CITY OF LAREDO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1110 HOUSTON STREET
LAREDO, TEXAS
5:30 P.M.
MINUTES
M97-R-39 NOVEMBER 17, 1997
I. CALL TO ORDER
With a quorum Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. ROLL CALL
IN ATTENDANCE:
SAUL N. RAMIREZ, JR., MAYOR
JOSE R. PEREZ, JR., COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT I
LOUIS H. BRUNI, " , DISTRICT II
ALFONSO I. "PONCHO" CASSO, " , DISTRICT III
ELISEO VALDEZ, JR. " , DISTRICT V
JOE A. GUERRA, " , DISTRICT VI
MARIO G. ALVARADO, " , DISTRICT VII
CONSUELO "CHELO" MONTALVO, " , DISTRICT VIII
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR., CITY SECRETARY
FLORENCIO PENA, CITY MANAGER
JERRY CAIN, ASST. CITY ATTORNEY
ABSENCES:
City Attorney Jaime L. Flores.
Motion to excuse Cw. Moreno.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to waive the regular order of business and move up items 40-A(1),
IX-C, IX-A, and D(3) for discussion and consideration at this time.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IV. INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES
2. Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with St.
Patrick's Church for the use of Veterans Field to conduct and promote
a religious conference.
1) Lease term is for 3 (three) days commencing on December 12, 1997
and ending December 14, 1997.
2) Total rent will be $3,000.00.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
3. Amending Ordinance No. 96-O-163, to authorize the City to accept water
rights in lieu of payment of water availability fees, at a negotiated
equivalency when the City intends to acquire real estate for a valid
public purpose.
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
V. FINAL READINGS
Motion to waive the final reading of ordinance #97-O-272, #97-O-273, #97-
O-274, #97-O-275.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
4. 97-O-272 Repealing ordinance 97-O-149 dated July 7, 1997, Section 7;
to decrease the fare on the EL LIFT Transportation Program
from $1.00 to $0.75. Providing for publication and
effective date of November 18, 1997. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-272.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
5. 97-O-273 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the
amount of $50,000.00, and appropriate these funds to the
Department of Telecommunications salary line item to
establish the position of Telecommuni-cations Network
Specialist. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-273.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
6. 97-O-274 Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-98 Annual Budget by
reclassifying three firefighters to three Captains for the
Airport Fire and Rescue Unit and authorizing the City
Manager to implement said budget. (City Council)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-274.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
7. 97-O-275 Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget by
authorizing the reclassification of one (1) Captain, two (2)
Lieutenants, three (3) Sergeants and ten (10) Investigator
positions at the Laredo Police Department and authorizing
the City Manager to implement said budget. (City Council)
(As Amended)
Motion to approve Ordinance #97-O-275.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VI. RESOLUTIONS
8. 97-R-126 Supporting the designation of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo as an
American Heritage River.
(Sponsored by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.)
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-126.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 6 Against: 1 Abstain: 0 Cm.
Guerra
9. 97-R-136 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the
amount of $415,388.00, in funds and $31,200.00, in State
direct assistance, for the Comprehensive Public Health
Services Programming of the City of Laredo Health Department
for the period beginning Sept. 1, 1997, through August 31,
1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-136.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
10. 97-R-137 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the
amount of $125,000.00, and in-kind match of $58,388.00, for
the School-Based Health Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, and
August 31, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-137.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
11. 97-R-139 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the
amount of $11,400.00, for the Border Area Survey facilitated
by the City of Laredo Health Department for the period
beginning September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-139.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
12. 97-R-140 Incorporating into the Street Closing/ Sales Policy
Handbook, as Section 10, Provisions requiring the potential
buyer or lessee of a former street right-of-way to submit a
property improvement plan for said right-of-way when the
proposed use is for commercial or any other use, other than
residential.
1) The improvement plan shall provide, at no cost to the
City, for the elimination of all indication that said
property was previously a street by including and not
limited to the removal, extension, closure, widening of
curbs and gutters, landscaping and fencing, etc.
2) The street closing division will provide the Traffic,
Engineering, Planning and Building Departments with
copies of the proposed improvement plan for their
review/comments, and recommendations,
3) The improvement plan will be incorporated as part of the
Street Closure/Sales Ordinances which will be submitted
for Council approval.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-140.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
13. 97-R-141 Declaring the vote of the governing body of the City of
Laredo for its nominated candidates to the Webb County Tax
Appraisal District Board of Directors.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-141.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
14. 97-R-143 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount
of $277,757.00 for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
from the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. Department of
Justice's contribution will be $249,981.00, with the City
designating $27,776.00, in matching funds. The funding for
this grant will be from October 1, 1997 through September
30, 1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-143.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
15. 97-R-144 Accepting a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the
amount of $450,000.00, for the Children's Health Insurance
Pilot Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning December 1, 1997, through August 31,
1999.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-144.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
16. 97-R-145 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an
interlocal governmental agreement between the City of Laredo
and the Laredo Independent School District regarding a joint
use and maintenance agreement for the Cigarroa Neighborhood
Recreation Center as authorized by and pursuant to Chapter
791 V.T.C.A., Texas Government Code.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-145.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Perez
17. 97-R-146 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into and execute an
interlocal governmental agreement between the City of Laredo
and the Laredo Independent School District regarding a joint
use and maintenance agree-ment for the Farias and Katherine
Tarver Neighborhood Recreation Centers as authorized by and
pursuant to Chapter 791 V.T.C.A., Texas Government Code.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-146.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 6 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 Cm.
Perez
18. 97-R-147 Supporting the Calle Iturbide Redevelopment Project,
Downtown Laredo, Webb County, Texas.
(Sponsored by Cm. Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo)
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-147.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
19. 97-R-148 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the
University of Texas/Border Region Health Professional
Education Initiative in the amount of $17,983.00, for the
purchase of health related materials; and authorizing the
City Manager to sign contracts and submit any and all
related documents as required.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-148.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
20. 97-R-149 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the
Texas State Library for the 1998 MURL Grant Program in the
amount of $22,046.00, for the purchase of CD-ROM materials;
and authorizing the City Manager to sign contracts and
submit any and all related documents as required.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-149.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
21. 97-R-150 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Water Rights Sales
Agreement for the purchase of 898.75 acre feet of Class A
water rights from Certificate of Adjudication #23-582 for a
total of $258,840.00, from Winding Brook Corporation;
authorizing the City Manager to make application to the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission for their
conversion to municipal use, establish a diversion point,
and have the City of Laredo's Certificate of Adjudication
#23-3997 amended. 22. 97-R-151 Authorizing the City Manager
to enter into and execute an interlocal government agreement
between the City of Laredo and the County of Webb to provide
funding for the Meals on Wheels Program at a cost of
$18,750.00, contract term is for 12 months commencing
retroactively on October 1, 1997; providing for severability
and effective date.
Motion to approve Resolution #97-R-150.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VII. MOTIONS
23. Approval of construction plans and authorization to advertise for bids
for the Roof Repairs at the Center for the Arts Building Project. A
tentative bid award is scheduled for January 5, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
24. Approval of construction plans and authorization to advertise for bids
for the Market Street Tennis Courts Improvements. A tentative bid
award is scheduled for January 5, 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
25. Approval of bid specifications and authorization to advertise for bids
for the following:
a) Printing Services, Birth and Death Certificates - Health Department
b) SCBA Pak Alert Equipment - Fire Department A tentative bid award
is scheduled for December 15, 1997.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
26. Approval of bid specifications and authorizing to solicit bids for the
purchase of a high vacuum/high temperature garbage sterilization
system for the new passenger terminal. This system is required by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to properly discard garbage
arriving in international commercial passenger flights. USDA
recommends using this sterilization method instead of an incinerator.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
27. Authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for architectural
design and engineering services for the Paseo del Antiguo Laredo
project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
28. Award of contract to the LOW BIDDER, Southwestern Bell Internet
Services, San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $16,775.00, for the
securing of a one year contract for Internet services for the Public
Library. Internet access will be available for all patrons using
computers at the new Library building and at the Santo Nino Branch
facility. Only a one year commitment is needed due the construction
of the City's Institutional Network (I-Net) which will provide
Internet access for all City departments.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
29. Award of six month supply contracts to the LOW BIDDERS, A to Z Tire &
Battery, Laredo, Texas ($41,164.86), Goodyear Auto Store, Laredo,
Texas ($46,577.76), and STR Tire Co., Laredo, Texas ($2,040.77) to
supply tires and tubes for all City vehicles. The bid pricing is
approximately 3% less than the previous contract period. A total of
three bids were received for this purchase.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
30. Award of a construction contract to the LOWEST BIDDER, Molano
Construction Company, Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $788,068.00, for
the Telecommunications Offices and Public Access Facility. Funding is
available from the Reseve Appropriation. Additionally, the award is
recommended subject to the approval of a transfer of $375,000.00, from
the Public Access Channel Restricted Funds Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
31. Award of an engineering contract, for an amount not to exceed
$32,950.00, to EMCON Engineering and Environmental Services, Fort
Worth, Texas, to provide professional engineering services for
Mitigation of Methane Gas Migration at the City of Laredo Type I
Landfill located at Highway 359 which include the nature and extent of
the methane gas migration, engineering design, preparation of
construction plans and specifications with cost estimates as required
for compliance with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
Subtitle D Requirements of 30 TAC 330 Municipal Solid Waste
Regulations. Funding is available in Landfill Engineering Fees
Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to direct staff to include the partnering of gas production in
the future with the private sector.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
32. Refund of property taxes in various amount to the following
individuals or companies:
a. Clark Rental System, Inc. in the amount of $2,439.60, as a result
of a clerical error.
