CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
5:30 P.M.
M99-R-04 M I N U T E S FEBRUARY 1, 1999
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
Eliseo Valdez, Jr., 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
ABSENCES:
Motion to excuse Cw. Moreno.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
Note: Cm. Guerra arrived at 5:50 P.M.
IV. MINUTES
1. City Council Meeting, December 7, 1998
City Council Meeting, December 21, 1998
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Agredano
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
Note: Correction on minutes of December 21, 1998, page 33,
should read Houston instead of Washington.
V. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCE
2. Amending Chapter 31, Article III, Division 3, Rates and
Charges, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo,
creating a new subsection (b) thereby adding a provision
allowing a developer or subdivider to transfer municipal water
rights for credit in lieu of water availability fees, platting
fees, annexation fees, special assessments for water and sewer,
water and sewer connection charges, and impact fees. Directing
the Utilities Director to determine the value of the water
rights transferred to the City of Laredo by an analysis of
contemporary market values obtained through a third party
knowledgeable and experienced in the purchase of water rights
for Rio Grande River Water Rights. Directing the Utilities
Director to set the water right exchange value for each
succeeding six month period beginning January 1 and July 1 of
each year.
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni
VI. FINAL READING
Internet Available: http://www.cityoflaredo.com
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinances #99-O-021,
#99-O-022, #99-O-023, #99-O-024, #99-O-025, #99-O-026,
#99-O-027, #98-O-028, #99-O-029, #99-O-030, #99-O-031,
#99-O-032, #99-O-034, #99-O-035, #99-O-039, #99-O-040,
#99-O-042, #99-O-043, #99-O-044, #99-O-045, and #99-O-046.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
3. 99-O-021 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Alamosa PCS, LLC, a Corporation for a
lease at the Del Mar water tower located on 6.7 acres
out of Block 13, Del Mar Section 1A, Laredo, Webb
County, Texas, To co-locate cellular antennas and
related equipment for use in connection with its
communications business.
1. Term of the lease is ten (10) years commencing on
February ___, 1999 and ending February ___, 2009,
with an option for three (3) successive renewal
terms of five (5) years.
2. The annual base rent shall be $7,200.00 each year
during the term of the lease and will be adjusted
on each anniversary of the Consumer Price Index,
providing for effective date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-021.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-022 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Ser Jobs for Progress Southwest Texas,
Inc., for approximately 1,600 square feet
constituting Suite #2 in Building 134 located at 4603
Maher Avenue at the Laredo International Airport.
1) Lease term is approximately for one consecutive
year commencing on January 1, 1999 and ending on
December 31, 1999.
2) Monthly rent shall be $1,418.00.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-022.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-023 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease agreement with Ser Jobs for Progress Southwest
Texas, Inc., for approximately 6,102 square feet
constituting the North Section of Building 134
located at 4603 Maher Avenue at the Laredo
International Airport.
1) Lease term is for one consecutive year commencing
on December 1, 1998 and ending on
November 30, 1999.
2) Monthly rent shall be $5,232.00.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-023.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-024 Ordinance amending Article XII, Transit System,
Division 4, Transit Center of Chapter 19, be
revised by amending Section 19-601 (B) and by
adding new subparagraph (C) parking fees for
City employees, (D) parking fees for special
events, and (E) parking fees for quarterly rental
and providing for effective and publication date.
(City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-024.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-025 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning the Lot 1, Block 1, Ejido
Subdivision, located at 3301 Santa Barbara St., from
R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District). (Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-025 with amendment.
Note:
Per Keith Selman, Planning Director, this is a
conditional use permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-026 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning the north 43 feet of
Lots 3 and 4, Block 1022, Eastern Division, located
at 3402 S. Buena Vista Ave., from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). (Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-026.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-027 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1578, Eastern
Division, located at 2605 Boulanger St., from B-1
(Limited Business District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential
District). (Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-027.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-028 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 10.57 acres (Tract I)
as further described by metes and bounds, located in
south Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known as the
"Link Ranch", from B-1 (Limited Business District) to
B-3 (Community Business District).
(Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-028.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-029 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.78 acres,
(Tract II) as further described by metes and
bounds, located in south Laredo, east of U.S. 83,
also known as the "Link Ranch", from B-1 (Limited
Business District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). (Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-029.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-030 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning 10.52 acres (Tract
III), as further described by metes and bounds,
located south of Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known
as the "Link Ranch", from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
(Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-030.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-031 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map)
of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.69 acres (Tract
IV), as further described by metes and bounds,
located south of Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known
as the "Link Ranch", from B-3 (Community Business
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District). (Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-031.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-032 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 76.57 acres (Tract V), as
further described by metes and bounds, located in
south Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known as the
"Link Ranch", from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
(Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-032.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-033 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 18.17 acres (Tract VII),
as further described by metes and bounds, located in
south Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known as the
"Link Ranch", from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
(Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-033.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-034 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 15.88 acres (Tract IX),
as further described by metes and bounds, located in
south Laredo, east of U.S. 83, also known as the
"Link Ranch", from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-3 (Community Business District).
(Cm. Alfredo Agredano)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-034 with amendment.
Note:
Per Keith Selman, Planning Director, it should read
from R-3 to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-035 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 1.9261 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located at 4910 E.
Saunders St., from B-3 (Community Business District)
to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
(Cm. Louis H. Bruni)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-035.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-039 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning the south of Lot 3
and Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block 197, Eastern Division,
located at 4115 Saunders Ave., from R-3 (Mixed
Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). (Cm. Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-039 with amendment.
Note:
Per Keith Selman, Planning Director, this is a
conditional use permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-040 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 6.7522 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located east of
Springfield Road., between International Blvd. and
Amador Salinas Dr., from R-1 (Single Family
Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). (Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-040.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-041 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block 820,
Western Division, located at 3119 Juarez Ave., from
R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2
(Multi-Family Residential District).
(Cm. Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-041.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-042 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 251.08 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located approximately
1 mile south of the intersection of FM 1472 and
FM 3338, from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to R-1-MH (Single Family Manufactured
Housing District). (Cm. Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-042.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-043 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 66.79 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located approximately
1 mile south of the intersection of FM 1472 and
FM 3338, from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) to B-1 (Highway Commercial District).
(Cm. Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-043.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-044 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 28.7103 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds, located south of the
Muller Memorial Blvd., and east of the La Bota Ranch
Community Center, from M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area
District) Planned Unit Development.
(Cm. Mario G. Alvarado)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-044.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-045 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning the west 1/2 of Lot 2,
Block 238, Western Division, located at 1301 San
Francisco Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-1 (Limited Business District).
(Cm. Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-045.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
99-O-046 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 115, Western
Division, located at 319 Victoria St., from R-3
(Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District). (Cm. Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to approve Ordinance #99-O-046 with amendment.
Note:
Per Keith Selman, Planning Director, this is a
conditional use permit.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
VII. RESOLUTIONS
4. 99-R-006 Accepting from Union Pacific Railroad, the donation
of a railroad bridge structure situated at the Zacate
Creek on Pace Street in the City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas, and expressing the City of Laredo's
appreciation for Union Pacific Railroad's generosity
in making said donation.
Motion to approve Resolution #99-O-006.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
Union Pacific Officials Present:
Hector Rodriguez, Customer Service Center Director
Al Cisneros, Laredo Operations Sr. Manager
Bruce Whiting, Real Estate Mgr. for Southwest Texas
Eddie Handly, Southern Region Assistant
Vice-President.
5. 99-R-010 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health
in the amount of $435,686 (which consists of $230,386
in direct funds from the State and in-kind services
match of $205,300) for an Abstinence Education
Program partnered between the City of Laredo Health
Department and the Laredo Independent School District
for the period January 1, 1999, through December 31,
1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #99-O-010.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
6. 99-R-014 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health
in the amount of $5,000 for the Border Health Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning November 1, 1998, through
September 30, 1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #99-O-014.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
7. 99-R-015 Requesting assistance from our congressional
representatives to investigate and develop a program
to address the decline of the gas industry in Webb
County. (Sponsored by Cm. Louis H. Bruni)
(Co-sponsored Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Motion to approve Resolution #99-O-015.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
(Cm. Guerra was not present.)
Mayor Flores informed that Senator Kay B. Hutchison
introduced a bill that will help the small gas
producers. Mayor Flores talked to Senator Hutchison's
staff person, who suggested that we strengthen this
resolution by deleting the request at the bottom that
says -"a congressional delegation to undertake or
initiate an investigation", and instead reword it
somehow to denote "urgency, that action be taken now
in the form of tax relief and other incentives."
Cm. Bruni commented that besides our congressional
representatives this should be sent to our
legislative representatives (Senator Zaffirini,
Representatives Cuellar and King) as well. Although
tax breaks are being offered to small gas producers,
the larger companies need help too. Some large
companies started to merge and to downsize because
they cannot survive since the production of oil and
gas aboard costs less than producing it locally.
Another factor is that crude oil is falling to the
12th year low, so other avenues besides tax
incentives are needed. Since Webb County is the
second largest natural gas producer, the depressed
gas market impacts our local economy, specifically
Laredo, because we are very dependent on natural gas
producers. Also hundreds of jobs have been lost due
to the decline of this industry that's why we need to
send a strong message to our legislators in
Washington and Austin.
Mayor Flores agreed with Cm. Bruni and thinks that
the language needs to be stronger. There is no need
to initiate an investigation because we know how many
jobs have been lost and we know the effect it has had
in our economy. She requested Cm. Bruni to get
together with our Legal Department and re-write this
resolution.
Per Mayor Flores's request, the makers of the motion
concurred to approve the idea of the resolution but
wait to accept the language later.
Note:
At this time (5:50 P.M.), Cm. Guerra joined the
meeting.
VIII. MOTIONS
8. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for Reconstruction of
Santa Maria Avenue between Markley and Del Mar Boulevard with
tentative award on March 15, 1999. Funding is available in the
1998 CO Issue Santa Maria Reconstruction.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
9. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for Chaparral Drainage
Improvements from Calton Road to Canal Street with tentative
award on March 15, 1999. Funding is available in the 1998 CO
Issue Drainage Park/Chaparral.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Tinaja/Chacon
Pilot Channel Improvements with tentative award on March 15,
1999. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund
Creek Concrete Pilot Channel.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for Street Paving Project
61 Phase I (10 blocks) with tentative award on March 15, 1999.
Funding is available in Community Development Paving Project
61.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Construction of
Sidewalks on Malinche Avenue between Lyon Avenue to Clark
Avenue with tentative award on March 15, 1999. Funding is
available in the Capital Improvements Fund Malinche Avenue
Sidewalks.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
authorization to advertise for bids for the Construction of
Leachate Forcemain and Tank at the City of Laredo Landfill and
in compliance with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission's Subtitle D Requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal
Solid Waste Regulations with tentative award on March 15, 1999.
Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund Advertising.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. Consideration of approval of the construction plans and
specifications and authorization to advertise for bids for the
Texas Price Drainage Improvements with tentative award on
March 15, 1999. Funding is available in the 1998 CO Issue
Texas Avenue/Price Street.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. Consideration of an award of a construction contract to the
LOWEST BIDDER, Dominguez Development & Construction, Laredo,
Texas, in the amount of $32,605.50, for Construction of
Sidewalks on Bartlett Avenue by Nixon High School between Ash
Street and Saunders Avenue (U.S. Highway 59). Funding is
available in the Capital Improvements Fund - Bartlett Avenue
Sidewalks.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. Consideration of an award of contract 99-35 to the LOW BIDDER,
Wilson Fire Apparatus, New Braunfels, Texas, in the amount of
$49,073.00, for the purchase of protective clothing (bunker
gear) for the Fire Department. The clothing includes protective
coats, trousers, and boots. The proposed gear meets all the
standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
17. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a
three year contract in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 per
year, with the LOW BIDDER, Laboratory Corporation of America,
San Antonio, Texas, to provide clinical laboratory tests on
specimens submitted by the City of Laredo Health Department.
This laboratory is contracted to provide laboratory clinical
testing services which are not provided in-house or by the
Bureau of Laboratories of the Texas Department of Health. The
contract term shall be from October 1, 1998 to September 30,
2001.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
18. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into an
Interlocal Agreement between the City of Laredo and Webb County
regarding the mutual aid law enforcement task force during the
1999 Washington's Birthday Celebration Festivities.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. Consideration to re-schedule the regularly scheduled City
Council Meeting from Monday, February 15, 1999 to Tuesday,
February 16, 1999, due to the President's Day Holiday.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. Consideration with possible action to contract for the
development of a City Policy Manual.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. STAFF REPORTS
21. Presentation regarding the status of the Laredo Northwest
International Bridge (Fourth Bridge) for the month of February
1999.
Cynthia Collazo, Community Development Director, presented a
video while giving her report on the Fourth Bridge. She
reported that the bridge's structure is 44% complete and that
the targeted completion date is set for July 1999.
On January 4, 1999 a contract was awarded to MW Builders for
the amount of $29,277,000 for the border facilities. The
construction of the border facilities will be done in two
stages. Stage I will allow us to commence operations on March
15, 2000 and Stage II will be completed on September 15, 2000.
The contract includes liquidative damages on the amount of
$4,500/day for completion after March 15, 2000.
A meeting was held in Mexico City with Lic. Leonora Rueda
(Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores), Arq. Vicente San Martin
(representing the State of Tamaulipas), Mr. Roger Curtis (from
GSA), our City Manager and other State and Federal Officials.
The purpose of the meeting was to make sure that both Laredo
and Nuevo Laredo will be able to target the opening date at the
same time. So, after much discussion it was decided that March
15, 2000 will be the completion date for Stage I, and
operations will commence 30 days after -April 15, 2000.
On January 18, 1999 Council approved change order No. 1, for
$900,000, which is moving the date from September 15, 2000 to
March 15, 2000; and again adding the incentive pay of
$4,500/day up to a maximum of 60 calendar days for a total
maximum amount of $270,000.
Regarding the roadways, there will be a session tomorrow with
TxDot to make sure that the coordination of all the
construction project is underway; also, a contract was awarded
to H.P. Zachary in the amount of $32,842,589. The construction
work will start any day this month.
Phase II includes 2 bridges for the railroad tracts, 4 new
bridges on IH-35, and 2 direct connectors: from southbound IH-
35 to northbound loop, and eastbound loop to northbound IH-35.
The second phase will be laid out on June 1999.
On Mexico's concerns, a contract was awarded on January 8, 1999
to Andrade Gutierrez, a company form Brazil, for $456,228,817
pesos for both the border facilities and the roadway.
22. Presentation to City Council demonstrating the spreadsheet on
current year Capital Improvement Programs that will be on the
City of Laredo's web page.
Keith Selman, Planning Director, made the presentation. He
stated that the spreadsheet provides information pertaining to
the status of projects, and that it is available in the City's
web page. He outlined the process on how to access the CIP
projects from the web page. Finally he briefed on some of the
projects to demonstrate how to read the information contained
in the spreadsheet.
23. Status report on the extension of University Boulevard.
Cynthia Collazo, Community Development Director, reported that
after sending letters of agreement to the two abutting land
owners, we received word from one of the families to obtain a
survey. So, the Engineering Department contracted with Holland
Survey Company to obtain an engineering survey and to determine
the boundaries of the original tract. The survey should be
ready within 2-3 weeks.
24. Status report on the Colonias Facility Plan, with possible
action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that there are
three elements to this plan.
a) The facility plan itself, which is a technical engineering
document being developed by a consultant. The final version
of this document will be ready in about two weeks.
Afterwards, staff will review it and by the end of February
staff will make recommendations to Council.
b) The environmental document, which is currently being
reviewed by both TRC Mariah and staff. We are coming to the
final agreement to tie in all the elements together. This
document is based on the original proposal presented to the
board in which the colonias are getting water but some
colonias are lacking sewer services.
c) The external equity factor. Mr. Charles Clements, from
Water Works (non-profit) from New Mexico is helping us on
this project. Mr. Clements presented a preliminary
engineering plan that makes Tanquesitos eligible for
funding. We have discussed the possibility of doing the
same for Pueblo Nuevo. By doing this, we'll try to seek new
sources of revenue that can be used as leverage, so that we
can influence the board to see a request for waste water
facilities.
There are two things that we are trying to do with this
project. First, the facility plan that TCB is preparing is
going to include an expanded area for waste water services.
That means that if we want to put Pueblo Nuevo on the sewer
map, we would be putting a line that was not reviewed under the
environmental document; and it would be the same thing for
Mines Road. Secondly, we are looking at the possibility of
getting an opinion from the board as to the funding level that
this project may have because we want an early opinion before
committing to spend money on additional environmental work.
Something that we learned from the environmental reviews is
that they take long and don't guarantee that the project will
be approved.
Mr. Roman informed that it is the County's responsibility to
work with the residents on the right-of-ways. The County has
worked out with the colonias located along HW 359; however,
they are having some problems with colonias residents from the
Mines Road. Finally, Mr. Roman stated that the schedule is
still viable to go before the board in May 1999 for
consideration.
25. Status report on the Santa Isabel Water Well, with possible
action.
Fernando Roman stated that the last 45 days were spent looking
for a place to put this well. There were three possible places
of which two were on TxDot's right-of-ways. After TxDot
implying that they didn't want to be involved, a truck and a
trailer from the Utilities Department were taken inside the
facility. In a little piece of area at the corner, the truck
and trailer were driven in a U-turn fashion in order to
determine whether to allow traffic inside the facility, which
originally they didn't want to do. This area is extremely
challenging because there is no private property that has all
the pre-requisites that they need. Mr. Roman thinks they have
a site inside the facility because seven trucks can be stacked
inside while one truck is loading. All that this site needs is
ingress and egress from the facility. So, Mr. Roman is working
on this plan and that's what he intends to do.
26. Status report on the Weather Modification Program, with
possible action.
Fernando Roman reported that the board has let out a contract,
starting April 1, 1999, with a company called Atmospheric Inc.
Changes to the interlocal agreements were received last Friday.
Legal staff will review the amended agreements before
presenting them to Council for approval. This may be done by
February 16, 1999.
Cm. Bruni added that they met on Wednesday January 27, 1999
with the Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association to review
the revised weather modification bids. A total of three bids
were reviewed. The highest bid was for $545,000 and the lowest
bid was for $419,000, a difference of $112,000 between the
lowest and higher bidders. Cm. Bruni explained that this is a
six-month operation program with a joint participation of
Dimmit, La Salle, Zavala and Webb counties.
Cm. Bruni manifested that he is glad to see that after trying
for 4.5 years, this Council is finally getting into this rain
enhancement program. This shows that when we proceed towards
something that we believe in, and follow through, we can
achieve positive goals.
27. Status report on the Chacon Creek Interceptor, with possible
action.
Fernando Roman stated that the last update he gave Council on
this project was that EPA had a situation with our report where
they had contracted it out to an external consultant. This is
the review of our environmental document, which we paid for and
prepared and turned over to the EPA about a year ago. Three
months later, EPA told us that it was going to take from 6-8
months to do the review. In August 1998 EPA allocated funds
and decided for an external contractor to do the review of our
document. However something went wrong, since Mr. Roman called
EPA's office and they were not able to give him a status.
After several attempts to get information, an EPA employee
acknowledged that his office was in a "state of confusion"
regarding our document review. Two hours ago, Mr. Roman called
this person from EPA and communicated him our interest in
writing to the Regional Administrator to express our deep
concern about EPA losing the document or not knowing where it
is. The employee asked Mr. Roman to hold-up on the letter and
to give EPA's environmental division an opportunity to respond
to us.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, manifested that this $12 million
project is very important and feels that it was not given the
attention that it needs. Mr. Pena stated that if we don't hear
from EPA's environmental division, we may plan to go to the
Regional Administrator.
Mr. Roman added that other than the EPA's review, we are ready
for this project since we have the right-of-ways and funding.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
a) Cm. Bruni informed that the Winter Garden Ground Water
Conservation District is sponsoring a seminar on Regional
Water Planning Efforts. The seminar will be held on
Thursday February 4, 1999 at the Carrizo Springs Civic
Center in Carrizo Springs, Texas. Representatives from the
Texas Water Development Board will be available to review
the findings of the most recent study, called, "Interaction
between Ground Water and Surface Water and the Carrizo-
Wilcox Aquifer". Cm. Bruni invited Council and staff
interested in these issues to attend the seminar.
b) The City Secretary made presentation of the 1998 Agenda
Book in a CD format to Mayor and Council.
c) Mayor Flores announced that she had a visit from the
Resident Agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), Mr. Steven Skaggs, who brought with
him Mr. Sanford Mitchell. Mr Mitchell is the Assistant
Special Agent in charge of the Houston Division in Houston,
Texas and informed her that they have just received more
funding and will turn the Laredo office into a District
Office. Because their personnel will increase, they are
constructing a new building. By this DEA will be able to
work closer with our Police Department and with the
narcotics task force.
XI. CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
28. Requests by Mayor and City Council members for presentation and
discussion.
A. Request by Council member John C. Galo
1. Status report of the lease agreement with the airlines at
the new terminal.
Jose Flores, Airport Director, stated that a status
report was provided to Council on Friday's package. He
then said that it's not been from staff not wanting to
conclude the negotiations with the airlines, but because
it is a difficult task. Everything that we propose would
be retroactive to the day they move into the new
passenger terminal. Mr. Flores mentioned that they are
planning to meet with the President of Continental
Express, Mr. David Segall, since he is the company's
decision-maker. Mr. Flores hopes that in that meeting,
perhaps, we can conclude our negotiations on the terms of
the new contract.
Cm. Bruni thinks that it may be prudent to wait until the
February 24, 1999 meeting, with Mr. David Segall before
consummating any lease agreement deals with the
airliners. He would like to see if it would be in
agreement with Council to visit with Continental in
Houston, in the afternoon; and maybe invite two of our
local bank presidents, someone from the business
community, and a Conoco representative to join us and fly
in the morning and come back in the evening.
Cm. Galo wanted to know if we got a response from Mr.
Barkley on the October 28, 1998 letter.
Mr. Flores replied that the only response was a telephone
conversation in which Mr. Barkley basically said that
they are evaluating airports in the Valley and pointed
out that Laredo is not in the Valley. Nonetheless, they
are evaluating the Laredo Airport for profitable
purposes.
After discussion it was determined that Cm. Galo, Cm.
Bruni, Cm. Valdez, Cm. Guerra and Mayor Flores will
attend the meeting. An agenda will be posted for a
workshop session with the President of Continental in
Houston, Texas for February 24, 1999.
2. Discussion of the Airport Advisory Committee's role, with
possible action.
Cm. Galo stated that an appointee, for the above
mentioned committee, expressed concern because the
committee members are not getting enough input.
There was discussion on the committee's functions. Mr.
Jose Flores added that the meetings are scheduled for the
first Tuesday of every month; and that the committee
reviews all the leases and matters that come before the
City Council.
Charles Martens, Chairman, replied that before the
ordinance was created, the Airport Advisory Board which
is a committee, had full authority over the property.
Nevertheless, he feels that the committee is being kept
informed. He added that committee members have always
been welcomed to place items on the agenda for
discussion.
B. Request by Council member Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Request for City staff to review the need for increasing
the hours of operation for the Main Public Library, with
possible action.
Mary Solis, Assistant Director Library, reported that the
library' staff and operation hours are in average
compared to other libraries that serve the same number of
population. The library currently has two rotating crews
that work thin on the weekends and at night, so extending
the hours of operation will require additional staff.
Florencio Pena, City Manager, stated that staff can look
at modifying the hours of operation and report back to
Council. Also, staff can prepare an estimate on the cost
associated to increasing the hours of operation in order
to have a comparison figure for the budget hearings.
Cm. Bruni added that he received a communication stating
concerns pertaining to numerous incidents of sexual
misconduct, theft, gang influences and vandalism at the
library. The communication also speaks about the 1998-
1999 budget which included $25,000 for security but no
security has been seen at the Laredo Public Library.
Mr. Pena replied that the $25,000 were not budgeted.
That was an amount requested in the budget for additional
security. Because the money was not available, the
Police Department was asked to frequent the library as a
security measure. Nonetheless, this is an issue that
needs to be re-evaluated but there will be a cost
associated with it.
Cm. Bruni suggested that we should look into this at the
upcoming budget hearings.
Motion to include both items, library expansion of hours
and security, for further discussion in the 2000-2001
budget.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
C. Request by Council member Joe A. Guerra
1. Status report on the demolition and removal of the
abandoned water storage tanks on San Dario Avenue,
Village Boulevard, and Del Mar Boulevard, with possible
action.
Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, reported that the
abandoned 30,000 gallon tank close to the Bingo is part
of what was called the Casa Norte booster station that
used to serve the Del Mar area before the new booster
station was built. They are currently looking at taking
the Casa Norte station down within the next 60 days.
On the other hand, the Ex-Del Mar Water Treatment Plant,
confiscated in 1985, has many elements that can be
salvaged if we find an interested company. The plant
itself can't be reused because the filtration system is
outdated according to TNRCC. Although the iron elements
have no value to us, there is a conical unit that might
be utilized by somebody else; however taking the unit
down, transport it, and erect it would cost more that
what it's worth. Since we contacted a salvage company to
see if they were willing to take the plant down, our
Purchasing Department recommended us to prepare an RFP.
We will do well if we find somebody that will take the
components at no cost to us.
Cm. Galo suggested to contact Webb County or Rio Bravo
City and see if either party is interested.
Cm. Guerra asked Mr. Roman to expedite taking down the
abandoned water plant because he would like to have a
recreational center developed on this land.
There was discussion regarding the quality and quantity
of water that some wells on this area may produce.
D. Request by Council member Mario G. Alvarado
1. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into
and execute a cooperative working agreement between South
Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Association for
the Advancement of Mexican-Americans; and Stop Child
Abuse and Neglect, Inc. for the purpose of developing a
community coalition in Webb County, to reduce substance
use and abuse and promote healthy development of youth,
families and community, with possible action.
Cm. Alvarado stated that this is basically to provide
a cooperative working agreement that would support and
allow different departments to participate in this
particular city-wide coalition. The school districts,
other government bodies, various law enforcement
entities, the business sector, and different social
service agencies are supporting the creation of this
coalition.
They are trying to bring additional money into this
community to hire an individual that would lead the work
to form this coalition. The coalition will be run by
group individuals, who will form a board and will decide
what items need to be addressed regarding drug and
substance abuse problems that the community is currently
facing.
Cm. Alvarado added that the City's support is needed and
that it will entail being able to work with different
departments like Police and Health, and bring people with
expertise in their areas to talk to the coalition about
what can be done to help address the substance abuse
problems. Also the City can bring in the Parks and
Recreation Department because the more activities we
provide to our young individuals, the less likely they
will engage with substance abuse or other things of no so
positive nature.
Mayor Flores announced that at the U.S. Conference of
Mayors, that she recently attended, one of the items on
the agenda was what we call the "2-8". These are the
hours where children get the most in trouble, from 2:00-
8:00 P.M. She added that Mr. Vidaurri and the Police
Chief have been working on after schools programs and
activities for our youth.
Motion to authorize the City Manager to enter and execute
a cooperative working agreement between South Texas
Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Association for the
Advancement of Mexican-Americans; and Stop Child Abuse
and Neglect, Inc.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1
Cm. Alvarado
2. Consideration to have City Council meetings at each of
the City Council Districts, with possible action.
Cm. Alvarado stated that Mayor Flores previously brought
this item up and now he wants to discuss it with Council.
Cm. Alvarado said that he mentioned to the UISD and LISD
Board members, during the past proclamation, the
possibility of holding the Council Meetings at different
districts. The response from the board members was
positive and they are willing to provide their facilities
for council members to go throughout the community and
hold the City Council meetings there. This will bring
more participation from the community. Also the schools
may do projects in which the students will get involved
with the governmental process, thus benefiting all the
members from this Council.
Mayor Flores said that one of the reasons she brought
this item up is because every district has some specific
characteristics. Although we have the town-hall
meetings, it would be beneficial if we could bring the
Council meetings themselves to the people.
Motion to instruct staff to draft an ordinance to
provide for meetings at each of the City Council
Districts.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
29. Public hearing concerning an application by Alberto Pena,
Owner and Renato Madrigal, Applicant amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block
898, Eastern Division, located at 405 Meadow Ave., from B-1
(Limited Business District) to B-3 (Community Business
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
denial of this item.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 4, Block 898, Eastern Division, located
at 405 Meadow Ave., from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-
3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change as
per recommendation by Planning and Zoning.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Public hearing concerning an application by Mike Link,
Owner amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lots 2, 3 and 4, Block 1218, Eastern
Division, located at 2119 Corpus Christi St., from B-3
(Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
denial of the proposed zone change to B-4 and approval of
a Conditional Use Permit for Truck/Trailer Rentals on
this site.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 2, 3 and 4, Block 1218,
Eastern Division, located at 2119 Corpus Christi St.,
from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Martin Lopez, stated that the business will be only truck
rentals, not trailers. He said that on the last meeting there
was a situation about him not having sufficient parking,
presently there is sufficient parking. Also, he added that
they will not rent that many Ryder trucks where it would cause
that much congestion at the location.
Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change
requested, but grant a Conditional Use Permit for the Ryder
truck rental units for period of one year and to be reviewed
after that period of time.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
31. Public hearing concerning an application by Leticia Quintana
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 10, Block 712, Eastern Division, located at
220 S. Loring Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-1 (Limited Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends denial of this item.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 712, Eastern Division,
located at 220 S. Loring Ave., from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Miss Leticia Quintana, requested that if the zone change is
not granted, then if it was possible to get a conditional use
permit.
Mr. Hernandez spoke in favor of the zone change.
Motion to close the public hearing, deny the zone change but
grant a Conditional Use Permit for a period of six months and
for the specific use of a flower shop.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Galo
32. Public hearing approval of an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$435,686 (which consists of $230,386 in direct funds from the
State and in-kind services match of $205,300) for an
Abstinence Education Program partnered between the City of
Laredo Health Department and the Laredo Independent School
District for the beginning January 1, 1999, through
December 31, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$435,686 (which consists of $230,386 in direct funds from the
State and in-kind services match of $205,300) for an
Abstinence Education Program partnered between the City of
Laredo Health Department and the Laredo Independent School
District for the beginning January 1, 1999, through
December 31, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
33. Public hearing approval of an amendment to the contract with
the Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of
$5,000 for the Border Health Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning November 1, 1998,
through September 30, 1999.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance approving an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and budget in the amount of $5,000
for the Border Health Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning November 1, 1998, through
September 30, 1999.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved : Cm. Agredano
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XIII. 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. Galo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration of award of contracts (number 99-013), to the
listed vendors for providing bus and van fleet parts.
Approximately 600 different items purchased for non warranty
repairs where identified and bids where solicited for awarding
an annual contract. Approximately $300,000.00 in parts are
purchased on an annual basis.
Primary Contract Vendors: Estimated Contract Amount
Gillig $137,348.19
Universal Coach $104,099.27
Muncie Reclamation $ 60,090.07
Stewart and Stevenson $ 47,749.90
San Antonio Brake and Clutch $ 21,853.09
C.C. Battery $ 15,648.75
Commercial Rebuild $ 10,690.00
Power Equipment $ 6,967.50
McCarty $ 5,227.15
Velco, Laredo, Texas $ 2,326.49
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration of an award of contract number 99-041, to Lucent
Technologies, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $23,877.12, for
the purchase of a replacement telephone system for the El Metro
Operations facility located at 201 Scott. The complete system
will be installed within thirty days.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration of approval of amendment no. 5, an increase of
$65,587.05 to the professional engineering and architectural
contract with Wilbur Smith Associates Engineers, Houston,
Texas, for additional reproduction and delivery cost for
construction bidding documents; additional architectural
redesign required not to close Farragut Street and to comply
with State Regulations, a second submittal was required to the
State Historical Preservation Office; and additional
construction phase services for the extended completion date
due to construction delays, and the finish out of the Greyhound
Terminal for Inter-city Bus Service Facility at Phase "B" of
the Laredo Intermodal Transit Center. The original engineering
contract was $765,000.00. This amendment brings the total
engineering contract amount to $857,617.05.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Galo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as the Mass Transit Board and convene as
City Council.
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn. Adjournment time: 7:40 P.M
Moved : Cm. Galo
Second: Cm. Agredano
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 31 are
true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council Meeting
held on the Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and
readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was
posted on Wednesday, January 27, 1999, at 6:30 p.m.
_________________________
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.
City Secretary