CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
M98-R-17 MINUTES APRIL 20, 1998
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores called 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, 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
JAIME L. FLORES, CITY ATTORNEY
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting of February 23, 1998
Workshop on Economic Development on February 24, 1998
Workshop with Legislative Consultant on February 25, 1998
City Council Meeting of March 2, 1998
City Council Meeting of March 16, 1998
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Casso was not present.
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item D(1).
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the rules of order and move item A(1).
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Bowden
Medical, Incorporated for approximately 3,588 square feet
constituting Buildings #1432, #1438 and #1439. Building #1432
is located at 1803 Pappas Street, and Buildings #1438 and
#1439 are located at 1719 Pappas Street.
a. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1, 1998 and
ending April 30, 1999.
b. Monthly rent shall be $674.10. Previous monthly rent was
$630.00.
Premises are used to store medical equipment and supplies.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
Texas/Illinois Cellular Limited Partnership, by it's general
partner Southwestern Bell Wireless, Inc., (sub-tenant) to co-
located on the existing self support cellular tower
constructed under that certain ground lease for cellular
tower dated September 1, 1996 between the City of Laredo
(Landlord) and Lar-Tex Cellular Telephone Company (Tenant)
reference 96-0-132, located on a tract of land out of and a
part of lots 3 and 4, Block 552, of the Eastern Division of
the City of Laredo. The sub-tenant desires to attach and
construct on such premises cellular phone antennas, and
coaxial cables to the existing tower and install and
equipment building.
1. Term of the lease is 10 years with an option for 2
successive 5 year renewals.
2. Annual rent will be $2,500.00, to be adjusted on each
anniversary dated according to the changes in the Consumer
Price Index.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Closing as a public easement PARCEL A, consisting of 175.09
square feet of land, more or less; and PARCEL B, consisting
of 254.65 square feet of land, more or less; both parcels
being out of and part of the 400 Block of Price Street
between Springfield and Maryland Avenues. Said parcels of
land being encroached upon by the improvements of the
abutting properties, being Lots 11 and 12, Block 337, Eastern
Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; and authorizing
the sale of the "Surface Only" of said parcels at the
combined fair market value of $1,289.22, and further
authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
documents to effectively convey fee simple title to Cristina
Cedillo and Librada Ramirez de Escobedo, respectively for
said parcels being more particularly described by metes and
bounds and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Ordinance amending Chapter 30, Taxation, Article II, Hotel
Occupancy Tax, Section 30-17; Levy; Exceptions, adding
Subsections b (1,2,3,4, and 5), amending Subsection (c), and
adding Subsections (d), (1,2,3, and 4), (e), (f), f(1), and
(g) to the Code of Ordinances.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #98-O-098,
#98-O-099, #98-O-100, #98-O-101, #98-O-102, #98-O-103,
#98-O-105, #98-O-106, #98-O-107, #98-O-108, and #98-O-109.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 98-O-098 Ordinance 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. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-098.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
8. 98-O-099 Ordinance closing as a public easement that section
of the 3000 block of Ross Street between India and
Canada Avenues, situated in the Eastern Division,
City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas and providing
for an effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-099.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-100 Ordinance authorizing the granting and conveyance
of a 12 foot wide utility easement located behind
the Freddie Benavides Outdoor Recreational Complex
to Central Power and Light Company, and authorizing
the City Manager to execute any necessary documents
of conveyance, in order to allow for the provision
of electrical services to the New Laredo National
Bank South Branch building located at the
intersection of State Highway 83 at Chacota Street
said 12 foot wide utility easement being more
particularly described by metes and bounds.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-100.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-101 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with the City of Laredo for approximately
4,000 square feet of office space constituting the
Second Floor of Building No. 132 located at 4719
Maher Avenue.
a. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing May 1,
1998 and ending April 30, 1999, and may be
extended for four (4) terms of one (1) year each
ending April 30, 2000, April 30, 2001, April 30,
2002, and April 30, 2003.
b. Monthly rent shall be $3,200.00, and will be
adjusted annually during the primary and
extension terms of this lease according to
changes in the Consumer Price Index.
This office space was previously occupied by the
Airport Director's Administrative Staff.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-101
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 98-O-102 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with South Texas Workforce Development Board
for approximately 4,234 square feet constituting
Building No. 1054 located at 4812 North Bartlett
Avenue.
a. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing March
1, 1998 and ending February 28, 1999, and may be
extended for one (1) year ending February 29,
2000.
b. Monthly rent shall be $3,600.00, and will be
adjusted annually during the primary and
extension term of this lease. Previous monthly
rent was $3,437.89. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-102.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-103 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute
an amendment to the Lease and Specialty Gift Shop
Concession Agreement approved by Ordinance No.
97-O-322 dated January 5, 1998, between the City of
Laredo and Jesus Garcia. Said amendment will
include the requirements for operating a Retail
News/Gift Shop Concession and because of a typing
error change the square footage from 1,556 to 556.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-103.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-105 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-1998
Annual Budget in the amount of $90,000.00, for a
donation by the Friends of the Library, Laredo,
Texas, providing for effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-105.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 98-O-106 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1998 budget
in the amount of $356,086.00, for funding of
operating expenses and personnel for an organized
Multi-Agency Financial Disruption Task Force for
the period of January 1, 1998 through December 31,
1998. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-106.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-107 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. The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval
of this zone change. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-107.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-O-108 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998
Annual Budget in the amount of $5,000.00, and
authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
agreement with the Office of the Comptroller for
the reimbursement of $5,000.00, for funding a
Tobacco Compliance program. This money will be
used to pay overtime wages for Laredo Police Crime
Prevention officers involved in this operation.