b. Mitsui Vendor Leasing (USA) in the amount of $6,517.88, as a result
of a double assessment, and
c. Westerham Co., Inc. in the amount of $22,573.05, as a result of a
final judgement on litigation.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
33. Approval of change order no. 1, a decrease of $12,307.90 for the
balance of quantities actually constructed in place, acceptance of the
Paving Improvements on Hilltop Road Improvements on Hilltop Road
Improvements Project (approximately 1250 L.F. from Interstate IH-35 to
Wagner Court), and approval of final payment in the amount of
$40,737.70 to Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas. Funding is
available in Street Fund -Hilltop Street Project.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
34. Approval of change order no. 1, a net decrease of $12.70 to the
construction contract with Ramex Construction Company, Houston, Texas,
for the Santa Maria Avenue Drainage Improvements between Del Mar
Boulevard and Markley Lane for a modification of the pavement section
for the patch work along Markley and Island, the addition of compacted
caliche with prime coat for patch work along Santa Maria Avenue, and
additional junction boxes at inlet locations to avoid adjustments/
relocations of water transmission lines. The original contract amount
was $1,993,475.00 and this change order brings the total contract
amount to $1,993,462.30. Funding is available in Drainage
Improvements - Santa Maria Drainage Improvements Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
35. Approval of General Fund Aid to Other Agencies Contracts for the
Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998, in
the amount of $436,093.00.
AGENCY FY 97-98 FUNDING
1. Border Area Nutrition Council $ 22,500
2. Boy's and Girls Club $ 99,475
3. Communities in Schools $ 12,500
4. Catholic Social Services of Laredo, Inc. $ 11,250
5. Laredo Regional Food Bank, Inc. $ 18,000
6. Laredo State Center-Primavera $ 11,250
7. Laredo Webb County Food Bank $ 28,050
8. Lifeline of Laredo, Inc. $ 9,000
9. Literacy Volunteers of America-Laredo $ 7,500
10. Mi Laredo Goals for the 90's $ 9,300
11. Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center $ 75,000
12. Sacred Heart Children's Home $ 2,625
13. The Rio Grande International Study Center $ 6,375
14. Laredo Webb County Child Welfare $ 5,780
15. Webb County American Red Cross $ 6,675
16. Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc. $ 7,500
17. BEST-Bringing Everyone Special Together $ 14,063
18. Laredo Webb Neighborhood Housing Svcs. $ 15,000
19. SER Job For Progress, Inc. $ 2,250
20. Bethany House $ 12,000
21. Paisano Girl Scout Council $ 10,000
22. Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Inc. $ 50,000
TOTAL GENERAL FUND $436,093
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 1 (Cm.
Alvarado abstained on item #22 only)
36. Approval of Hotel/Motel Fund Aid to Other Agencies Contracts for the
Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998, in
the amount of $360,264.00.
AGENCY FY 97-98 FUNDING
1. Border Olympics, Inc. $ 9,000
2. Laredo Children's Museum $ 40,000
3. Laredo Little Theater $ 11,839
4. Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra $ 37,000
5. LCC Dance Theater $ 5,000
6. LCC Dance Performance Troupe $ 5,000
7. LCC Music Department $ 12,600
8. LCC Guitar Ensembles $ 5,215
9. Laredo Center for the Arts $131,360
10. Los Caminos Del Rio, Inc. $ 10,000
11. Lulac Council #12 $ 4,500
12. Webb County Heritage Foundation $ 27,390
13. WCHF/Republic of the Rio Grande Museum $ 25,360
14. Society of Martha Washington $ 4,500
15. Lulac Council #7 $ 2,500
16. Latin American Int'l Sports Hall of Fame $ 4,000
17. San Agustine Church $ 20,000
18. Ballet Folklorico $ 5,000
TOTAL HOTEL/MOTEL FUND $360,264
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
37. Approval of change order no. 1 to increase the contract time by 100
working days to the construction contract with Ramex Construction
Company, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the Manadas Creek 24 Inch Wastewater
Interceptor as part of the North Laredo/Webb County Infrastructure
Improvements Project (McPherson Road Extension) Economic Development
Administration (EDA) Project No. 08-01-02878. The recommended
additional construction contract time is due mainly to delays
associated with additional Federal and State Requirements on
Environmental Assessment and an antiquity assessment required by the
Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Historical Commission,
respectively, and also to unexpected subsurface conditions not
revealed by the geotechnical subsurface exploration. The original
contract amount of $2,229,445.00 remains the same, and the original
construction contract time of 260 working days, is increased by 100
working days, there-fore, the project is scheduled for completion by
March 1998.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
VIII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
38. Authorization to cancel the last City Council Meetings for the months
of November (November 24, 1997) and December (December 22, 1997) as a
result of activities due to the holidays.
Motion to authorize to cancel the last City Council Meetings for the
months of November (November 24, 1997) and December (December 22,
1997) as a result of activities due to the holidays.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
39. Discussion and possible action regarding planning for a special
election for the Office of Mayor, City of Laredo.
Motion to instruct staff to proceed to prepare the necessary ordinance
calling a Special City Election to fill the vacancy of Mayor for
January 17, 1998.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Presentation by Larry Collette of the General Services Administration
regarding the design of the proposed new U.S. Courthouse to be built
in Laredo.
Mr. Collette made a presentation of the design for the proposed U.S.
Courthouse which will be located to the northwest corner of City Hall.
They have presently acquired half of the site and are continuing to
purchase the rest of the property and they are still continuing
negotiations on the remaining portion of the site. The project is
anticipated to be completed by March 1998.
Note: The following is a verbatim requested by GSA on the item.
Mayor Ramirez -"We have under communications IX. item a. presentation by
Larry Collette of the General Services Administration
regarding the design of the proposed new U.S. Courthouse to
be built in Laredo."
Mr. Collette: "Good evening Mr. Mayor, members of the
Council, ladies and gentlemen. My name is
Larry Collette I work in the Portfolio
Management Division, of the Greater Southwest
Region of the General Services Administration
in Forth Worth. Thank you for the opportunity
to present the design for the new court house
in Laredo. Roger Curtis the Project Manager
and members of the design team from the A/E
firm that's the Architectural Engineering
Firm, HDR will be making the presentation
shortly. First, it is my pleasure to announce
that the government has recently purchased
half of the site that is the block surrounded
by Salinas, Washington, Juarez and Victoria.
Negotiations are continuing in the remaining
portion of the site, the block immediately
east of the purchased block and west of the
County Court House. GSA hopes to complete the
site acquisition by March 1998. Now..I'll let
Roger and the design architect...Rob West make
the presentation."
Roger Curtis - "Thank you Larry. This project started quite
sometime ago, about six years ago, as a matter
of fact. In June of '96 there was a study
done in which to determine what was the best
way to provide a U.S. Courthouse here in
Laredo and at that the time, the HDR the
design team presently doing the design
conducted a study and contacted many of the
local people and organizations to develop
a study. From their study, it was determined
to build the new Courthouse downtown, in which
we are in the process of designing at this
time. The design was started in January, its
been designed under an.. a design excellence
program. This is a program that GSA has ----
and tried and make our buildings better
buildings not only for the tenants, but also
for the community in which it resides.
Important difference in the design excellence
program is that we now incorporate nationally
recognized experts, we call them peers in our
design process and they have been involved all
the way up to this point. As a matter of fact
we have a meeting tomorrow with John U---on of
the peers to further develop the design. We
are presently at approximately 50% of the
design, what that means is that we've pretty
much established what the building is gonna
look like as far as the general shape or where
its gonna be, that sort of thing. We're
working now on the refinements of that design.
At this time I'd like to introduce Rob West
who's the project architect, project architect
from HDR....Thank you very much."
Rob West -"We just have uh...uh...a few slides, I don't
know maybe ten or twelve just sort of show how
the building is organized, where it is and
uh....I'm sure we're going to need to turn off
this lights, if possible."
Mayor Ramirez -"Sure...we can take care of
that....Marcos...we'll fix it up."
Rob West -"We included just a couple of slides here that
I'm sure you are all quite familiar with...
when we started the process and working with
a lot of the people in the court system here,
tried to get a sense of the community which is
always where we try to start. This is such a
wonderful community, the heritage that exists
here is something that I think the whole
design team was pretty excited about. What we
were trying to do was to blend two basic
issues in the appearance of the building.
First of all, we were dealing of course with
the heritage of Laredo, and also the heritage
of federal court houses and of course you have
a very beautiful example of new classical
design in the limestone court house currently
on Jarvis Plaza. We...as...I believed Larry
mentioned I don't know if you can see the
area outlined in red is the site we are
looking at now, it will front on Victoria
Street...thanks Roger...of course if you can
maybe point to where we are right. One of the
things that we are really looking to, to take
advantage of, is the opportunity on Salinas
Street which will now terminate at the entry
to the site to have a very inviting and open
courtyard or plaza facing south towards the
historic downtown district. Also, to front
the front door of the new courthouse on the
Victoria Street and reflect the existing
organization of this sort of institutional
area...this building, the county court house
and so on also fronting on the same street.
Its sort of dark isn't it....initially we
looked at six or eight schemes of which again,
as Roger mentioned, thru a very intensive
process working with people in the local
court, as well as architects from around the
country trying determine which of three basic
approaches would be most suitable. Now as you
can perhaps imagine a lot of that was driven
by the function and the security requirements
of a courthouse, I think we all remember the
tragedy in Oklahoma city and a lot of the
issues that have driven courthouse designs
since then, have a lot to do with security.
I'll point our certain features, in any event
this is one scheme that shows the building set
to the west of the site, you can perhaps see
on the background the existing Webb County
Court House. It was the second scheme that
was fronted exactly on the closure of Salinas
Street and I was attempting to break the scale
of the building down onto smaller elements
doing with more...uh...I guess you could
say...with more specifics Laredo architectural
features, protocol and the central courtyard,
and the buildings were broken down into basic
three pieces sort of arrange around the
center. This one is a lot of promise and a
lot of discussion unfortunately in terms of
its functional accommodation of the needs of
the court, it was determined finally that it
wasn't, it didn't provide us with this
functionally as clean a solution. This shows
an early example of what was finally determine
to be the scheme which...thats not at...this
is a more refines version. What we are
looking at again, this is a view of Victoria
Street again with the county court on the
background and on the right the city hall.
What we are trying to do is to situate the
plaza that you see on the ---ground there
directly on the Salinas Street corridor so
what one would see coming up that street is an
open plaza, there would be trees water
features and the rotunda which you can see in
the f--- ground of the building. It an "L"
shape building around, to the left there is a
wind that house all the office components, the
U.S. Attorney's office, the Clerk of Court and
so on...and behind the rotunda are the courts
themselves and...again, thats a very st------t
sort of security and functional requirements
that drove a lot of the decisions on this
scheme. This shows a site plan...again...the
plaza in the center...the building in sort of
an "L" shape configuration around it and heavy
plannings along Victoria Street because we
were conscious of the fact that the facade to
the right was a solid wall for security
reasons and so what we wanted to do is soften
that wall and really focus the attention of
public to the courtyard in the rotunda. This
shows an elevation looking at it from the
south and again you eye coming from Salinas
would be at the rotunda and the plaza. This
is the north, the east side facing the Webb
County Courthouse, this is a view from the
north, this are the office components ---along
the north as well as loading docks and some
mechanical areas. This is a view...although
we looking at the plantings the top of the
rotunda has gotten a lot of debate...I think
the ----- was brought up ...we are looking
at...and some other features that'll be looked
at tomorrow, but in any event this shows to a
certain the degree the character looking in
the courtyard and this is sort of a bird's eye
view again with Victoria Street in the fair
ground heavy plannings to the right and left
and formal courthouse steps coming up to a ---
-courtyard into the building. I think this is
my last...slide.
Mr. Curtis -"I failed to mention the fact that during
this entire process we've been working with
the State Historical Commission and we have a
memorandum of agreement with them and have had
many meetings with them...in working with
them."
Mayor Ramirez -"Let me just for the record read a letter we
received on Friday from the Webb County
Historical Commission and is addressed to me
and the councilmembers and it reads as
follows. They weren't able to be here cause
they were having some sort of gathering, but
they've all concurred with this is says:
"The Webb County Historical Commission wishes
to express its concern regarding the proposed
design of the new Federal Courthouse of Webb County-Laredo. This
design, which was prepared without any community input,
undercuts local efforts to maintain consistency in the architecture of our
historic downtown area.
As to its overall appearance, the design does
not incorporate Border regional architectural
components. As to its material, limestone is
planned, which is not keeping with the local
materials.
We would recommend softening the northern
elevation, as it provides, a "fortress-like
appearance" as presently designed. Also we
would recommend a change in the proposed blue
tinted windows, which are not permitted in the
Department of Interior guidelines for our
historic areas.
We respectfully request your consideration and
assistance in providing these recommendations
brought forth by community members of Laredo,
Webb County, to GSA and Henningson, Durham and
Richardson, Inc., who are responsible for the
design. We thank you for encouraging the
Federal Courthouse to remain in our downtown
as it will significantly contribute to our
overall revitalization efforts. Sincerely....
and its signed by the Chairman, Nina Nixon-
Mendez, and endorsed by the members of the
board.
Mayor -So may I suggest, Mr. Collette that perhaps
you can get in contract with the Historical
Commission members and I'd be glad to give you
a copy of this letter...you have one already?.
Mr. Collette -"I just was given one tonight."
Mayor Ramirez -"o.k. well....it was sent Friday but it got to
my office today. So I just wanted to read it
for the record since we are like 50% into this
that we bring these folks in and perhaps see
what we can work out."
Mr. Collette -"If I could?"
Mayor Ramirez -"sure...sure..."
Mr. Collette -"A lot of these comments are those that....
like I said, we've been working with the State
Historical Commission and a lot of these
comments are the same as what the State
Historical folks have presented. The mention
of limestone, limestone is a material at the
present courthouse and so we wanted to keep that....uh...you
can't see this very well but
on the front of the courthouse there was very
small windows and this same ----- on the other
side. This original design, since that
design we have met with the State Historical
Commission and we are working to get away from
the fortress look, we certainly are, we are
working on the rotunda and r----- and the
finish--- and we will get in contact.
Mayor Ramirez -"I surely appreciate that...thank you very
much, any question for the representatives of
GSA, if not, thank you so much for your
presentation.
b. Presentation by Armando Hinojosa, Artist, of a portion of the design
of the "Campfire Scene" to be placed at the Laredo International
Airport.
Mr. Hinojosa exhibited a set of two horses which represents 1/3
lifesize of the project. The completion date is one year.
c. Mayor Ramirez tendered his resignation from the Office of Mayor
effective as of this date. The letter read as follows:
Dear Colleagues:
I officially tender my resignation from the Office of Mayor of
the City of Laredo.
It has indeed been an honor for me to serve the citizens of this
City as both a City Council Member and most recently as Mayor. I take
with me a great sense of pride for having in some small way
contributed to the great strides that Laredo has made over the past
few years, and look forward to seeing my City continue to grow and
prosper as its prominence as an International Trade Center is
maintained and expanded.
I have enjoyed working with each of you, as well as with the
members of previous City Councils that have served before you. The
experience has been both fruitful and rewarding, and together we have
been able to move the City forward. I leave you with my best wishes,
and wish you God's Speed in the months to come as you tackle the hard
issues facing Laredo. Thank you and God Bless You.
d. Cm. Guerra publicly congratulated the United Longhorns for the United
High School Football Team for reaching district play.
e. Mayor Ramirez publicly congratulated the District Champs J.W. Nixon
Mustangs.
X. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
40. Requests by Mayor and City Councilmembers for discussion and
presentation.
A. Requests by Mayor Saul N. Ramirez, Jr.
1. Presentation by Curtis Grace, H.E.B. Store Director and Jesse
Castillo, H.E.B. Store Director inviting of H.E.B. concerning the
annual "Feast of Sharing" to be held at the Laredo Civic Center on
Thursday, November 27, 1997, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Curtis Grace and Jesse Castillo from H.E.B. invited the Mayor,
Council, and the general public to their "Feast of Sharing" on
November 27th.
2. Presentation by Jesus Hernandez regarding support for a project to
develop the banks of the Rio Grande.
Mr. Hernandez expressed his concern that the river banks have not been
given the attention necessary to clean the Rio Grande River and to
provide a walkway along the river. He urge the council to place a
priority to the river project and to utilize the Corps of Engineers.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of a Citizens
Marine Corps Reserve Project Review Committee.
Motion to authorize the Mayor to proceed to appoint a working Citizens
Marine Corps Reserve Project Review Committee to do some work at
United South School, plus other smaller projects for the city.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
B. Requests by Councilmember Louis H. Bruni
1. Discussion and possible action directing staff to develop a funding
mechanism to complete the sidewalk around Newman Elementary School.
Cm. Bruni said he has been trying to secure the funding to build the
mentioned sidewalk. They had instructed staff to go out on bids at
the last meeting and they do have information on the bids.
Subsequently, last week he was able to secure an additional donation
besides the $15,500 that has been secured from Sonat Exploration. He
was able to secure an additional $2,000 from Capital Aggregates, LTD
in San Antonio, and in addition to that he has also secured an extra
$5,500 from H.B. Zachry bringing up the amount to the total
contributions to $23,200. He is anticipating additional contributions
from other oil companies for the sidewalk. He wants to see the status
in terms of shortfall. He said we also have a commitment from UISD of
$25,000 so he would like to see where we are at so that they can award
the bid at the next meeting and start construction during the
Christmas Holidays.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, stated this project had already
gone out on bids and that the lowest bid received was Pete Gallegos
with $83,275.50.
Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer quoted the breakdown on the financing of
this project was as follows:
He said they received a low bid of $ 83,275.50 from Gallegos Paving,
the pledge donation from Sonat of $15,712, left a balance for
construction of $67,563.00, Cm. Bruni has approximately $7,500, UISD
has a pledge $25,000, which would leave a shortfall of about
$35,000.00.
Cm. Bruni asked if they could find some funding to at least cut this
$35,000 in half to see if he can find the rest, he wants this
uncommitted to building the sidewalk.
Motion directing staff to find funds and approve half of the balance
($17,500) as the City's share.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
At this time Cm. Casso announced that he would take item C(2) first
because it would lead into item C(1).
C. Requests by Councilmember Alfonso "Poncho" Casso
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the re-routing of all
commercial traffic to the Colombia/Solidarity Bridge. (Co-sponsored
by Cm. Louis H. Bruni and Cm. Joe A. Guerra)
Cm. Casso stated that the reason he brought this item up was because
he is trying to get some debate in this community on this issue. It
has gotten out of focus and they have a total different direction than
he expected. He added that the majority of the citizens want
something done and is seeking alternatives to resolve this problem.
He said that there is no traffic coordination on IH-35 and that it is
affecting retail sales. He wants some serious dialogue about what
options are available. He added there are three options:
(1) The building of the bridge, this is a long term solution. it will
be built in two years and in two years the traffic is going to get
worst, going beyond Del Mar Blvd.
(2) He would try to get a staging area, he does not know how staff is
doing on the requested study, but he is serious about it.
(3) He stated if they don't go with the staging area then that they
re-route all the commercial truck traffic through Columbia, close
Bridge I to all commercial truck traffic and only allow traffic to
flow through Bridge II between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
He said these are only options, but needs help from the community. If
the answer is to leave everything on IH-35 for two more years, the
citizens in the community are not going to tolerate it because it is a
serious environmental hazard and
it is dangerous.
Alfonso "Poncho" Casso, Jr., local businessman and importer, stated
re-routing the trucks to Columbia means an additional cost to them and
suggested that if destination of goods is Mexico then that's fine, but
if the origin is Laredo then they should export through Nuevo Laredo.
Gustavo Quintanilla, local attorney representing the Agentes Aduanales
and its 230 members, stated their concern is the increase in cost if
they have to go through Columbia. He said that an increase of about
$14 million would have to be passed on to the customers and that they
in turn may look at other ports and this is their main concern.
Gary Jacobs stated that the shippers will decide, if Council wants a
shock treatment, then they'll go elsewhere and Laredo stands to lose
this business. He added that the roads on the Mexican side from
Columbia to Nuevo Laredo are hazardous for drivers and that we should
push the contractor on IH-35 to
finish the construction and place more signals. He concluded by
stating that IH-35 needs more policing.
Carlos Zuniga spoke in opposition to re-routing the trucks, because
theirs is a very competitive market and may lose their business to
Eagle Pass, McAllen or elsewhere.
Tom Wade, Vice-President of the Laredo Truckers Association, spoke
against removing IH-35 as their truck route into Mexico because will
lose trucking business if they divert to Columbia and urged that we
wait for completion the of IH-35.
Alejandro Garcia, Nuevo Laredo Mayor, stated that it is good that we
have this problem because it shows we are experiencing good business
and for this reason we need to construct the new bridge. Some of his
concerns are problems with the Federal Government and with their
problems in concluding the construction of the new bridge, but there
are problems with sending the cargo through Columbia Bridge.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that an ad hoc committee be created and that
they come out with 24-month solutions to the traffic problem on IH-35.
Motion to create a Bridge Task Force Ad Hoc Committee with a 90 day
life to explore this issue and include Cm. Bruni, Cm. Alvarado, Cm.
Casso, Chairperson Cw. Montalvo, Mayor from Nuevo Laredo, Fire Chief,
Police Chief, DPS representative, Brokers representatives and anyone
who wants to sign up tonight.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
The following persons signed:
Glafiro Salinas Mendiola, Sergio Lujan C., Sergio E. Rivas, Fernando
Mejia A., Mario Sanchez M., Alfonso Casso Jr., Enrique T. De La Garza,
Cesar Valdez, Gustavo Quintanilla, Alberto Alarcon, Aldo Tatangelo,
Mercurio Martinez III, Anthony Stahl, Jose Suarez, Fernando Alarcon,
Mario Alejandro Garcia, Eusebio San Miguel S., Roque Godines, Daniel
R. Barrera, Amanda Soler, and Hector Garcia.
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the facilities required for
the U.S. Border Station by the General Services Administration (GSA).
Cm. Casso -"I want to take item #2 first, cause it'll lead into item
1 and that's Discussion and possible action regarding the
facilities required for the U.S. Border Station by the
General Services Administration (GSA) and...uh... I placed
this item on the agenda because there is a letter dated
November the 7th from Betty S-----coordinator for the
U.S./Mexico Border Affairs. She addressed
it to Mr. Pena and it says its subsequent to
my October 29th letter we had the opportunity
to discuss with the General Services
Administration the conversations with the
City of Laredo concerning the facilities
required for the U.S. Border station. It was
clear that this issue is not fully resolved,
we will need the city, the federal inspection
agencies and GSA to reach an understanding on
this issue before the diplomatic notes may be
exchanged. I have urged GSA to continue
working constructively with the City so that
a resolution can be found. Now...we've been
h---- with this for the last sixty to ninety
days where I think U.S. Customs wanted about
71 acres or 75 acres and then we were only...
we have only....we planned for 61 acres...I
think...or 63...somewhere around there.
Uh....what is staff doing? I say just give
them what they want, and then if you need
another environmental assessment you can do
it separate and apart it won't interfere with
this, but what exactly is going on here
because uh.... obviously and...also when I
saw Betty S---in Santa Fe New Mexico she
mentioned that we had a problem with
this....and then we went to Washington she
didn't bring it up and now she's bringing it
up again. So what's staff gonna do? And I'd
also like to...before you answer...I want to
know...I think you ought to brief this
council on the possibility that we may have
to absorb the cost of the border stations and
what its gonna do to the interest cost to
this city, since we are gonna be discussing
the CIP tomorrow in a special meeting.
Florencio Pena -"Uh....o.k...uh...Mr. Casso, basically in
regards to the GSA letter, Betty S----'s
letter what she's referring to there is
uh...the requirement that the GSA....the
border station consists of 75 acres. That
was the original intent when the city filed
this Presidential Permit for 75 acres,
however, with the approval of all the federal
agencies it was reduced down to approximately
58 acres and that's the way the Presidential
Permit was approved. We have since met with
the property owners and adjusted the border
station to accommodate for 62 1/2 acres and
in our meeting of October the 18th here in
Laredo with the various inspection agencies
we thought we had an agreement with them at
that meeting, that the 62 1/2 acres would be
adequate and that we would provide the 12 1/2
additional acreage at a later date, and that
we would be committed to providing that.
Uh....we explained that to Betty S----- at
the meeting in Washington and she provided us
a letter...I think addressed to the Mayor
addressing five areas that we needed to get a
diplomatic note all of which we thought would
be reasonably...could be reasonably obtained
by the first week or second week of December.
Since, that time then, she's followup with a
second letter, stating that the 75 acre issue
is still a concern and that we need to
resolve this matter with GSA. We have spoken
to GSA last week and we are trying to
schedule a meeting with them here in the next
week...the following week..to continue the
dialogue on this matter. The fact is that
the property is not configured such that the
property is not configured such that the 12
1/2 acres can be easily be obtained in order
to get that magical figure of 75 acres.
We've shown them and proven to them (GSA) and
the inspection agencies, the entire Border
Master Plan fits within the 62 1/2 acres and
as long as it fits we've been told by
Washington, GSA and even the local GSA...as
long as it fits that....that's what they're
concerned about, but frankly there has been,
uh....with GSA...uh..a kind of a Peter and
Paul and talk to Mary... type of conversation
and we are very much concerned about it. We
feel that on the one hand we had a committed
the 62 1/2 was adequate, with a separate
Memorandum of Understanding that we would
provide the additional 2 1/2 that seems
to....according to Betty S----- not to be
adequate so we need to address that issue.
Uh...we submitted a map to GSA, Jessie
Covarrubias, showing where this 12 1/2 acres
additional can be...uh...gained or obtained.
And its basically on the north side going
towards Mines Road and also on the west side
where the staging area is gonna be. That
might not be the area that they feel that
they want the 12 1/2 acres, I'm not
sure....uh...but they have those maps and
we're ---- to go next week to visit with GSA
to confirm that. The problem with this
property is that on the southside of that
property there's a creek and those 12 1/2
acres may have an environmental impact
because there is a creek that borders the
property on the southern side. That deals
with the 75 acre, I believe we can get it
resolved, Mr. Casso. I believe GSA is
mentioning things like they've hired a
Transportation Consultant, recently to begin
looking at all the border stations as it
deals with the design of these facilities.
Well that's all fine, but you know we
received our Presidential Permit in December
1994 and we feel that we've got a commitment
from the Federal Government to proceed with
the project and if we can show that if its
within 62 1/2 acres that it should be
adequate. And that's the position we're
taking and we will continue to pursue that
and if we receive any more resistance to this
then we may have to take other measures
involved in our Congressional Delegation, but
I feel that we're gonna be able to work this
out. As it deals with the financing of the
bridge, the financing of the border station
which includes the dock, the toll facility,
and the parking lot for the tractor trailers
we have met on October the 18th and we are
gonna have another meeting on December 2nd
here in Laredo with the inspection agencies
to finalize the Master Plan. We've divided
the project up into phases and we think the
first phase will run anywhere from eight to
ten million dollars. GSA has advised us that
at the present time they do not have funds
available to construct those facilities into
the year 2000 or 2001 which means that the
city 1) either have to build the facilities
for GSA or 2) obtain some type of rental
agreement which we have initiated discussions
with GSA where we will build the facilities
for them and they will rent the facilities,
but we do not have that contract. They have
tentatively said that would be willing to do
that, but we're in the negotiation stage at
the present time. If in fact we are not able
to reach an agreement..uh..to rent the
facilities, then the facilities will have to
be built by the city in which case the impact
on bridge fares may..may...may..be required
in order to offset that cost."
Cm. Casso -"Thank you...."
Mayor -"Alright...the next item...
Cm. Casso -"The next item is Discussion and possible
action regarding the re-routing of all
commercial traffic to the Colombia/Solidarity
Bridge. (Co-sponsored by Cm. Louis H. Cm.
Bruni and Cm. Joe A. Guerra)."
Mayor -"We've got a citizen who wants to comment on
item 2..so..."
Cm. Casso -"on item two?...ok...."
Gary Jacobs -"Also...the next item....My name is Gary
Jacobs. On this GSA item, uh....it seems to
me that GSA is always been a problem for us
on bridges and..uh..and the commercial
community whose here tonight loses lots of
money and employees in this town lose lots of
money because of GSA. GSA sits in an ivory
tower and tries...in my opinion, dictate,
..uh....things to Laredo, so we have huge
delays in solving problems...I mean, its just been...we've come
to meeting after meeting,
and when we argue with GSA over putting an
inspection station to make a Customs
Inspector life easier to move trucks quicker...uh....we've been
fortunate in this
huge increases and freight volume thru this
community. I would urge the council to
consider telling GSA "thank you" "no thank
you" we will build the facility that the
commercial community wants and that customs
is in agreement that they can occupy and own
it and keep GSA out of the picture if
possible you possibly can. I don't know if
there is a way to do that or not, but if you
can I would urge you to do it."
Mayor Ramirez -"GSA has to rent, they you know...they...
they know....they...they would be
unprecedented for them not to want to rent,
the way they hold this project back is by
saying that as the agents for the other
governmental entities customs, agriculture,
and INS that if they don't feel ready to move
on the project, that they won't move on the
project.
--------- "------------"
Mayor Ramirez -"I know...we know that...we know that...uh..
but we feel that with the people that we've
hired to construct this bridge, not to
construct, but to design this bridge with the
prior experience that've had with GSA, in
dealing with this matter that GSA is going to
be hard pressed to delay this project anymore
than necessary without them being backed into
a corner by the City of Laredo, because we
have the expertise at all levels of the
design of this facility that we've hired to
be able to adequately justify our position as
to what we feel we need in relation to the
traffic that we currently have and the
projections that we anticipate for the
future. And so, for them to take that hard
of a position...uh....is...uh...I think...I
would tend to agree more with my...our city
manager that we will a find a solution to
this before it gets to that points because it
is a give and take, but one where if we have
to we will build it but we're not gonna build
it for free...they're gonna have to pay, one
way or another. Mr. Schwebel..."
Mr. Schwebel -"Mr. Mayor thank you very much...members of
the council, I'd like to add a comment to Mr.
Jacob's bring up a point that's a very
important point, that needless to say we
still have to work with this agencies...
uh....I don't understand why the reluctance
of giving these agencies, their the ones that
are going to approve this bridge. The
reluctance of giving them the 12 acres more
now, we know that if we...if we...work on the
premise that if all of these...if all of
these....it was easy to get all these
bridges...you know..."
Mayor Ramirez -"There is no reluctance the problem is that
this 12 acres are gonna require an additional environmental
assessment and so that means
that...that if we just go through that
process alone, that's another 18 months on
this ticket. And so what we are saying is
look, guys we're showing you here...we can
build you everything we told you we were
going to build based on the agreements that
were acknowledged by you that were on the
Presidential Permit as it was, as it
was..authorized by the President of the
United States to build it. You can't change
the rules half way through the game, and if
you're going to change the rules we're saying
well o.k. change the rules, but everything
we've done up to this point has to keep going
and the 12 acres we'll secure 'em for you but
we're going to have to put those on a
different track because we can't wait 18 more
months to start construction on our bridge.
We want to start construction by the end of
this year."
Jerry Schwebel -"I understand....I understand..."
Mr. Pena -"Jerry...Jerry...and one other comment, in
that regard is that finding those 12 1/2
acres where they want it is not going to be
an easy task because there is a creek on the
....and I just feel that if we don't need to
complicate this issue, it fits within the 62
1/2, we'll get you the additional 12 1/2 but
lets not get hung up on exactly where all that
is gonna be right now...cause..its going to
delay the project"
Mayor Ramirez -"We've even gone as far as to do this, as to
say we will take our staging area out of the
facility and we may, we'll take our area,
our...250 or 300 trailers that we'll be able
to handle eventually headed south on our side,
and lets build that on the other side of the
Mines Road and we'll stage 'em over there and
release them from there to go south ---
(end of tape #1)
Mr. Schwebel -" ----the person that says that not o.k. yet
is the one that's gonna issue the Diplomatic
Notes to the State Department their the ones
are that writing the letter saying we need the
75 acres. And as long as you replay this give
and take game we're gonna delay this thing
more than the 18 months if thats the case..."
Mayor -"And I'll tell you why its not gonna be
delayed more than 18 months, our Presidential
Permit will expire...all right..."
Mr. Schwebel -"all right."
Mayor -"all right....we're prepared to take them to
court and prove to us, that we've been able to
design with the necessary timetables in place,
to prove to us that we can't proceed in
constructing this bridge that we need. And
I'm telling you that right now we don't think
its gonna go that far, but we are prepared if
necessary to go that far."
Mr. Schwebel -"well...I hope we're not Mr. Mayor...because
I think if we use the example of the other
city, of our neighbors up river at Eagle Pass
where they got their presidential permit...
8-9 months ago, and they stand to gain their
diplomatic notes here sooner than we are, then
obviously they're doing something different
than we are, lets find out what it is because
we're not getting there."
Mayor -"Let me just say that the underline factor
here, whether we want to say it or not is item
1, item 1...the Colombia Bridge."
Mr. Schwebel -"Well, I hope we can...I hope we have a
chance to review that because its very
important...that impact..."
Mayor -"no...no...its not our problem, is the
problem in Washington."
Mr. Schwebel -"Well...but it becomes our problem....we have
to face it."
Mayor -"I know that... no...no...but understand what
I'm telling you...you're asking me why are
they being able to do something in Eagle Pass
that we are not? I'm trying to tell you that
the reason why is Number 1, the're still not
convinced that Colombia is being used the way
it could be used."
Mr. Schwebel -"You don't believe that if we were to give
them 75 acres right now, based on whatever...
Mr. Pena -"They would find something else, Jerry....
My only concern here is that if we, if we're
getting the ---- but if its out side the
parameters of the existing land that we have,
it just lends the points to create another
environmental assessment and we don't want to
delay the project. We're not doing this to
delay, we want the bridge done as soon as
possible and we're concern that, now they give
it to us in writing and it will require an
environmental assessment and we may be able to
do that, but...I..they won't be able to do
that...I just..."
Mayor -"The thing is that we've got all the facts
are in our favor....the presidential permit
was issued the way we've developed the
project, they can't change it on us half way
through the whole process, we are just weeks
literally weeks, away from finalizing what we
feel is the exchange of this Diplomatic Notes
and they are not gonna be able to hold it back
with this delay tactic we're convinced of it
but we feel that we can sit at the table and
as reasonable men and women rationalize this
through and work it through without having to
work it through without having to go thru the
strategies that I've mentioned to you in
general because we need to build this bridge
and we're ready and we can't afford to
continue have GSA drag their feet and if you
got ideas or solutions that we haven't pursued
share them with us Mr. Schwebel.
Mr. Schwebel -"Well I would say, then thats my whole point,
my whole point is that eliminate this points
of contention on their part, eliminate the
fact that they're asking for 75 acres and we
would rather negotiate telling them what we
believe it is that they need, and don't give
them that excuse anymore.
Mayor -"We already did, we told them we'll get you
the additional 12 acres...."
Mr. Schwebel -"but that's not what the letter's saying....
Mayor -"What they are saying is that, we've said
we'll give you the additional 12 acres, we
know what that means to us, it means 18 to 24
months of environmental assessments...Mr.
Schwebel"
Mr. Pena -"I think there is a misunderstanding here,
but we've offered them the additional 12 1/2
acres, they don't want it in that location.
So we are not at the point now, where we are
talking in general avenues anymore we are
talking about design and....those 12 1/2 acres
it appears they want them in a certain area
and there is a creek bed there....uh...you
know..."
Mr. Schwebel -"---- need for the environmental assessment"
Mayor -"Plus the fact that what do they want a creek
for...is what we are saying.. and why do they
want a creek?
Mr. Schwebel -"well I'm saying....eliminate these reasons
for them to block us"
Mayor -"I agree with you...I agree with you...and
that's what we're trying to do as best as we
can"
Mr. Schwebel -"make it easy...make it easy so they don't
give us any more road blocks and lets get this
things done"
Mayor -"we have done...we have done everything
except give away the kitchen sink....to GSA...
and if we're throwing it away....I don't think
we're ready cause we're going to draw the line
and say its the City of Laredo that comes
first, not GSA."
Mr. Schwebel -"I think we can...I think that we would hope
that the moment that we get one more road
block that everybody in this room hops on and
moves up there and park ourselves till we get
this bridge done"
Mayor -"hey...that's the way we got Colombia built."
Mr. Pena -"This is why I mentioned...Jerry...a second
ago, that by December 2nd we're having a
meeting here again with these agencies. If
this issue is not resolved by that week,
then...there's alot of people here and the
council, we'll hop on a need to get
congressional litigation involved because we
got a Presidential Permit and..."
Cm. Casso -"Let me just tell you...you're going to have
problems, I can tell you right now...you are
gonna have resistance because I've already
spoken to the Port Director here and you are
gonna have resistance they say they need the
space and the additional acreage and that's
the only reason that I'm bringing it
here...I'm on the side of the city, but I'm
telling you you're gonna have resistance and
that's why I placed it on here because you are
gonna have resistance and you better start
getting prepared because if you say that if we
were to give them the additional acreage that
they would put on a road block I don't feel
they would, why don't call their bluff
and see if they are gonna do that. Put it in
writing, we'll give them the acreage and do
what the Mayor says we won't tie it in, the
environmental assessment will be separate and
apart from the existing project so we won't
delay it. And an other thing that I'm opposed
to I'll tell you right now, is cutting into
our staging area because the Mayor said 200-
300 trailers and that's not gonna cut it, we
need enough for at least 600 trailers. We
start giving space away...for get it, we're
gonna have the same problem that we're gonna
talk about in a few minutes..."
Mayor -"what I would say is move the staging area
further up on property on the other side of
the Mines Road..."
Cm. Casso -"that will be fine, but we just....but we
don't want to give up. ..
Mr. Pena -"Mayor...we've shown them...if it was that
easy to say here's 12 1/2 acres, we've got it,
but its...they don't want it, they don't want
to tell you where they want it, and where they
want it appears to be at the present time is
outside of the confines of the permit."
Cm. Casso -"then that's the issue, the issue is not the
amount of acreage, but the location of those
acreage well then we need to settle it."
Mayor -"And the thing is, the bottom line is this,
that they are asking for something thats
outside of what the President authorized, and
we're saying you can't do that, you can ask
for it but you can't change the rules of a
Presidential Permit. A Presidential Permit is
very defined and you agreed on this and so if
you want to change it, amend it the
Presidential Permit on us and tell us that its
amended to incorporate an additional 12 acres,
but as it stands right now we have move ahead
in good faith trying every possible technic of
persuasion and again Mr. Schwebel I encourage
you and invite you when we fall in short or
you've got ideas please bring them to us
because we are really trying to make this work
as quickly and as effectively as we can."
Mr. Schwebel -"Well I had proposed this for sometime Mr.
Mayor, that this is one item we are at the
tail end of this project. We cannot afford
for them to write a letter to give us an
answer we should be working on this every
single day having someone right there pushing
this thing every single moment, we're at the
tail end of this deal why do we want to wait
lets go ahead and negotiate...we should be
talking about this today and tomorrow and the
day after....until we get this bridge.."
Mayor -"but we are..."
Mr. Pena -"Jerry...Jerry....
Mr. Schwebel -"I just ------- because we get this letters,
we get this comments and we're don't seem to
be getting somewhere, that's my...that's my
sense of urgency that I'm looking for is, hey
folks what do we got to do? If the action
plan is for us come that date of December that
the next day or the day before or if we find
out anything sooner we're all up there, but
you know what? All the congressional
delegation ------ are gone, we're gonna be
dealing with the agencies same bureaucrats we
are dealing with right now, are the same ones
we're going to be dealing two weeks from now.
So why -----------"
Mr. Pena -"they don't have to be in Washington to be
effective...uh..Jerry...I mean we can call
them on the phone, but uh...we're doing
everything we can....we sent GSA where this 12
1/2 acre sites are, there're evaluating it,
I'm hoping they'll accept those locations, or
one of those locations and to get this issue
75 acre behind us, but when they tell you one
thing, then they come back and tell you
another...you know...uh...they told us as long
as it fits, the Master Plan fit, the final
build out we're o.k. and Washington told us
that...I'm talking about that at the highest
level at customs and GSA as well, and we've
done that our engineering, Jessie Covarrubias
has prepared a final build out and it fits.
They've hired Transportation Consultants that
they're saying that they want to relook at it,
well again I think that on December 2nd I...
we'll have a much better feel we will have
report for council and you Jerry...and
everyone...else to, if we need to get on the
phone with the Congressional people that'll be
the time to do it and we'll have to start....
Mr. Schwebel -"I think we should plan for united...I think
everyone is united in this effort...I think we
consider it the most important in our top
three priorities, are the bridge, the bridge,
and the bridge and that's what should be
following as far as what we are concern...
Thank you"
Mayor -"Thank you Mr. Schwebel....o.k....item one...
D. Requests by Councilmember Eliseo Valdez Jr.
1. Discussion and possible action regarding the use of signs to notify
the general public of proposed zone changes in their immediate area.
The sign would be posted in front of the property to be rezoned
providing the citizens additional notice of the proposed action.
Motion to instruct staff to draft an ordinance adopting the
requirement of posting a sign in front of properties to be rezoned as
additional public notice.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
2. Discussion and possible action regarding the City developing an area
to be used by tractor owners/operators who regularly take their
vehicle home.
Motion to instruct staff to encourage some of the operators to use the
Park and Ride facility to overnight their tractors, find a way of
charging them a fee, have them park in certain area of the Park and
Ride (not the whole area) possibly towards the back of the Park and
Ride and possibility have another gate opened to let them out.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
3. Discussion and possible action regarding parking violation fine
collections.
Ms. Patti Cruz, of 504 Merlin, stated that she is a volunteer to issue
tickets to violators of handicap places and that no collections have
been done. She said that over $68,000 are uncollected and that there
is no recourse for multiple violators. She asked that the city make
it a priority in its collection and avoid a massive abuse of the law.
Florencio Pe¤a, Interim City Manager, reported that he had just became
aware of this situation and he will look into the issue of the
repeated offenders, and will have a full report to say what course of
action will be taken.
Mayor Ramirez suggested that maybe we should look at contracting a
private collection agency to collect once they have been assessed so
that we accelerate the collection
efforts and be more aggressive.
E. Requests by Councilmember Consuelo "Chelo" Montalvo
1. Discussion and possible action instructing staff to communicate with
TxDOT personnel to install "Do Not Block Intersection" signs in both
English and Spanish at the intersections of Houston/I.H. 35, and
Matamoros/I.H.35 to minimize the blockage of these intersections.
(Co-sponsored by Cm. Louis H. Bruni)
Mayor Ramirez suggested that they not just prepare signs that indicate
"Do No Block Intersection", but also to say that they are subject to
"x" amount of dollars for blocking the intersection where those signs
are put up. He also suggested that we once again we try to get the
Department of Public Safety engaged with the City when it comes to
enforcing traffic on IH-35 since this is a state maintained federal
interstate. He said they have been asked time and time again and that
it is time again to go out there and ask them to come before council
on the record and state why they don't feel they should engage on this
endeavor.
Motion to send a letter to the Corporal and ask them what the scenario
is on this issue, that we also include and explanation of what we have
done to further patrol and enforce our laws on IH-35, to see what kind
of detail can be set up to work with them and share the duties the
same as it is done with Border Patrol, U.S. Customs, because we want
to setup a pilot program that would be an example to the rest of the
border communities in Texas of what the Department of Public Safety
can do with the City to help enforce commerce. Also, that they ask
DPS to help the City in the enforcement of traffic violations on Hwy.
59.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
41. Public hearing concerning the application by Arguindegui Oil Company,
authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for above ground
storage of flammable liquids, on Lot 13, Block 2, Tex-Mex Industrial
Park, located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Andy
Ramos Road and Aguila Azteca Drive. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this Special Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for above ground
storage of flammable liquids, on Lot 13, Block 2, Tex-Mex Industrial
Park, located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Andy
Ramos Road and Aguila Azteca Drive.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cw. Montalvo
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
42. Public hearing concerning the application by Alicia Lopez, amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 29,
30, 43, 44, 45, and 46, El Rancho Subdivision, located on the south
side of SH 359, east of Wildcat, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District)
to B-3 (Community Business District). The Planning and Zoning
Commission recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lots 29, 30, 43, 44, 45, and 46, El Rancho Subdivision, located on the
south side of SH 359, east of Wildcat, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
43. Public hearing concerning the application by Frank Rodriguez, amending
the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the
issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a pawn shop on Lots 7, 8, 9,
and 10, Block 926, Eastern Division, located at 1718 Guadalupe Street.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this
Conditional Use Permit.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a pawn shop
on Lots 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block 926, Eastern Division, located at 1718
Guadalupe Street.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, on behalf of Frank Rodriguez
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Casso
44. Public hearing concerning the application by Aurelia D. Garza and
Gerardo Garza, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of
Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 354, Eastern Division, located at 302
E. Lyon Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited
Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 1, Block 354, Eastern Division, located at 302 E. Lyon Street
from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Perez
45. Public hearing concerning the application by Federico and Juanita
Nieto, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning Lot 5, Block 665, Eastern Division, located at 1220 E.
Bustamante Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1
(Limited Business District). The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
Lot 5, Block 665, Eastern Division, located at 1220 E. Bustamante
Street from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business
District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ron Whitehawk, representing Federico and Juanita Nieto, spoke in favor
of the zone change request.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Valdez
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Valdez
46. Public hearing concerning the application by Corona Land Development
Co., Prisilliano Siller, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the
City of Laredo by rezoning 6.9741 acres, as further described by metes
and bounds, located on Molly Drive, south of Shiloh Drive, from AG
(Agricultural District to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of this zone
change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
6.9741 acres, as further described by metes and bounds, located on
Molly Drive, south of Shiloh Drive, from AG (Agricultural District to
R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Guerra
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Guerra
47. Public hearing concerning the application by Fasken Estate, Norbert
Dickman, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by
rezoning 2,800 square feet as further described by metes and bounds,
located on the west frontage road of I.H. 35, north of the Bob
Bullock Loop, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends
approval of this zone change.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning
2,800 square feet as further described by metes and bounds, located on
the west frontage road of I.H. 35, north of the Bob Bullock Loop, from
AG (Agricultural District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Alvarado
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: Cm. Alvarado
48. Public hearing amending Ordinance No. 97-O-108, Section 1, dated June
16, 1997, to add a $10.00 overnight parking fee to the established
schedule of fees at the Laredo Transit Center.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending Ordinance No. 97-O-108, Section 1, dated June 16, 1997, to
add a $10.00 overnight parking fee to the established schedule of fees
at the Laredo Transit Center.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
49. Public hearing regarding an ordinance transferring Restricted Fund
Balance to Unrestricted Fund Balance and amending the City of Laredo
FY 1997-1998 Public Access Channel Fund Balance to appropriate from
the Unreserved Fund Balance $375,000.00, as a reserve appropriation
for the awarding of a contract for the construction of a new
Telecommunications Building; and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said annual budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Ordinance transferring Restricted Fund Balance to Unrestricted Fund
Balance and amending the City of Laredo's FY 1997-1998 Public Access
Channel Fund Balance to appropriate from the Unreserved Fund Balance
$375,000.00, as a reserve appropriation for the awarding of a contract
for the construction of a new Telecommunications Building; and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said annual budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 8 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
50. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $22,046.00 for a grant awarded by Texas State Library
- Major Urban Resource Library (MURL) program for CD-ROM materials for
the period beginning October 1, 1997 and ending September 30, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997- 1998 Annual Budget in the amount
of $22,046.00 for a grant awarded by Texas State Library - Major Urban
Resource Library (MURL) program for CD-ROM materials for the period
beginning October 1, 1997 and ending September 30, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
51. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-1998 Annual Budget
in the amount of $17,983.00 for a grant awarded by the University of
Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for the South Texas/Border
Region Health Professional Education Initiative for health related
materials.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo FY 1997-1998 Annual Budget in the amount
of $17,983.00 for a grant awarded by the University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio for the South Texas/Border Region Health
Professional Education Initiative for health related materials.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
52. Public hearing amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget
in the amount of $277,757.00, for the Local Law Enforcement Block
Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for the first year of
funding for this grant for the period of October 1, 1997, through
September 30, 1999, and authorizing the City Manager to implement said
budget.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's 1997-1998 annual budget in the amount of
$277,757.00, for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice for the first year of funding for this grant for
the period of October 1, 1997, through September 30, 1999, and
authorizing the City Manager to implement said budget.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
53. Public hearing approving an amendment of a contract with the Texas
Department of Health and two-year budget in the amount of $450,000.00,
for the continuation of the Children's Health Insurance Pilot Project
of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
December 1, 1997, through August 31, 1999; and increase revenue line
item 226-0000-323-4074 from $0 to $235,000.00 each fiscal year and
expenditure line item 226-6075 from $0 to $225,000.00, each fiscal
year.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approving an amendment of a contract with the Texas Department of
Health and two-year budget in the amount of $450,000.00, for the
continuation of the Children's Health Insurance pilot Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning December 1,
1997, through August 31, 1999; and increase revenue line item 226-
0000-323-4074 from $0 to $235,000.00 each fiscal year and expenditure
line item 226-6075 from $0 to $225,000.00, each fiscal year.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
54. Public hearing for approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and Budget in the amount of $415,388.00, in
funds and $31,200.00, in State direct assistance for comprehensive
public health services programming of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through August
31, 1998, and increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-323-4033 from
$0 to $415,388.00, and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-6067
from $0 to $415,388.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and Budget in the amount of $415,388.00, in funds and
$31,200.00, in State direct assistance for comprehensive public health
services programming of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998, and
increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-323-4033 from $0 to
$415,388.00, and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-6067 from
$0 to $415,388.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Perez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
55. Public hearing for approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department of Health and Budget revision in the amount of
$678.00, for the Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of
Laredo Health Department for the period beginning January 1, 1997,
through December 31, 1997; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-
323-4056 from $123,696.00, to $124,374.00, and expenditure line item
226-6058 from $123,696.00 to $124,374.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department of
Health and Budget revision in the amount of $678.00, for the
Immunization Action Plan Project of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning January 1, 1997, through December
31, 1997; and increasing revenue line item 226-0000-323-4056 from
$123,696.00, to $124,374.00, and expenditure line item 226-6058 from
$123,696.00 to $124,374.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cw. Montalvo
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
56. Public hearing for approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department Health and Budget in the amount of $11,400.00, for
the Border Area Survey facilitated by the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through August
31, 1998, and increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-323-4075 from
$0 to $11,400.00, and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-6074
from $0 to $11,400.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department
Health and Budget in the amount of $11,400.00, for the Border Area
Survey facilitated by the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998, and
increasing revenue line item no. 226-0000-323-4075 from $0 to
$11,400.00, and increasing expenditure line item no. 226-6074 from $0
to $11,400.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
57. Public hearing for approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department Health and Budget in the amount of $125,000.00, and
in-kind match of $58,388.00, for the School-Based Health Project of
the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning
September 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department
Health and Budget in the amount of $125,000.00, and in-kind match of
$58,388.00, for the School-Based Health Project of the City of Laredo
Health Department for the period beginning September 1, 1997, through
August 31, 1998.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
58. Public hearing for approval of an amendment to the contract with the
Texas Department Health and Budget in the amount of $13,000.00, for
the Maternal and Child Health Program of the City of Laredo Health
Department for the period beginning September 1, 1996, through August
31, 1997; and reducing revenue line item no. 336-0000-323-4069 from
$121,667.00, to $108,667.00, and reducing expenditure line item no.
226-6043 from $121,667.00, to $108,667.00; and increasing revenue line
item no. 226-0000-323-4034 from $492,000.00, to $505,000.00, and
expenditure line item no. 226-6042 from $492,000.00, to $505,000.00.
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Approval of an amendment to the contract with the Texas Department
Health and Budget in the amount of $13,000.00, for the Maternal and
Child Health Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 1996, through August 31, 1997; and
reducing revenue line item no. 336-0000-323-4069 from $121,667.00, to
$108,667.00, and reducing expenditure line item no. 226-6043 from
$121,667.00, to $108,667.00; and increasing revenue line item no. 226-
0000-323-4034 from $492,000.00, to $505,000.00, and expenditure line
item no. 226-6042 from $492,000.00, to $505,000.00.
Motion to open the public hearing.
Moved : Cm. Bruni
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
There was no public input.
Motion to close the public hearing and introduce the ordinance.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Casso
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Ordinance Introduction: City Council
XII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Mass Transit
Board.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
59. Award of contract to the SOLE BIDDER, Harvey Schulmeier, Canyon Lake,
Texas, in the amount of $20,000.00, per module, to conduct a
"Transportation Journeyman Mechanic Certification Program". The
intent of this program is to provide a means for maintenance employees
to acquire expertise in different aspects of bus maintenance. This
program will be conducted by this certified trainer at El Metro
facilities and will include a handwritten and hands-on exam. All
training will be conducted in accordance to the guidelines of the
National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). Eighteen
employees will be provided 120 hours of classroom worked and hands-on
training.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
60. Approval of change order no. 7 to add 14 days to the construction
contract, acceptance of the Intermodal Transit Center and approval to
deduct $8,260.00, from the final payment to Ramex Construction
Company, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for late completion (28 days) and loss
of rental income in lieu of liquidated damages of the Intercity Bus
Facility of the Intermodal Transit Center. Also approval of the final
payment to Ramex Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of
$428,537.97, which includes the deduction of $8,260.00. Final
construction contract amount is $8,735,959.45. The original
completion date was August 6, 1997 and this change order will
bring the completion date to August 20, 1997. Funding is available in
the Transit System Retainage Payable Account.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Valdez
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as The Laredo Mass Transit Board and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIII. MOTION TO RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION
Motion to recess as City Council and convene as The Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
61. Motion authorizing the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation (LMHC)
Director to submit an application to the Webb County Appraisal
District for recognition of property tax exemption for the fifty (50)
lots purchased at the Riverhills Subdivision, Unit I under the LMHC
Lease/Purchase Program. This property tax exemption will allow LMHC
to save the necessary funds that will be applied to closing costs for
the Lease/Purchase Program.
Motion to approve.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 09
62. 97-RMH-138 Approval from the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation
(LMHC) Board of Directors to implement new rental rates on all fair
market rental units and low income units at the Tomas Flores
Apartments, located at 2300 Lafayette, effective January 1, 1998. The
proposed rental rates are as follows: $335.00 for a 2-Bedroom and
$495.00 for a 3-Bedroom for Fair Market units and $220.00 for a 2-
Bedroom and $240.00 for a 3-Bedroom for units under the Low Income
Program. The proposed rents are still lower than comparably sized
apartments in our community including the rents authorized by HUD for
the Section 8 Program. This rental increase will not apply to the
families participating in the Section 8 Program. The revenues
generated from the rental increase at Tomas Flores Apartments will be
used to assist in covering operational costs.
Motion to correct the amount of $495.00 for a 3-Bedroom to read
$395.00 for a 3-Bedroom.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to approve Resolution #97-RMH-138.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Alvarado
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Motion to adjourn as Laredo Municipal Housing and convene as City
Council.
Moved : Cm. Perez
Second: Cm. Bruni
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn.
Moved : Cm. Casso
Second: Cm. Guerra
For: 7 Against: 0 Abstain: 0
Adjournment time: 9:25 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE MINUTES CONTAINED IN PAGES 01 TO 53
ARE TRUE COMPLETE AND CORRECT PROCEEDING OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE 18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1997. A CERTIFIED COPY IS ON FILE AT THE CITY
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
________________________
GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.
CITY SECRETARY