Council Comments a) Recognizing the Texas A&M International University Men's and Women's Basketball teams on winning the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship and earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament.
Recognizing the United South High School cheerleaders for their National Championship in Dallas, Texas by the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).
Recognizing the United South High School powerlifters, Rudy Flores on winning both the State and National Championships and Jonathan Peña on winning the State Championship in Powerlifting. Mr. Flores will compete for International Championship scheduled in September in Hungary.
Discussion with possible action on the proposal to name a building or street in memory of Cesar Chavez. (Co-Sponsored by Council Member Mike Garza, Council Member Juan Narvaez and Council Member Cynthia Liendo)
Discussion with possible action to re-designate the members of the City's Operations Committee, Finance Committee and the City's representatives of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
1. Discussion with possible action on a stained glass window for a City facility donated by the Fernando Salinas Trust. 2. Discussion with possible action on an Art Contest for our El Metro buses City-wide.
Citizen Comments (Part 1 of 2)
Citizen comments 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. Speakers may not pass their minutes to any other speaker.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. City Manager's appointment to the Civil Service Commission.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo to correct an erroneous designation of B-3 (Community Business District) zoning on Lots 7 and 8, Block 449, Eastern Division, located at 418 and 420 West Bustamante Street, by restoring the original R-3 (Mixed Residential District) zoning as found on the original Zoning Ordinance (Map) of 1983; providing for publication and effective date. Staff supports the proposed change and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the restoration of the original 1983 zoning. District IV.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the 9-1-1 Regional Administration budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $969,825.00 for program and equipment budgets for Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb and Zapata Counties for the period beginning September 1, 2013 and ending August 31, 2015. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Article III, Division 4, Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans in multiple sections to include a reduction in the gallons per capita per day consumption (GPCD) from 150 GPCD to 130 GPCD by year 2019 and 110 GPCD by year 2024, a change from 6 stages to 4 stages in the drought contingency plan, one change to the water treatment plant capacity, four changes to the water demand triggering conditions, one change to include a $20.00 water surcharge to customers using more than 15,000 gallons of water per month during a Stage 4, one change to adopt the same water waste fees from the Water Conservation Plan for Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan, one change to increase the penalty on the Drought Contingency Plan to $500.00 per violation per day, and one change to establish higher water waste fees for Stages 2, 3, and 4 of the Drought Contingency Plan; providing for publication, severability and an effective date. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge Revenue Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2014 in the amount of $4,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding International Toll Bridge System Revenue Bonds, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement and making provisions for the security thereof, delegating authority to the City Manager to select outstanding bonds to be refunded and approve all final terms of the bonds, and authorizing amendment to the City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 in the amount of $17,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding International Toll Bridge Revenue Bonds, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract and the execution of an escrow agreement, and making provisions for the security thereof, delegating authority to the City Manager to select outstanding bonds to be refunded and approve all final terms of the bonds, and authorizing amendment to the City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 for the purpose of repairing the fountain at Bruni Plaza and to amend the FY 2013-2014 Capital Improvement Fund budget by appropriating said funds. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
2014-O-032 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for auto sales on Lot 1, Block 1, Concord Hills Community-Phase XII Planned Unit Development, located at 5329 U.S. Highway 359; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-033 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 1, UISD 359 Transportation Facility Phase I, located south of State Highway 359 east of Delphina Avenue, from B-4 (Highway Commercial District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-034 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for the Storage of Flammable and Explosive Products on Lot 2, Block 1, UISD 359 Transportation Facility Phase I, located south of State Highway 359 east of Delphina Avenue; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-035 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for the storage of flammable and explosive products on Lot 4, Block 4, Las Lomas Industrial Park Subdivision Phase II, located at 107 Wilcox Road; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-036 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a restaurant selling alcohol on Lot 2, Block 1, Lafon Subdivision Phase I, located at 3512 US Highway 83; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-037 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a restaurant selling alcohol on Lot 1, Block 5, and Lot 1, Block 7, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 120 W Village Boulevard, Suite 115; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-038 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an Amusement Redemption Machine Establishment, on all Lots of Blocks 1024, 1024A and 1025, Western Division, located at 4100 San Bernardo Avenue, East ½ of Suite E3 and West ½ of Suite E4; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-039 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2013-2014 Water Availability Fund Annual Budget by appropriating an additional $1,500,000.00 and drawing down the opening balance for water rights acquisitions and increasing the budget to $5,335,109.00. This amendment will provide the funding to purchase $4,354,732.00 of water rights. 2014-O-040 Amending the City of Laredo Bridge System FY 2013-2014 Bridge annual budget by appropriating $741,401.00 from the Bridge System Construction Fund opening balance to be used for Bridge related projects such as Bridge I lighting project and other related improvements. 2014-O-041 Closing as a public easement, a 17.7 ft. wide alley, dedicated for public use in Block 792, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for the reversion of the public’s interest in said alley to the abutting landowners, providing for an effective date. This alley is located in the 1400 Block of Chihuahua Street; bounded on the North by Chihuahua Street, on the South by Rosario Street, on the East by Seymour Avenue, and on the West by Loring Avenue. Said alley traverses the middle of said block from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12. 2014-O-042 Closing as a public easement, a 17.7 ft. wide alley, dedicated for public use in Block 889, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for the reversion of the public’s interest in said alley to the current abutting landowners, and providing for an effective date. This alley is located in the 1600 Block of Corpus Christi Street; bounded on the North by Garfield Street, on the South by Corpus Christi Street, on the East by Mendiola Avenue, and on the West by Meadow Avenue. Said alley traverses the middle of said block from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12. 2014-O-043 Authorizing the City Manager to approve a sublease of the leased premises approved by Ordinance No. 94-O-214 dated November 7, 1994 between the City of Laredo as LESSOR and Jett Racing and Sales, Inc., as the LESSEE, for the premises, described as 80,000 sq. ft., Tract 2, to the Webb County Sheriff's Office SUB-LESSEE, said lease provides for right to sublease subject to city approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. 2014-O-044 Authorizing the City Manager to grant a License Agreement by and between The City of Laredo, Texas, a municipal corporation and Alestra S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican Corporation dated April 8, 2014 for the use of one (1) fiber/cable tray affixed beneath the Juarez Lincoln Bridge and 519 linear feet of right-of-way. 1. Term of the agreement shall be for five (5) years commencing at 12:00 a.m., April 8, 2014 and terminating at 12:00 p.m. on April 7, 2019. 2. Annual fee shall be $21,696.79 and will increase by five percent (5%) every year the license is in place. In addition to the fee, Licensee shall pay a seven dollar and 65/100 ($7.65) linear foot right-of-way fee, and will increase by five percent (5%) every year. 2014-O-045 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement renewal with Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., for approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 1,020 square feet at Bridge II. 1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing April 1, 2014 and ending on March 31, 2015. 2. Monthly rent will be $3,090.00 for approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 1,020 square feet at Bridge II. 3. The lease may be terminated by either party with a thirty (30) day written notice.
8. 2014-R-29 Authorizing the City Manager to accept an annual allocation payment from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (LEOSE) account in the amount of $30,050.76. These funds will be used to pay for the continuing education of all Laredo Police Department sworn personnel. (Approved by Operations Committee) 9. 2014-R-31 Authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application in the estimated amount of $10,000.00 to the Texas Department of Transportation for the Enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign. The grant period will begin April 29, 2014 through June 7, 2014. This grant is for overtime salaries and fringe benefits and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation. (Approved by Operations Committee) 10. 2014-R-33 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services through the South Texas Development Council (STDC) for the continuation of the City of Laredo Health Department’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids Project (HOPWA) in the amount of $77,236.80 for the term of February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015.
11. Consideration to award a contract to Frank Briscoe Architectural Conservator in the amount of $20,762.00. This contract is to provide construction repairs to the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum due to utility work in the area. Repairs include stabilization of parapets, stitching, erosion repairs and painting of facade. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund - 2013 Sewer Revenue Bond.
CONSENT AGENDA Resolutions and Motions previously brought before Operations and Finance Committees may be approved by City Council categorically EN BLOC. At Council's request, specific items may be withheld from the consent agenda for individual treatment. XI (a) RESOLUTIONS 12. 2014-R-30 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the estimated amount of $633,144.00 to the Texas Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. This grant pays salaries, equipment and supplies for Laredo Police Department personnel to combat auto theft in the City of Laredo. The grant requires a 20% minimum cash match which is available in the General Fund. XI (b) MOTIONS 13. Consideration to extend the temporary leasehold/management agreement with Foresight Golf, L.L.C., for the operation of The Max A. Mandel Golf Course for a period of one (1) year from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014 for an amount of $409,682.96 to cover estimated net losses for the 2014 fiscal year which include a $56,250.00 management fee. Contract amount includes ratification of expenses in the amount of $124,770.07 for the first quarter of FY 2014. Funding is available in General Fund. (AS AMENDED) 14. Consideration to ratify the Amnesty Program initiated by the Laredo Municipal Court between March 17, 2014 and April 4, 2014 that gave individuals the opportunity to take care of delinquent citations and/or bench warrants without penalty of arrest, and for the approval of a Warrant Round-Up to be conducted by the Laredo Police Department from April 21, 2014 to May 2, 2014 designed to aggressively target the arrest of persons remaining on the Municipal Court warrant list. 15. Authorizing the City Manager to sign a joint-funding agreement with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Texas Data Collection Program, during the period of April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019 in the amount of $150,316.00. Under the program USGS will install two (2) stream monitoring stations in Zacate & Manadas Creek and will be responsible for the maintenance of the stations. The USGS will contribute $10,000.00 for the installation of the station. Funding is available in the Environmental Services Department. 16. Authorizing the City Manager to sign a reimbursement agreement with Webb County Drainage District not to exceed $331,000.00 for the Merida Pond and associated recreational improvements. The total cost of the project is about $505,000.00 including $174,000.00 from the drainage district. The project includes, excavation of an existing pond to create fish habitat, construction of a floating fishing pier and 5,000LF of concrete trail.Funding is available in the Environmental 2007 Bond and the Capital Improvement Fund. 17. Authorizing the City Manager to reimburse the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the acquisition of the Plaza Theatre acquired by the City in 1999 with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The City was found to be in non-compliance with CDBG rules in meeting the criteria for National Objective of Low and Moderate Area Benefit given that the theatre has yet to be made operable as attributed to the high cost of restoration. The City is subject to repayment of $353,098.23 for funds expended for the purchase of the theatre. Funding for reimbursement has been requested by HUD from a non-federal source. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund. 18. Consideration for approval of the Animal Care Facility Phase II as complete, release of retainage and approval of final payment in the amount of $36,525.01 to Vision Construction, Co., Inc., Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $1,411,071.00. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund, 2007 C.O., 2010 C.O., and 2012 C.O. 19. Consideration for approval of award of construction contract to the lowest bidder, Davila Construction, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $1,283,500.00 for the Canizales Boxing Gym Expansion (Re-Bid) with a construction contract time of two hundred fifty-seven (257) working days; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related contract documents contingent upon receipt and approval of insurance and bond documents. Completion date for the project is scheduled for October 2014. Funding is available in the 2008 C.O. and 2009 C.O. bonds. 20. Consideration for approval of change order No. 1, an increase of $142,818.10 to the construction contract with Reim Construction Co., Inc., Mission, Texas, for the City Streets Connections – Cielito Lindo Ave. (CSJ: 0922-33-133), Los Presidentes Blvd. (CSJ: 0922-33-134) and Lomas Del Sur (Southgate Blvd.) (CSJ: 0922-33-135) for design quantity errors in the bid and additional storm drainage elements added to Cielito Lindo as requested by property owner/developer as a condition for ROW acquisition and to add twenty-five (25) working days to the construction contract time. Current construction contract amount with this change order is $5,080,531.25. Completion date for the project is scheduled for January 2015. Funding is available in the Capital Grants fund. 21. Consideration for approval of the Laredo International Airport East and West Side Perimeter Fence Replacement approximately 8100 L.F. as complete, release of retainage and approval of final payment in the amount of $68,463.60 to Construction Rent A Fence, Inc., Thrall, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $385,242.00. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund FAA Grant No. 75. 22. Consideration to award annual contract FY14-049 for the purchase of medical supplies, equipment, medications and gloves to the following providers: 1. Primary Vendor - Bound Tree Medical, Dublin, Ohio 2. Secondary Vendors - Life Assist, Rancho Cordova, California; Southeastern Emergency, Youngsville, North Carolina; Moore Medical, Mington, Connecticut; PH&S Product, Minerva, Ohio This medical supplies contract is for an estimated amount of $200,000.00 for the Fire Department-EMS Division and items will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fire Department – EMS Budget. 23. Consideration to ratify City Manager's authorization of an award to Insight Public Sector, Inc., Tempe, Arizona to provide Data Communication Cabling Project for the South Laredo Library in the amount of $107,733.45. Insight Public Sector, Inc., is the contracted vendor for the Federal E-Rate Discount Program. This purchase was done through Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Purchasing Program and the cabling needed to be done by the first week of April to allow for construction improvements to continue without delays. Funding is available in the Friends of the Library Fund. 24. Consideration to award annual contract FY14-048 to the low bidder, Southern Sanitation, Laredo, Texas, in an amount up to $73,627.44, to provide trash collection services for large volume containers. These services will be required for various city operations such as the Airport, Bridge System, Parks and Leisure, Public Access, Fleet Management, Traffic, Transit, Municipal Housing, Environmental Engineering, Utilities, and Solid Waste Departments. The contract vendor is also required to provide these containers for special events such as the Household Collection Event. Funding for these services are available in various departmental funds. 25. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract utilizing the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing to Holt Caterpillar, San Antonio, Texas for the purchase of one (1) motor grader and one (1) articulated dump truck in the total amount of $781,337.00. Funding is available in the 2013 PPFCO Capital Outlay and Solid Waste Department Fund. 26. Consideration to authorize a contract with T.F. Harper & Associates L.P., located in Austin, Texas, through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract pricing, in the total amount of $92,936.00 for the purchase and installation of a fabric shade structure at the City of Laredo Landfill. The project shall consist of a fully pre-constructed, covered from top to floor and an all weather/climate ready fabric structure to be attached to the existing building. Funding is available in the 2012-B Certificate of Obligation Bonds. 27. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract utilizing the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing to Nueces Power Equipment, Corpus Christi, Texas for the purchase of two (2) backhoes in the amount $126,109.70 for the Utilities Department. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund. 28. Consideration to renew contract FY11-016 to Mo-Vac Environmental, McAllen, Texas in an amount up to $460,000.00 to furnish vacuum truck services to transport domestic sewage, sewage sludge, and/or sludge for the Utilities Department. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Wastewater Collection and Water and Transmission and Distribution Divisions. 29. Consideration to approve a change order for contract FY12-094 currently awarded to Rafter P. Transport, New Braunfels, Texas, for an increase of an additional amount of $75,000.00 in order to close out the hauling and disposal services of wastewater bio-solids contract for the Utilities Department. The revised contract total will be $525,000.00. This service supplements the department's equipment capabilities and helps control wastewater bio-solids overflow during the rainy season. The bid price is based on a per load rate. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Wastewater Division budget. 30. Consideration to renew contract number FY12-050 to J.R. Landscaping, Laredo, Texas, in an amount up to $80,000.00 for lawn and landscaping improvements caused by Utilities Department repairs. This contract is based on fixed rates for a two (2) man crew and when needed, a licensed irrigator; plus any landscaping materials. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund. 31. Consideration to authorize the purchase of duty ammunition for the Police Department in the estimated amount of $77,809.75 from Precision Delta Corporation, Ruleville, Mississippi through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract No. 363-10. Funding is available in the Police Department budget.
Citizen Comments (Part 2 of 2)
Citizen comments 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. Speakers may not pass their minutes to any other speaker.
Discussion with possible action to require that before any City Council initiated item that has a financial impact on the budget may be placed on an agenda for Council consideration, it must first be brought before City Council Operations and Finance Committees.
C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Esteban Rangel 1. Discussion with possible action to install speed cushions on District II at Comanche Loop, Sioux Drive, Eagle Nest Ln. and Totem Pole Ln. under the Special Provision of the Speed Hump Installation Policy using District II Discretionary funds. 2. Status report on the Landfill Gas-to-Energy Feasibility Study by CDM Smith with possible action. D. Request by Council Member Alejandro "Alex" Perez 1. Request for staff report on the Tire Ordinance, with possible action. E. Request by Council Member Jorge A. Vera 1. Re-naming the Farias Recreation Center to Marcos J. Aranda Recreation and Boxing Center.
33. Report on the proposed guidelines for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ). 34. Report regarding temporary staff assignments for City Council Members to assist with informing the public of current and upcoming projects, events, etc., with possible action. 35. Report on the proposed improvements and time-line for the Southern Hotel, located on 1214 Matamoros St.
RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD 38. Consideration to award a two (2) year contract FY14-047 to the lowest bidder, Gonzalez Auto Parts in an amount up to $70,000.00 to provide inventory automotive batteries for El Metro buses, vans and support vehicles. These contract terms are subject to future budget appropriations and all batteries will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the El Metro Operations Fund. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
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. 36. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texa Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate the duties, evaluation, and work performance of the City Manager and return to open session for possible action regarding the City Manager's employment contract and any matters related thereto. 37. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071 for consultation with City Attorney on litigation against Ricardo Rocha and Zenaida Sanchez for the abatement of a common nuisance and permanent injunctive relief involving real property located at 2920 Napoleon; and return to open session for possible action. XVI. ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND ADJOURN This notice was posted at the Municipal Government Offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was posted on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 6:45 p.m.
Apr 07, 2014 City Council
Council Comments a) Recognizing the Texas A&M International University Men's and Women's Basketball teams on winning the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship and earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament.
Recognizing the United South High School cheerleaders for their National Championship in Dallas, Texas by the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA).
Recognizing the United South High School powerlifters, Rudy Flores on winning both the State and National Championships and Jonathan Peña on winning the State Championship in Powerlifting. Mr. Flores will compete for International Championship scheduled in September in Hungary.
Discussion with possible action on the proposal to name a building or street in memory of Cesar Chavez. (Co-Sponsored by Council Member Mike Garza, Council Member Juan Narvaez and Council Member Cynthia Liendo)
Discussion with possible action to re-designate the members of the City's Operations Committee, Finance Committee and the City's representatives of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
1. Discussion with possible action on a stained glass window for a City facility donated by the Fernando Salinas Trust. 2. Discussion with possible action on an Art Contest for our El Metro buses City-wide.
Citizen Comments (Part 1 of 2)
Citizen comments 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. Speakers may not pass their minutes to any other speaker.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. City Manager's appointment to the Civil Service Commission.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo to correct an erroneous designation of B-3 (Community Business District) zoning on Lots 7 and 8, Block 449, Eastern Division, located at 418 and 420 West Bustamante Street, by restoring the original R-3 (Mixed Residential District) zoning as found on the original Zoning Ordinance (Map) of 1983; providing for publication and effective date. Staff supports the proposed change and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the restoration of the original 1983 zoning. District IV.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the 9-1-1 Regional Administration budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $969,825.00 for program and equipment budgets for Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb and Zapata Counties for the period beginning September 1, 2013 and ending August 31, 2015. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 31, Article III, Division 4, Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans in multiple sections to include a reduction in the gallons per capita per day consumption (GPCD) from 150 GPCD to 130 GPCD by year 2019 and 110 GPCD by year 2024, a change from 6 stages to 4 stages in the drought contingency plan, one change to the water treatment plant capacity, four changes to the water demand triggering conditions, one change to include a $20.00 water surcharge to customers using more than 15,000 gallons of water per month during a Stage 4, one change to adopt the same water waste fees from the Water Conservation Plan for Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan, one change to increase the penalty on the Drought Contingency Plan to $500.00 per violation per day, and one change to establish higher water waste fees for Stages 2, 3, and 4 of the Drought Contingency Plan; providing for publication, severability and an effective date. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge Revenue Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2014 in the amount of $4,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding International Toll Bridge System Revenue Bonds, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement and making provisions for the security thereof, delegating authority to the City Manager to select outstanding bonds to be refunded and approve all final terms of the bonds, and authorizing amendment to the City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 in the amount of $17,500,000.00 for the purpose of refunding International Toll Bridge Revenue Bonds, approving an official statement, authorizing the execution of a purchase contract and the execution of an escrow agreement, and making provisions for the security thereof, delegating authority to the City Manager to select outstanding bonds to be refunded and approve all final terms of the bonds, and authorizing amendment to the City's budget to appropriate such proceeds for purposes authorized herein; and ordaining other matters related to the subject.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 for the purpose of repairing the fountain at Bruni Plaza and to amend the FY 2013-2014 Capital Improvement Fund budget by appropriating said funds. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
2014-O-032 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for auto sales on Lot 1, Block 1, Concord Hills Community-Phase XII Planned Unit Development, located at 5329 U.S. Highway 359; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-033 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 2, Block 1, UISD 359 Transportation Facility Phase I, located south of State Highway 359 east of Delphina Avenue, from B-4 (Highway Commercial District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-034 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for the Storage of Flammable and Explosive Products on Lot 2, Block 1, UISD 359 Transportation Facility Phase I, located south of State Highway 359 east of Delphina Avenue; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-035 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for the storage of flammable and explosive products on Lot 4, Block 4, Las Lomas Industrial Park Subdivision Phase II, located at 107 Wilcox Road; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-036 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a restaurant selling alcohol on Lot 2, Block 1, Lafon Subdivision Phase I, located at 3512 US Highway 83; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-037 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Special Use Permit for a restaurant selling alcohol on Lot 1, Block 5, and Lot 1, Block 7, Del Mar Village Subdivision, located at 120 W Village Boulevard, Suite 115; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-038 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for an Amusement Redemption Machine Establishment, on all Lots of Blocks 1024, 1024A and 1025, Western Division, located at 4100 San Bernardo Avenue, East ½ of Suite E3 and West ½ of Suite E4; providing for publication and effective date. 2014-O-039 Amending the City of Laredo FY 2013-2014 Water Availability Fund Annual Budget by appropriating an additional $1,500,000.00 and drawing down the opening balance for water rights acquisitions and increasing the budget to $5,335,109.00. This amendment will provide the funding to purchase $4,354,732.00 of water rights. 2014-O-040 Amending the City of Laredo Bridge System FY 2013-2014 Bridge annual budget by appropriating $741,401.00 from the Bridge System Construction Fund opening balance to be used for Bridge related projects such as Bridge I lighting project and other related improvements. 2014-O-041 Closing as a public easement, a 17.7 ft. wide alley, dedicated for public use in Block 792, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for the reversion of the public’s interest in said alley to the abutting landowners, providing for an effective date. This alley is located in the 1400 Block of Chihuahua Street; bounded on the North by Chihuahua Street, on the South by Rosario Street, on the East by Seymour Avenue, and on the West by Loring Avenue. Said alley traverses the middle of said block from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12. 2014-O-042 Closing as a public easement, a 17.7 ft. wide alley, dedicated for public use in Block 889, Eastern Division, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas, and providing for the reversion of the public’s interest in said alley to the current abutting landowners, and providing for an effective date. This alley is located in the 1600 Block of Corpus Christi Street; bounded on the North by Garfield Street, on the South by Corpus Christi Street, on the East by Mendiola Avenue, and on the West by Meadow Avenue. Said alley traverses the middle of said block from East to West through its entire length, and abuts the South side of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and the North side of Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12. 2014-O-043 Authorizing the City Manager to approve a sublease of the leased premises approved by Ordinance No. 94-O-214 dated November 7, 1994 between the City of Laredo as LESSOR and Jett Racing and Sales, Inc., as the LESSEE, for the premises, described as 80,000 sq. ft., Tract 2, to the Webb County Sheriff's Office SUB-LESSEE, said lease provides for right to sublease subject to city approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. 2014-O-044 Authorizing the City Manager to grant a License Agreement by and between The City of Laredo, Texas, a municipal corporation and Alestra S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican Corporation dated April 8, 2014 for the use of one (1) fiber/cable tray affixed beneath the Juarez Lincoln Bridge and 519 linear feet of right-of-way. 1. Term of the agreement shall be for five (5) years commencing at 12:00 a.m., April 8, 2014 and terminating at 12:00 p.m. on April 7, 2019. 2. Annual fee shall be $21,696.79 and will increase by five percent (5%) every year the license is in place. In addition to the fee, Licensee shall pay a seven dollar and 65/100 ($7.65) linear foot right-of-way fee, and will increase by five percent (5%) every year. 2014-O-045 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement renewal with Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., for approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 1,020 square feet at Bridge II. 1. Lease term is for one (1) year commencing April 1, 2014 and ending on March 31, 2015. 2. Monthly rent will be $3,090.00 for approximately 120 square feet of office space and an exclusive office entry lane of approximately 1,020 square feet at Bridge II. 3. The lease may be terminated by either party with a thirty (30) day written notice.
8. 2014-R-29 Authorizing the City Manager to accept an annual allocation payment from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (LEOSE) account in the amount of $30,050.76. These funds will be used to pay for the continuing education of all Laredo Police Department sworn personnel. (Approved by Operations Committee) 9. 2014-R-31 Authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application in the estimated amount of $10,000.00 to the Texas Department of Transportation for the Enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign. The grant period will begin April 29, 2014 through June 7, 2014. This grant is for overtime salaries and fringe benefits and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation. (Approved by Operations Committee) 10. 2014-R-33 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services through the South Texas Development Council (STDC) for the continuation of the City of Laredo Health Department’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids Project (HOPWA) in the amount of $77,236.80 for the term of February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015.
11. Consideration to award a contract to Frank Briscoe Architectural Conservator in the amount of $20,762.00. This contract is to provide construction repairs to the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum due to utility work in the area. Repairs include stabilization of parapets, stitching, erosion repairs and painting of facade. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund - 2013 Sewer Revenue Bond.
CONSENT AGENDA Resolutions and Motions previously brought before Operations and Finance Committees may be approved by City Council categorically EN BLOC. At Council's request, specific items may be withheld from the consent agenda for individual treatment. XI (a) RESOLUTIONS 12. 2014-R-30 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application in the estimated amount of $633,144.00 to the Texas Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority to fund the Laredo Auto Theft Task Force for the period of September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015. This grant pays salaries, equipment and supplies for Laredo Police Department personnel to combat auto theft in the City of Laredo. The grant requires a 20% minimum cash match which is available in the General Fund. XI (b) MOTIONS 13. Consideration to extend the temporary leasehold/management agreement with Foresight Golf, L.L.C., for the operation of The Max A. Mandel Golf Course for a period of one (1) year from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014 for an amount of $409,682.96 to cover estimated net losses for the 2014 fiscal year which include a $56,250.00 management fee. Contract amount includes ratification of expenses in the amount of $124,770.07 for the first quarter of FY 2014. Funding is available in General Fund. (AS AMENDED) 14. Consideration to ratify the Amnesty Program initiated by the Laredo Municipal Court between March 17, 2014 and April 4, 2014 that gave individuals the opportunity to take care of delinquent citations and/or bench warrants without penalty of arrest, and for the approval of a Warrant Round-Up to be conducted by the Laredo Police Department from April 21, 2014 to May 2, 2014 designed to aggressively target the arrest of persons remaining on the Municipal Court warrant list. 15. Authorizing the City Manager to sign a joint-funding agreement with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Texas Data Collection Program, during the period of April 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019 in the amount of $150,316.00. Under the program USGS will install two (2) stream monitoring stations in Zacate & Manadas Creek and will be responsible for the maintenance of the stations. The USGS will contribute $10,000.00 for the installation of the station. Funding is available in the Environmental Services Department. 16. Authorizing the City Manager to sign a reimbursement agreement with Webb County Drainage District not to exceed $331,000.00 for the Merida Pond and associated recreational improvements. The total cost of the project is about $505,000.00 including $174,000.00 from the drainage district. The project includes, excavation of an existing pond to create fish habitat, construction of a floating fishing pier and 5,000LF of concrete trail.Funding is available in the Environmental 2007 Bond and the Capital Improvement Fund. 17. Authorizing the City Manager to reimburse the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the acquisition of the Plaza Theatre acquired by the City in 1999 with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The City was found to be in non-compliance with CDBG rules in meeting the criteria for National Objective of Low and Moderate Area Benefit given that the theatre has yet to be made operable as attributed to the high cost of restoration. The City is subject to repayment of $353,098.23 for funds expended for the purchase of the theatre. Funding for reimbursement has been requested by HUD from a non-federal source. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund. 18. Consideration for approval of the Animal Care Facility Phase II as complete, release of retainage and approval of final payment in the amount of $36,525.01 to Vision Construction, Co., Inc., Laredo, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $1,411,071.00. Funding is available in the Capital Improvement Fund, 2007 C.O., 2010 C.O., and 2012 C.O. 19. Consideration for approval of award of construction contract to the lowest bidder, Davila Construction, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, in the amount of $1,283,500.00 for the Canizales Boxing Gym Expansion (Re-Bid) with a construction contract time of two hundred fifty-seven (257) working days; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all related contract documents contingent upon receipt and approval of insurance and bond documents. Completion date for the project is scheduled for October 2014. Funding is available in the 2008 C.O. and 2009 C.O. bonds. 20. Consideration for approval of change order No. 1, an increase of $142,818.10 to the construction contract with Reim Construction Co., Inc., Mission, Texas, for the City Streets Connections – Cielito Lindo Ave. (CSJ: 0922-33-133), Los Presidentes Blvd. (CSJ: 0922-33-134) and Lomas Del Sur (Southgate Blvd.) (CSJ: 0922-33-135) for design quantity errors in the bid and additional storm drainage elements added to Cielito Lindo as requested by property owner/developer as a condition for ROW acquisition and to add twenty-five (25) working days to the construction contract time. Current construction contract amount with this change order is $5,080,531.25. Completion date for the project is scheduled for January 2015. Funding is available in the Capital Grants fund. 21. Consideration for approval of the Laredo International Airport East and West Side Perimeter Fence Replacement approximately 8100 L.F. as complete, release of retainage and approval of final payment in the amount of $68,463.60 to Construction Rent A Fence, Inc., Thrall, Texas. Final construction contract amount is $385,242.00. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund FAA Grant No. 75. 22. Consideration to award annual contract FY14-049 for the purchase of medical supplies, equipment, medications and gloves to the following providers: 1. Primary Vendor - Bound Tree Medical, Dublin, Ohio 2. Secondary Vendors - Life Assist, Rancho Cordova, California; Southeastern Emergency, Youngsville, North Carolina; Moore Medical, Mington, Connecticut; PH&S Product, Minerva, Ohio This medical supplies contract is for an estimated amount of $200,000.00 for the Fire Department-EMS Division and items will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the Fire Department – EMS Budget. 23. Consideration to ratify City Manager's authorization of an award to Insight Public Sector, Inc., Tempe, Arizona to provide Data Communication Cabling Project for the South Laredo Library in the amount of $107,733.45. Insight Public Sector, Inc., is the contracted vendor for the Federal E-Rate Discount Program. This purchase was done through Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Purchasing Program and the cabling needed to be done by the first week of April to allow for construction improvements to continue without delays. Funding is available in the Friends of the Library Fund. 24. Consideration to award annual contract FY14-048 to the low bidder, Southern Sanitation, Laredo, Texas, in an amount up to $73,627.44, to provide trash collection services for large volume containers. These services will be required for various city operations such as the Airport, Bridge System, Parks and Leisure, Public Access, Fleet Management, Traffic, Transit, Municipal Housing, Environmental Engineering, Utilities, and Solid Waste Departments. The contract vendor is also required to provide these containers for special events such as the Household Collection Event. Funding for these services are available in various departmental funds. 25. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract utilizing the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing to Holt Caterpillar, San Antonio, Texas for the purchase of one (1) motor grader and one (1) articulated dump truck in the total amount of $781,337.00. Funding is available in the 2013 PPFCO Capital Outlay and Solid Waste Department Fund. 26. Consideration to authorize a contract with T.F. Harper & Associates L.P., located in Austin, Texas, through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract pricing, in the total amount of $92,936.00 for the purchase and installation of a fabric shade structure at the City of Laredo Landfill. The project shall consist of a fully pre-constructed, covered from top to floor and an all weather/climate ready fabric structure to be attached to the existing building. Funding is available in the 2012-B Certificate of Obligation Bonds. 27. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract utilizing the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing to Nueces Power Equipment, Corpus Christi, Texas for the purchase of two (2) backhoes in the amount $126,109.70 for the Utilities Department. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund. 28. Consideration to renew contract FY11-016 to Mo-Vac Environmental, McAllen, Texas in an amount up to $460,000.00 to furnish vacuum truck services to transport domestic sewage, sewage sludge, and/or sludge for the Utilities Department. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Wastewater Collection and Water and Transmission and Distribution Divisions. 29. Consideration to approve a change order for contract FY12-094 currently awarded to Rafter P. Transport, New Braunfels, Texas, for an increase of an additional amount of $75,000.00 in order to close out the hauling and disposal services of wastewater bio-solids contract for the Utilities Department. The revised contract total will be $525,000.00. This service supplements the department's equipment capabilities and helps control wastewater bio-solids overflow during the rainy season. The bid price is based on a per load rate. Funding is available in the Utilities Department – Wastewater Division budget. 30. Consideration to renew contract number FY12-050 to J.R. Landscaping, Laredo, Texas, in an amount up to $80,000.00 for lawn and landscaping improvements caused by Utilities Department repairs. This contract is based on fixed rates for a two (2) man crew and when needed, a licensed irrigator; plus any landscaping materials. Funding is available in the Utilities Department Fund. 31. Consideration to authorize the purchase of duty ammunition for the Police Department in the estimated amount of $77,809.75 from Precision Delta Corporation, Ruleville, Mississippi through the BuyBoard Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract No. 363-10. Funding is available in the Police Department budget.
Citizen Comments (Part 2 of 2)
Citizen comments 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. Speakers may not pass their minutes to any other speaker.
Discussion with possible action to require that before any City Council initiated item that has a financial impact on the budget may be placed on an agenda for Council consideration, it must first be brought before City Council Operations and Finance Committees.
C. Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore Esteban Rangel 1. Discussion with possible action to install speed cushions on District II at Comanche Loop, Sioux Drive, Eagle Nest Ln. and Totem Pole Ln. under the Special Provision of the Speed Hump Installation Policy using District II Discretionary funds. 2. Status report on the Landfill Gas-to-Energy Feasibility Study by CDM Smith with possible action. D. Request by Council Member Alejandro "Alex" Perez 1. Request for staff report on the Tire Ordinance, with possible action. E. Request by Council Member Jorge A. Vera 1. Re-naming the Farias Recreation Center to Marcos J. Aranda Recreation and Boxing Center.
33. Report on the proposed guidelines for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ). 34. Report regarding temporary staff assignments for City Council Members to assist with informing the public of current and upcoming projects, events, etc., with possible action. 35. Report on the proposed improvements and time-line for the Southern Hotel, located on 1214 Matamoros St.
RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD 38. Consideration to award a two (2) year contract FY14-047 to the lowest bidder, Gonzalez Auto Parts in an amount up to $70,000.00 to provide inventory automotive batteries for El Metro buses, vans and support vehicles. These contract terms are subject to future budget appropriations and all batteries will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding is available in the El Metro Operations Fund. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
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. 36. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texa Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate the duties, evaluation, and work performance of the City Manager and return to open session for possible action regarding the City Manager's employment contract and any matters related thereto. 37. Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071 for consultation with City Attorney on litigation against Ricardo Rocha and Zenaida Sanchez for the abatement of a common nuisance and permanent injunctive relief involving real property located at 2920 Napoleon; and return to open session for possible action. XVI. ADJOURN AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND ADJOURN This notice was posted at the Municipal Government Offices, 1110 Houston Street, Laredo, Texas, at a place convenient and readily accessible to the public at all times. Said notice was posted on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 6:45 p.m.