This will be the first year the City has entered
into this agreement and is at no cost to the City.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-108.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-O-109 Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract
with the Texas Department of Health and Budget
revision for the Tuberculosis Prevention Control
Projects of the City of Laredo Health Department to
reflect two budgets: the TB Federal Projects for
the period beginning January 1, 1998, through
December 31, 1998, in the amount of $99,950.00, and
the "Los Dos Laredos" TB Binational Project for the
period beginning January 1, 1998, through June 30,
1998, in the amount of $46,438.00. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #98-O-109.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
18. 98-R-053 Accepting a grant from the Texas Alternate Fuel
Council in the amount of $35,000.00 with the City
designating $37,839.49 in matching funds and/or
in-kind services for a total of $72,839.49, for
conversion of 12 new and used fleet vehicles to
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from several City of
Laredo Departments from February 1, 1998 through
August 31, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-053.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 98-R-062 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of
Health in the amount of $285,938.00, for the HIV
Ryan White Care Consortium Project of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
April 1, 1998, through March 31, 1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-062.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 98-R-063 Accepting Texas Transportation Commission Minute
Order no. 107439, regarding the construction of
the Laredo Northwest International Bridge (Fourth
Bridge) and its connecting facilities, from U.S.
Interstate Highway 35 to the international border
crossing at the Rio Grande River, located
approximately 2.5 miles southwest of U.S.
Interstate Highway 35. Said international bridge
and facilities construction being subject to the
project participation provisions enumerated for
the City of Laredo and the State of Texas, on
Minute Order.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-063.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 98-R-064 Accepting a grant from Entex in the amount of
$20,000.00, to be used toward the purchase of
dedicated CNG (compressed natural gas) equipped
vehicles or conversions of existing fleet vehicles
to CNG fuel.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-064.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 98-R-066 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a clinical
affiliation agreement between the City of Laredo
Fire Department EMS and Texas A&M International
University Canseco School of Nursing.
Motion to approve Resolution #98-R-066.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
23. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposals from
parties interested in providing Tennis Pro services for the
City Tennis Courts Facilities.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Authorization to advertise for Request for Proposals (RFPs)
to provide professional engineering services for landfill
design and permitting services for a proposed Type I landfill
site which is to include, but not be limited to, surveying,
geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations, engineering
design, preparation of permit application, preparation of
long-term cost estimates and fee analysis, administrative/
technical review and agency coordination, and project
management. The permit application will be prepared in
accordance with applicable sections of the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission's Subtitle D Requirements of
30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste Regulations and Applicable
Portions of 30 TAC 305. Funding is available in the 1998
C.O. Issue Capital Outlay -Land.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a) office supplies - annual contract
b) laboratory sterilizer - Health Department
c) CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Bi-Fuel Conversions - Public
Works.
A tentative bid award date is scheduled for May 18, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, H&V Equipment Services,
Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of the
$201,801.00, for the purchase of four tractors with mower
attachments. This equipment will be assigned to the Public
Works department and used in the creek cleaning operations.
This equipment will be delivered within ninety days. Funding
is available in the Public Works Department - Street
Maintenance Division -Capital Outlay.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Power Equipment
International, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of
$119,772.00, for the purchase of two, 12 cubic yard dump
trucks for the Public Works Department. These trucks are for
replacement and will be assigned to the creek cleaning
operation. It is anticipated that these trucks will be
delivered within one hundred and twenty days. The City
received a total of two bids for this purchase. Funding is
available in the Public Works Department - Street Maintenance
-Capital Outlay.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Valu Care Cleaners,
Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $43,734.00, for
providing laundry dry cleaning services for Police Department
uniforms. The bid pricing is approximately 12% less than the
previous contract period. The City received a total of three
bids for these services. Funding is available in the Police
Department's contractual services, linen and laundry service.
Luis Dovalina, President of the Laredo Police Officers
Association, requested that Valu Care Cleaners not be awarded
the contract because they only have one location. He asked
that it be awarded to Gateway Cleaners, because they have
more locations, hours of operation are more convenient to
officers and they provide good service to them.
Mayor Flores suggested that the next time we go out on bids
that the number of locations be made part of the requirements
and that the hours of operation also be included.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Award of construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Bridge
America, Inc., Alexandria, MN, in the amount of $38,977.00,
for the Pre-Engineered/Prefabricated Steel Pedestrian Bridge
for the Northeast Hillside Recreation Center and Park.
Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund
Northeast Hillside Park.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Approval of professional services contract with Dr. Maurice
Click in the amount not to exceed $12,720.00 per year to
continue to serve as the Health Department's Health Authority
under Section 121.033 of the Texas Health and Safety Code,
for the period of April 1, 1998, through March 31, 2000.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $6,500.00, for
additional Resident Project Representative (inspection
services) to the engineering contract with Mejia Engineering
Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo International Airport
Passenger Terminal Phase B. The additional inspection
services is due mainly to several construction contract
modifications and contract time extension to the construction
contract. The original contract amount was $104,000.00 and
this amendment will bring the total contract amount to
$110,500.00. Funding is available in the Airport
Construction Inspection Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Authorization to enter into Adopt-A-Park agreement with
community organizations. This agreement between the Parks and
Recreation Department and community organizations stipulates
the various responsibilities of each entity. The purpose of
the agreement is to gain active support from the community in
beautifying our parks. The agreement is for three years an
automatically renews for a two year period.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Approval of contract with Columbia Telecommunications
Corporation to prepare request for proposals for the
institutional network equipment in the amount of $12,402.50.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Refund of property taxes to the following individual or
company:
a. Nations Banc Mortgage Corporation in the amount of $514.26
as a result of a clerical error.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Authorizing the selection of a consultant for the West Laredo
Traffic Circulation Study. The consultants recommended for
selection are Lockwood, Andrews, and Newman.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Authorizing the transfer of reserve funds from the 1994 Water
and Sewer bond issues to the following projects:
Water
97-98 Recycling Project $ 20,000
Hillside Water Lane Replacement $ 50,000
Wastewater
North Laredo Belt Filter Press $349,000
South Laredo Belt Filter Press $330,000
97-98 Recycling Project $ 20,000
Privatization RFP
(Request for Proposals) $ 50,000
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
37. Discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of
the Ad Hoc Cemetery Board.
Mr. John Vidaurri, Parks & Recreation Director, reported that
the proposed Ad Hoc Committee would oversee the operational
effectiveness of the cemetery division of the Parks &
Recreation Department. He would envision and recommend that
the Ad Hoc Committee initially be charged with the
responsibility of reviewing our current ordinances for the
operation of the city cemetery. In addition to that, to be
looking at key issues in cemetery including possibly
acquiring a new site for the cemetery because we are running
out of space. He asked that they also review site selection
possibilities and in turn make recommendations to the City
Council.
Mr. Vidaurri suggested that Councilmembers provide the names
of the appointees so they can be formally recognized as
sitting on the Ad Hoc Cemetery Board.
Cm. Guerra asked if Nina Nixon Mendez can serve in an
advisory capacity to that board.
Motion that all Councilmembers submit names of their
appointees to Mr. John Vidaurri so they can be formally
recognized as sitting on that Ad Hoc Board by the next
council meeting.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement
between the City of Laredo and Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley,
Pollan, Kever & McDaniel, L.L.P., Attorney's at Law, to
represent the City of Laredo in Hurd Urban Development, L.C.,
et. al. v. Federal Highway Administration, Kenneth R. Wykle,
et.al., Case Number: A-98CA-204-JN, in the United States
District Court, Western District of Texas.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to move item #39 to the end of the meeting.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 7 Against: 00 Abstain: 0
Motion to move item #40 to the end of the meeting.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071(1)(a) to discuss pending litigation in
Cause No. A-98CA-204-JN, Hurd Urban Development, L.C., et.al.
v. Federal Highway Administration, Kenneth R. Wykle, et.al.,
in the United States District Court, Western District of
Texas, 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 pending
litigation in Cause No. A-98CA-204-JN, Hurd Urban
Development, L.C., et.al. v. Federal Highway
Administration, Kenneth R. Wykle, et.al., in the United
States District Court, Western District of Texas.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
After executive session Mayor Flores announced that no action
was taken in executive session.
40. Discussion and possible action regarding a water line
reimbursement contract with Twin Peaks L.L.C., with possible
Request for Executive Session to be conducted pursuant to
Section 551.071(a) of the Texas Government Code.
Motion to table.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Discussion and possible action on the reorganization of City
Hall offices. An appropriation of $50,000 is available to
implement these changes.
Mr. Pena made the presentation and explained the movement of
several offices at City Hall.
Mayor Flores stated that her only concern is that there is no
office space on the third floor for the Public Information
Officer, but there is a space for the Internal Auditor who
she believes is always working outside of their office and is
not as crucial at this time for that office to be on the
third floor. She asked that they reconsider those two
spaces. She said that the P.I.O. needs to work closely with
the City Manager and the Mayor's office as well.
Mr. Pena said he will be looking into it and mentioned that
they provided office space for City Council on the third
floor, next to the Mayor's Office, plus a waiting room area
for citizens.
Motion to approve to proceed with the reorganization of City
Hall offices of the second and third floor.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Status report on the Regional Water Management Plan prepared
in conjunction with the South Texas Development Council.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, explained that the Water
Management Plan was born nine months ago out of the desire of
the State to begin some planning at a regional level. They
decided to work with the STDC sort of mirroring the efforts
that the lower Rio Grande Valley were doing at the time. In
the mist of this came Senate Bill 1 which is a 50-year water
supply plan, so they started doing what Senate Bill 1 is
asking the rest of the State to do.
He said he has a draft of Phase I Plan, which is a basic
document, it describes the study area, it looks at the
planning area basins, it looks at prior studies, describes
practices in the State and the current legislation. It looks
at forecasts of the next 20-30 years and discusses the
supply, but in reality it's just an inventory of needs
assessment and a listing of future studies that need to be
undertaken that will eventually translate into engineering
projects such as reservoirs, pipelines from one basin to the
other, aquifer or groundwater exploration etc.
He said he will have the consultant here, possibly by May
4th. STDC and him have been talking about coming to the
council with a full presentation by the consultants who did
this report so they can give council more details. Doing it
on the 4th would be a good preparation for the public hearing
that is required under the Texas Water Development Board
which will be conducted on May 13th, that way they will give
council some advance knowledge of what the public is going to
see on the 13th.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated that Senate Bill
1 created various regional districts across the State of
Texas and we are part of the lower Rio Grande Valley
District. The long term plan of that group is to develop a
master plan for water supply. The only commonality between
us and the valley is the Rio Grande. His recommendation to
the Ad Hoc Committee, is to run a parallel program to
continue our efforts to find additional underground water
supply by continuing with our efforts with storage recovery
program as well as our USGS study which is finding these
points where we can possibly find some groundwater.
He said we can't afford to wait for Senate Bill 1 to
determine where additional water supply is going to come
from. We need to work with them, and in conjunction with
them, but at the same time or parallel to that continue our
efforts to find additional water supply. We basically have a
general understanding of where that is, which is basically
northwest Webb County, and possibly La Salle County, but we
need to finish those studies to get a determination of where
we need to purchase possibly some land. We cannot wait until
the end 1999 and until Senate Bill 1 finishes its studies.
They are proceeding along that tract and will be working with
the Water Ad Hoc Committee to finalize the hiring of any
additional engineering firms that may be needed to find
additional test wells and proceed with that.
Cm. Bruni stated he has a big concern on the water issues,
Laredo has only one source of drinking water, the Rio Grande.
Amistad is still at record low, and if we do not get any
major events we are going to probably end up rationing or
curtail water starting spring. He said if we do not go out
and take the initiative, look, and a make sure we acquire the
necessary property where we know these water sands are, the
private sector is going to do it for us and then they are
going to sell it to us at a premium. He said we should
partner up with a private city partnership in looking at this
to see how this might work. He instructed staff to parallel
this project and expedite it.
Cm. Guerra asked that staff also explore other programs such
cloud seeding. Also that they explore another measures that
can be used such as capturing our treated wastewater maybe
storing it or pumping it somewhere into some underground
facility.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Mayor Protem Perez announced that the South Laredo Youth
Alliance has received a community award for "Make a
Difference Day" for the second year in a row and are
listed in Today's U.S.A. weekend.
He instructed staff to prepare something to recognize them
at the next council meeting.
b. Cw. Montalvo thanked city staff, Mr. Joe Luis Flores, and
the effort of Cm. Bruni for receiving the $8.3 million for
the noise abatement from FAA.
c. Mayor Flores read letter from Betty Ann Caine, our
Washington Representative, sent in reference to the ISTEA
authorization as follows:
"Before leaving for Easter recess the House of
Representatives passed its version of a bill reauthorizing
the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) program. The House Bill, H.R. 2400, is known as
BESTEA. If differs in some ways from the Senate version,
S. 1173, which was passed in mid March. The differences
will be resolved by a conference committee when Congress
reconvene next week. Both versions of the bill include
several provision of particular benefit and importance to
Laredo. This memo summarizes these provisions. This memo
also includes recommended actions to communicate to the
Laredo Congressional delegation in support of provisions
favorable to the City.
1. Special Funding for Border and Trade Corridor
Infrastructure
Section 1116 of S.1173 authorizes $125 million a year for
the next six years specifically set aside for
discretionary grants transportation infrastructure for
trade corridors and border crossings. This set aside is
in addition to the regular highway and transit funding
that would come to the States and localities under the
legislation. This section also includes $1.4 million a
year for planning grants for border crossings and $3
million a year for planning grants for trade corridors.
H.R. 2400 includes similar provisions, but they are
divided into two separate sections. Section 115 requires
DOT to establish and implement a program to make
discretionary allocations to State "for coordinated
planning design, and construction of corridors of national
significance, economic growth, and international or
interregional trade." Section 116 establishes a program
of funding just for transportation infrastructure and
safety projects in border states (defined as states
bordering Mexico or Canada). The section also includes a
separate authorization of $25 million in fiscal 1998 and
$20 million in the next 5 years for the state safety
inspection programs at the border.
Recommendation: Thank the delegation for supporting
border infrastructure. The approach of having a separate
program in H.R. 2400 is probably preferable, because the
border would not be competing with other states for funds,
as it would be in the trade corridor provisions of S.1173.
Specifically ask that Laredo's needs for two new
overpasses over the rail lines be mentioned in the
conference report as a priority project in the border
infrastructure section.
2. Inclusion of Airport Infrastructure in Border
Infrastructure Set Aside Funding.
An amendment to S.1173 by Senator Frank Lautenberg of New
Jersey which makes airports that are impacted by NAFTA
also eligible for the additional trade corridor and border
crossing funding. Senator Lautenberg intended this to
help Newark Airport in his state, which handles a lot of
cargo. However, Laredo will also benefit from this
amendment, due to the significant increase in NAFTA
related cargo at Laredo International Airport.
There is no similar language in H.R. 2400.
Recommendation: Ask that the conferees support the Senate
language which includes airports, and that the report make
the kinds of cargo-related projects at gateway airports
that are eligible for funding as inclusive as possible.
3. Funding for Rail-Crossing Improvements
S.1173 earmarks 2 percent of highway funds for rail-grade
crossing signals, 2 percent for other rail improvements,
and another 6 percent for either category, in addition to
the special funds for trade corridors and border
crossings. States, however, could use these funds for
other purposes if they said they did not them for rail-
highway safety.
H.R. 2400 includes in section 906 a program of direct
loans and loan guarantees to state and local governments,
as well as to railroads, for railroad infrastructure
acquisition and rehabilitation, including rail bridges.
H.R.2400 also keeps in place the current program that
provides funding for signalization and other improvements
to rail grade crossings.
Recommendation: Ask the delegation to support adequate
funding for rail grade crossings and for additional
funding for overpass. Specifically ask that Laredo's need
for two new overpasses over the rail lines be mentioned in
the conference report as a priority project in the border
infrastructure section (see above).
4. General Funding Level
The House bill sets a much higher overall funding lever
($217 billion for surface transportation than the Senate
bill. This means that both the allocation to the State of
Texas for reallocation to localities, and the amount of
discretionary funding available for various projects that
Laredo would apply for, is larger and to the City's
advantage. Part of the increase in the House is due to
specific earmarks, however. The House funding level
exceeds the budget agreement and has been challenged by
the President and other inside and outside the
administration. Some groups fee that transportation is
being funding at the expense of other social needs.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Bud
Shuster has defended the higher level by using a "trigger"
mechanism, under which the amounts in excess of the
balanced budget agreement would only be authorized if
surpluses occurred. The House bill also takes the Highway
Trust Fund "off budget," freeing the funds from being used
to plug other gaps."
Mayor Flores asked that the City Manager and Council-
members write letters to our Texas Legislation and
specifically ask and insist that Laredo be helped because
of the NAFTA impact.
Cw. Montalvo asked for copies of the document from the
Mayor's Office.
XI. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
43. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores
1. Presentation by Audrey Salgado, Local Chapter President of the
American Association of University of Women, regarding the AAUW
Convention to be held in Laredo.
Mrs. Audrey Salgado proudly announced that on behalf of AAUW
Laredo has been selected as the site for the AAUW Texas State
Convention 2002. She added that this convention will bring
5,000 participants to Laredo and thanked the City for assisting
AAUW in obtaining this award.
Cm. Casso joined the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Status report on the ongoing construction on Hwy 59 (Saunders),
with possible action. (Co-sponsored by Councilman Eliseo
Valdez).
Mr. Juan Villarreal, Area Engineer for TxDot, reported that the
last time he presented the status report they were up to Meadow.
At this time they already milled from Meadow all the way to IH-
35. The previous time they were working on Stormsewer System #3
(from Bartlett to Ejido) and System #2 (from McPherson to
Bartlett), both of those systems are the trunk lines, and both
are complete. They already started doing the hot mix paving, it
is completed from Ejido to Meadow at this time. They have
started with the curb and gutter, it is under construction
between Ejido and Meadow.
At the present time the contractor is working on Stormsewer
System #1 which starts at Zacate Creek and runs to Meadow.
All the utility work has been completed in that area. They are
going to start with the concrete pavement. There are several
intersections that are going to be reconstructed with concrete
starting next Monday such as Arkansas. They are going to use
fast track concrete which allows for the intersection to be
opened sooner than the conventional concrete instead of the 14
day cure time before you can get traffic on there, it can be
opened in three days. They will do Arkansas first, next
Bartlett, Meadow, and probably after Meadow the will start
at IH-35. The project is approximately 20% complete and
time wise its pending about 13%, so they are ahead of schedule.
It is a 24-month project which they said they would bring down
to 18. He does not have an actual set date, if they continue
improving there is a possibility that it will be done before the
18 months are over.
Cm. Bruni asked Police presence during peak hours to expedite
the traffic jam and to have orderly movement of traffic in the
area.
On the questions of liability, if PD was directing traffic
versus signalization, he asked that staff look into this issue.
Another concern he has is that 16 months from now when that
project is finished, there will be no businesses present on
Saunders because they will be broke. He stated some businesses
have been shut down and wants to investigate some possibilities
to either partner up with the bank, the SBA, or something to
provide emergency funding, maybe low interest loans, defer
interest in the principle payments for 12 months, because if
something is not done to help these people there will be no
businesses in that area.
Cm. Valdez said that the City Manager's Office sent a letter to
the Economic Development Office in Austin and he wants to know
if they have received a response to see what kind of aid or
grants there are for these people.
Mr. Pena stated that "yes" they did receive a response and they
did identify five programs that may be available including a
loan program. He did not have the letter with him, but he will
provide a copy of the letter to businesses to share it with them
and provide a copy to Cm. Valdez.
Mr. Landin, Traffic Director, stated that the illumination has
been coordinated with TxDot from Ejido to Meadow, so they are on
target on the illumination.
2. Status report on the lack of waste water infrastructure on the
north side of Hwy 59 between Ejido Street and the entrance of
Casa Blanca State Park, with possible action.
Cm. Bruni read a letter from Mr. Ruben Gariby owner of A-1 Auto
Stop dated February 24th addressed to Mr. Alberto Gonzalez of
the Utilities Department. He quoted the letter as follows:
Re: Emergency Request
Dear Mr. Gonzalez:
On January 24th, I was in your office and ordered a 6" sewer tap
for my business. I was told to pay for the tap, which I did
immediately (check #21643). Your personnel gave me a wooden
stake marked with the word "SEWER", and directed me to put the
stake in the ground on my lot, where I wanted to have the tap
line.
After 30 days, I still do not have my sewer tap. I am concerned
that the Saunders paving project will soon be done right over
the area, without the necessary utility taps for my property and
the neighbors adjacent to me. This would be a terrible waste of
tax dollars, and create an additional inconvenience when the
crews to go break up the new asphalt and make the taps later.
Sure this is not the plan?
All of the commercial taxpayers on this block have paid City of
Laredo taxes without receiving sewer service to our properties.
Our taxes have gone up several times in the past few years, yet
we cannot obtain services?
After seeing the unwise practice of the city crews tearing up
newly-laid asphalt just to install a "forgotten" utility line,
I'm attempting to help you avoid the additional inconvenience to
drivers and expense to taxpayers in this case. Surely you are
not going to tell me to "wait until later", after you already
had my sewer tap paid for, promised, and scheduled. Please
contact me IMMEDIATELY to let me know when my tap will be
installed. Hopefully it will be BEFORE paving over the work."
Cm. Bruni wants to know in reference to the above mentioned
letter. He also wants a report as to where we are pertaining to
the lack of wastewater for these businesses that are on the
north side of Highway 59. He stated for the record, "I do not
think it is fair that these people have been paying city taxes
and yet are not receiving city services when it comes to
wastewater infrastructure. I wouldn't want to see some kind of
wastewater impact fee applied to them, I think that we should
expedite or find the funding necessary to put in this wastewater
line and threat them like other citizens, cause they are not
being treated like other ratepayers/taxpayers or citizens."
Mr. Roman answered that when he received the letter and realized
that the people building at that section had made a mistake by
incorrectly assessing that there was a sewer line in front of
the property. He said they have refunded the money
approximately a month ago.
On the second point, the lack of infrastructure and regarding
the cost of the project. He said that the last time, there was
a cost of approximately $47,000. They intend to install an 8"
line outside of the constructed portion of the highway, they do
not have to touch it therefore we are not in conflict with the
TxDot project because they have space for alignment. A project
will include approximately 1,600 feet of sewer line. Our
regulations say that either the person requesting that pays for
that or we go on a sewer assessment. The sewer assessment is a
mechanism by which we get 50% of the people in the area
interested in that and committed to paying up to 90% of the
materials and then by virtue having the 50%, then they can
include everyone in there and the assessment indeed takes place
pretty much like a paving assessment. Those are the two
that they have to extend lines to properties without anything
else. Doing an extension without a sewer assessment would be
unlike the project that they have done in the past and would
require council's direction because it goes against the present
regulations. They have contacted the owners of the
establishments, three indicated that they would be willing to
pay a portion of that, they circulated a petition asking them to
at least sign with their intent and some of them did not like
the idea of paying or paying as much, and some did not say much,
so that is yet to be decided.
Cm. Bruni would like to see if staff can come with recommend-
ations as to how they can help them because he does not think it
is fair and this it goes back to the same problems as with the
Casa Verde people, all these people paying taxes and not
receiving city services.
Mr. Pena stated this is a very difficult public policy and
the Charter is very clear, it requires any extension for
water/sewer services and any requests for extension be borne by
the persons requesting the development. There are several areas
in town that don't have water or sewer services and the practice
is that they request it, we can extend, but its on a sewer
assessment basis. There is a $49,000 cost approximately, they
feel they can up-front this cost with the sewer fund, but they
would have to go through a public hearing process to determine
the assessment, which is basically their recommendation.
Motion to start the necessary procedures to start the public
hearing process and earmark the $47,000.00.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Status report on the Brown and Root drainage study at the Laredo
International Airport, with possible action.
Cm. Bruni stated there was concern about runoff from the airport
that was affecting some properties including property owned by
Paul Young. He said that on a subsequent meeting with council
they had addressed the issue and instructed staff to expand the
project to include the drainage problems that are happening
right now. The county was going to pay for their share of the
study, include the A-1 property, and Paul Young's property. He
wanted a status report on this issue.
Mr. Pena answered that they did receive a proposal from Brown &
Root which is the primary contractor that is doing the drainage
study at Chacon Creek. They have asked them what it would cost
for a preliminary assessment of the upper portions of the Chacon
Creek to include the runoff from the airport. They provided
a project cost not to exceed $10,000 and basically it would
include a preliminary analysis of impact that the airport
project would have, in particular, the expansion of the runway
and other improvements that have occurred there and what impact
they are having on the Chacon Creek. The county has not been
approached for participation in this extra $10,000 cost, but
they plan to do that this week.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated the first phase would be
an analysis of the conditions that were existing there
previously before the terminal and the runway were constructed,
and the drainage as it is now. The impacts it would have on the
realignment on some of the drainages by the gulf course, and the
construction of the buildings on the Paul Young property. The
second phase which is not included in the $10,000 fee would
determine cost estimates for improvements.
Cm. Bruni asked if there will be additional $10,000 to include
this extra property for the study.
Mr. Rivera answered yes. He added that they need to approach
the county since they were in agreement to participate.
Mr. Bruni asked that staff meet with Webb County Commissioner
Reyes or whoever is appointed to see if they will participate.
Mr. Rivera stated that as soon as they have the funding in line,
they would like to have a meeting with all the parties that will
be impacted by this drainage study.
Mr. Pena stated they will bring a status report back to Council
on May 4th.
4. Status report regarding the widening and storm drainage
improvements to Cherry Hill Drive between Calton Road and
Bustamante Street, with possible action.
Cm. Bruni wanted the status on a motion made and approved on
November 2, 1998. He quoted the motion, "Motion to instruct
staff to find the funding for the design work, to go out on
bids, and to identify the right-of-ways needed."
Mr. Pena stated there is a project cost that involves land
acquisition of $125,000 and a total of $465,000.000 for this
project. At the present time, they have not found a source of
money for this project. They are just initiating our $16.4
million Certificates of Obligation Project. They have just
awarded some engineering contracts and those projects need to be
funded fully and they need to maintain a reserve in the event
that those projects exceed the amount that was budgeted for
them. At the present time he has not been able to find any kind
of funding, when they get into the Capital Improvement Program
process and as they get closer to closing some projects if
council sees this as a high priority they could possibly proceed
with it. He said that there are other projects in that general
vicinity that have been brought to his attention in the last
weeks, that may also be a priority such as the widening of
McPherson Road, and the connection of Jacaman Road between
McPherson and the Loop. He advised the council that we do have
the cost estimates for this major projects, but they want to
meet with council to review the traffic counts, etc. so they
can make a wise decision of the limited resources that they
have.
Cm. Bruni asked if they found the funding for the design work?
Mr. Pena stated they have not found the funding for the design
work, what they will have to do is look into the Capital
Improvements Fund to see if there are any reserves there.
Cm. Bruni asked that he do something and that he follow council
directives, because council has already made a motion.
Mr. Pena stated that he will bring back the item at the next
meeting to have this project approved by council.
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action on the city wide Rabies Vacuna
Program and the Animal Protective Society's role.
Cm. Casso said he looked at the minutes and noticed that this
item was discussed on April 21, 1997 which is almost a year ago
since it was discussed. He read through the minutes and of
significance on the sypnosis of minutes was that we were going
to give all veterinarians an opportunity to participate in the
vacuna program.
He questioned what is the policy going to be of this city
regarding the Animal Protective Society because there are
certain policy decisions that are coming from staff right now,
that are going to destroy the Animal Protective Society as a
operation. Much of the funds that the Animal Protective Society
depends on come from the vacuna drive and there are certain
things that staff is doing that is going to diminish or
undermine the APS's role. What he is trying to get at is that
last time this item was brought before council he was talking
about certain individuals that were under cutting prices and
undermining the efforts of the vacuna drive and the APS
and there was nothing council could do because it is free
enterprise and people can do what they want out there as long as
they follow certain ordinances. He remembers there was
operating in K-Mart and that was also part of the discussion and
they cannot operate without permission from the owner and even
though they were violating certain city ordinances. The problem
he has is that he understands the city is going to bid out these
services. Now we are changing policy and what we are going to
do is we are not going to allow all these vets to participate in
the vacuna drive and the APS depends on the vacuna drive. If
the city is going to give it to one vet, we are going to end up
having to come back and fund the APS from the general fund. If
the APS doesn't succeed we are going to have to open up our own
pound and it will cost approximately $500,000. He wants to know
what staff is doing in terms of bidding it out because this is
contrary to what was discussed a year ago.
Mr. Pena stated his understanding was that the APS was not
interested in running a vacuna campaign this spring, they have
traditionally done it and the city has worked with them. As far
as last year and previous years, the veterinarians in town
worked with APS, they charged $5.00 for vaccinations, $3 was
kept by the veterinarians and $2 was used for donation to Animal
Protective Society.
Last year there was also concern because there was one
veterinarian that used the momentum of the vacuna campaign to
set up shop in various locations throughout the city to also
vaccinate animals.
This year the APS advised us that they were not interested in
running a vacuna campaign so the city went out for proposals.
The interest of the city is to make certain that rabies is
combatted, so we must run a spring campaign so since they were
not interested in pursuing it the city has asked for proposals
and basically they are to be received here in a few days, and
they will be working with one veterinarian to run the vacuna
campaign. This does not keep any veterinarian in town to do the
same thing, voluntarily and to be charging the amounts that they
charge to vaccinate as many animals as possible.
Roger Garcia, from the Health Department, stated this does not
preclude the Health Department in the future working with either
the Animal Protective Society or the local vets. They are
willing to working with them in October which is when they said
they would be interested in doing so. Right now he thinks there
is a problem, historically the vacuna has been held during the
spring and the city wishes to continue it that way because of
convenience, availability, and because of the $5.00 fee.
Ms. Isabel Mendez who works at the Animal Protective Society,
said that yes, the history of the vacuna is that the Sisters
Divine (Ella and Jenny) who started the animal shelter were the
ones who got together with the veterinarians to make the vacuna
a reality. They would spend four or five months going from
corner through corner throughout the neighborhood to make
anything to encourage people to come and bring their animals for
vaccination. What has happened is that this year, they simply
said they didn't want to do it in the spring, they want to do it
in the fall, the weather will be better and the animals will be
brought will not be exposed to as much parboil and distemper.
Right now what happens is that there are a lot of puppies, there
is much sickness and by bringing them together during the vacuna
we are actually getting them sick they are going to die healthy
or from something else instead of the rabbies which was their
reason for wanting to do this. They are trying to work with the
vets and prepare for a vacuna in October but if they have one in
the spring, well they do not need to do that. She said that it
is one of their major fundraisers. The city and county have
supported the shelter in full extreme and have provided the
funds that they need to operate what is known as the impoundment
facility, but the money that they raise during the vacuna drive
helps them operate the shelter.
Cm. Casso asked if they pursue the present policy that the city
is recommending to bid it out and go with one sole source, then
they are going to have to come back and fund the Animal
Protective Society because they will not have those funds from
the fundraiser?
Dr. John Spruiell spoke of the vacuna, it was a community wide
effort, the vacuna has geared at public health, now it has an
ugly side, we are talking dollars because when you get in to
giving the parbo shot and distemper shots you have trespassed
and they have not stayed in the round of what is good for the
public health. He said they just want to keep the plane in a
fair field and keep it geared into public health and not get
over into a territory of money raking situation because that
destroys the unity.
Cm. Casso said that the city should not be bidding this out, he
thinks the city should be doing that, we are not being
consistent with our policy. The reason he brought this issue is
because here we are a year later, they did not do what they
needed to do then, there is one individual out there who is
profiting which has caused all this issue, which is why they are
going to bid because of that one individual, and now he is going
into other areas of services besides rabies vacuna.
Mr. Pena said yes there is a veterinarian providing the rabies
shots outside of the Animal Protective Society Program, but
there was nothing in our ordinances from keeping him from doing
that.
He said they will see if they send an extension and amendment to
allow to revisit the RFP to get bidders in.
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Presentation by Robert Pe¤a on UPCOD, Inc. (Underprivileged
Children of Divorce).
Mr. Robert Pena stated that the corporation is licensed by the
State of Texas and the Internal Revenue Service and announced
the grand opening of an office here in Laredo on corner of
Bartlett and Santa Clara on the 13th of May and formally invited
the Councilmembers to attend.
2. Request to instruct staff to conduct a traffic study a St.
James and Calle Del Norte for the possible need of a traffic
light.
Motion to instruct staff to conduct a traffic study at St. James
and Calle del Norte.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Status report on the frequency of water line breakage in the
Hillside area particularly on Kentucky/India.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, stated that item #36
contains a transfer of funds from reserve to projects which
council just authorized (Hillside water Lane Replacement for
$50,000) to kick-off the mentioned program. They have
approximately 4,000 feet of water lines that they will replace
on a priority basis on the Mayberry, India, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma. They had estimated the cost of this program to be
approximately $120,000 and that is the cost of the materials.
As they go into looking at replacing the other streets have been
popping up, they will probably be looking at quarter of a
million dollars, but they will be doing it in phases.
Phase I is starting on May 26th after they work Gustavus and
Buena Vista which are ready for resurfacing and once they free
those crews, then they will moving to this direction. With the
$50,000 that were authorized they will be beginning the first
phase of this, and as they identify the funds from other
projects that close they will transferring back up to the
program and continue on the phases.
Cm. Valdez wants to see if they can get to the Kentucky and
Indiana area, because in the last few years they have had as
many as 15-20 breakages in that area so he asked that they see
if this can be part of Phase II.
Mr. Roman stated that they have included Indiana, and they can
see if they can include Kentucky in the first phase.
E. Requests by Councilmember Joe A. Guerra
1. Update on the status of sidewalk leading to Clark Elementary
School, request for staff to find funding, with possible action.
Mr. Pena stated that basically they have done the analysis and
the estimated the cost of this project is $40,200.00
He outlined the project as follows:
Hillside Road (Southside)
(San Francisco to Haynes) $20,000.00
San Francisco Ave. (Both sides)
(Hillside Road to Calton Road) $13,500.00
Estimated Construction Cost $33,500.00
A/E Fee $ 3,350.00
Testing/Contingencies $ 3,350.00
Estimated Project Cost $40,200.00
The project includes the construction of sidewalks and ramps,
reconstruction of driveways, and some demolition.
He will go into the Capital Improvements Fund to see what the
status of that fund is and see if there are funds available for
this project.
His recommendation to council is that since there will be a
tremendous need for sidewalks all over town, now that our
streets are paved, that we embark in a program of sidewalk
assessments which will be done on a volunteer basis and on the
basis of 50% of the block signing up to get this done. That we
allocate some funds either C.O.'s of look for some funding where
this program can continue on an ongoing basis through a
volunteer petition basis.
Cm. Guerra said this is fine, but that will take a long time and
he has a commitment with this school. He would like the
sidewalks built between now and the time school starts again in
September even if they have to do them in phases. The highest
priority is on Hillside Road (the southside). If they can do
the first phase along Hillside, then do the second phase on San
Francisco that would be acceptable.
Motion to instruct staff to find the funds to do the first phase
of the project (Hillside Road along the southside).
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Status report on the traffic congestion problems at Unitec
Industrial Park, with possible action.
Cm. Guerra asked that the item be tabled.
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
44. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo 1997-1998 (LEOSE)
Account Fund Budget in the amount of $28,307.67. Law
Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (LEOSE) Account
for continuing education for Police Officers for the period
of October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo 1997-1998 (LEOSE) Account Fund
Budget in the amount of $28,307.67. Law Enforcement Officers
Standards and Education (LEOSE) Account for continuing
education for Police Officers for the period of October 1,
1997 through September 30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
45. Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas
Department of Health and budget in the amount of $285,938.00
for the HIV/STD Ryan White Care Consortium Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
April 1, 1998, through March 31, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the contract with the Texas Department of Health and
budget in the amount of $285,938.00 for the HIV/STD Ryan
White Care Consortium Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning April 1, 1998, through
March 31, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING
AUTHORITY
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo
Municipal Housing Authority.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. 98-RMH-060 Requesting the approval from the Laredo
Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC) Board of
Directors to accept and implement the
Residential Lease/Purchase Agreement for the
prospective tenants at the Riverhills
Subdivision, Unit 1, under the Lease/Purchase
Program, plus authorization to implement a one
time $500.00, maintenance fee, plus
authorization to implement a $20.00, monthly
late fee and provide the basis for the estimated
monthly rental rate for the houses under
Lease/Purchase Program.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Municipal Housing Authority and
convene as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
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. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, R&R Uniforms, Inc., San
Antonio, Texas, in the estimated amount of $15,632.50, for
the purchase of uniforms for the El Metro bus drivers. A
total of 600 shirts and 300 trousers will be purchased. The
bid pricing includes sewing the Transit patches and pant
length alterations. Bulk orders will be placed by the
Transit System and issued to the operators on scheduled
intervals.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Mass Transit Board and convene
as City Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 7:50 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 34
ARE TRUE, COMPLETE, AND CORRECT PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THE 20TH DAY OF APRIL, 1998. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY
Minutes prepared by: Delia Rodriguez
Minutes approved on: