CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2000-R-15

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

JUNE 5, 2000

5:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present Mayor Elizabeth 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

Johnny Amaya, Councilmember, District IV

Eliseo Valdez, Jr., Councilmember, District V

Joe A. Guerra, Councilmember, District VI

Mario G. Alvarado, Councilmember, District VII

Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo, Mayor Pro Tempore District VIII

Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary

Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manager

Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager

Jaime Flores, City Attorney

IV. MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of May 1, 2000, May 10, 2000 and May 22,

2000.

Moved : Cm. Guerra

Second: Cm. E. Valdez

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

V. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Announcements

a. Mayor and City Council introduces the Laredo Metro, Inc.

Board of Directors and invites downtown Merchants and the

general public to witness the unveiling of Laredo's and EL

METRO'S first Bus Wrap themed, "Re-Live the Good Ol' Days,

Shop the Streets of Downtown Laredo". The LMI Board of

Directors and EL METRO believe that this theme will help the

effort of supporting Downtown Laredo and will unlock the

potential of increased commerce and tourism.

Cm. Alvarado introduced the following Laredo Metro, Inc.

Board of Directors:

Members Representing

Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo, City Council

Alfredo Agredano, City Council

Les Norton, Downtown Business Community

George MacDonald Jr., Academic community

Francisco Javier Salas, Disabled Transit Riders

Dora A. Gonzalez, General Public at large.

Peter Berhman, El Metro Director, explained a promotion that

was launched in order to stimulate interest in the downtown

shopping area.

The Mayor and the City Council was impressed with the

innovative ideas presented by staff to increase revenue for

El Metro and downtown businesses. Viola Sanchez, Marketing

Coordinator, discussed the new bus wraps that the City has

acquired. She ad ded that the staff's goal is to encourage

Laredoans to shop downtown.

She submitted the following information:

"The Park & Shop Merchant Program is another cooperative

effort between Public and Private Business in Laredo"

Bus Wrap

El Metro's first Bus Wrap themed, "Re-Live the Good Ol'

Days, Shop the Streets of Downtown Laredo" is the

introductory project to the Park & Shop Merchant Program.

The Transit Committee, LMI Board of Directors, and El Metro

staff believe that this t heme will help the effort of

supporting Downtown Laredo and will unlock the potential of

increased commerce and tourism.

The City of Laredo is rapidly growing and El Metro is

taking an aggressive approach to this new concept of

advertising by offering more options to advertisers in

Laredo and around the country. El Metro is currently

developing guidelines for this type of advertising and will

work with local, regional, and nation-wide advertising

agencies that are interested and willing to offer this

advertising option to the public. Bus Wrapping is becoming

increasingly popular among other transit systems throu

ghout the country. This concept differs from the billboard

advertisements and buses with wraps are mobile and travel

throughout the City of Laredo.

Parking Pass

El Metro has designed a parking pass that offers three

hours (3) of FREE parking to the public. These passes are

pre-sold to participating merchants for $1.00 each at a

minimum of $50.00 per transaction.

Participating Merchants receive one "car card" space for

advertising on El Metro buses for one month for each $50.00

purchase.

The Parking Passes includes an area where the public can

write their name, address and phone number to enter a

monthly drawing for merchandise donated by downtown

merchants.

Participating Merchant Stickers

El Metro has designed stickers that participating merchants

display on their business front door window to identify

them as an "El Metro Park & Shop Participating Merchant".

Park & Shop Participating Merchant Advertising Tag

El Metro is requesting that participating merchants "tag"

their advertising with the El Metro Park & Shop

Participating Merchant logo.

Yearly Parking Contract

El Metro is offering a payment discount for prepaying a

parking space for an entire year. This discounted amount

will be approximately $400.00 per year. The party may use

the pass or provide it to an employee at a savings of

$80.00

Parking Sings on I H -35 & Bridge II

The City Traffic Department in cooperation with TxDot will

be placing parking signs on IH-35 & Bridge II to direct the

public to the Transit Center Parking Garage.

Invitations

Recognitions

a. Recognition to the Laredo Crime Stoppers Inc., for their

state awards.

Mayor Flores and the Council presented the Laredo Crime

Stoppers Association, Tony Reyes and Rene Lopez, with a Seven

Flags Certificate for bringing honor to the City of Laredo.

The Laredo Crime Stoppers' Board of Directors that attended

the meeting were: Lorenzo G. Hernandez, President; Carolyn

Leyendecker, Executive Director; Tony Reyes, Coordinator;

Ramiro Saucedo, Treasurer; David Blumberg, Board Member and

Rene Lopez, actor in award winning video.

Laredo Crime Stoppers submitted the following press release:

Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. Board of Directors are proud to

announce that Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. has won prestigious

State awards. Two first place in two categories. The Laredo

Crime Stoppers, Inc. Board of Directors attributes winning

the awa rd to the support of the community, media and area

law enforcement agencies.

Awards won were:

* Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council

Productivity Award 1999

Greatest Dollar Recovery

Population 100,000-249,999

Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc.

* Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council

Television Competition 1999

Best PSA/Special Production

Market size 101+ Laredo Crime Stopper, Inc. and

Time Warner Communications

These awards were presented at the 12th Annual Texas Crime

Stoppers Advisory Council State Conference sponsored by the

Office of Governor George W. Bush May 15-17, 2000 in Corpus

Christi, Texas.

* There are 215 Crime Stoppers Programs across the State of

Texas. We were proud to announce that Officer Antonio "Tony"

Reyes, of the Laredo Police Department won the Texas Crime

Stoppers Advisory Council Coordinator of the Year for Laredo

Crime St oppers, Inc.

* The First place awards for the Greatest Dollar Amount of

Recovery of Stolen Property and Narcotics were as follows:

Recovered Stolen Property $101,700

Narcotics seized $22,798,693 for a grand total of $22,900,393.

This is the largest amount in any population category in Texas

Crime Stoppers

* The award winning Public Service Announcement was produced by

Ramiro Saucedo of Time Warner Communications.

Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. Board of Directors is proud of the

track record of providing an opportunity for community

involvement and still maintain necessary anonymity. The public

is reminded in this day and time when nearly all phones have

caller ID that Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. TIPS line (956)

727-TIPS or 1-800-558-TIPS) does not have a caller ID and never

will.

