CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M98-R-25
JUNE 15, 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
Alfredo Agredano, Councilmember, District I
Louis H. Bruni, Councilmember, District II
John C. Galo, Councilmember, District III
Cecilia May Moreno, Councilmember, District IV
Eliseo Valdez, Councilmember, District V
Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI
Mario G. Alvarado Councilmember, District VII
Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Councilmember, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary
Florencio Pena, III City Manager
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney
IV. MINUTES
2. City Council Meeting, April 27, 1998
City Council Meeting, May 4, 1998
Special City Council Meeting, May 5, 1998
Special City Council Meeting, May 11, 1998
Motion to approve the minutes.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
3. Amending Chapter 2, Article II, Division 6, of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Laredo, entitled pay administration,
by amending Section 2.87.7(d)(15)(c), thereby adopting a
revised pay schedule increasing all steps in all grades in the
pay schedule by one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) with a
revised effective date of implementation of May 31, 1998.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
4. Second reading amending Ordinance No. 92-O-113 granting
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company ( 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 to sixty days from the date of
expiration of May 30, 1998 until July 29, 1998; providing for
publication and effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
5. Approving and authorizing the execution of a 40' x 40'
permanent equipment and access easement with Southwestern Bell
Telephone located along Foster Avenue at the Laredo
International Airport. Authorizing the City Manager to execute
all necessary documents of conveyance effectuating same. Said
equipment and access easement is more particularly described
by metes and bounds.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease renewal with
the State of Texas General Services Commission on behalf of
the Texas Department of Health, Public Health Region 11, for
2,025 square feet of office space at the City of Laredo Health
Complex located at 2600 Cedar Street.
a. lease renewal term will be from September 1, 1998, through
August 31, 1999;
b. no rental cost, lessee will pay a sum in the amount of
$770.42 per month for electricity and janitorial services.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a sublease with Arturo
Fernandez, where the City of Laredo Engineering Department is
subleasing from him for approximately 5,050 square feet
constituting Building #55 located at 4818 Thomas Avenue at the
Laredo International Airport.
a. lease term is for five (5) years commencing July 1, 1998
and ending June 30, 2004 (negotiable).
b. monthly rent shall be $3,500.00 for the first two years.
Starting July 1, 2000 until June 30, 2002 the rent may
increase not to exceed 5% of the original rent amount. On
July 1, 2002 rent may increase not to exceed 5% of the
original amount.
City Secretary Gustavo Guevara informed the Council that the
correct amount of square feet should read "5,050" instead of
the 8,580.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Authorizing the waiver parking fees at the Laredo Transit
Center for patrons at the garage between 7:00 P.M. and 11:00
P.M. on Thursday, June 25, 1998, subject to a $100
contribution by the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra (L.P.O.).
The parking fees will be waived in order to support the
L.P.O.'s Mozart Opera Gala Festival, a community event, in
downtown Laredo.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
VI. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive final readings of ordinances #98-O-118, #98-O-138,
#98-O-139, #98-O-140, #98-O-141, #98-O-142, #98-O-143, #98-O-144,
#98-O-145, #98-O-146, #98-O-147, #98-O-148, #98-O-149, #98-O-150,
#98-O-151, #98-O-152. #98-O-153, #98-O-154, #98-O-155, and
#98-O-156.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. 98-O-118 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 1.667 acres as further described by metes
and bounds, located south of the intersection of
Bristol Road and Atlanta Drive, from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to R-1-MH (Single Family
Manufactured Housing District). (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 98-O-138 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Laredo Independent School District for
approximately 2,250 square feet constituting the
southernmost portion of Building No. 574 located at
5103 Foster Avenue.
a. lease term is for one (1) year,
commencing May 1, 1998, and ending April 30, 1999
b. monthly rent shall be $540.23, previous monthly
rent was $514.50; Premises are used for storage.
(City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
11. 98-O-139 Rescinding Ordinance No. 85-O-099, closing as a
public easement that section of Texas Avenue between
Guadalupe and Chihuahua Streets in the Eastern
Division of the City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas;
and Ordinance No. 85-O-108, authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary documents to
effectively convey title to said street section and
hereby reopening the street as a public easement as
the abutting property owners need to ingress and
egress from this street and provide for an effective
date. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 98-O-140 Ordinance closing as a public easement that section
of Moreno Avenue between Garfield Street and the
north right-of-way line of the Texas Mexican Railroad
dedicated as a public easement as per the Moreno
Addition map to the City of Laredo recorded in Volume
1, Page 80, Webb County Plat Records and upon closing
of said street, the City will retain the entire
property as a utility easement whereby the City will
retain right to maintain, operate, repair or replace,
by itself or by any licensee or a holder of a
franchise from the City, any poles, wires, pipes,
conducts, sewer mains or any utility needed in the
street portion hereof closed as a public easement,
and hereby approving the submitted Improvement Plan
and which is in compliance with Section 10 of the
Street Closing/Sales Policy Handbook as approved per
Resolution No. 97-R-140; and providing for an
effective date. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 98-O-141 Ordinance establishing guidelines and criteria
governing tax abatements by the City of Laredo;
providing for severability; providing for an
effective date. (City Council)
Motion to amend the ordinance by changing "plus 2%
percent" to read $2.00 above minimum wage; that
instead of "number of jobs" it should read "number of
new jobs"; and that instead of "required investment"
it should read "number of additional investment".
