and...
uh... I realize Madame Mayor that you've been here
before, I mean you weren't here by the time these were
conceived. I'd like to give you a very just brief...
uh...overview of what they are and where they are, The
Santa Isabel....
Mayor Flores - "I know they're very important."
Fernando Roman - "Yes, they sure are. The Santa Isabel Water Well was
conceived as a P---- Program to explore the
possibilities of exploiting our ground water resources
we knew that there was water in the area and we
decided to look at it. Since the time uh...that we
started the exploration, uh... we realized that the
water was of a...of a nature that would not allow us
to serve it as a...as a public water supply because of
the salinity. Therefore, uh...uh...a pump and a
storage tank and uh...and a pump station that
originally would have cost us $250,000 dollars, then
went up to uh...uh over a cost now of uh...1.2
million, we had to add a R---- N---- System, we had to
add an increase...an increase of site, which was next
to a creek, we had to do a lot of work on that. And
finally we have a well that is operational, and that
can produce water. The only problem that we have in
the area is that theee..., there are very few people
that live scattered around the area, I think the
closest to that is of course across the highway, but
as you go on both directions on the...on the Mines
Road, they live maybe 1/2 a mile away, 1 mile away,
those would be the potential customers. Extending the
water lines, I think it's an issue that we're gonna be
talking some more uh...as we...as we look at the
colonias and as we look at the issues such as the
sewer assessment we just mentioned, we might go into
water assessments because up...up until now we have
been unable to invest the money on infrastructure to
take the water to the folks because of the way the
ordinance is written. It says that who ever wants the
water, needs to pay for the extensions. So, that
is...that is a problem yet to be...to be addressed,
but the...the well is in service uh...I mean it's...
it's under production."
"The second project is The Aquifer Storage and
Recovery, this is a technology that seeks to identify
water bearing formations anywhere, and it does
regardless of the quality of the water we just want to
know where there is water because those sands can
transmit, store or retrieve the water and what we do
is look at the uh...what is called the "transitivity"
how easy the water can flow in and out and once we do
that study, then we look at the... whether the...
whether the treated water that we would put from our
lines into the ground would...would fight with the
native water and...and plug up the hole. The Aquifer
Storage and Recovery is essentially a storage, it's a
creation of storage it's not uh...finding ground water
and taking it out to...as an additional resource but
rather it is...it's like a savings account, you put
money when you have a little bit extra and you take it
out when you need it. So, this...this is uh...in his
uh...Phase II of this involved looking at the
compatibility of the two waters, the treated water
from our system and the native water and in two sides,
the uh...the uh...ex-Del Mar Water Plant on the top of
the hill in Del Mar and the east court of Buster
Station right across the inter loop from the entrance
to the Casa Blanca Lake. The preliminary... the
preliminary results are that the...that the
compatibility appears to be good and they're gonna be
issuing a full report probably within 30 days. If
that is the case, and we can go into uh...a p----well,
then we will be looking at probably spending another
$800 or $800,000 dollars or so to do the full facility
to continue with this experimentation. Where this is
important is that there are times, we haven't seen
those times in the last 5 or 7 years in the river, but
uh...there are times when the river brings what is
known as free water, in other words there's more water
than there... than there is demand for it for the
whole year, therefore they don't charge it against the
water rights, that means we can pump and produce all
we can,
even if it's in the winter time, and uh...and store
that as, until...until.. until the time that we need
it, and that's...that's where we are."
"The USGS Well Survey,...uh... excuse me,.... I know...
I know you can't see it very well but what it is, is
...uh...the United States Geological...Geological
Survey, has uh...looked at over 100 wells uh...from
...uh...information from the TNRCC, the Railroad
Commission and uh...information as they can find it,
and they have looked at approximately uh...100 wells
for which they have uh...logs, in other words the,
uh...kind of like the ---- what the...what the ----
looks like as it goes down in the perforation and
uh...they've looked at about 50 samples from 50 wells
they are about to produce, they were supposed to give
it to us at the end of March and they were...they were
trying really hard to get it ready for this
presentation, but they...the report is complex and
they couldn't do it, but they have a... they're gonna
be constructing what they call fenced diagrams, that
means uh...crossed sections, you can take Webb County
and slice it like you would a piece of cheese and then
look at the way the cross section looks like, then you
would ---- how the sands are in all directions and
therefore, whenever there's water identified in an
area, and...and the typical sand is identified, then
you wanna see how that sand extends to different
directions because the presumption is, you might have
water with good quality. There are some clusters that
are...that are identifiable there, just simply because
it looks...it looks a little bit blacker in certain
areas, and that tells you that those sands are more
prolific than in other places. We're gonna be looking
at the uh...the cross section of those particular
clusters and see where they extend. This is...this
would be a project to actually find the water, take it
out and use it."
Mayor Flores - "Are these uh...wells that are already made?
Fernando Roman - "Yhea, these wells are uh...all that they could find
in record I think since 1960 from both the TNRCC and
the Railroad Commission."
Cm. Alvarado - "Excuse me, are these portable water wells, or...or"?
Fernando Roman - "They're not all they're portable water, many of these
logs are from uh...oil exploration, but the uh...,
any driller has the obligation to submit a log of...
of boring that identifies the uh...the water sections
and they have the obligation to also plug those water
sections when they're exploring for oil so they don't
contaminate it. So, not...not all of them are...are
for portable use..."
Mayor Flores - "And some of them are salt water."
Fernando Roman - "Uh...some inject salt water and the...they probably
would not be in one of these, anyway, that report is
coming up from the San Antonio office of the USGS in
uh...in I would...I guess in about 10 days that's...
that's how they saw it."
"Effluent Reuse, as Mr. Bruni indicated, in 1995 we
looked at the potential for water reuse. This by the
way was a condition of uh...one of our permits uh...
of...on the waste water plants they told us you need
to look at what you can do with the effluent and uh...
there were...there were a couple of conclusions that
were reached, one is that the best potential for...for
Effluent Reuse is in the north and northeast part,
because of the presence of the Country Clubs of
course, and the presence of the line that was
constructed jointly between...that was constructed
by City of Laredo with materials partly donated by
Webb County. They had uh...I forget how many feet
10,000 ft or so, stored at the old detention site
center, that was just uh...rotting away in the sun,
so they donated it to the city, to...to be uh...
participants in that line that now goes all the way
to...to the concrete. It is because of that line
and because of that donation that we entered into an
agreement with them to give them water,...uh...
obviously the water that they use uh...from us is not
taken from the lake, so that's the ---- that they were
looking at, but other opportunities for reuse were
identified as uh...in the south where we have the
south side waste water plant as possibly uh...finding
commercial applications for the effluent in the... in
the... uh...in the mining of the petroleum industry,
we have not gotten to that, the south side plant is
just been expanded recently, we think we're gonna be
uh...kicking off the...the expansion in about 30 days
or so, we're just about this close to finishing and
then we're gonna be looking at...at these
opportunities."
"The Weather Modification Program, is...is one that was
very controversial last year, we, the City of Laredo
was looking at possibly funding uh...50% of a $250,000
uh...dollar project to make it rain, we were in the,
this was two years ago I think, when we were in the
worst of the...of the drought and uh...knowing very
well that the water, once it hits the ground it starts
running on the surface it goes into the river, it's
still...still not ours, unless we have the water
rights, but believe it or not, we broke the inertia
cause most people were doing nothing and people were
calling at TNRCC saying, "what is Laredo doing"?
Uh...I would have to say now that uh...we...we would
not be spending the money on that program, because
uh...Senate Bill I, which is a ---- water, is a water
supply bill that...seeks to plan for the next 50 years
uh...uh...Senator Brown who...who offered the bill
made it very clear that he intends to seek some type
of uh...of uh...a revenue gathering mechanism, we call
it the "water tax", that's how it started and...and in
a way we were opposed a little bit to it, but...but
what he's saying is, "look guys the weather
modification doesn't work, if you just make it work,
make it rain, in a...in a 10 square kilometer area"
because...because it doesn't give you any...any long
term water, what we need to do is, in good years and
in bad years, we need to make it rain over a broad,
broad area. The Rio Grande water shed, for example,
is over, I think it's over 2 million square kilometers
and the area that we were trying to do, was probably
at 100 square kilometers, square miles, I'm sorry, and
uh...in uh...in uh...bringing this to the TNRCC's
attention, they...they said, well... this should be
better off, if everybody goes along with it and the
best way to do it, is by collecting from everybody
even if they don't want to water tax, but we'll see."
"Regional Water Management Plan, is uh...a study that
we started last uh...year as a...as a...region, The
South Texas ---- Council, consisting of, I think of
about 10 political entities, began looking at our...
at our long term water supply project, this was uh...
thru a grant, a $75,000 dollar grant from the...the
Texas Water Development Board and a $25,000 dollar
contribution from the rest of the members, we paid
$2,500 dollars into...into the effort and that has
translated into a draft which I just received last
week, I haven't had a chance to read it, but it is...
it is what they call Phase I, or an inventory of the
needs of the area under the study and the proposal of
uh...what else needs to be studied to...to work on a
water supply, on a long term water supply project.
Simultaneously to this, Senate Bill I again, which
was implemented last year and is now in full force,
and of which, I am very honored to be the
representative for Laredo, one of the representatives
for this area, under ---- name, we're gonna meet on
Wednesday by the way in McAllen. Uh...this water
supply bill, is going to uh...incorporate, is gonna
take the Phase I that we just finished as a...as a
South Texas Environment Council Region and uh...
incorporate it with what the Rio Grande Lower Valley
Development Council also did, and come-up with some
type of a conclusion whether we continue as a separate
sub...sub region or we join forces with them on a...on
a region wide study. I suspect that's gonna be the
subject of the...of the meeting we're gonna go to
on...on Wednesday. Uhmm...I don't know what else I
can say Mr. Bruni..., did I forget something"?
Cm. Bruni, stated that these water issues are critical and
vital to the well being of the City of Laredo and it's
continued growth. He would like to make sure that these
issues are always on the forefront and that staff be on top of
them.
Mayor Pro-tem Perez, commented that The Ad Hoc Water Committee
recommends that council should consider the possibility of
contracting out water and sewer and finding out how these
contracts work. He added that these contracts can save the
city millions of dollars and feels that we need to pursue that
area to allow us to continue increasing the various water
supply projects. He feels that we have come to a point where
a decision needs to be reached and suggests that we visit two
or three areas and see what their operation looks like and
what the outcome has been from the contracts.
Mr. Fernando Roman, stated that a memo was going to be
presented to Mr. Pena, where he suggests dates and cities that
might be good to look at. The study that was being pursued on
this, was more feasible but need to compare pros and cons
before making a move like that.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the use of water
rights in payment of water availability fees and connection
charges.
Cm. Bruni asked staff to recommend something to the Council
with a report on its recommendations.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the history of the
renaming of Gust Street to Hillside Road.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, reported that the change
occurred in the implementation of 911 and that they are
presently looking at San Pedro to change it to Gust.
4. Status report on the Ropa Usada establishment located at 2601
Ash Street.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, stated that item was on the
agenda for rezoning and once we get to that item, it would be
requested to be tabled.
Benny Salinas, Building Director, reported that inspectors
were sent to the area and a heavy fire load was noticed along
with the building being in a deep dilapidated stage and that
the property owner would be cited. He added that due to the
building being re-classified from a storage to a hazardous it
reduces the area because of the volume of flammable materials
and therefore the installation of a sprinkler system is
required.
Cm. Bruni requested a written report from this inspection
due to the building being an M1 in an R1 area. He added that
all precautions need to be taken to prevent a fire and to keep
the residents in the area safe from any danger.
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, asked council that if at any time
there is an application for a special use permit for ropa
usada, cotton bails, or cardboard bails to place a condition
on the permit such as the installation of a sprinkler system.
Mr. Pena, City Manager, said that a motion was not necessary,
because it's already in the ordinance and the Ropa Usada is
now classified as storage of hazardous material and that a
sprinkler system is required.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the requirement of an
application fee upon filing for city public office.
Gustavo Guevara, City Secretary, informed council that the
application fee for city public office is allowed and
mentioned that the cities of San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and
Fort Worth have a $100 Dollar filing fee with an option to
bring in a signature petition of 25% of the voters in their
district, and that Houston has a filing of $1250 dollars for
Mayor, $750 dollars for City Comptroller and $500 dollars for
Councilmembers.
There was no discussion on this item due to Cm. Casso's
absence.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the creation of a
Tree Board with possible appointees.
There was no discussion on this item due to Cm. Casso's
absence.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the distribution of
police officers throughout the various city council districts.
There was no discussion on this item due to Cm. Casso's
absence.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the Laredo Emergency
Planning Committee.
There was no discussion on this item due to Cm. Casso's
absence.
D. Requests by Councilmember Cecilia May Moreno
1. Status report on the painting of the Lyon Street water tanks.
Fernando Roman stated that from the time we set on the design,
it would take about 3 months before the final product and will
probably bid the project out.
E. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez, Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action on the increasing problem with
vagrants/transients in the City of Laredo, in particular, the
incident which occurred on Sunday, March 15, 1998.
(Co-sponsored by Councilmembers Joe A. Guerra and Mario G.
Alvarado)
Cm. Valdez stated that the vagrants/transients in the City of
Laredo is a big problem specially along IH35. He added that
Lafayette and Saunders bridge has become a small community for
these people who are congregating there and roam around the
neighborhood to houses where people push drugs. He said this
problem is getting worse and needs to be addressed. He asked
that staff look at an ordinance to address this problem and
find a solution.
George Johnson, business owner located at Lafayette and IH35,
stated that this is a matter of grave importance. He said
that he had filed a complaint on February 5th 1998 on a
vagrant that was threatening his employees and customers and
refused to leave his place of business. Typically what they
do is panhandle on public property but eventually wonder on to
private property and will accost usually women with children,
and families that come in to patronize the businesses and will
be so overbearing and insistent that people have no choice to
either give them money or politely refuse them. He said that
many other problems have occurred from this, such as breaking
into unoccupied homes and setting fires. He suggested that
the city looks into controlling the fund raising activities on
public property with certain requirements and guidelines.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, replied that we do have an
ordinance that addresses non-profit organizations fund raisers
on public property with bonding and guidelines. He added that
police can take action if they do not have a permit and
recommends that the Police Department be contacted if need be.
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, stated that we do have an
ordinance, but was not sure whether the Police Department is
empowered to enforce the ordinance on these individuals. He
specified one section in the ordinance where it defines non-
commercial solicitation as non-commercial purposes meaning
various non-profit objectives, including the benefit of the
poor, needy, sick, refugee or disabled person, benefit of any
church or religious society, Sec group or order, the benefit
of any fraternal, social, or civic organization or the benefit
of any educational institution, it also shall not be construed
to include the direct benefit of the individual making the
solicitation or the benefit of any political group or a
political organization with a subject of financial disclosure
under state or federal law. He said that he was not sure if
we would be infringing on people's civil rights if this
ordinance would be enforced against them. However, there is a
provision in the state transportation code regarding
solicitation by pedestrians that states a person may not stand
on the roadway to solicit ride, contribution, employment, or
business from an occupant in a vehicle, except to solicit a
charitable contribution with authorization by the local
authority having jurisdiction over the roadway. In essence a
permit needs to be obtained to be able to solicit on the
roadway.
City Attorney Jaime Flores stated that it is a good time to
revisit the ordinance and take another look at it and put more
strength and more enforcement on police powers.
Motion to instruct staff to limit the soliciting only to
schools and non-profit organizations and give police more
power without violating the constitutional rights of
individuals.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report on community parks improvements.
John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that we
have $15,000 dollars in this years budget for that particular
project and an additional $60,000 in next fiscal year's
budget. Some minor touch-up work can be done around the ball
fields this year and then wait for the bulk of the money to
come in and address some more extensive improvements that will
include the construction of a parking area around that site.
Cm. Valdez requested that we look at a walk way or jogging
trail as well as the parking area for that site.
Mr. Vidaurri replied that with the City Manager's approval,
they can work with the Planning Department to come up with a
site plan that can be presented to council including the
parking and the walk way areas.
Cm. Alvarado requested a list from Mr. Vidaurri that
identifies some of the different items that need to be
addressed at each of the parks that we now have so that they
can discuss at the next budget hearing. He also suggested to
get local business sponsors in the area to adopt some of these
areas which will help contribute to the city and defray some
of the cost to the city as well.
3. Status report on the sidewalk program on Bustamante Street.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that this program was
included in the same package with the Alma Pierce sidewalks.
He said that they have received the RFP's which is part of the
seal bond package and hopes to get a meeting set-up before the
end of the week and maybe have an item for recommendations for
engineer work on the first meeting in April.
F. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the request by the
EMS Division of the Laredo Fire Department to split the EMS
District in two in order to have three additional EMS
supervisors. This action would guarantee the presence of one
supervisor per division at all times.
Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, stated that there is a need for
these positions, but there are no funds presently available.
He requested that these positions be approved in next year's
budget hearing. He added that if these three positions were
to be re-classified that they are looking at approximately
$16,000 dollars remaining for the rest of the present budget
year and $32,000 to $35,000 dollars for re-classification
costs alone for the the full fiscal year.
Cm. Alvarado asked Chief Ramirez if this would cause changes
in the staff under the supervisor as far as other people
having to be brought up also?
Chief Ramirez, replied that the positions are additional
responsibilities and not necessarily changes in duties, the
basic duties of everybody in the Fire Department is a Fire-
fighter. He added that they also have a dual fire based EMS
which means that the paramedics in the units are also Fire-
fighters so consequently if they respond to a house fire they
are expected to fight the fire. He said that they are Fire-
fighters first and paramedics second.
Cm. Alvarado stated that there would be some changes in
bringing up the scale on some of the additional personnel so
that they can be able to handle some of the additional duties.
He added that he feels that the service needs to be provided
but that the total cost involved needs to be looked at first.
He asked Chief Ramirez if this would also open-up a different
EMS site or would it all be operating on the same EMS site?
Chief Ramirez, replied that there were no EMS sites and that
they do have an EMS Administrative Office out of Fire Station
#3, but the only person assigned there was the District Chief
and that the captains were not necessarily assigned to that
station, they are assigned to the whole city and the one
captain that's on duty is currently based on Central Fire
Stations because there is no room at Fire Station #3.
He concluded by saying that he recommends this issue be looked
at but not necessarily be funded until October due to the
budgetary restraints.
Motion to instruct staff to incorporate this request into next
year's fiscal budget subject to approval by the council.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action on the proposed South Texas
Regional Waste Management Project/Facility and a declaration
of continued interest for the possible participation by the
Laredo City Council.
Hector Farias made the presentation before the council. He
stated that the project intends to:
* Build and operate a new state-of-the-art solid waste
disposal facility in southwestern LaSalle County, outside of
the Rio Grande watershed.
* Build and operate a new waste transfer at the site of the
City of Laredo landfill.
* Work with the Union Pacific and Tex-Mex railroads to
incorporate railhaul into its waste management system.
* Incorporate recallable materials collection facilities at
its disposal facility and transfer station.
* Privately finance all of its facilities.
* Specialize in the provision of environmentally sound waste
disposal service to the municipalities and private waste
collectors of South Texas.
* Demonstrate the environmental stewardship and the management
of waste by private company can be accomplished to the
benefit of the public.
Cm. Guerra stated that his concern is the potential
contamination of the ground water that exits in the landfill
and asked how much of the proposed vertical expansion is over
a non-conforming area of the landfill and what affects will it
have to the adjoining property owners?
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that he will have Rust
Engineering who is preparing the permit make a presentation
next week to council. He added that the city has appropriated
approximately $350,000 dollars to prepare the specifications
for the permit.
Randall Kippenbrock, from Public Works, reported that in
regards to the non-conforming (aka) pre-subtitle D areas don't
have deal synthetic liners in. Phase I is a 50 acre track
that came before the pre-subtitle D requirement back in
October 1993 and altered is about a 4 acre cell in Phase II,
so it's approximately 54-55 acres of non-conforming (pre-
subtitle D) areas. He added that he had a conversation with
TNRCC and the regulation in TNRCC Municipal Solid Waste does
not state whether you can or cannot increase or do a vertical
expansion over those non-conforming (pre-subtitle D) areas.
However, in the last few months the City of Denton, Victoria,
Southwest landfill, and a landfill in San Antonio all just
got a vertical expansion. In regards to the height, the
northeast corner of the landfill where the elevation is
470 ft., it is being proposed to go up to 630 ft. elevation.
On the southwest corner where the elevation is about 440 ft.,
it takes it up about 40 ft. which is all you'll see from there
as opposed to being on the north side of the landfill where
you see much more of it.
Mr. Hector Farias confirmed to Mr. Kippenbrock that they had
not applied for a vertical expansion with TNRCC as of today.
He asked if an application had been submitted and when it
would be approved.
Mr.Randall Kippenbrock, replied that in fact they had not
applied with TNRCC and added that they had received a letter
from Rust Environmental where basically the time frame would
be the end of April when they will receive a 3 points binders
that need to be reviewed and sent back with comments, so it
will be the middle of May when thy will submit to TNRCC and
generally the time frame is 10 to 15 months after to process.
Cm. Guerra asked Mr. Kippenbrock a few questions, one was if
the results of the Ground Water Monitoring Program indicate
any contamination, how long have the monitoring wells been in
place, and is there any assurance that TNRCC will approve the
vertical expansion once the engineering plans have been
submitted?
Mr. Randall Kippenbrock, replied that The Ground Water
Monitoring Programs was still in the early stage, 10 monitor
wells were installed in 1996 and 2 more in 1997. A couple of
weeks ago they got bids for analytical services for ground
water samples and hope to get bids for dedicated pumps to pump
out ground water samples, so at this time there is no
analytical results to confirm ground water contamination.
He added that back in July 1997, TNRCC requested that they put
additional wells in, when they met they postponed those first
10 wells for sampling until they decided what will happen with
the additional wells. The intent was to get the water wells
in place first, get them certified by TNRCC and then proceed
with the water sampling. He feels very confident that TNRCC
will approve the vertical expansion just like the other
locations mentioned before have been done in the last few
months.
Cm. Guerra submitted a list of questions to Chair and City
Manager and would like this item placed back on the agenda for
the next meeting with answers to his questions.
Mr. Hector Farias asked the Council for a Declaration of
Intent and added that he was not asking the city of any of its
business.
Cm. Bruni stated that we should move in the direction of
looking at alternative sites if we do not get the TNRCC permit
for the vertical expansion.
Mayor Betty Flores, had a few questions for Hector Farias,
first if the expenditures from the city's budget for waste
disposal will be reduced about 2 million per year, second
would our cost increase per tonnage and last, does the
transfer station mean that people that are going to the
landfill now, will go there and then someone will transfer
that waste to La Salle County?
Mr. Richard DeBenedictis, Managing Director of CES
Environmental Projects, responded but first commented that the
only time a vertical expansion according to TNRCC that have
been approved is to close the landfill and allow 10 ft. for
more grading. At this time there is no vertical expansions
being approved and is doubtful that there will be in the
future. The ones mentioned before were either for grading or
were over aligned facilities. The idea of having a transfer
station is two fold, one is where you want to have access to
railroad in the future and second is that you want to have a
central facility that collectors can come to. As far as the
savings of money, the city's proposed budget is close to 1
million dollars because the city has to run a landfill for
everybody. The actual collection of refuse from the residents
of the town is between 85,000 and 100,000 tons a year, that
would be disposed of the $20 dollars a ton, which is basically
our cost and would include the transfer of the refuse from the
transfer station to our facility.
Motion to instruct staff to look over the information
submitted by Cm. Guerra to address the questions and come back
to council next week to take some kind of action.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to accept the Declaration of Intent by the City of
Council as submitted by Hector Farias.
City Attorney Jaime Flores stated that he had a problem with
the way the Declaration of Intent stated that council declares
a serious intent to enter into negotiations for a contract.
He added that before municipality can contract with public
funds over $15,000 dollars, there is a requirement for going
to assert a competitive bidding and seal bill proposals, some
exceptions may apply but recommends that it be reviewed
further and also recommends very strongly against accepting
the letter.
Motion to table the request until the next meeting.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
3. Discussion and public action on certain issues concerning the
city cemetery.
Michelle Romani stated that her concern is on the City's
removal of the flowers and that the people should have an
input by having a Cemetery Board. She asked that the removal
be placed on hold until a board is created.
Mayor Flores asked the City Manager to follow the Catholic
Cemetery schedule and that we take care of the areas that are
abandoned presently.
Motion to instruct staff to work with Miss Romani to address
the issues presented tonight.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that they
have advertised to the public to help keep the cemetery in
repair and they have attempted to locate plot holders on the
Beautification Program that is on the way.
G. Requests by Councilmember Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action on formulating an international
trade advisory committee.
Cm. Alvarado stated that he received The Communication from
the County dated March 18th where the County Commissioners has
named an International Trade Committee to address the
infrastructure needs involving transportation and
international commerce. Along with it came a list of members
that have been appointed on the representation that included
Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores and a vacancy for the city and he
would like to be named for that vacancy to allow him to work
with her on that particular issue.
Cm. Bruni stated that he would like to see more representation
from the city.
Cm. Guerra stated that he would like to be a part of that
committee along with Cm. Bruni and Cm. Alvarado.
Mayor Betty Flores replied by saying that she would request
additional positions to the Board for council and staff
members as well.
Motion to appoint Cm. Alvarado to be the other representative
to the Board and to request one additional seat.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
23. Public hearing rescinding Section 5-4: No Permits Required
for Agricultural Buildings, of the Subdivision Ordinance
Handbook; and providing for publication and effective date.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Rescinding Section 5-4: No Permits Required for Agricultural
Buildings, of the Subdivision Ordinance Handbook; and
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
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
24. Public hearing concerning the application by Hector Cabello
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for auto
wrecker service and impound lot on all of Block 1559, Eastern
Division, located at 2601 Guadalupe St. The Planning and
Zoning Commission recommends approval of this conditional use
permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for auto
wrecker service and impound lot on all of Block 1559, Eastern
Division, located at 2601 Guadalupe St.
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. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
25. Public hearing concerning the application by Steve A. Snow,
East House Ltd., amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 0.755 acres as further described by
metes and bounds located on Remington Dr., from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced
Area District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Application by Steve A. Snow, East House Ltd., amending the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.755
acres as further described by metes and bounds located on
Remington Dr., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District)
to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
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 : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
26. Public hearing amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 1537, Eastern
Division, located on the northeast corner of the intersection
of Ash St., and Texas Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to R-1 (Single Family Residential District. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 1537, Eastern Division, located
on the northeast corner of the intersection of Ash St., and
Texas Ave., from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-1
(Single Family Residential District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to close the public hearing and table the item.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Public hearing concerning the application by Domingo Salinas
and Alejandro Ocampo amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7A, Block 906, Western
Division, located at 3502 Santa Maria Ave., from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 7A, Block 906, Western Division, located at 3502
Santa Maria Ave., from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-3
(Community Business District).
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. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
28. Public hearing and introduction of an ordinance amending
provisions of Section 24.73 of the Laredo Land Development
Code relating to permits for the drilling, re-entry, or
recompletion of oil and gas wells, specifically Section
24.73.1 (4)(a), providing distance restrictions for future
development, 24.73.3, providing enforcement for ordinance
violations, and Section 24.73.4 (12), requiring a fee for re-
entry and recompletion operations, and Appendix "A" amending
the definition of "Recompletion Operations".
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending provisions of Section 24.73 of the Laredo Land
Development Code relating to permits for the drilling, re-
entry, or recompletion of oil and gas wells, specifically
Section 24.73.1 (4)(a), providing distance restrictions for
future development, 24.73.3, providing enforcement for
ordinance violations, and Section 24.73.4 (12), requiring a
fee for re-entry and recompletion operations, and Appendix "A"
amending the definition of "Recompletion Operations".
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
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. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
29. Public hearing creating a special restricted revenue fund in
accordance with the Canseco Foundation's Endowment in the
amount of $50,000 to the Laredo Public Library for children's
programming and amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual
Budget to reflect the creation of this fund. The fund will be
named the Canseco Foundation's Children Endowment Fund.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Creating a special restricted revenue fund in accordance with
the Canseco Foundation's Endowment in the amount of $50,000 to
the Laredo Public Library for children's programming and
amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget to
reflect the creation of this fund. The fund will be named the
Canseco Foundation's Children Endowment Fund.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Guerra
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
30. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual
Budget by reclassifying ten fire fighters to ten assistant
driver positions authorized by City Council to be effective
upon adoption, 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 ten fire fighters to ten assistant driver
positions authorized by City Council to be effective upon
adoption, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
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. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Time: 9:16 p.m.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 33
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON THE 23RD DAY OF MARCH, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON
FILE AT THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
_______________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY
Minutes prepared by: Angelica Feurtado
Minutes appoved on:
Second: Cw. Moreno