As you see from the amount of drugs taken off the streets of

Laredo in 1999, drugs are the major reason for the increasing

crime rate. Drugs are eroding the fabric of our society from

top to bottom. Crime Stoppers has made an impact on combating

dr ug trafficking and other drug related crimes in the

community, but much more needs to be done.

Laredo Crime Stoppers will continue to serve the community in

the fight against crime with the continued support of

individuals and businesses as yourself.

End of document

Communiques

The mayor congratulated the 2000 graduates. She read the

following information:

Martin High School had 425 graduates. The Valedictorian was

Celia Macias and the Salutatorian was Gerardo Valdez.

Nixon High School had 414 graduates. The Valedictorian was

Adriana Romero and the Salutatorian was Arturo Briseño.

Cigarroa High School had 293 graduates. The Valedictorian was

Dinorah Sepulveda and the Salutatorian was Adriana Gonzalez.

United High School had 296 graduates. The Valedictorian was

Allison Lyn Frecsko and the Salutatorian was Raquel Garcia.

Alexander High School had 423 graduates. The Valedictorian was

Horacio Vela, III and the Salutatorian was James W. Lacy,

III.

United South High School had 471 graduates. The Valedictorian

was Magdalena Mar and the Salutatorian was Rebecca Buckley.

Cm. Guerra read the following letter:

Dear Mr. Guerra:

As a member of the Board of Directors for the Streets of

Laredo Urban Mall, Inc., an employee of Central Power and

Light Company, and a constituent of your district, I would

like to recommend that any monies allocated for the "Downtown

Restoration Pr ojects" remain as originally planned.

A proposal to re-allocate $150,000 from Downtown Street

Project, along with $100,000 from the Renovation of the Plaza

Theatre Project, is being considered to fund the River Front

Project Feasibility Matching Grant Fund.

Although all three projects are most important, monies should

not be taken from one project to fund another. It is very

important for the economic development of the Downtown Area

and the City of Laredo, for all projects to be funded as

originally d esignated.

Thank you for you continued support in these most worthy

endeavors.

Cynthia M. Salinas-Snyder

Cm. Guerra expressed his concerns with the year 2000 Webb

County Appraisal District's Notice of Appraised Values. He

requested that staff include a presentation explaining

appraisal procedures from Sergio Delgado, Chief Appraiser for

Webb County Ap praisal District, on the next agenda.

Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo introduced David Featherstand from

Public Utilities Commission of Texas. He stated that he is

currently developing an expanded local calling pilot program

that would allow for toll free calling between Laredo and Nuevo

Lar edo.

Cm. Alvarado expressed his sincere gratitude to his family and

friends that supported him in his re-election bid and during

his tenure as Council member for District VII. He stated that

he was honored to be a part of the City Council that was the m

oving force behind multiple infrastructure projects in all

areas of Laredo. He added that he would eagerly continue to be

of service to the community of Laredo.

Cm. Bruni submitted the following reports from the Southwest

Texas Rain Enhancement Association.

SWTREA

Seed Tracks and Storm Locations

Seed Flight # 10

05/28/00 (Start 6:45 p.m. Stop: 7:45 p.m.)

Result: Storm did not respond well to seeding because it had

already entered an advanced decay stage over

Northeastern Webb County. Also, because of

communications problems seeding plane was not able to

interrupt large storm clusters over Zapata/We bb line.

Radar total rainfall on the storm over northeastern Webb

county were around 0.05 inches walls storm over Zapata

county averaged around 1.00 -1.75 inches.

Seeding success rating: Poor (Storm was well into the

decay stage prior to seeding in NE Webb Co.)

SWTREA

Seed Tracks and Storm Locations

Seed Flight # 1 1

05/29/00 (Start 5:55 p.m. Stop: 8:15)

Results: Storm responded favorable well to seeding. Storm tops

remained high with total storm area increasing until

the effects of daytime heating died off. radar

reflectivity for all the seeded storms were strong.

Radar estimated rainfall was around .075 inches just

northwest of Encinal to 0.05inches southeast of Carrizo

Spring as well as 11 miles south of Cotulla to 0.25

inches over Cotulla.

Seeding success rating: Good/Excellent

SWTREA

Seed Tracks and Storm Locations

Seed Flight # 12

06/02/00 (Start 4:07 p.m. Stop: 6:00)

Result: Storms responded favorable well to seeding. Radar

indicated that seeded storm continued to intensify and

grow in total area after seeding had taken place. The

life span of the seeded cells was also longer than that

of the non-seeded cells. Radar estimated rainfall for

this day ranged from 0.50 inches in central Zavala to as

much as 1.00 -1.50 inches in central and western Dimmit.

Seeding success rating: Good

Cm. Bruni submitted the internet address for the

Southwest Texas Rain Enhancement Association is as

follows www.vsta.com\-synoptic

Cm. Galo informed the public that the Mobile Home Ad Hoc

Committee strives to guide themselves with the growth of Laredo.

He re-assured the public that no individual would be asked to

move from his or her mobile home.

Cm. Agredano reported on the flags that were used for Veteran's

Day. There was a total of 2,523 flags and 1, 945 were issued.

He also thanked the volunteers that were present to place the

flags.

VI. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public hearing providing community residents an opportunity

to comment on the preparation and submission of the City of

Laredo 2000-2005, Five Year Consolidated Plan and One-Year

Action Plan on the use of the 26th Action Year Community

Development Block Grant ($4,316,000.00), Program Income

($39,900.00), 2000 HOME Investment P artnership Program

($1,356,000.00), and 2000 Emergency Shelter Grant

($152,000.00) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD).

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director, submitted

the following information:

What is the Consolidated Plan?

The Consolidated Plan is one process and one document made

up from many City sources that receive funds from local,

state, and federal governments. The plan has to indicate

what programs and resources will be used over the course of

the long-term st rategy.

The Consolidated Plan is also the planning, application,

and performance reporting requirements of three programs

run by Community Planning and Development (CPD) and the U.

S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

CDBG (Community Development Block Grants)

HOME (type of block grant only for affordable housing.)

ESG (Emergency Shelter Grant)

What does the Consolidated Plan cover?

CDBG's

a. Community Development Plan

b. Statement of Objectives

c. Grantee Performance Report

Home's

a. Program Description

b. Annual Plan

ESG's

a. Comprehensive Homeless Assistance Plan (CHAP)

Why is the Consolidated Plan important?

The Consolidated Plan plays a very important role for the

City of Laredo because it requires a jurisdiction to

identify all of its housing and community development

needs, and then come up with a long-term strategy for

meeting those needs.

How is information obtained for the Consolidated Plan?

Public Meetings

Public Hearings

Non-Profit Agency Input

Citizen Input

Housing Survey

Homeless Count

Public Meetings

Cigarroa Recreation Center

Tarver Recreation Center

Farias Recreation Center

Civic Center

Public Hearings

Non Profit Agency Input

Grant-writing training

More state, local, or federal funding

Participation from the private sector

Better coordination among non-profit organizations to

maximize resources

Affordable land to provide housing

Volunteer help from the community

Citizen Input

Sidewalks approaching schools

Bike trails in neighborhoods

Skating ring

Downtown housing

Fences along creek

Assistance to food bank

Housing Survey

Conducted by TAMIU's Texas Center for Border Economic &

Enterprise Development

Consisted of a 10% sample of the City (approx 5,700

surveys) Housing Stock Needing Rehab

* 30% CT 4, 5, 6, 14

* 40% C T 1.01,3,7,8,12, 16

Homeless Count

Participants Males Females

Police Department Count 33 4

Support Housing Program 1 6

Wood Living Center 4 2

Casa de Misericordia 6 10

Sacred Heart Children 16 10

Salvation Army 18 0

Lomas Alta 10 2

La Frontera 2 5

SCAN Youth 3 3

Mi Casita 1 5

Total 94 78

CDBG- National Objective

The Plan must comply with national objectives for the use of CDBG

funds.

Criteria for national objectives:

Activities benefiting low - and moderate-income persons

Activities to address slums or blight on an area basis

Activities designed to meet community development needs having a

particular urgency.

Proposed One-Year Action Plan - CDBG 2000-2001

Proposed Activities Proposed Budgets

Community Development Administration $ 665,662.00

Housing Rehabilitation Administration $ 168,980.00

Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program $ 250,000.00

Code Enforcement $ 271,492.00

Hamilton Hotel - Section 108 Loan Repayment $ 234,000.00

Graffiti Removal Program $ 28,462.00

Zacate Creek Railroad Bridge $ 142,000.00

Sidewalk Approaches $ 958,452.00

Demolitions $ 50,000.00

Centro Iturbide Street Improvements $ 300,000.00

Ejido Street Extension Project $ 50,000.00

South Laredo Park $ 200,000.00

Villa del Sol Park Lighting $ 40,000.00

Acquisition of Riverfront Property $ 455,304.00

Chacon Creek Improvements $ 250,000.00

Plaza Theater $ 350,000.00

Estimated Proposed Budget $ 4,414,352.00

Proposed One-Year Action Plan - HOME 2000-2001

Proposed Activities Proposed Budgets

Administrative Costs $ 135,600.00

Loans to CHDO's $ 203,400.00

Downpayment Assistance $ 600,000.00

New Construction $ 112,000.00

Substantial Rehabilitation $ 180,000.00

Tenant Based Rental Assistance $ 125,000.00

Estimated Proposed Budget $ 1,356,000.00

Proposed Activities

Homeless Prevention Program $ 45,900.00

Operations/Rehabilitation $ 105,600.00

Administration $ 500.00

Estimated Proposed Budget $ 152,000.00

Cm. Valdez stated that he would like to appropriate $25,000

to initiate a feasibility study to connect North and South

San Francisco located behind H. E. B.

Motion to close the public hearing with the correction of

$1,356,000 instead of $1,346,000.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2. Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000

Annual Budget by creating a position of Administrative

Assistant I within the Administrative Services Department

which will be funded from anticipated line item savings and

authorizing the City Manager to implement said Budget.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo FY 1999-2000 Annual Budget by

creating a position of Administrative Assistant I within the

Administrative Services Department which will be funded from

anticipated line item savings and authorizing the City

Manager to implement said Budget.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Bruni

3. Public hearing to amend the fiscal year 2000 City of Laredo

Bridge System Fund Budget to appropriate $70,500.00 in

contributions from various firms for the World Trade Bridge

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and authorizing the City Manager to

implement said budget.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2000 Laredo Bridge

System Fund Budget to appropriate $70,500.00 in contributions

from various firms for the World Trade Bridge Ribbon Cutting

Ceremony and authorizing the City Manager to implement said

budget.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Cm. Alvarado

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

4. Public hearing to amend the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual

Budget in the amount of $115,000.00 for the Criminal Justice

Division Grant from the Office of the Governor. The Office

of the Governor is contributing $80,000.00 with the City

designating $35,000.00 in matching funds. This funding will

be used for the Domestic Violence G rant under the Violence

Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 01, 2000

through May 31, 2001.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 Annual Budget in the

amount of $115,000.00 for the Criminal Justice Division Grant

from the Office of the Governor. The Office of the Governor

is contributing $80,000.00 with the City designating

$35,000.00 in matching funds. This funding will be used for

the Domestic Violence Grant under the Violence Against Women

Act (VAWA) for the period of June 01, 2000 through May 31,

2001.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Alvarado

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

5. Public hearing to amend Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, of

the Laredo Code of Ordinances by establishing Article VII,

On-Site Sewage Disposal; providing for severability; and

providing for effective date and publication.

INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE

Amending Chapter 15, Health and Sanitation, of the Laredo

Code of Ordinances by establishing Article VII, On-Site

Sewage Disposal; providing for severability; and providing

for effective date and publication.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved : Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

VIII. GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

6. A. Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

1. Status report on the quality of the water in the Rio

Grande river and requesting staff to conduct a study

to identify contamination sources, with possible

action.

Fernando Roman, Utilities Director, explained that

the Rio Grande basin is 3000 times bigger than

Laredo. Therefore, there are several jurisdictions

that have to be considered in cleaning the river.

1.) Federal Jurisdiction - International Boundary

and Water Commission which was created more than

a century ago by the governments of the United

States and Mexico to apply the provision of

various boundary and water treaties, and settle

difference arising from such applications

through a joint international commission located

at the border.

2.) Environmental Engineering Division the adoption

of the Storm Sewer the Storm Monitoring Programs

that were adopted last year.

Riazul Mia, Environmental Engineer, submitted a

report on "The Rio Grande Basin"

Texas Clean Rivers Program

In its first full year of administering the Texas Clean Rivers

Program (CRP) for the Rio Grande Basin, the U. S. Section of

the International Bounday and Water Commission (USIBWC) has

been working with local communities to address water quality

issue s.

CRP partners throughout the basin have been participating in

water quality monitoring and providing valuable input to help

shape and direct the CRP, Federal, State and local

governments, and private citizens are working side by side in

the spirit of cooperation with a common goal to assess water

quality and present information to educate their people about

the importance of protecting their water resources.

The Texas Clean Rivers Program Rio Grande Basin Advisory

Committees (BAC) provide a forum for the local community to

interact directly with federal and state agencies and allow

for the two-way exchange of information that is necessary for

the CRP to succeed.

In February and March of 2000, BAD meetings were held in

Harlingen, Laredo, Pecos, and El Paso, Texas. Meeting topics

included FY2000 programs tasks, the Total Maximum Daily Load

Program, the Texas Nonpoint Source Program, and coordinated

monitoring . Issues that were of concern to individuals were

addressed and recorded in the meeting minutes to insure

follow-up discussions.

Special Studies

Special studies are incorporated into the CRP to address

issues and concerns that were re-expressed at the BAD

meetings. CRP staff solicit assistance from the BAD to

prioritize the concerns and develop a scope of work that will

be submitted to the T exas Natural Resource Conservation

Commission (TNRCC) for approval. Currently there are six

special studies that have been proposed to TNRCC. Of the six

proposed, three have been approved and are in progress.

Historical and stochastic data assessment for the Lower Rio

Grande (pending approval).

This study will be conducted in conjunction with Texas A & M -

Kingsville. The objective of this study is to develop an

understanding of the processes and factors affecting water

quality in the Lower Rio Grande Valley by:

1.) Conducting an assessment of historical data to determine

correlations and relationship between in-stream water

quality and loadings;

2.) Developing a preliminary mathematical model to predict

in-stream water quality; and

3.) Using model predictions to assess gaps in monitoring data

and determine the causal factors driving water quality in

the basin.

Assessment of potential impacts of illegal dumping and

discharges to the Lower Rio Grande (pending approval).

The objective of this assessment is to provide a preliminary

evaluation of the magnitude and potential impacts of the

illegal dumping of solid waste and unauthorized discharges

into the Rio Grande Basin from Laredo to Brownsville. Such an

assessment can provide value input information for

understanding water and sediment quali ty characteristics

within the river and baseline information for further river

basin management planning.

Assessment of water quality standards compliance and suggested

alternative in Rio Grande segments 2307 and 2308 (pending

approval).

Current and historical water quality data will be evaluated to

determine if the water quality standards established for

segments 2307 and 2308 are representative of each reach.

Additionally, further analysis will be conducted to assess

current segme nt boundaries and proposed amendments to the

boundaries based on the information collected if needed.

Members of the CRP staff will be working on this project.

A study of chemical and microbial contamination in the Upper

Rio Grande Basin. (Approved).

The potential for surface and groundwater contamination with

infectious microorganisms and toxic chemicals as a result of

agriculture, domestic and maquilador activities is very high.

El Paso Community College and New Mexico State University are

conducting this study with assistance from CRP. Tests to

determine if a correlation exists between chemical and

microbial contamination, and indicator organisms such as fecal

coliform can be correlated with the presence of bacterium

Helicobacter pylori , which is know to cause gastric ulcers.

Cm. Bruni exemplified the Council's concerns in the cleaning

of the Rio Grande river. He reiterated the fact that the

river is very large and that the Council is making every

effort to contact the necessary agencies to help Laredo with

the environm ent. He stated that plea correspondence is

submitted to Senators and agencies.

Finally, he encouraged the public to call the City hotline

number to report individuals that are in violation of the

Ordinance. The telephone number is 727-7794.

2. Status report on the police enforcement of Ordinance

No. 95-O-107 as it pertains to tractor trailers

parking in residential areas (R-1), with possible

action.

Cm. Bruni presented a video of tractor-trailers that

were in violation of the City ordinance.

Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, reported that over

500 truck-tractor violations have been issued in the

first five months of this year. He stated that his

department would continue to work stringently in

enforcing the ordinance. He also noted that there

are several public service announcements being played

in order to inform the viewers of tractor-trailers

ordinance.

The council asked staff to present viable solutions

to resolve the tractor-trailer problem.

3. Status report on the enforcement of the truck route,

with possible action.

This item was discussed together with item # 2.

4. Status report on certain code enforcement violations

at the Ramos Industrial Park, with possible action.

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development Director,

reported that the Code Enforcement Officers inspected

the Ramos Industrial Park area and eleven property

owners were cited. He added that the violators had

ten days to adhere to city ordinance or they would be

taken to Municipal Court.

He stated that Code Enforcement Officers did inspect

McPherson Acres Industrial Park as well. Nine

property owners were cited for warehouse violations

and would have ten days to adhere to the City's

Ordinance.

Cm. Bruni noted that the streets in both of the

industrial parks were in deplorable condition. He

asked the staff to include them in the recycling

program. He requested that public works patch the

holes.

Finally, Cm. Bruni asked staff to create safer

conditions for drivers traveling east of the Jett

Bowl area. He was concerned about the concrete

bridge with no railings.

B. Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1. Status report from traffic on the study of the 100

block of Mier, with possible action.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, informed the

Council that an ordinance converting the 100 block of

Mier is currently underway.

2. Status report on the Three Points Park with discussion

on installing fencing.

Joe Guerra, Public Works Director, explained that

renovations at Three Points Parks would be completed

in a couple of days. He stated that he would proceed

with installing a sample of the expanded metal as an

experiment.

3. Request for a speed hump to be located at either the

1600 or 1700 of Laredo St.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that he

would include the 1600 block of Laredo on the Speed

Hump Pilot Program. The Pilot program will be

completed in July.

He submitted the following memo:

The additional locations for consideration of speed

hump installation that have so far been identified by

City Council are included. Those locations requested

at the last City Council meeting of April 24, by Cm.

Eliseo Valdez and Cm. Cecilia Moreno , are also

included.

District I Cm. A. Agredano None

District II Cm. L. Bruni Los Ebanos St.,

2400-2500 Lane Street

District III Cm. J. Galo Stone Street

District IV Cm. Moreno 300-400 Blk Garden,

2900-3100 Tilden,

200-300 Blk E. Locust

District V Cm. E. Valdez 4200-4400 Maryland,

Allende & Martin ,

Chaparral,

Pita Drive

District VI Cm. J. Guerra Plantation

Subdivision, Boise Way

District VII Cm. M. Alvarado Lowry Rd.

District VIII Cm. C. Montalvo None

4. Status report on the traffic signal upgrade at

Matamoros and San Dario.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that the

traffic equipment on Matamoros and San Dario is

obsolete. He added that TxDot is replacing the signal

equipment and the project will be complete in two

months.

C. Request by Council Member John Amaya

1. Status report on speed humps at Ochoa and Tarver

Elementary Schools.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer stated that Ochoa

and Tarver Elementary are currently on the Speed Hump

Pilot Program.

2. Results of a traffic light study at Lyon and Cedar.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that a study

has been issued and the results should be ready the

first week of July.

3. Status report on pedestrian traffic light signal at

San Dario and Park as to when is it going to be

activated by TXDOT.

Robert Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that Tx Dot

is having problems with the re-construction of the

frontage road due to the underground lines. He said

that it would be another six months before the

construction was complete. He added that the City

would assist TxDot to expedite the construction in

order to assure safety for the pedestrians.

D. Request by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.

1. Discussion with possible action on the traffic light

situated at the intersection of McPherson Rd. and

Bustamante St., regarding the turning signal

synchronization.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that they

will be upgrading the signal light and it would be

ready in three weeks.

2. Discussion with possible action on the enforcement of

Mobile Home Skirting and requirements within the

current Mobile Home Ordinance.

Motion to table.

Moved : Cm. Valdez

Second: Cm. Bruni

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

3. Discussion with possible action on paving or closing

the 100-400 Block of Ryan Street.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that the

closing of the 100-400 block of Ryan would be added

to Project 62. He stated that a report would be

given at the next city council meeting.

4. Request for a staff report on the status of resolving

the Fire Department's radio communication dead zones

around the County, with possible action.

Tomas Ramirez, Fire Chief, affirmed that there is a

dead zone problem here in Laredo. He commented that

other agencies have the same problem and the solution

is costly.

Larry Dovalina, Acting City Manager, noted that staff

would work diligently to create several solutions for

the communication problems.

Cm. E. Valdez asked staff to inquire about receiving

some type of funding to resolve the problem. He

advised staff to contact Betty Ann Kane, a Washington

representative, about receiving equipment from the

Pentagon. He emphasized the importance of

communications and was gravely concerned about the

public that resides in the dead zone areas.

E. Request by Council Member Mario G. Alvarado

1. Status report on Mines Road Task Force activities

and/or recommendations for traffic control on FM1472,

with possible action.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Engineer, stated that the

fly-by would be open in a few days. He stated that

he is continuing to monitor the traffic on Mines Road

(Recess)

(Press Availability)

IX. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

7. Ordinance setting the maximum speed limits on that portion of

FM1472 between Santa Maria Ave. and Pan American Blvd.,

within the City Limits of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, as

45mph, 50 mph, 55 mph and 60 mph, as defined in the Texas

Department of Transportation Control Section Map 2150-04.

Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado

8. Closing as a public easement that section of the 1000 Block

of South Buena Vista Avenue between Ligarde and Barrios

Street, situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo,

County of Webb, Texas and providing for effective date.

Ordinance Introduction: City Council

X. FINAL READINGS OF ORDINANCES

Internet Available: //www.cityoflaredo.com

Motion to waive final reading of ordinances # 2000-O-137,

# 2000-O-138, # 2000-O-139, # 2000-O-140, # 2000-O-141,

# 2000-O-142, # 2000-O-143, # 2000-O-144, # 2000-O-145,

# 2000-O-146 and # 2000-O-148.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

9. 2000-O-137 Approval of an amendment to the contract with the

Texas Department of Health and budget in the

amount of $533,204.00 (which consists of

$337,000.00 in direct funds from the State and

in-kind services match of $196,204.00 from LISD)

for an Abstinence Education Program partnered

between the City of Laredo Health Department and

the Laredo Independent School District for the

period beginning February 1, 2000, through August

31, 2001; and increasing revenue line item 226-

0000-323-4077 from $0 to $337,000.00, and

expenditure line item 226-6021 from $0 to

$337,000.00. ( City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-137.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-138 Amending the City of Laredo's 1999-2000 annual

budget in the amount of $264,000.00 for a grant

from the Border Environment Cooperation

Commission for technical assistance for the

Colonias Water and Wastewater

Improvements Project. (City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-138.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-139 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City

of Laredo by rezoning Lot 12, Block 1710, Eastern

Division, located at 2802 Aldama St. from B-3

(General Business District) to B-4 (Highway

Commercial District). (Cm. John C. Galo)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-139 with correction

(Conditional Use Permit)

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-140 Amending Ordinance No. 99-O-025, authorizing the

issuance of a Conditional Use Permit on Lot 1,

Block 1, Ejido Subdivision, located at 3301 Santa

Barbara St., by changing the use from a beauty

salon to a convenience store/meat market. The

current zoning district for this property is R-3

(Mixed Residential District). (Cm. Alfredo

Agredano)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-140.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-141 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City

of Laredo rezoning Lot 10, Block 1633, Eastern

Division, located at 216 N. Arkansas Ave. from R-

3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community

Business District). (Cm. John C. Galo)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-141 with correction

(Conditional Use Permit)

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-142 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City

of Laredo by rezoning 251.2262 acres, as further

described by metes and bounds, located north of

Hwy. 359 and east of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single

Family Residential District) to M-2 (Heavy

Manufacturing District). (Cm. Louis H. Bruni)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-142.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-143 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City

of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a

Special Use Permit for above ground fuel storage

on 7.5252 acres, as further described by metes

and bounds, located at 1520 Calton Road. The

property's current zoning district is B-3

(Community Business District). (Cm. Mario G.

Alvarado)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-143.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-144 Amending Chapter II, Section 2-1 of the

Subdivision Ordinance No. 84-O-0006 of the City

of Laredo (with Amendment in effect as of

02/01/93) pertaining to 'SUBDIVISION PLATS

REQUIRED, FORM AND CONTENT OF PLATS, APPROVAL

PROCESS FOR ALL PETITIONS, INCLUDING SPECIAL

USES, AND PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIREMENTS;"

providing for publication and effective date.

(City Council)

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2000-O-144.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-145 Amending Chapter 19, Article XII. Transit

System, of the Laredo Code of Ordinances,

specifically Division 2. Charter Service,

Section 19-562, by increasing the reduced charter

rate of eighty percent (80%) to one-hundred

percent (100%) of the base rate and the base rate

is increased to $60.49 per hour; providing for

severability and providing for effective date and

publication. (City Council)

Motion to adopt ordinance # 2000-O-145.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-146 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to

execute a lease with United Exports Trading

Association (U.E.T.A.) of Texas, Inc., for

approximately 2,526 square feet out of Lot 10,

Block 22, in the western division, City of

Laredo, Webb County, Texas, lying north of the

concrete pavement connecting Salinas Street with

Water Street:

1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing

April 21, 2000 and ending April 20, 2001.

2. Monthly rent will be $720.00 providing for

effective date.

3. City of Laredo may terminate this lease with

a ninety (90) day written notice. (Mayor Pro

Tempore Montalvo)

Motion to adopt ordinance # 2000-O-146.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-147 An ordinance authorizing the City Manager to

execute a lease amendment to the lease agreement

between the City of Laredo, as Lessor, and Jett

Racing & Sales, as Lessee, approved by Ordinance

No. 2000-O-047 dated February 28, 2000 for a

tract of land containing approximately 74,053

square feet located at the Laredo International

Airport to extend the rental grace period from

six (6) to eight (8) months to allow for the

platting of the leased premises and to provide a

rent abatement of $1,000/month, said amount not

to exceed $60,000.00 over five year period in

exchange for the construction of offsite

improvements consisting of construction of access

taxi lane to the airport aircraft movement areas

and construction of sanitary sewer improvements.

(City Council)

Motion to adopt ordinance # 2000-O-147.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

2000-O-148 An ordinance amending Chapter 19, Article XII.

Transit System of the Laredo Code of Ordinances

specifically Division 4. Transit Center, Section

19-601, Parking rates, by adding sections (f)

Park-n-Shop, and (g) Advance Payment Discount

Lease; and providing for effective date and

publication. (City Council)

Motion to adopt ordinance # 2000-O-148.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

XI. RESOLUTIONS

10. 2000-R-080 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to

accept a grant from the Criminal Justice

Division, Office of the Governor in the amount

of $80,000.00 for the funding of the Violence

Against Women Act (VAWA) Program. The Office of

the Governor is contributing $80,000.00 with the

City designating $35,000.00 in matching fu nds

for a total of $115,000.00 to fund the program.

Funds will be used to pay personnel salaries,

fringe benefits and operational expenses from

June 01, 2000 through May 31, 2001.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-080.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

11. 2000-R-081 A resolution amending Resolution No. 98-R-198 in

accordance with the Uniform Relocation

Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of

1970, as amended, to the owner of a parcel of

land legally described as Lots 1, 2, 3, & 4,

Block 1988, Eastern Division, City of Laredo,

Webb County, Texas. Said parcel having been

acquired as authorized by Resolution No. 98-R-

198, to be used as part of the Airport Runway

Protection Zone for Runway 35L.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-081.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

12. 2000-R-082 A resolution accepting the donation of the

"Surface Only" of a 2.6061 acre tract of land,

more or less, from Trend Land Development Inc., a

Texas Corporation. Said 2.6061 acre tract of

land being situated in the Dellwood Park

Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas;

being generally described below, and more

particularly described by metes and bounds.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-082.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

13. 2000-R-083 A resolution accepting the donation of Access

Easements from Mr. Jose Luis Barroso and wife,

Rosalinda, from Mr. Mario Hector Salinas, and

from Messrs. Rene and Armando Espitia, for the

maintenance of a Utility/Drainage Easement owned

by the City of Laredo. Said Access Easements

being the South 10 feet of Lot 53, Bloc k 2, the

South 10 feet of Lot 54, Block 2, and 483.75 sq.

ft., more or less, out of Lot 55, Block 2,

respectively. All being situated in the Dellwood

Park Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County,

Texas; and being described on Subdivision Plat

for the Barroso and Salinas Easement, and on

metes and bounds for the Espitia Easement.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-083.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

14. 2000-R-084 A resolution authorizing the use of surplus

proceeds from the City of Laredo - Public

Property Finance Contractual Obligations (PPFCO),

Series 97-B, in the amount of $42,938.00, to

complete the funds required to purchase one,

1,500 gpm, fire pumper truck. The cost of the

new pumper truck is $325,999.00, with $283,061

.00 being available from the G.O. Bond -Series

1997. This truck will be assigned to Station No.

12.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-084.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

15. 2000-R-085 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to

proceed with scheduling public hearings on June

19, 2000 and June 26, 2000 regarding the calling

of an election for a one fourth of one percent

sales and use tax under Article 5190.6 of the

Texas Revised Civil Statutes and/or under (334 of

the Texas Local Government Code

and the scheduling of a public hearing on July

20, 2000, to advise the general public about the

cost and benefit of the proposed Laredo

Entertainment Center.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-085.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Amaya

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

16. 2000-R-086 Authorizing the City Manager to submit to the

United States Foreign-Trade Zones Board an

application for a boundary modification on behalf

of the Embarcadero Industrial Park requesting a

transfer of Foreign Trade Zone designation status

from La Barranca Ranch and known as Site No. 5

to the Embarcadero Industrial Park to be

designated as Site No. 7. The boundary

modification, if approved by the Foreign Trade

Zones Board, will transfer Foreign Trade Zone

status (designation only) to 10 acres from the La

Barranca Ranch Site No. 5 to the Embarcadero

Industrial Park .

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-086.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

17. 2000-R-087 A resolution authorizing the City Manager to

submit a full application for a site expansion,

if needed, to the United States Foreign Trade

Zones Board on behalf of the Embarcadero

Industrial Park requesting the designation of 360

acres of foreign trade zone designation floating

within the 1,200 acre master planned Embarcad ero

Industrial Park to be designated Site No. 7

located on both sides of the Mines Road FM1472

and near the World Trade Bridge.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2000-R-087.

Moved : Cm. Galo

Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Montalvo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

XII. MOTIONS

18. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to approve

amendment #2 to the existing contract with Turner Collie &

Braden Inc., for completion of the Environmental Information

Document and preparation of step 2 of an application for

supplemental funding from the Border Environmental

Cooperation Commission (BECC) for the Colonias Proj ect.

The amendment will provide funding received from BECC for

technical assistance in the amount of $264,000.00 to pursue

certification of the project and thus be eligible to receive

funding from the NAD Bank for the wastewater project on

Mines Roa d. The contract will be amended from $135,000 to

$264,000.00. Funding is available in the Engineering Fees

lines item.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

19. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to sell two (2)

used 1992 Dodge vehicles to our Sister City of El Cenizo,

Texas in the amount of $1,000.00.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

20. Consideration to renew the contract with Betty Ann Kane &

Company, Washington, D.C., in the amount of $4,000.00 per

month, for Washington liaison services for a term of two

years, July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2002. The fee for

these services has not increased since inception of this

contract in 1992. Funds for this contract are available in

the General Fund budget. The second year funding would be

contingent upon 2001-2002 Budget Approval.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

21. Consideration to award contract number FY00-097, to the LOW

BIDDER, ECCO, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $47,700.00,

for the purchase of radio communication equipment for the

Police Department. The equipment includes special vehicle

portable radio cradles, adapters, and antennas. A total of

sixty sets will be purchased. The bid pricing includes

installation on Police Department vehicles. Delivery of

this radio equipment is expected within sixty days. These

radios will be purchased using the Police Department -

Financial Task Force Grant, Narcotics Task Force Gr ant and

Local Law Enforcement Block Grant.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

22. Consideration to award a six month supply contracts (FY00-

099) to the LOW BIDDERS, STR Tire Co., Laredo, Texas

($75,864.20), Tire Centers LLC., Laredo, Texas ($25,239.06),

Goodyear Auto Store, Laredo, Texas ($24,630.00), and A to Z

Tire & Battery, Laredo, Texas ($1,069.32) to supply tires

and tubes for all City vehicles. Tires are purchased on an

as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

23. Consideration to award a contract to the SOLE PROVIDER,

Timesoft, Long Beach, CA., in the total amount of

$28,496.50, for providing automated time recorder equipment

and software. The City is currently utilizing this system

for City Hall personnel and is expanding the use of

automated time recording for the Health Department and the

Bridge System operation Funding is available in the

respective department's budgets.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

24. Consideration to award contract number FY00-094, to the LOW

BIDDER , Steadfast Bridge Biltolast Products, Ft. Payne,

AL., in the amount of the $19,398.00, for the purchase of a

pre-engineered, pre-fabricated steel pedestrian bridge.

This bridge will span the creek to provide access to the

Chaparral Park area. Funding is avail able in the 1998 CO

Account.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

25. Consideration to award contract number 00-096, to the LOW

BIDDER, Municipal Pipe and Fabricating Co., McAllen, Texas,

in the estimated amount of $60,160.00, for the purchase of

approximately eighty fire hydrants for use by the Utilities

Department in construction and replacement projects. The

bid pricing will be fixed for the contract period of one

year and all hydrants will be purchased on an as needed

basis. Funding is available in the Utilities Department

Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

26. Consideration to contract number 00-102 to the LOW BIDDER,

Al & Rob Sales, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $16,311.15,

for the purchase of jackets, windbreakers, and Class A

uniforms for the Fire Department. The Fire Department

personnel have a $500.00 yearly clothing allowance, as per

the terms of the collective bargainin g agreement, which can

be used for the purchase of uniforms, jackets, windbreakers,

and safety footwear. Delivery is expected within sixty

days. The City did receive a bid from Skaggs Public Safety,

San Antonio, Texas, which was the lowest bid, how ever, this

vendor did not sign the bid and therefore cannot be

considered. Funding is available in the Fire Department

budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

27. Consideration to ratify the purchase of spill containment

equipment, for the Fire Department, from Complete

Environmental Products, Houston, Texas, in the amount of

$23,154.00. This specialized equipment will be used to

contain chemical spills on the Rio Grande River. This

purchase was authorized by City Management as an exception

to the procurement process due to the emergency response

needed to secure containment equipment to protect the City's

ability to produce potable water. Delivery of this

equipment is expected within the next two weeks. Funding is

available in the Fire Department's Safety Equipment Budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

28. Consideration to award contract number FY00-103, to the LOW

BIDDER, Tennant, Minneapolis, MN., in the amount of

$36,482.72, for the purchase of two riding power sweepers

for the Bridge System. One will be assigned to the Colombia

Bridge and the other to the World Trade Bridge. Funding is

available in the Bridge Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

29. Consideration to amend the security guard service contract

(FY99-129) awarded to J.M.C. Security Co., Laredo, Texas, to

include guard services for the World Trade Bridge, in the

estimated annual amount of $26,208.00. Security guard

services are required daily for eight hours Monday thru

Friday, and sixteen hours on Saturday and Sunday. Funding

is available in the Bridge Systems budget

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

30. Consideration to create an AD Hoc Third Party Funding

Advisory Committee which will evaluate all Third Party

Applications and make funding recommendations to Council.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

31. Consideration to reject the two (2) bids received for the

Three Police Substations to be located at Sierra Vista Blvd.

at Cenizo Loop, Springfield Ave. at Ryan Street and Santa

Maria Ave. at Ortiz St. due to the fact that the bids

received were over budget and

authorizing staff to modify plans and re-bid the three (3)

substations separately.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Agredano

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

32. Consideration to award an engineering contract to Rosin

Group, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed

$65,000.00 for architectural design and construction

administration work necessary building and site design

services and preparation of plans and specifications for the

Fire Station No. 12 located at Bob Bullock Loop in the

vicinity of TAMIU.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

33. Consideration to approve Change Order no. 10, a net increase

of $101,547.43 to the construction contract with M W

Builders, Inc., contractors for the Border Facilities for

the World Trade Bridge for additions/deletions of

construction items to enhance operations namely: modify duct

bank system for SW Bell and Time Warner; add voice and data

boxes, electrical circuits and cabinetry to Federal

Inspection Offices; add exhaust devices, concrete barriers,

hydro mulch, sod, erosion controls, CCTV cameras; and

channelization curbing, lane dividers, and signage to

separate truck types ; also delete the remaining portion of

the CP&L allowance to offset added expenses. Funding is

available in the SIB Loan, Tax Exempt Bond and Taxable Bond.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

34. Consideration for approval of change order no. 2 for an

increase amount of $14,937.80 for subgrade stabilization and

to add 12 calendar days to the construction contract with

Price Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the University

Blvd. Extension Project.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

35. Consideration to award an engineering contract to Rosin

Group, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for an amount not to exceed

$35,000.00 for surveys, design and preparation of plans and

specifications for the City Wide - Sidewalks Project No. 12

(33 Blocks). Funding is available in the CD - School

Sidewalks Account.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Amaya

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

36. Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a

Lease Agreement between the City of Laredo and Fasken

Properties, Ltd., for the purpose of allowing the City of

Laredo to place a modular building on property located on

Atlanta Drive, adjacent to the Deerfield Subdivision, at no

rental cost to house the WIC and Health Prom otion Programs.

The term of the agreement shall be for five years beginning

December 1, 1999, through November 30, 2004.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Alvarado

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

37. Consideration to approve the execution of a contract for

legal representation between the City of Laredo and its Tax

Assessor/Collector, and the law firm of Jones and Gonzalez,

Laredo Texas, and Cotham, Harwell and Evans in Houston,

Texas to investigate and collect taxes on real and personal

property associated with oil and gas produc tion.

Instructing staff to fund such contract from the City of

Laredo Mineral Leases Fund and setting up a reimbursement

mechanism to reimburse the Mineral Lease Fund once revenues

are realized.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

38. Consideration to approve the execution of contract for legal

representation for the City of Laredo by the Law Firm of

Bickerstaff, Heath Et Al., to prepare and file a law suit

against the Texas Department of Transportation regarding its

failure to follow the intent of S. B. 913 for implementation

of "One-Stop" Border Inspection Stations and its plans to

implement the "Two-Stop" Border Inspection Stations pursuant

to Texas Transportation Commission Minute Order No. 108047.

Motion to approve.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Agredano

For: 8 Against: 0

Abstain: 0

XIII. STAFF REPORT

39. Presentation regarding the City of Laredo's Foreign Trade

Zone Program and its acreage designation at the Laredo

International Airport.

Charles Martens read the following letter:

On May 2, 2000 a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee

was called to order. At this time the Airport Director's

Office requested a transfer of 200 acres of the City of

Laredo's Foreign Trade Zone Status without any background

information for us to consider, with no bid or due process

posting. On the May 2nd meeting I abstained from the

discussion and from the vote on the FTZ issue due to a

possible conflict of interest. The recommendation from

staff to transfer the 200 acres failed

unanimously due to lack of information.

During the May 2nd Advisory Committee Meeting the board

felt it necessary to hold some workshops to discuss

establishing a fair due process on Foreign Trade Zone

Procedures, Policies and Transfers from public ownership

to private ownership. We were held up in a dilemma. We

didn't exactly know what to do here we were with

developers sitting there it was a rather unusual position

that your staff placed on the Airport Advisory Board.

During the first workshop May 30th I indicated that the

May

2nd and the April 17th Airport Advisory Committee Meeting

covering the Foreign Trade Zone Conveyance was also

improperly posted. During the May 30th workshop the

Airport Director chose to post for council review, some

resolutions without Airport Ad visory Committee review

which I also believe circumvented due process.

Jose Flores, Airport Director, reported that Humberto

Garza is the Operations Manager who oversees the Foreign

Trade Program.

He read the following report:

Foreign-trade zones are secure areas under U. S. Customs

supervision that are considered outside the Customs

territory of the United States for the purposes of Customs

duty payment. Located in or near U. S. Customs ports of

entry, they are the U. S . version of what are know

internationally as Free Trade Zones. Authority for

establishing these facilities is granted by the Foreign-

Trade Zones Board under the Foreign-Grade Zones Act of

1934, as amended (19 U. S. C. 81a-81u), and the Board's

regulations (15 C. F. R. Part 400). The Executive

Secretariat of the Board is located within the Import

Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce,

Washington, D. C. 20230.

Foreign and domestic merchandise may, subject to FTZ Board

and Customs regulations, be moved into zones for

operations not otherwise prohibited by law involving

storage, exhibition, assembly, manufacturing, processing.

All zone activity is subject to public interest review,

and all manufacturing and processing activity requires a

case-by-case review. Under zone procedures the usual

formal Customs entry procedure and payment of duties is

not required on the foreign merchandise unless and until

it enters Customs territory for domestic consumption, in

which case the importer normally has a choice of paying

duties either on the original foreign materials or the

finished product. Domestic goods moved into a zone for

export are considered

exported upon entering the zone for purposes of excise tax

rebates and drawback.

George Martinez, TransMaritime Inc. representative, asked

City Council to modify the Foreign Trade Zone. He stated

that it would behoove the company and assist them in

competing with other border cities.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT Time: 9:35 p.m.

Motion to adjourn.

Moved : Cm. Bruni

Second: Cm. Galo

For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0

I hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 32 are

true, complete and correct proceedings of the City Council Meeting held

on the 5th day of June, 2000.

________________________

Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,

City Secretary