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Cm. Alvarado
Motion to approve as amended.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Galo
Cm. Alvarado
14. 98-O-142 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept and
execute a 1996-1997 Urbanized Area Formula Program
Grant Amendment (No.TX-90-X406-03) from the Federal
Transit Administration in the maximum amount of
$4,700,312 and transferring $221,708 (Federal Share)
from operations to Capital, providing for a local
match of $55,427 from the Transit Sales Tax Proceeds
Budget Reserve Account (Fund 518). (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 98-O-143 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment (increase) to the Laredo Municipal Transit
Systems FY 1997-1998 Operating Budget (Revenue and
Expenditures; Fund 558) in the amount of $6,400 to
$7,043,895 from $7,037,495; transferring funds from
the Transit Sales Tax Proceeds Budget Reserve Account
(Fund 518). (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 98-O-144 Ordinance authorizing the granting and conveyance of
a 5 foot wide utility easement containing
approximately 300 square feet, more or less out of
the Alamo Street and Camp Avenue public right-of-way,
situated in the Western Division of the City of
Laredo, and authorizing the City Manager to execute
all necessary documents of conveyance, in order to
allow for the provision of underground electrical
services to the new K.B.D.R./B-100 F.M.- 1 radio
station antenna tower located at 2810 Anna Avenue
said 5 foot wide utility easement being more
particularly described by metes and bounds.
(City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. 98-O-145 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the
Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning the south 93.88 feet of lots 7 & 8, Block
1729, Eastern Division, located at 2820 Santa Barbara
St, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District). (Jose R. Perez)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. 98-O-146 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 14.611 acres as further
described by metes and bounds, located west of the
Bob Bullock Loop, and north of the Diamond
Subdivision, at Jacaman Ranch, from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 98-O-147 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 21.563 acres as further
described by metes and bounds, located west of the
Bob Bullock Loop, and north of the Diamond
Subdivision, at Jacaman Ranch, from R-1 (Single
Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 98-O-148 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 6.413 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located east of Ejido
Ave., at Frost St., from AG (Agricultural District)
to R-1 (Single Family Residential District).
(Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 98-O-149 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to issue a
Special Use Permit for a mini-storage/warehouse, on
Lot 3, Block 2, Townlake Plaza, Unit I, located at
1234 Townlake Drive. (Louis H. Bruni)
City Secretary Gustavo Guevara informed Council that
the ordinance needed correcting by deleting "City
Manager to issue" and be replaced with "issuance of"
and should read as follows:
Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a Special Use
Permit for a mini-storage/warehouse, on Lot 3, Block
2, Townlake Plaza, Unit I, located at 1234 Townlake
Drive.
Motion to approve as corrected.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
22. 98-O-150 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 2.207 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located at 6600 San
Dario Avenue from B-3 (Community Business District)
to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). (Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
23. 98-O-151 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 7, Block 4, Indian
Crossing Subdivision, Unit I, located at 4114 Rio
Grande Dr., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to
B-1 (Limited Business District). (Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. 98-O-152 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 0.0411 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located on the east
side of FM1472, one mile north of the intersection of
Santa Maria Avenue and FM 1472, from AG (Agricultural
District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
(Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. 98-O-153 Ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98
Annual Budget by adding 11 new positions for the
Laredo Public Library and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. 98-O-154 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Airport/Medical Fund Budget
and to amend the FY 1997-1998 Airport Operation
Budget to appropriate $50,691.00, from the FY 1997-
1998 Airport Operations Budget and authorizing the
City Manager to implement said budget for Change
Order #1 on the construction contract with Pete
Gallegos. The Change Order #1 is for the
construction of 40 replacement parking spaces for the
United States Postal Service affected by the Arkansas
Street Extension Project. (Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. 98-O-155 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the
City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget to reflect an
appropriation in Transportation Planning Funds. The
appropriation comes from the release of 1996-1997
Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) unexpended
funds. (City Council)
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. 98-O-156 Ordinance calling a section 4B Sales and Use Tax
Special Election to be held within the City on August
8, 1998, making provisions for the conduct and ballot
thereof and other provisions relating thereto
including but not limited to the general composition
of the Economic Development Corporation Board of
Directors if such tax measures should pass.
(City Council)
This item was discussed together with item #59.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. RESOLUTIONS
29. 98-R-085 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Laredo and
United Independent School District for the
Construction and Management of Father Charles M.
McNaboe Park.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
30. 98-R-087 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
inter-local agreement between the City of Laredo and
Laredo Community College. This agreement between the
City of Laredo and Laredo Community College is for
the joint use of the Laredo Community College
swimming pool. This agreement stipulates the various
responsibilities of each entity and allows for the
swimming pool to be used by the general public on
Saturday and Sunday during the City's pool hours and
season. The term of this agreement is perpetual
unless a sixty day written notice is given by either
party.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31.98-R-088 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from
the Governor's Office for funding of personnel and
direct operating expenses for a Multi-Agency
Narcotics Task Force in the amount of $758,249.00,
with the City designating $294,166.00 in matching
funds for a total of $1,052,415.00 for the period
beginning June 1, 1998 and ending May 31, 1999 and
authorizing the City Manager to sign any and all
documents pertaining to this grant application.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. 98-R-089 Resolution expressing the support of the City Council
of the City of Laredo, to consider in the U.S.
83/Port Roads Corridor Study, Converting US 83 into a
four lane divided highway with a freeway connector to
IH 35.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. 98-R-091 Appointing the nominee, John Charles, of District II
Councilmember Louis H. Bruni, to the Planning and
Zoning Commission, the nominee, Tammi Casso to the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. 98-R-092 Appointing the nominee, Elmo Lopez Jr., of District
III Councilmember John C. Galo, to the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the nominee, Crispin Sanchez to
the Airport Advisory Board.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. 98-R-093 Authorizing the acceptance of 20 foot wide right-of-
way easement located approximately 1/4 mile East of
the intersection of Del Mar Boulevard and Loop 20,
said 20 foot wide easement containing approximately
6,158.33 square feet, more or less out of Porcion 25,
Abstract 50, Juan F. Garcia, original grantee, Webb
County, Texas, and also being out of share 3,
consisting of 89.20 acres conveyed to Carlos P.
Cantu, Jr., Oralia Cantu Garza, and Graciela Cantu
Botello recorded in County Clerks File Number 44850
of the Webb County Deed Records, said 20 foot wide
right-of-way easement being more particularly
described by metes and bounds.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. MOTIONS
36. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise
for bids for the following:
a) ammunition - Police Department
b) safety footwear, six month contract - Various Departments
c) RFP - Ambulance Billing Software/EMS Data Collection
Hardware - Health Department/Fire Department
d) grinding of wood waste material at the landfill - Public
Works - Landfill
A tentative bid award date is scheduled for August 3, 1998.
Funding is available in the department's operating budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Approval to advertise for bids for the purchase of hand-held
computers for issuing parking meter citations. These computers
provide the meter enforcement officer immediate access to
records of autos with tickets outstanding, allow immediate
booting, and print tickets with legible information.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
38. Approval to advertise for bids for the purchase of vandal-
proof lower housing assemblies and coin cartridges for parking
meters. These housing assemblies will replace older meter
housings that were vandalized continuously and also will
prevent physical removal of coins from the meters.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Approval of the construction plans and authorization to
advertise for bids for a New Parallel Taxiway Phase "D" at the
Laredo International Airport Passenger Terminal and Related
Airside/Landside Improvements with tentative award on July 6,
1998. This project will be funded 90% by Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Funds and 10% Airport Funds. Funding is
available in the Airport Improvement Other Than Building.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
40. Approval of selection of consultant and authorization to
negotiate an engineering contract with Sherfey Engineering
Company, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, to provide surveys, design and
preparation of plans and specifications and cost estimates for
the Cherry Hill Drive Reconstruction Project from Pappas
Street to Sandman Road. Funding is available in the Capital
Improvement Fund Cherry Hill Drive Widening.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
41. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, J.R. Landscaping, Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $56,080.00, for sodding and hydro-
seeding the landscape areas around the new airport terminal.
A total of three bids were received for this service. Funding
is available in the Airport's construction account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
42. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Cantu America
Construction Co., Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of
$18,950.00, for the installation of carpet and resilient tile
flooring, and interior painting at the Municipal Court
building. The contract vendor will commence the contract work
within three weeks. A total of three bids were received for
these services.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
43. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, American Sterilizer
Company, Erie, PA, in the amount of $20,625.00, for the
purchase and installation of a re-manufactured laboratory
sterilizer. This will be a replacement unit. Delivery is
expected within sixty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
44. Rescind the contract awarded to Fort Bend Services, Stafford,
Texas, for furnishing an anionic polymer used in the water
treatment process due to delivery problems and award a new two
year contract to the next LOWEST BIDDER, Polydyne, Inc.,
Toledo, Ohio, in the estimated yearly amount of $33,120.00.
This chemical is being used on a belt press that was recently
put in service. The new contract is $0.01/lb higher. All
purchases will be on a per need basis. A total of three bids
were received for this purchase. Funding is available in the
Utilities Department - Water Treatment Division - Chemicals.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
45. Approval to reject the sole response received from Farias and
Farias, Inc., Licensed U.S. Customhouse Brokers, on behalf of
the South Texas Regional Waste Management Project, for the
Request of Proposals from Land Property Owners and Realtors
for available undeveloped ranch land to be purchased for the
development of a Municipal Solid Waste Type I Landfill and to
re-advertise. The sole response received is for land outside
the Webb County Limits and does not meet the requirements of
the Request for Proposals (RFP). Funding is available from
the 1998 CO Issue Land.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
46. Approval of selection of consultant and authorization to
award an engineering contract to Mejia Engineering Company,
Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed $17,060.00 to
provide consulting services for the construction phase of the
project, contract administration, and revision and
preparations of plans and specifications with cost estimates
for the Calton Road Widening and Signalization from IH-35 (San
Dario) to halfway between San Francisco Avenue to Yeary
Street. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund
Calton Road Widening and Signalization.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
47. Approval of change order no. 1, a net increase of $2,457.72,
for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place
with an increase primarily in street milling, acceptance of
the 1997-98 Street Recycling Project (151.5 Blocks), and
approval of final payment in the amount of $144,880.52 to
Cutler Repaving, Inc., Lawrence, Kansas. The original contract
amount was 292,485.96. This change order brings the total
contract amount to $294,943.68. Funding is available in
Capital Improvement Fund Street Materials/Cutler Repaving and
Capital Improvement Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
48. Approval of change order no. 1, a net decrease of $2,430.00,
credit on the betterment fund, acceptance of the Laredo Health
Department Canopy for the Perimeter of the W.I.C. Building
located at 2600 Cedar Avenue, and approval of final payment in
the amount of $13,057.00 to Cantu-America Construction Co.,
Inc., Laredo, Texas. The original contract amount was
$133,000.00. This change order brings the total contract
amount to $130,570.00. Funding is available in the Health
Fund Retainage Payable and Health Building.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
49. Approval of change order no. 4, a net increase of $59,374.00
for the balance of quantities actually constructed in place,
primarily for the installation of a sanitary sewer squeegees
on the sludge thickener collector mechanisms and other related
improvements, and payment for standby, acceptance of the
Jefferson Street Water Treatment Solids Handling Improvements
Project and approval of final payment in the amount of
$154,299.00 to Lambda Construction Company, New Braunfels,
Texas. The original contract amount was $2,451,300.00. This
change order brings the total contract amount to
$2,686,374.00. Funding is available in the Waterworks System
'94 Bond; Waterworks System Retainage Payable and in the
Waterworks System '97 Bond Sludge Disposal Jefferson.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
50. Approval of amendment no. 1, an increase of $7.323.50 for
additional design and surveying services not part of the
original scope of work of the engineering contract with
Sherfey Engineering Company, Laredo, Texas, for the Airport
Medical Park Infrastructure Improvements, a U.S. Department of
Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) Project No.
08-01-03080. The original contract amount was $95,500.00.
This amendment brings the total contract amount to
$102,823.50. Funding is available in the EDA Airport/Medical
Park Project Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
51. Amending the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Policy and
Procedures Manual as it pertains to Downpayment Assistance
Program. The following are the proposed changes:
1) Increase the loan amount of $5,000 up to a maximum of
$9,000 for households with incomes of up to 60% of housing
area median family income.
2) Program guidelines would limit the sale price of the home
so that the assistance goes to the buyer and affords better
opportunity for the purchase of affordable housing by low
to moderate income families.
3) The sale price for a minimum of: 1,200 square feet would be
a maximum of $64,000; 1,000-1,199 square feet would be a
maximum of $59,000; and 850-999 square feet would be a
maximum of $53,000.
4) Recommend that assisted homebuyer make a minimum investment
of $1,000.
5) Recommend that assisted homebuyer enroll and complete
homebuyers education course and that no more than $50 be
used from downpayment assistance to pay for each course.
6) The loan will be a 2nd lien with Deed of Trust with
Vendor's Lien and Real Estate
Note due on sale or paid back over 24 to 36 months after first
lien is paid.
Christine Tovar with Valley Mortgage advised Council that she
had contacted Joe Castillo with Fair Housing at HUD and he
stated the following:
"If the policy limits the home buying capacity of a
certain class, in this case being of the 60% of
median income, it may be impacting the Fair Housing Act.
Current guidelines state that if a family qualifies for
the down payment assistance program they are free to
find a home anywhere in the city. And the same applies
to the square footage as these have been established by
the federal government."
Motion to amend by deleting provisions #2 and #3.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve as amended.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
52. Refund of property tax to Arturo Nicolas Meraz in the amount
of $1,338.48 due to a WCAD (Webb County Appraisal District)
clerical error.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
53. Modify the City's Procurement policy to allow the City Manager
to approve all contracts and change orders not exceeding
$15,000.00 in accordance to provisions of the State of Texas -
Local Government Code. The City's current policy sets a limit
of $10,000.00. This change will mirror the provisions of
Section 252.021 of the Local Government Code - Competitive
Bidding and Competitive Proposal Requirements.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
54. Ratifying the City Manager's submittal of a grant application
to the Texas Department of Health for an Abstinence Education
Program in the amount of $319,399 ($136,886 non-monetary in-
kind match by LISD). This program will be partnered by the
City of Laredo Health Department and the Laredo Independent
School District.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cw. Moreno
55. Authorizing the amendment of the City of Laredo's 1995
Consolidated Plan to reflect changes in the strategic portion
of the Plan pertaining to housing and non-housing initiatives
and funding priorities for the period October 1, 1995 -
September 30, 1999.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
56. Presentation and possible action regarding the request by City
Council to study the feasibility of initiating a speed hump
pilot project at several residential streets identified by
City Council to address neighborhood speeding concerns.
Roberto Murrillo, Traffic Engineer, gave a presentation on the
Hump Pilot Program that Council instructed staff to initiate.
Some resident concerns:
-potential liability for the city
-potential for complaints of noise
-emergency vehicles experiencing delays
-diversion of traffic onto the residential streets
-potential hazards that such pavement modification may
create for the children on bicycles and roller blades
-potential cost of the program if applied city wide and
paid entirely by the city
Out of the twelve streets selected by Council, six are being
recommended by staff for the pilot program:
-McPherson Drive Del Mar to Fenwick 5 speed humps
-Kentucky Springfield to Colorado 3 speed humps
-Taylor McPherson to Maryland 2 speed humps
-Lyon Arkansas to Ejido 2 speed humps
-S. Fenwick Del Mar to Manor 6 speed humps
-Ash Springfield to Monterrey 2 speed humps
Recommendations for Council's approval:
1. Staff recommends installation of speed humps at selected
areas.
2. Funding needs to be allocated for this pilot project.
3. Based on the obtained results recommendations will be
prepared on whether to continue modification or discontinue
the speed hump installation program.
Motion to implement the speed hump pilot program as soon as
possible.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra requested that North Avenue and Grove be made part
of the study.
Cw. Moreno also requested that San Jose, which is part of the
Buena Vista Subdivision, be included in the study.
57. Informing City Council of Staff recommendations regarding the
traffic signal studies conducted at the intersections of Calle
Del Norte and St. James/West Drive, Mann Road and Northgate,
and McPherson Road and Fenwick Drive, as was requested by City
Council, with possible action.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that traffic signal
warrants were only satisfied at the intersections of Calle del
Norte & St. James/West Drive and McPherson Rd. and Fenwick
Drive. After careful evaluation of all the traffic data
collected it was determined that the overall operation of
these two intersections could be improved with the
installation of a traffic signal and it is therefore
recommended that they be installed at these two intersections.
The estimated cost for the installation of the traffic signals
is $90,000.
Motion to include #3 and #4 as those still pending in the list
of priorities.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
58. Award a two year extension of a Professional Service Contract
to Baum & Mejia Certified Public Accountants in the amount not
to exceed $80,000 per year to perform the annual financial and
compliance audit of the City of Laredo for fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998 and 1999.
Motion to approve the awarding of a two year extension of a
Professional Service Contract to Baum & Mejia.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
59. Presentation by City Manager regarding the support from Laredo
Development Foundation on the 1/4› economic development sales
tax with two provisions.
Miguel Conchas, President of the Chamber of Commerce, informed
Council that the Economic Development Committee made a
presentation to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee
requesting their support of the 1/4 cent sales tax and asked
that chamber staff do a survey. The survey was sent to
members and 126 responded. The results of the survey
indicated that the majority were in support but with
stipulations.
The stipulations requested by chamber members were a time
limit to be put on the tax; a specific listing of the projects
that are to be funded with the tax; and stronger representa-
tion from the private sector.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, informed Council that staff had
worked with committee members to prepare the ordinance for
their review and stated that the ballot that was being
proposed had five basic elements that could be undertaken.
Cm. Alvarado expressed concern that certain issues were not
addressed like infrastructure, traffic concerns, and other
major projects that may be needed.
Cw. Moreno concurred with Cm. Alvarado and recommended that
transportation projects should be made part of No. 1 of the 5
basic elements.
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney, stated that the purpose of No.
1, is broad and very flexible and added that he would caution
in being specific, if it begins to define certain areas it
would seem as a purpose for listing of some projects. It is
drafted to be very general to include everything that could be
funded.
Esterina Pulido requested that Council approve the tax
increase and described it as the best opportunity to create
funds that will make Laredo more competitive in South Texas.
Further stating that it is long overdue to be able to project
the image that should accompany our historic city which is
known as, "The Gateway to Mexico".
A resolution passed by the Laredo Development Foundation
stressed their strong support of the tax increase and the
establishment of an Economic Development Corporation under
article 5190.6.(4B) of the Development Corporation Act of 1979
provided that:
(a) the tax will be levied for a limited amount of time
(such as 5 years) to permit Laredo's voters and tax
payers the right to review and vote on the
continuance or dissolution of the Economic
Development Corporation, and
(b) the 7-member Board of Directors appointed by the
City Council to administer the Economic Development
Corporation will be comprised of 5 representatives
of Laredo Business and Civic Organizations and 2
members or representatives of members of the City
Council, notwithstanding the fact that the
Development Corporation Act allows the City Council
to remove these Directors without cause.
60. Presentation of a draft Comprehensive Stormwater Management
Ordinance(s) and Stormwater Management Guidance Manual by the
consultant Carter and Burgess, Inc., Houston, Texas per the
City's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
storm water requirements. The ordinance(s) and guidance manual
are the initiation of the Stormwater Master Planning Process.
Gabriel Martinez with the City Engineering Department stated
that Council action taken back in May 1997 requested a draft
of the Storm Water Management Ordinance. The purpose for
preparation of this document is to:
-control adverse effect of the storm water run-off
-control water effects and erosion
-improve quality of ground water and to protect surface
water, and
-comply with federal and state requirements.
Mr. Eric Hall from Carter & Burgess, Inc. gave a presentation
to Council and stated that the final draft of the Ordinance
and Guidance Manual have been submitted to City Council and to
Laredo Builders Association. Further stating that the final
ordinance with changes will be submitted to Planning & Zoning
for their approval by the end of August. Also, the final
Guidance Manual for Council's approval will be ready by the
end of August.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, asked Mr. Hall if this ordinance
is adopted, will it meet specific design standards for our
ponds? Further adding that Council's concern was that
spillways, pressure points, and embankments be made of
concrete. Mr. Hall was to check on this because he was not
sure what the specifications called for.
Cm. Bruni requested to know who would be in charge of the
maintenance on these ponds? He further stated that the pond
close to McPherson Road had 4 to 5 of water, worn tires,
weeds, and no fence around it.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that current standards do
not require fencing but that a notice had been sent to the
developer to clear the weeds and clean up the area.
Cm. Bruni requested to know for the record who the developer
was?
Riazul I. Mia, Acting Environmental Manager, came forth to
answer Cm. Bruni's question and explained that letters had
been sent to Foster Engineering, Consultants and to Mr. Del
Trautmann, Developer, advising them that their design
indicated that they were to build a spillway and put up a
fence. Adding that these were enforcement issues that needed
to be addressed in the new ordinance.
Cm. Bruni proposed a motion to draw down from the developers
letter of credit and have the city build the spillway and put
a fence around the pond. Cw. Montalvo stated that she would
second for discussion.
Mayor Flores opened the item for discussion.
Cm. Galo requested that the developer be notified and be
instructed to comply with their design or the city would draw
from their letter of credit to build the spillway and put up a
fence.
Mayor Flores asked Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney, if they
could proceed with a motion if it was not part of the agenda?
Mr. Flores advised Council that it was not unless the motion
instructs staff to proceed to inform the developer to comply
with requirements or city to draw on letter of credit which
would be the proper procedure.
Motion to instruct staff to proceed to inform the developer to
comply or city will draw on letter of credit to build spillway
and put up fence.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
61. Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the
Federal Aviation Administration requesting that the Laredo
International Airport be redesignated an eligible airport for
participation in the Military Airport Program grant program.
Applications must be received by FAA on or before
June 26, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
62. Informing the City Council of the proposed construction of a
detention pond at South Development Industrial Park, Unit II
located at South of Highway 359 and east of the Bob Bullock
Loop.
Motion to construct a detention pond at South Development
Industrial Park, Unit II located at South of Highway 359 and
east of the Bob Bullock Loop.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
63. Status report on the potential privatization of the Utilities
Department. Presenting the results of the proposal evaluation
and interviews and selection of Malcolm Pirnie Inc., to be the
firm that will conduct an operational assessment of the
department, determine the feasibility of privatization and
recommend intermediate steps as appropriate. Requesting
authorization to proceed with negotiations.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported to Council that
after careful evaluation of the three firms interviewed for
possibility of achieving operational savings, Malcolm &
Pirnie, Inc. provided a neutral type of analysis that will
incorporate savings; therefore, it is recommended that the
contract for the study be awarded to this firm. Estimated
cost of the study is approximately $100,000.
Cm. Bruni expressed concern and stated that he was against the
privatization altogether. Cw. Montalvo concurred with Cm.
Bruni.
Motion to table indefinitely.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 1 Abstain: 0
Cm. Guerra
64. Status reports regarding the implementation of the City of
Laredo FAR PART 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program and
scheduling of neighborhood meetings.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported that staff is
developing a plan of action to start implementation of this
program to present to Council for approval at next scheduled
meeting on July 6th. Should Council approve, it will then be
forwarded to FAA for their approval by mid to latter part of
July.
Staff is presently in the process of receiving bids for the
parallel taxi way having expedited the bid process from 30 to
15 days to be due on June 26th. Grant monies of $5 million to
be received by first week of July.
65. Presentation with possible action regarding setting Airport
Rates and Charges to be paid by the airlines for use of the
new airport passenger terminal.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, informed Council that the three
airlines providing schedule passenger service are requesting
that the proposed rental rates and charges be reduced and that
joint use space not be charged.
Staff proposes the following changes:
1. That the proposed rate of $1.25 per square foot per month
for joint use space be reduced to $0.95 for the first
twelve months, increased to $1.05 during the next twelve
months and increased to $1.15 during the next twelve
months, and increased to $1.25 effective the 36th month.
2. That the passenger boarding bridge charge of $20.00 per
use be waived for the first twelve months.
3. That the $0.40 charge per passenger fee for use of the
federal facilities be waived for the first twelve months.
This is a new charge.
4. That the $20.00 per hour security fee be waived during
the first twelve months, and that the security fee be
phased in over next two years. This is a new charge, the
airport has been providing this service to the airlines
at no charge.
5. The exclusive use space monthly rent of $1.25 per square
feet remains the same.
6. That the landing fee be increased from $0.25 to $0.40 per
thousand pounds gross landed weight.
Mr. Flores further stated that they had gone before the
Airport Advisory Board who requested that a motion be made to
table the item to allow staff more time to negotiate with the
airlines.
Cm. Bruni stated that he opposed all the reducing and waiving
of fees that was being proposed by staff when air fares from
Laredo are higher than other municipalities in the state and
one of the most profitable routes is from Laredo to Houston.
He continued to state that it is fine that the city is wanting
to attract jet service but that subsidizing the airlines is
not the correct way to do it. Adding that he wished that the
Airport Advisory Board demand that Continental Airlines use
the equipment that is being used in Dallas' Lovefield.
Cm. Valdez pointed out that the airport director and the
Airport Advisory Board have worked with the airlines in good
faith but that they should request that they either lower
their rates or provide the service that Laredo should be
getting.
Cm. Alvarado concurred with Cm. Bruni and Cm. Valdez and
stated that staff should look into checking to see what other
cities are doing about air fares.
Continental Airlines Representative Art Barkley stated that he
had met with Mr. Jose Flores and thought that the meeting had
been very productive and that there was a need to continue to
do that to reach a viable plan that would be supported by
Continental Express. Mr. Barkley went on to explain that he
cautioned Council against focusing on rates that are set by
per square foot rate. Adding that a more reasonable target,
that other airlines look at, is cost per plane passenger rate.
Further stating that if a market study would be done of Laredo
and other cities of same size they would show that the rates
are very high. Continental rates are approximately $12,000.00
per year and the proposal on the table is over $100,000.00, a
very large increase considering revenues.
There was no action taken.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
XI. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
66. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation
and discussion.
A. Requests by Council member Alfredo Agredano
1. Discussion and possible action regarding replacement of
fencing for Garcia-Vela Field for All Star Tournament.
Cm. Agredano stated that he had gotten a copy of a letter
addressed to Mayor Flores from Ricardo Gonzalez, President
of the American Little League in which he thanks Mayor
Flores for visiting the Little League Park. Also, Mr.
Gonzalez requested to know what the status was on the
fencing of the Garcia-Vela Field.
John Viduarri, Parks & Recreation Director, explained that
the request was for 212 feet of fencing but that the
current contract with Little League, as well as the other
nine leagues, stipulates that they are to be responsible
for the maintenance of all fencing. Mr. Vidaurri further
stated that the purpose of placing this item on the agenda
was to have Council authorize a variance for the current
contract so that staff can proceed with the fencing.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, concurred with Mr. Vidaurri
and further recommended that perhaps it would be wise to
set aside a certain amount of money for All Star Games on
next year's budget, but that the amount is not to be
exceeded.
Motion to provide the money to fix the fence.
Moved : Cm. Agredano
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Requests by Council member Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action on enforcing the City of
Laredo truck route.
(Co-sponsored by Councilman Eliseo Valdez Jr.)
Cm. Bruni stated that 18 wheelers need to be removed from
the non-truck routes and the ordinance be enforced.
Police Chief Agustin Dovalina stated that officers have
been advised to be aware of the tractor truck route
violations. Officers have issued 200 to 300 violations in
the last six months. He further added that there were
provisions on the ordinance to provide operators of these
vehicles to deviate from the truck route on certain
instances.
Chief Dovalina then advised Council that his department
would continue to monitor the problem as much as possible
with available manpower.
Cm. Bruni stated that there was an ordinance that will be
going into effect on July 27th, and asked Chief Dovalina to
make sure that his officers got a copy of this ordinance
and to make sure that they enforce it.
2. Status report on the extension on Arkansas Street, with
possible action.
Gabriel Martinez, from the Engineering Department, reported
that the project is 30% complete in terms of work that is
outlined in the plans. The contractor has been working
consistently but have had some delays that were beyond
his control. Some delays have been with the modifications
of the post office parking lot that were not drawn on the
original plans but were added on as additional work, others
were utility conflicts.
Mr. Martinez further stated that he had instructed the
contractor to make a formal request for an extension on the
due date to present to Council for approval. Also,
reported that Phase I, up to Bartlett, should be completed
by end of July.
3. Discussion and possible action on the lack of street
striping in District II.
Cm. Bruni stated that he wanted a report from staff on the
striping of streets on his district.
4. Confirmation of the appointment of Molly Hall Alegria and
Tammi Casso to the City of Laredo Tree Board USA.
Motion to confirm.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Requests by Council member John C. Galo
1. Discussion and possible action on the cleanup of Chacon
Creek. (Co-sponsored Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Cm. Galo requested that Chacon Creek be cleaned up stating
that the area has been used for dumping of all sorts of
trash from used furniture to old worn tires. Being that
Chacon Creek has a long stretch perhaps the clean up could
start by the river's edge.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, replied that staff would need
to look at a cost estimate of how much it would cost to get
it cleaned up and also for the maintenance afterwards. He
further stated that he would get information to present to
Council at the next scheduled council meeting.
2. Request for a traffic study on Meadow concentrating from
Market South for consideration on identifying possible
locations for traffic control devices.
(Co-sponsored Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that he will
provide a study and report back to Council.
D. Requests by Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion with possible action on improving street light
illumination on Saunders as part of the Highway 59
improvements.
Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, reported that funding
is available from Meadow to Ejido and are presently working
with TX DOT to install underground lighting. For lighting
West of Meadow staff has contacted Central Power & Light
and other utilities since there are utility poles in this
area. Further stating that a proposal and a cost estimate
could be requested from CP&L to increase the lumens in that
area and bring back a report to Council.
2. Discussion with possible action on requesting that the
water utilities department provide self addressed envelopes
with the bills for the convenience of the elderly and all
those who do not have transportation.
Mr. Jose Ortiz spoke on the benefit of the City providing
returned self addressed envelopes for the convenience to
the elderly and those without transportation.
Motion to approve its implementation.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Request for a report on what our share of drug seizure
monies have been this year with possible action on a
request that more of these monies be used for the purchase
of unmarked cars for use in the establishment of special
task forces that some of our special grants provide for us.
(Co-sponsored by Cm. Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Fructoso San Miguel, Assistant Chief of Police, reported
that seizure monies for 1997-98 were $566,000. Further
reminding Council that these monies cannot be spent or used
until it is readily available.
Mayor Flores asked Mr. San Miguel how much of the $566,000
had already been spent?
Mr. San Miguel stated that the money had been used for the
purchase of 8 patrol cars, 12 unmarked cars, computers,
weapons, bullet proof vests, and portable 2-way radios, so
most of it has already been spent.
Chief Dovalina announced that he had received notification
from the Department of Justice COPS Universal Hiring
Program Grant Award for a three-year grant for 20 new
police officers.
4. Request for information or update on the status of the most
recent FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) studies
with possible action on expediting the completion of the
study.
Cm. Valdez explained that this was a map revision on the
Zacate Creek and Hillside area.
Keith Selman, Planning & Zoning Director, gave a
presentation of the area map that was presented to FEMA and
stated that they had a problem with the study because it
was not done with an approved model. What was used was a
two dimensional model which was not an acceptable methodo-
logy. Don Morrison, Consultant Engineer, walked the map
through with FEMA to get it revised.
Cm. Valdez instructed staff to do everything possible to
complete the study. He further stated that residents in
that area are having to renew their flood insurance with
increased rates.
Benny Salinas, Building Inspector, informed Cm. Valdez that
a letter had been written to the lady that had requested
information on this matter. The letter specified that her
residence was out of the flooding area so that she could
take to her insurance and mortgage companies.
Motion to advertise as Public Notice or on Public Access
and advise residents in this area to call the Building Code
Enforcement Division for information on Map Revision for
the Zacate Creek and Hillside area.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
E. Requests by Council member Joe A. Guerra
1. Discussion and presentation by Del Trautmann on detention
ponds in northeast Laredo with possible action.
Del Trautmann, representing the owners of Lago Del Mar
Development in North Laredo explained that the purpose of
his presentation was to respond to the initiation of a
moratorium amendment to the subdivision ordinance involving
regional detention, specifically the area northeast of
McPherson which is the upper Zacate Creek watershed area.
Mr. Trautmann went on to explain that this presentation
would give a brief explanation of what detention is and
what it is not; an overview of what is the upper Zacate
water shed area; comments made on an engineering study made
a few years ago; show what has been done about detention in
that area; and finally, what is proposed to be done and
what is being held up.
Cm. Bruni advised Mr. Trautmann that he had been
misinformed because there was no moratorium. Further
stating that the reason his detention pond was stopped from
being built was because he was in violation of a city
ordinance.
Jaime L. Flores, City Attorney, advised that the motion
instructed staff to review and bring back a study and added
that what would be in order would be to reconsider that
instruction to staff.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, clarified that the
instruction was to develop policies and procedures
necessary to consider establishing a moratorium, east on
McPherson on the Zacate Creek water shed. Mr. Pena further
explained that Council can establish a moratorium if there
is a public need to protect the safety and welfare of the
community.
He went on to explain that the reason the construction of
the detention pond on the east side was stopped is because
the final plat was not approved by Council; therefore,
there was no permit to build. The developer was cited for
building without a permit.
Cm. Guerra stated that he had received several calls from
developers stating that they were concerned about the
moratorium issue. He added that he would propose a motion
to delete the word "moratorium" from the previous motion
and to allow staff to continue with the study and
developers to continue with development.
There was no second.
Cm. Guerra read the motion made by Cm. Bruni and proceeded
to propose a second motion to rescind previous motion and
to instruct staff to proceed with the study that is
presently underway on the Zacate Creek water shed and bring
recommendation back to Council. But at the same time allow
developers to continue with development.
No action was taken on this motion.
Cm. Guerra then stated that his motion would read as
follows:
I hereby move to rescind the motion passed at the June
1st, 1998, City Council Meeting whereby staff was
instructed to prepare the necessary documents to
establish a moratorium on the development of the Zacate
Creek water shed Northeast of McPherson, and that no
other retention facility be built until the Zacate
Creek study is in place and presented to City Council.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 6 Against: 2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Bruni
Cw. Montalvo
F. Requests by Council member Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action regarding obtaining an
engineer for plans and specifications to redesign Zaragoza
Street between Flores and Convent.
Motion to instruct staff to get a cost estimate to have a
temporary emergency gate placed on Zaragoza Street between
Flores and Convent.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Recognition of Judge Hector Liendo for his exemplary
community work.
Mayor Flores and Cw. Montalvo publicly recognized Judge
Hector Liendo and presented with the 7 Flags Certificate of
Appreciation.
G. Requests by Council member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Discussion and possible action showing City Council support
for the inclusion of the first phase of the Outer Loop
(Hachar Road) into the Transportation Improvement Plan
(TIP) of the Laredo Urban Transportation Study (MPO).
Motion to have formal action taken that whoever represents
the Council on the MPO has direction from Council to
proceed in this area.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to amend to include entire Outer Loop (Hachar Road)
from Mines Road to IH 35 on the study as part of TIP to be
built within three years.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action on the city wide
participation in the "National Night Out" Project.
Cm. Alvarado informed Council that this project would
provide the opportunity to form a partnership with the
community, the private sector, and law enforcement to
create awareness on crime prevention. He further explained
that this was a national project that should be implemented
city wide and invited all council members to participate
and use this as a springboard to attract other crime
prevention programs for the city of Laredo.
Captain Blasa Blum made a presentation and reiterated what
Cm. Alvarado had previously stated and advised Council that
the National Night Out is set for Tuesday, August 4th from
7:00 to 10:00 p.m. and asked for Council's support for
this project.
Motion to participate on a city wide basis on the National
Night Out Project.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
67. Public hearing regarding an application by Rodolfo Hernandez
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 6 and the east of Lot 5, Block 894, Eastern
Division, located at 1619 Market St., from B-3 (Community
Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District). The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 6 and the east of Lot 5, Block 894,
Eastern Division, located at 1619 Market St., from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Mr. Rodolfo Hernandez, property owner, spoke in favor of being
allowed the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing and approve a conditional
use permit.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
68. Public hearing amending the Parks and Recreation Department
97-98 budget to reflect the hiring of five additional seasonal
employees (four lifeguards and one pool supervisor). This
amendment to the budget will be necessary to accommodate a
proposed inter-local agreement between the City of Laredo and
Laredo Community College. This agreement between the parks and
Recreation Department and Laredo Community College for use of
the LCC swimming pool stipulates the various responsibilities
of each entity and allows for the swimming pool to be staffed
with seasonal employees paid by the City for use by the
general public.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Parks and Recreation Department 97-98
budget to reflect the hiring of five additional seasonal
employees (four lifeguards and one pool supervisor). This
amendment to the budget will be necessary to accommodate a
proposed inter-local agreement between the City of Laredo and
Laredo Community College. This agreement between the parks and
Recreation Department and Laredo Community College for use of
the LCC swimming pool stipulates the various responsibilities
of each entity and allows for the swimming pool to be staffed
with seasonal employees paid by the City for use by the
general public.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and approve.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
69. Public hearing amending the contract with the Texas Department
of Health and budget revision in the amount of $46,440.00 in
additional funds for "Los Dos Laredos" TB Binational Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department and extension of grant
period through December 31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and budget revision in the amount of $46,440.00 in
additional funds for "Los Dos Laredos" TB Binational Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department and extension of grant
period through December 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
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: Cm. Galo
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
70. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $12,950.00 for the purchase of a
canine, canine maintenance, training and safe for the
Financial Disruption Task Force for the period of January 1,
1998 and ending December 31, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $12,950.00 for the purchase of a
canine, canine maintenance, training and safe for the
Financial Disruption Task Force for the period of January 1,
1998 and ending December 31, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
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. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
71. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $46,094.00 from Laredo Community
College for implementing the Stormwater Management and Ecology
Demonstration Park.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual
Budget in the amount of $46,094.00 from Laredo Community
College for implementing the Stormwater Management and Ecology
Demonstration Park.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 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: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
72. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 17 LIBRARY, Article 1, IN GENERAL, to include a new
section entitled "Fines and Fees for Library Services." This
will allow for the collection of overdue fines, lost or
damaged library materials, copier vending fees, microfilm
copier fees; and new fees associated with new services at the
library such as: fee-based database searches, the use of
meeting rooms, computer printouts, pen and pencil vending
machines, audio-visual equipment use, and security, custodial
and media technician services at the Laredo Public Library,
providing for publication and effective date.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 17 LIBRARY, Article 1, IN GENERAL, to include a new
section entitled "Fines and Fees for Library Services." This
will allow for the collection of overdue fines, lost or
damaged library materials, copier vending fees, microfilm
copier fees; and new fees associated with new services at the
library such as: fee-based database searches, the use of
meeting rooms, computer printouts, pen and pencil vending
machines, audio-visual equipment use, and security, custodial
and media technician services at the Laredo Public Library,
providing for publication and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Moreno
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the
ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance introduction: City Council
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess and convene as The Laredo Mass Transit Board.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
73. 98-RT-090 Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute
a 1997-1998 urbanized area formula program grant
(No. TX-90-X438) from the Federal Transit
Administration in the maximum amount of
$2,399,305.00 (Federal Share); and providing for
grant funds to be deposited in the Mass
Transit Department Accounts.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Moreno
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
74. Rescinding the two year service contract awarded on 9/2/97, to
Solis Security Specialist, Laredo, Texas, for providing
security guard services at the Transit Center and El
Metro Operations and Maintenance facility, and authorize that
new bids be solicited.
The transit system received notice from Mr. Victor Solis,
owner of Solis Security Specialist that he could no longer
provide security guard services at these locations. On an
interim basis, the System has been utilizing the services of
the City's contract vendor, Walker Security. Staff has
developed new bid specifications and is requesting
authorization to solicit new bids for awarding a two year
service contract.
Motion to approve to rescind the two year service contract to
Solis Security Specialist.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Mass Transit Board and reconvene as
the City Council.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:50
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 15th day of June, 1998.
_________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary