CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
M2006-R-24
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS 78040
December
18, 2006
5:30
P.M.
I.
CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum present, Mayor Raul G. Salinas called the meeting to order.
II.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Raul G. Salinas led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.
ROLL CALL
In attendance:
Raul G. Salinas,
Mayor
Mike Garza, Council
Member, District I
Michael Landeck, Council
Member, District III
Johnny Amaya,
Council Member, District IV
Johnny Rendon,
Council Member, District V
Gene Belmares, Council
Member, District VI
Juan Chavez Council
Member, District VII
Juan Ramirez, Mayor
Pro Tem, District VIII
Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,
City Secretary
Cynthia Collazo,
Acting City Manager
Rafael Garcia, Assistant
City Manager
Horacio De Leon, Assistant
City Manager
Melissa Saldana,
Assistant City Attorney
Motion to excuse Cm. Garcia.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
IV.
MINUTES
Approval of the minutes of August
28, 2006,
September
8, 2006 and September
28, 2006.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
V.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Recognitions
a. Recognition of Blanca
Vasquez,
of the Tax Department, on her selection as December
2006 Employee of the Month.
Mayor Salinas and the City Council publicly recognized Blanca Vasquez as the December
Employee of the Month and presented her with a Seven Flags Certificate
of Recognition.
b. Recognition of Duncan Jalomo, of the Library Department, on
his selection as the
Employee of the Year.
Mayor Salinas and the City Council recognized Duncan Jalomo
from the Library Department for his Customer
Service dedication, courtesy, and hard work in serving the
public.
Communiqués
Cm. Garza thanked Pastor Ibarra from First Christian Church.
He wished Captain Cazares, firefighter Rodriguez, and firefighter
Jalomo who were injured during the recent storm, a
speedy recovery. He thanked all the volunteers who helped at
the Christmas giveaway for the less fortunate children
of District I. The goal was to provide jackets and shoes. He
mentioned that one hundred children were present
and five thousand dollars were raised. He also thanked Jessie
and Rose Rodriguez, Jose Maria Vasquez for volunteering. He
wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Cm. Landeck pledged his support to families with missing persons.
He mentioned the opening of the Carrizales Boxing
Annex and also mentioned that two World Champions,
Gaby and Orlando Carrizales came out of it. He also mentioned
that several organizations and many people came together
to help with the creation of the Boxing Annex. He said he
promised to add an air conditioning unit.
Cm. Amaya reported that on Saturday, December 16, 2007, there
was a very successful toy giveaway for the less fortunate
children who were selected by their school counselors from;
Milton, Ryan, Buenos Aires, Tarver, Sanchez Ochoa, Alma Pierce,
Iglesia Methodista Libre and Communidad Christiana.
He mentioned that tomorrow, December 19, 2007, he will be at K. Tarver
Recreation Center for “Christmas in the Barrio” sponsored by the
City of Laredo between 6:00
p.m. and 9:00 p.m. located at Lyon and Tilden. He extended
his gratitude to those that have participated. He
read a message from Cm. Garcia stating that he injured his
back. He mentioned that Cm. Garcia will be having a bicycle giveaway
on different dates at the following locations; D.D. Harchar Recreation Center, Andy Cuellar Elementary
School and the Larga Vista Community
Center.
On behalf of Cm. Garcia and himself, Cm. Amaya wished the residents
of Laredo a Merry Christmas and prosperous
New Year.
Cm. Rendon mentioned that the previous Council meeting there
was a family living in tents at Lake Casa Blanca. He
stated that with the help of Cynthia Collazo, Acting City
Manager, they found resources to help them for a few days.
He thanked Mr. Filiberto Gutierrez and Robert
Cadena for their generosity which added two more weeks for this
family. He mentioned that he will be at
some of the churches and schools tomorrow giving away jackets
and toys for some of the needy kids. He wished everyone a Merry
Christmas and a safe New Year.
Cm. Belmares wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year. He echoed his sentiments along with the Council on
the safe return of the Piña family. He acknowledged
Richard Noriega and the Food Bank for the work they have done.
He thanked everyone who participated in
the Second Annual Emerald Capital Mortgage Holiday Bow which is
a fund raiser for the Blue Santa. He announced that they
collected $2,600.00 dollars.
Cm. Chavez mentioned that about a month ago the issue of the
train standing in District VII and District
VIII was discussed. He stated that recently a train car caught
fire and the fire trucks could not get to the location
because of the structure of the streets. He stated
that it is important to start talking to Union Pacific
to try to move the trains.
Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez wished everyone a Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year. He mentioned that he was at the Portal and
he noticed major problems with traffic control.
Mayor Salinas emphasized that this is a great city because of
the generous people that open their hearts to all the poor
people. He mentioned that he intends to market Laredo in
Monterrey, Saltillo, San
Luis Potosi,
and Queretaro, “like never before”.
Citizen Comments
Diana Montemayor, daughter of the owner of International
Lottery Sales located on Convent Street, stated
that because of the following problem such as; the construction
of El Portal; bomb threats on the bridges; and the long
lines created by processing the Mexican nationals they
are losing money.
Sun Ok Koyama who has owned her business for seventeen years
on Convent Ave. stated that she has had many
problems with getting access to her business on account of the
construction of El Portal and needs help.
Citizens are required to fill out a witness card and
identify themselves at the microphone. Comments should
be relevant to City business and delivered in a professional manner.
No derogatory remarks will be permitted. There
is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.
VI.
GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A. Request by Mayor Raul G. Salinas
1. Discussion with possible action regarding the El Metro Operation
Center on Scott Street.
Loyd Williams, Assistant General Manager of Operations for
El Metro, stated that he has a short, mid, and long term
proposal to alleviate some of the issues of fueling. He stated
that for the short time solution one proposal is
the changing of the fueling time for bulk fueling with
an A and B plan. He stated that Plan A consists of fueling the
fleet before 9:00
p.m. and after 4:00
a.m. to diminish the amount of CNG released while residents
are sleeping. He also stated that Plan B consists
of fueling the fleet after 10:00 p.m. and
before 4:00 a.m. He reported that a mid term solution would be the moving the fleet
fuel to the City fleet site where they have three CNG
pumps. He added that extra pumps would
have to be added and it would not be feasible. El Metro currently
has 20 pumps and it takes a couple of hours to fuel
up.
Mayor Pro Tempore pointed out that he had recommended
a while back on the installation
of an extra fuel tank to the buses and his recommendation was
not followed. He suggested that Mr. Williams call
the Transit Department in San Diego to see how they operate
their buses.
Mayor Salinas emphasized that he wants a prompt solution.
Cynthia Collazo, Acting City Manger, recommended
the change of the fueling time. She also recommend
for Mr. Williams to meet with the residents to inform them of
the change and at the same time to look
into other ways to research Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez’s
recommendation and proceed with a type of recovery system and
look into a long term solution as well.
Cm. Belmares added that staff needs to work with the provider
since this is not the only facility that they service.
B. Request by Council Member Mike Garza
1. Discussion with possible action on City Council Advisory Committees
and the Texas
Open Meetings Act.
Cm. Garza stated that he has had discussions with his appointees
and they felt that they were being placed in a position
where they would be in violation of the Open Meetings Act
if they discussed items pertinent to the items discussed in meetings.
He noted that they are volunteers and they should
not have to adhere to those regulations. He agreed
to continue to post the items for public input, but they
should not have to follow the regulations of
the Texas Open Meetings Act because it is not their obligation.
Motion to allow only the committees that the Council appoints
to have to follow the Texas Open Meetings Act
are the Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee, Historic
District Landmark Board, Board of Adjustments and Civil Service.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 5 Against:
2 Abstain: 0
Cm. Belmares
Cm.
Ramirez
Cm. Belmares commented that his concern is that they have advocated
in the past for transparency with
government. He stated that the committees appointed have a
tremendous amount of weight on Council and discussion about
city business should be transparent under ethical obligations
and remain as transparent as the Council. He commented
that they are not held to that standard and should not be threatened
with jail time and it should not apply to them.
He stressed that the committee should adhere to the
Open Meetings Act as much as possible knowing that in the future
there will be an ethics committee and it will pertain
to them.
Cm. Garza amended his motion. He commented that those appointed
can not legally be arrested. He stressed that if there
are any issues where they are being threatened that it
will be addressed immediately with the City Manager and she
in turn will address it with the Directors involved.
Motion withdrawn. No action taken.
2. Discussion with possible action on the City’s e-mail and internet
electronic
communications usage policy.
Cm. Garza stated that there is a policy in place but he is
concerned with the penalty portion. He stated
that there should be a clear definition of consequences for certain
actions. He asked staff to come back with
recommendations.
Beto Ramirez, Information and Technology Services Director, reported
that the policy was established and implemented
in 1999 and no changes have been made since then.
He stated that he has asked the cities of Corpus
Christi,
Austin, McAllen and El Paso to
provide their policies, so that some of that language
can be incorporated. He commented that the language
that exists now is very general and he is planning for the policy
to be more restricted and provide
the consequences for actions taken.
Cm. Garza pointed out that prevention and having a filter
system is important.
Mr. Ramirez, informed Council that the City currently uses
two filtering applications which are GFI and
Lightspeed. He commented that they were purchased five to six
year ago and current applications are more restrictive.
3. Discussion with possible action to evaluate the pay of the
Acting City Manager and to
discuss goals and objectives. (Reference: Executive
Session #58)
The item was discussed in executive session and a motion
made after executive session.
C. Request by Council Member Dr. Michael Landeck
1. Discussion with possible action regarding the City Manager
position recruitment bulletin
specifically the ICMA credentialing requirement and salary.
Cm. Landeck stated that since the requirement for International
City Manager Association
credentialing was included on the recruitment bulletin there have
been a number of issues. One issue he mentioned
was that an applicant with a Bachelor’s in Administration
degree would need a minimum of five years, while an applicant
with an International City Manager Association certification
would require nine years. He mentioned that
this difference with the ICMA contradicts time requirements that
have been set. He noted that the second
issue raised is that individuals who are experienced City
Managers or Assistant City Managers several of which he has discussed
this with, do not have an ICMA credentials.
Motion to remove the wording to preferred but not required.
Moved: Cm. Landeck
Second: Cm. Garza
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Landeck advised Dan Migura to add the word “negotiable”
to the salary. He also commented on adding the size
of the city, the budget and the number of people working
in the City.
D. Request by Council Member Johnny Amaya
1. Discussion with possible action regarding G.E.D. training
for employees using the
services of the Holding Institute.
Cm. Amaya reported that the City has more than 200 hundred employees
that do not have a high school diploma
or GED and the only way for them to advance is for them to
have either one.
Dan Migura, Director of Human Resources Department, reported that
staff has been aggressively addressing
this item. He mentioned that staff has reviewed the feasibility
of working with Holding Institute and has visited
with them. He mentioned that they have
had meetings with those employees identified as lacking a high
school education or GED. He reported that one hundred
thirty four employees were interested in pursuing
their education. He also reported that there are currently
no funds identified for this project and there
is no surplus fund from the Tuition Reimbursement Fund. He
mentioned that if Council wanted to go to with
Holding Institute they are looking at $50,000
to $75,000 to help 15 employees and have a pilot program.
Cm. Landeck directed staff to find someone within city management
to try and identify grants from the Department of
Education or other organizations, so the city itself could apply.
He noted that the City could then provide these classes.
Motion to encourage the City Management to go after a grant and
to find other ways to start a pilot program for the
GED within the City of Laredo and in the meantime for
those employees interested to go through the Tuition Reimbursement
Program that is currently in place.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
E. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez
1. Discussion with possible action regarding vehicles being towed
away by local wrecker
companies and the disposition process of unclaimed vehicles.
Agustin Dovalina, Police Chief, reported that there is an
ordinance in place that allows a towing company or
service record to take possession of vehicles towed away upon
direction of a police officer and to hold
them for a period of time. He also mentioned
that a registered letter must be sent to the registered
owner of the vehicle and advice them that
they are in possession of the vehicle and include any storage
fees owed along with the towing fees. He pointed
out that if the registered owner does not respond
within a given period of time, then the wrecker company
may petition the State to take ownership of the
vehicle and the proceeds from the vehicle is the towing companies
option. He pointed out that this is
according to the Ordinance and the Transportation
Code. He mentioned that may be found in the Transportation
Code section 683.003 and in Chapter 32 of our Code of Ordinances.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Juan Ramirez stated that he is concerned
that the City does not receive any
money from auctions. He stated that he is also concerned on how
the wreckers are being called to pick up
the vehicles.
Chief Dovalina pointed out that the ordinance establishes
the rotation list and that there is one
rotation list for regular tow services and one for heavy duty
tow services.
Cm. Garza suggested increasing the $100.00 fee paid to the
City by the towing companies or adding
a “per tow” fee and having a percentage of the storage. He
commented that the City should look into an
impound lot.
Cm. Belmares commented that the City should create an impound
lot and continue to work with
the towing companies or create one for the City.
Ms. Collazo agreed to do a survey. She commented that it
was previously looked at but it was not economically
feasible.
Motion to create an ordinance to have all vehicles picked
up by police to be sold in public
auction and be advised.
Moved: Mayor Pro-Tempore Ramirez
Second: No second was made.
Jerry Cain, Assistant City
Attorney,
explained that under the State statute a private wrecker
company has the statutory right to take action. He mentioned
that it would be in conflict with the state law if an ordinance
was created.
Motion to ask staff to look into a feasibility study and
to look into the issue again to see if it is feasible
for the City to go ahead with all of the issues mentioned such
as having an impound lot.
Moved: Cm. Landeck
Second: Cm. Rendon
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
VII.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Appointment by Mayor Raul
G. Salinas
of Tranquilino Alvarez, Jr. to the Electrical
Examining Advisory Board.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
b. Appointment by Mayor and Council Members of a representative
to serve on the Impact
Fee Advisory Committee.
Motion to table.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
VIII.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Public hearing and Resolution 2006-R-121 amending the Long
Range Thoroughfare
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Laredo.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and to adopt.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1 and 2, Block
1-A, Dellwood Commercial
Subdivision, located at 1001
Bristol Road,
from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to
B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning &
Zoning Commission
recommended approval of the zone change.
(District VII)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Danny Gunn, resident of Dellwood Subdivision, spoke
on changing the zone from a B1 to a B3. He objected
to the type of business going in there which is a nationalization
of vehicles business. He stated that they should be regulated
by the city.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez
4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 8.75 acres, as further
described by metes and bounds in
attached Exhibit "A", located on the northwest
corner of F.M. 1472 and Mueller
Memorial Boulevard, from B-3 (Community Business District)
to M-1 (Light
Manufacturing District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval
of the zone change. (District VII)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Chavez
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Chavez
5. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Division
3 (RATES AND
CHARGES) of Chapter 31 (UTILITIES) of the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances,
specifically section 31-138 which provides for connection
fees for fire hydrant meters,
by changing the use only for construction and creating connection
fees for temporary
meters for residential construction by only charging the
service of residential water rates
according to section 31-138, and no other services until
a certificate of occupancy is
issued; providing for publication and an effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
6. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the FY
2006-2007 Annual
Operating Budget in the Fire Prevention and Arson Fund Budget
by accepting a donation of $2,500.00 from Wal-Mart Stores
and appropriating said funds for the purpose to
purchase Fire Safety Educational Promotional Materials for
the Fire Prevention Division and purchase materials
and supplies for the Parks Department Recreation Centers.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with a correction
of $2,250.00 donation.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
7. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City
of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Annual Budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of
$1,701,183.00. The revenues are from lease purchase proceeds
related to the financing
of fifty-four (54) marked police patrol units for the Laredo
Police Department.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with a correction
in the amount of $1,701,830.00.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
8. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City
of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Capital Improvement Project Fund budget by drawing
down opening balance
and appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount
of $1,300,000.00 for
purchase of land plus incidental expenses in the Central
Business District.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
9. Public hearing to accept the FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Study Update by URS Corporation and authorizing
the City Manager to submit the study to the Federal
Aviation Administration for approval.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Rendon
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
10. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter
28 (Streets, Sidewalks
and Public Places) of the Code of Ordinances by amending
Article V, (Commercial
Use of Streets, Sidewalks and other Public Places), Section
28-105 (b) and (c) by
adding three additional designated areas where goods may
be sold; and providing for an
effective date and publication.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
11. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City
of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 Airport Operating Fund by transferring out
$250,000.00 to the Airport
Construction Fund to contract for professional services
to prepare plans and
specifications to bid the rehabilitation of Runway 14/32,
authorizing the City Manager
to implement said budget amendment, and providing for an
effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Garza
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
12. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter
19, Motor Vehicle and
Traffic, Article VI Operation, of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Laredo by
creating Division 5, Heavy Equipment/Construction Type
Vehicles, and adding
Sections 19-267 through 19-269, which prohibits the
use of heavy
equipment/construction type vehicles on public streets,
unless vehicle is transported
on a trailer designed for that purpose; providing for definitions,
severability,
publication, and effective date.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Cm. Rendon stated that there was a recommendation not to
prohibit the vehicle, but to have it escorted.
Cm. Chavez mentioned that there is a difference between
what the ordinance that Roberto Murillo,
Traffic Department Director, was working
on, and what his representative
reported. He stated that his representative reported that if
a heavy equipment vehicle was working
in a neighborhood they could move it to another
neighborhood if it was escorted, but if they were to move
from one side of the City to the other
the heavy equipment vehicle would have to go on a trailer.
Roberto
Murillo reported that the ordinance was
presented to the Transportation Committee
on November
16, 2006 with the exception of the change
on the sixth month grace period. He stated
that the committee asked for more information and they wanted
to see an ordinance that does not require them
to be hauled on a trailer but instead to provide
an escort similar to what the City’s policy requires.
Cm. Chavez commented that the escort is in the back and
none in the front.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce with a
5 month grace period as amended.
Moved: Cm. Chavez
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
13. Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the
City Manager to amend the
Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Recreation Fund and General Fund
by drawing down
$83,000.00 from the Recreation Fund balance and transferring
said funds to General
Fund for the purpose of updating the City of Laredo Parks
and Open Space Master
Plan. The proposed update to this master plan is needed
in order to evaluate the present
and future open space and recreational needs of our community
according to Texas
Parks and Wildlife and National Recreation and Parks Association
standards.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
14. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City
of Laredo Fiscal Year
2006-2007 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures
in the amount of
$94,537.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department
of State Health Services for
a total amount in funds of $223,188.00 and an estimated
program income $59,888.00
for the Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program of the City
of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 2006 through August
31, 2007 and amending the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 full
time equivalent positions.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
15. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 3, Block 1, Cancer Patient Plat, located at 3517
Pine
Street, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to
R-2 (Multi-Family Residential
District). The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended
denial of the zone
change. (District I)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Belmares
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Eduardo Vasquez requested approval of the zone change for
a proposed multi- family residence.
Motion to close the public hearing and deny as per Planning
and Zoning.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 6 Against:
1 Abstain: 0
Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
16. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9, Block 303, Eastern Division, located at 616 Clark
Boulevard, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3
(Community Business
District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended
denial of the zone
change. (District IV)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Jose Brizuela requested approval for a proposed upholstery
shop.
Motion to close the public hearing and send it back to the
Planning and Zoning for a Conditional
Use Permit.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
17. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 319, Eastern Division, located at 2501
Springfield
Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Commercial District)
to B-3 (Community
Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the
zone change. (District IV)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and deny.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Landeck
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
18. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use
Permit for a child daycare center
on Lot 687, Block 41, Del Mar Hills, Section
3, Area “A” Subdivision, located at 804
Eden
Lane. The Planning & Zoning
Commission recommended denial of the zone change.
(District VI)
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
19. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning
Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use
Permit for a home occupation
daycare on Lot 1139, Block 71, Del Mar Hills, Unit
I Subdivision, located at 813
Surrey
Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended denial of the zone
change. (District VI)
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Garza
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Cheryl Deutschman, spoke against this item.
Arthur and Cindy Thomas, stated that they are against
the granting of a conditional use permit for this
location.
Daniel and Elma Juarez, 820 Surrey Road, spoke against the rezoning.
Monica Arizola, 810
Surrey Road,
spoke against the zone change.
Arch Deutshman, 812
Surry Road,
spoke against the zone change
Motion to close the public hearing and accept Planning and
Zonings recommendations.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Garza
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
20. Public hearing allowing interested persons to comment on
the proposed amendment to
the 2005 Consolidated One-Year Action Plan by canceling
the Central Laredo Senior
Citizen Center Project totaling $45,000.00 in the 31st
Action Year (AY) 2005 funds,
and reprogramming the $45,000.00 for the construction of
sidewalks in District IV.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Belmares
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
IX.
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
21. Closing as a public easement that section of the 2200 Block
of Hidalgo Street between
the west right-of-way line of Eagle Pass Avenue and the Laredo Community College
Property line situated in the Western Division, City of
Laredo, County of Webb, Texas
and providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
22. Authorizing the City Manager to grant a license to access
Comm Corporation, a Texas
Corporation, for the use of 1,598 linear feet of City of
Laredo right of way on San
Eduardo
Avenue, as more fully described in Exhibit
“A” of license agreement, Laredo,
Webb
County, Texas. License term is five (5) years commencing on January
3, 2007
and ending January
2, 2012,
with one (5) year renewal option. Annual rent shall start at
$5,000.00 per year plus a $6.00 fee per linear foot with
a five percent (5%) increase
each anniversary date for the use of the right of way;
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
23. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one hundred day
placement agreement with
Youghiogheny Communications, LLC, Delaware, DBA Pocket Communications, LLD,
Texas, for ground space at 1120 E. Calton Road, Laredo, Webb
County,
Texas and
being more fully described in Exhibit “A”, of the agreement
to place a self-contained
cellular-on-wheels trailer, more fully described in Exhibit
“B” of the agreement for the
purpose of providing cellular services and related equipment
building for use in
connection with its communications business. Term of this
agreement shall be for 180
days commencing on January
3, 2007
through July
2, 2007. The monthly rent shall be
$1,309.00 each month during the term of the agreement due
on the 3rd day of each
month.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
X.
FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES
Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances # 2006-O-323,
# 2006-O-324, # 2006-O- 325, # 2006-O-326, # 2006-O-327,
# 2006-O-328, # 2006-O-329, # 2006-O-330, # 2006-O- 331,
# 2006-O-332, # 2006-O-333, and # 006-O-334.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
24. 2006-O-323 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City
of Laredo by rezoning
of 20.29 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in
attached
Exhibit “A”, located on the north side of future Riverbank Drive, west of
Atlanta
Drive,
from AG (Agricultural District) and R-1A (Single-family
Reduced Area District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
The
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
zone
change. (District VII)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-323.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-324 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 Annual Budget by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $2,000,000.00
respectively. The revenues are from lease purchase proceeds
related to
financing of a new information management system for the Laredo
Police
and Fire
Departments.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-324.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-325 Approving an agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF) in the amount of $28,500.00 and amending
the FY
2006-2007 City of Laredo Annual Budget by $28,500.00. The
agreement’s purpose is to reimburse cost for overtime and
fringe benefits
incurred by the Laredo Police Department in providing resources
to the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
task force.
The term of this agreement is from October 1, 2006 through September
30, 2007.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-325.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-326 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 annual budget
by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount $32,400.00
from
the City of Laredo Utilities Department for Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) bacteriological required testing
of public
drinking water supply to be done by the City of Laredo Health
Department, Laboratory Services, for the period beginning
October 1,
2006 through September
30, 2007.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-326.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-327 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 annual budget
by
appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount $25,000.00
from
the University of Texas Health Science Center at San
Antonio
for the
South Texas Family AIDS Network grant award to the City of
Laredo
Health
Department, to include a .27 full-time equivalent
position
transferred from Account 226-6403 to this grant for the period
beginning
August
1, 2006 through July
31, 2007.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-327.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-328 Amending the City of Laredo Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Annual Budget
approved for $250,000.00 by reducing $43,000.00 to reflect
the actual
amount base year award of $200,000.00 agreed between the County of
Webb and the City of Laredo, for the period from October
1, 2005 to
September
30, 2009. This fiscal year $7,000.00 funds
will be included to
cover the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) as specified on
the
Interlocal Agreement for the period
from October 1, 2006 through
September
30, 2007, for a total amount award of $207,000.00
this fiscal
year for locally supported public health services to residents
of Webb
County, including approved full time equivalent positions.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-328.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-329 Accepting a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 from
the Texas
Department of Transportation for enforcement of Impaired Driver
Mobilization and amending the City of Laredo’s’ FY 2006-2007 Annual
Budget in the amount of $25,000.00. This grant is for overtime
salaries,
including fringe benefits, and is funded 100% by the Texas
Department of
Transportation for a full year.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-329.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-330 Authorizing and allowing, under the Act of Governing
the Texas
Municipal Retirement System, “Updated Service Credits” in
said system
for service performed by qualifying members of such system
who
presently are in the employment of the City of Laredo; providing for
increased prior and current service annuities for retirees
and beneficiaries
of deceased retirees of the City; and establishing an effective
date for such actions.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-330.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-331 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
Khaledi Bridge of
the Americas Ltd, for the lease of premises located at the
corner of
Convent and Water
Street
of approximately 22,779 square feet of
unfinished retail space of the Bridge of the Americas Project,
copy of
which is attached as Exhibit A. Lease shall be for a term
of twenty (20)
years from date of beneficial occupancy. Annual Rent shall
consist of
three separate categories of rent payments: (a) Minimum Annual
Rent, (b)
Percentage Rent and (c) Non-Retail Space Rent.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-331.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-332 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease
with Webb County for
approximately 1,000 square feet constituting Building No. S-3 located at 1703 Sandman Street at the Laredo International Airport. Lease term is
for one (1) year commencing on May 1, 2006 and ending on April 30,
2007 and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year
each ending
on April
30, 2008 and April
30, 2009. However, it is agreed by the parties
that the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving
a ninety (90)
day written notice from the party terminating to the other.
Monthly rent
shall be $500.00 and will be adjusted annually according to
changes in the
Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-332.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-333 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with
the Washington’s
Birthday Celebration Association, Inc., (WBCA) for approximately
fifteen
(15.0) acres of concrete ramp located on the southwest cargo
ramp of the
Air Operations Area to include City owned vacant non-aeronautical
use
land located at the Laredo International Airport for event parking use.
Lease term is for two (2) days commencing
on February
10, 2007 and
ending on February
11, 2007.
City Council finds and declares that a valid
public purpose would be served in setting the daily rental
fee at $1.00;
providing for an effective date.
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-333.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
2006-O-334 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2006-2007 approved
Full Time
Equivalent positions (FTE’s) for General Fund by
creating nine (9) Patrol
Officer Cadets to staff the Police
substation at Cielito Lindo. Funding is
available in General Fund. (As Amended)
Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2006-O-334.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
XI.
RESOLUTIONS
25. 2006-R-099 Accepting Lot 1, Block 1 of the Cielito Lindo
Park Plat as per plat recorded
in volume 26, page 35 of the Map Records of Webb County,
Texas. This 3.35 acre tract of land is
being provided by Cielito Lindo,
Ltd. for the purpose of developing
a City Park. Additionally, Cielito
Lindo Ltd. has agreed to provide improvements for said park
in the total
amount of $108,150.00 as per the attached agreement.
Motion to approve Resolution # 2006-R-099 with the condition
that Cielito
Lindo, LTD, submit to City Council an approved Letter of Credit.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
26. 2006-R-119 Accepting the donation of one Utility Easement
from Rogelio Molina, Jr.
and Maria De Los Angeles Molina, for the extension of water
and sewer
services to San Carlos Subdivision, Phase II. This being
a 15-foot Utility
Easement containing 2,967 square feet of land, more or less,
situated in
Porcion 32, Antonio Trevino, Abstract 296, Webb County, Texas. Being
out of Lot 19, Block 3, San Carlos Subdivision
II, recorded in Volume 4,
Page 34, Webb County Plat Records; and described by Metes
and Bounds
and Survey attached as Exhibits A and B.
Motion to approve Resolution
# 2006-R-119.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
27. 2006-R-120 Accepting the donation of one Utility Easement
from Viviana Molina, for
the extension of water and sewer services to San Carlos Subdivision,
Phase II. This being a 15-foot Utility Easement containing
2,962 square
feet of land, more or less, situated in Porcion 32, Antonio
Trevino,
Abstract 296, Webb
County,
Texas. Being out of Lot 11, Block 3, San
Carlos Subdivision II, recorded in Volume 4, Page 34, Webb
County Plat
Records; and described by Metes and Bounds and Survey attached
as
Exhibits A and B.
Motion to approve Resolution
# 2006-R-120.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against: 0
Abstain: 0
XII.
MOTIONS
28. Authorizing the City Manager to grant two (2) public fireworks
display permits for the
Laredo Entertainment Center and the Laredo Country Club for December
31, 2006 at
11:59
p.m. technicians for the displays will
be Pyrotecnico of Louisiana, LLC, and
Atlas Enterprises, Incorporated, respectively.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
29. Authorizing the City Manager to select and award a contract
to NRS of Harlingen,
Texas, for the amount of $242,000.00 to
design the Sierra
Vista
1.5 million gallon
elevated storage tank with construction plans and specifications.
Funding is available
in the 2006 Water Bond Issuance.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
30. Authorizing the City Manager to award a professional engineering
contract to LNV
Engineering of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $46,900.00. This contract will
provide design for the Jefferson Upper Plant High Service
Pump Station valve
replacement and discharge pipe improvements. Also, provide
design for the Jefferson
Lower Plant discharge header valve, piping and flow meters.
Funding is available
under the waterworks construction budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
31. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract and award
2006 HOME Investment
Partnership Program, Community Housing Development Organization
(CHDO) funds
made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in the
amount of $194,982.00 to Habitat for Humanity of Laredo,
Inc. for the construction of
10 homes including soft costs. The single-family housing
units will be made available
to low income first-time home buyers who earn between 25%-60%
of the Housing
Area Median Family Income (HAMFI).
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
32. Consideration to authorize the installation of a speed hump
along Arriaga Drive
between Ramirez
Drive at Fairfield Drive in accordance with the speed hump
installation policy under the special provision for installation;
project costs are
estimated at $1,800.00. Funding is available from the
Capital Improvement Projects-
City Council District II.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
33. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an extension to the
consulting contract
between the City of Laredo and B.W. Zimmerman & Associates
to assist with analysis,
research and reporting associated with the interoperable
reader system project, provide
professional technical consulting assistance associated
with the toll collection system
needs of the Laredo Bridge
System,
review and respond to proposals to renew and/or
extend the toll collection system maintenance service agreement
and provide on-call
professional consulting assistance on the operation and
warranty of the new turnstile
system in an amount not to exceed $64,000.00. Funding
is available in the Laredo
Bridge
System.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
34. Consideration for approval to award a construction contract
to the lowest bidder,
Amberland Development, Ltd., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $609,997.00 for
the
Bartlett
Avenue Extension Straightening, Widening,
Paving, Utilities and Drainage
Improvements from Hillside to Sandman. Funding is available
in the Transit 2004 CO.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
35. Consideration for approval to award a construction contract
to the lowest bidder, ALC
Construction, LLC., Laredo, Texas, in the bid amount of $525,000.00 for the Cigarroa
Recreation Center Boxing Gym. Funding is available in the CDBG 30th Action
Year
and CDBG 31st Action Year.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
36. Consideration for approval of amendment no. 2 an increase
of $36,442.00 to the
professional services contract with Arcadis, Laredo, Texas, for the Laredo Street
Drainage Improvements Phase II to update plans and specifications,
construction cost
estimates, and for utility coordination and surveying.
Funding is available in the 2003
CO Issue Laredo Street Drainage Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
37. Consideration for approval to award a professional Services
Contract to Carter and
Burgess, Inc., Fort
Worth,
Texas, for an amount not to exceed $375,000.00
for design
and preparation of plans and specifications for the Laredo International Airport
Runways 17L/35R and 17L/35R Extension – Feasibility Study,
Environmental
Assessment and Benefit-Cost Analysis. Funding is available
in the Airport
Construction Fund – Grant No. 48 – Project Engineer Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
38. Consideration for approval of the selection of consultant
Chapman & Associates, Inc.,
Magnolia, Texas, for the Resident Project Representative
for the Laredo International
Airport Projects and authorization to negotiate
a professional services contract.
Funding is available in the Airport Construction
Fund/Grant No. 49 – Project Engineer
Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
39. Consideration for approval of change order no. 1 a decrease
of $20,223.51 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance
of the Laredo Street
Drainage Improvements Phase I that included Laredo St. from Tapeyste Ave.
to
Seymour
Ave. and approval of final payment in
the amount of $34,655.49 to J. Solis
Maintenance and Welding Services, Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount
is $304,196.49. Funding is available in the 1999 Water
CO Bond.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
40. Consideration to authorize the purchase of one replacement
vacuum truck in the total
amount of $252,640.00, through the Buy Board cooperative
purchasing program’s
contract pricing, from Grande Truck Center, Pasadena, TX. This truck will be assigned
to the Environmental
Services
Department. Funding is available in the department’s
capital outlay budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
41. Consideration to award annual supply contract number FY06-105,
to the low bidder,
East Jordan Iron Work, Inc., San Antonio,
Texas, in the estimated amount of
$85,750.00, for the purchase of fire hydrants for the Utilities Department. This is an
annual supply contract that allows for the purchase of
fire hydrants on an as need basis.
Funding is available in the Utilities Department
Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
42. Consideration to authorize the purchase of traffic signal
poles and arms required for the
traffic signal upgrades of the following locations: Clark
at Meadow, Clark at Seymour,
and Clark at Cedar, from Pelco Structural
LLC, Claymore, OK, in the total amount of
$37,686.00. These items are being purchased through the
State of Texas Cooperative
purchasing program. Funding is available from 2006 Certificates
of Obligation bond
proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
43. Consideration to award annual service contract number FY07-035
to the sole bidder,
Rafter P. Transport Inc., New Braunfels,
TX to load and haul dry sludge from
the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant to the
City of Laredo landfill. This contract is based
on a base bid of $6.00 per cubic yard of material. The
frequency and number of loads
vary depending on the City’s need but the contract is based
on an estimate of 10,000
cubic yards of sludge. Funding is available in
the Utilities Department – Water
Treatment Division budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
44. Consideration to authorize the purchase of one truck mounted
excavator, in the total
amount of $298,700.00 from Waukesha Pearce Inc., through
the Buy Board
cooperative purchasing program’s contract pricing. Funding
is available in the 2006
Public Property Finance Contractual Obligation bond proceeds.
Motion to approve with the correction that funding is available
in the Solid Waste Fund.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
45. Consideration to authorize the purchase of two (2) street
sweepers in the total amount
of $283,743.25 from TYMCO International Inc., through the
Houston Galveston Area
Council of Governments (H-GAC) cooperative purchasing program’s
contract pricing.
Funding is available in the 2006 Public Property Finance
Contractual Obligation bond
proceeds.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
46. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amounts
to be adjusted for the
month of November 2006, represents a decrease of $54,757.73.
These adjustments are
determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court
orders.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
47. Authorizing the City Manager to continue current policy with
Monumental Life
Insurance Company for the retiree Medicare Supplemental
Health Insurance for
another year, ending December
31, 2007.
The rates will remain the same as last year.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
48. Awarding a construction contract to the low bidder, Jimmy
Closner and Sons
Construction Company, Inc., Mercedes, Texas, in the amount of $4,697,756.20
for the
construction of the SH359 Work Order #3 Water Distribution
and Wastewater
Collection Systems to the Colonias Old Milwaukee, Los
Altos,
D-5 Acres, San Carlos
I, San Carlos II, Tanquecitos II, Ranchitos 359 East &
Laredo Ranchetes subject to the
approval of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
The construction time is
540 calendar days. Funding is available in the Colonias
Project Fund.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Amaya
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
49. Consideration to award a construction contract to the lowest
bidder, QRO MEX
Construction, Granite Shoals, Texas, in the amount of $1,487,828.25 for the
construction of the Colonias Work Order NADB – 1, 18“ Water
Main Line Extension
Project, subject to the approval of the North American
Development Bank. The work
order #1 consists of 18” water transmission line extension
(19.500 L.F.) from the
existing South Laredo Elevated Storage Tank to the existing
booster station along and
within State Hwy 359 to provide potable water to Colonias
within SH 359 Planning
Areas. The construction time is 150 calendar days. Funding
is available in the Colonias
Fund Construction Fees.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
50. Ratifying the action taken by the City Manager to authorize
the installation of three
valves under system pressure by ADS Environmental Services in the amount of
$45,400.00 for the emergency control of failing valves
and prevention of system
flooding at the Jefferson Lower Plant. Funding is available
under the Waterworks
Construction Budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
51. Authorize the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 1
for the purchase and
installation of a new electrical control system for the
Jefferson Street Water Plant from
System Controls & Instrumentation, Ltd, in the amount
of $69,532.00. This work and
change order is recommended by staff for emergency authorization
on the basis of
eminent failure indicators provided by equipment and the
essential need for operational
control of water production. Funding is available in the
Water Plant Improvements
Construction Fund.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
52. Consideration to authorize the installation of speed humps
along Canal Street between
Marcella and Gallagher Avenues in accordance with the speed
hump installation policy
under the special provision for installation; project costs
are estimated at $3,000.00.
Funding will be made available from capital improvement
projects – City Council
District 5.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
53. Consideration to authorize a lease purchase contract with
Sungard HTE Inc., in the total
amount of $1,999,265.64 for the acquisition of a fully
integrated digital information
management system for the Laredo Police and Fire Departments. Funding for the lease
purchase payments is available in the Police Trust Fund
budget.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
54. Consideration to award contract FY07-007 to Verizon Wireless,
Laurel, MD, for
providing wireless mobile phone service for City of Laredo public safety and public
service departments for a term of two years. Approximately
307 wireless phones are
assigned to these departments. All services will be on
an as needed basis. Funding is
available in the respective departmental budgets.
Motion to approve.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
XIII.
STAFF REPORTS
55. A. Update report by Keith Kindle, Turner, Collie and Braden
on the status on the
Colonias Project.
Mr. Kindle was not able to attend.
B. Presentation and recommendation regarding proceeding with
negotiations of an
agreement of a Secondary Groundwater Project.
Bill Norris from NRS Consulting Engineers made
the following report.
Exhibit
“A”
Executive
Summary
The
City of Laredo received two proposals for a secondary
source of water on December 8, 2006 out of four know providers. These were Grass Valley Water, LP and Dimmit
Utility Water Supply Corporation. The proposals were reviewed
primarily on qualifications and financial backing to complete
the project and the ability to deliver a long term water supply
to the City of Laredo.
The
proposal review committee was comprised of Adrian Montemayor,
Assistant Utility Director; Joseph (Bill) Norris, P.E., NRS Consulting
Engineers; Bruce Wasinger, Bickerstaff, Heath,
Pollan & Caroom, LLP; Ridge Kaiser, P.E., R.W. Hardin &
Associates; and Jeff Snowden, Economists.com.
After
a thorough review of the proposals and subsequent interviews,
the committee ranked the respondents with respect to the following
weighted criteria:
Criteria
Weight
______________________________________________________________
Experience
15%
Financial
Capabilities
20%
Level
of Development of Source Water
10%
Knowledge
of Process Involved (Project Understanding)
5%
Confirmed
Supply
15%
Exclusive
Use
5%
Permitting
5%
Groundwater
Control District Approvals
5%
Environmental
Considerations
5%
Guarantees
15%
The
overall ranking put Dimmit Utility Water Supply Corporation first
and Grass Valley Water second. Each one has their own share of
risks with varying degrees with permitting and source water development.
It is the committee’s opinion, based these criteria, Dimmit UWSC
has the greatest degree of confidence in developing the water
source for the City of Laredo.
The
next step was to review the price proposal received from each
respondent. Based on the proposal on the base bids, Jeff Snowden,
Economists.com, completed an in depth analysis of the proposals
and conducted several conversations with the respect to financial
representatives to reach the conclusions.
The
net present value of each proposal is depicted in the table below.
| Years in
Planning
Period |
NPV Rate |
DUWSC |
GVW |
Variance |
| 20
30
40
50 |
4%
4%
4%
4% |
$289,732,670
$384,115,670
$469,806,160
$547,604,707 |
$372,462,105
$582,552,270
$714,375,541
$834,058,119 |
-$82,729,434
-$198,436,600
-$244,569,380
-$286,453,412 |
Finally,
the project team offers the following ending notes, many of which
may warrant further study:
1. GVW’s proposes that Laredo pay electricity costs, pump fees,
water transport and pass- through fees. These fees need
to be quantified over the planning period.
2. The GVW proposal also reserves the right to modify their costs
depending upon the increase in construction
costs meaning no contingencies are include at the risk of the
City. The DUWSC include contingencies for the
completion of the project and is willing
to negotiate lower costs if City takes some of those risks.
3. Both proposals assume tax exempt financing will be available.
Laredo may wish to request
an alternative pricing structure that ssumes the issuer will not
obtain tax exempt financing.
4. The DUWSC proposal offers the transfer of the pipeline on
or around 2029, while both proposals offer the transfer
of storage capacity in the early years of the agreement. The
City may wish to request current values and depreciation
schedules for each transferable asset in order to asses
the value of these assts at the time they become the property
of Laredo.
5. DUWSC offers to evaluate overall cost saving measures that
could include energy recovery and/or standpipe
to utilize existing pipeline pressures.
Conclusions
and Recommendations
While
each proposal has a degree of risk from a water availability standpoint,
mainly on the provider, clearly, the Dimmit Utility Water Supply
Corporation has the greatest degree of certainty of providing
the City of Laredo a long term water supply for the
most economical cost with the greatest amount of financial backing.
It is the recommendation of this committee to begin negotiations
with Dimmit UWSC to develop an agreement for consideration by
the City of Laredo.
Due
to the nature of this important project, the committee also recommends
that the agreement deadline be considered for January 31, 2007 to allow for adequate review and
negotiations. The initial review period remains in place for
the week of December
18, 2006 with a projected draft memorandum
of understanding by the end of the year. In our opinion this
schedule would not jeopardize the City’s efforts in the legislature
related to this project.
Motion to authorize the City Manager to begin negotiations
with Dimmit Utility Water Supply Corporation.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
C. Staff report regarding third party funding from the Hotel/Motel
Fund by Martin
Aleman, Budget Director.
Motion to postpone.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
XIV.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, if
such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the
City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of
the Government Code, to consult privately with his
or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising
out of such item.
56. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071
(1) (A) of the Government
Code (Contemplated litigation) to consult with the City Attorney regarding
construction contract with Lassen, Inc., Austin, Texas, for the construction contract
project known as the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment
Plat Re-aeration Tanks
Lining Project and return to open session for possible
action.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Section
551.071 (1) (A) of the Government Code
(Contemplated litigation) to consult with the City
Attorney
regarding construction contract with Lassen, Inc., Austin, Texas, for the construction
contract project known as the Zacate Creek Wastewater Treatment
Plat Re-aeration
Tanks Lining Project and return to open session for possible
action.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Rendon
For: 5 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
Cm. Garcia, Cm. Amaya and Mayor Salinas were not present.
After Executive Session, the Mayor announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to motion to terminate the contract and to file
a claim against the performance bond and then place
the tank back into service.
Moved: Cm. Landeck
Second: Cm. Belmares
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
57. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071
(1) (B) to consult with attorney on settlement offer regarding
Laredo Equities, L.L.C.,
and return to open session for possible action.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071 (1) (B) to consult with
attorney on settlement offer regarding Laredo Equities,
L.L.C., and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Rendon
For: 5 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session, the Mayor announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to accept the $42, 971 as payment in full due as
of October 31, 2006 to the City of Laredo from Laredo
Equities, L.C.C. under the 2006 -2007 Veteran’s Field lease
agreement and continue said lease agreement.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Mayor Pro Tempore Ramirez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
58. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code, section 551.074
(1) to evaluate the pay of the Acting City Manager and
to discuss goals and objectives;
and return to open session for possible action.
Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government
Code, section 551.074 (1) to evaluate the pay
of the Acting City Manager and to discuss goals and
objectives; and return to open session for possible action.
Moved: Cm. Belmares
Second: Cm. Rendon
For: 5 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
After Executive Session, the Mayor announced that no formal
action was taken.
Motion to increase the Acting City Manager’s 10 percent
above her current salary for the duties of Acting
City Manager making it retroactive to her first day and concluded
on her last day when a new City Manger is appointed and there will
be a workshop on the item of goals and objectives
within 30 days.
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Chavez
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
XV.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Time: 11:12
Moved: Cm. Garza
Second: Cm. Amaya
For: 7 Against:
0 Abstain: 0
|