Communiqués a. Presentation of Barbara Fasken Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Recognitions a. Recognizing the United Middle School Maverettes Dance Team for their Marching Auxiliaries National Championship at Fort Worth, Texas. b. Recognizing the United South High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the District Championship.
Request by Council Member Cynthia Liendo 1. Status report on the plastic bag ordinance, with possible action.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee for the naming of a building, street or other city facility in memory of Cesar Chavez. b. City Council nominations with confirmation by the City Council to the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) Board of Directors. c. Appointment by Council Member Cynthia Liendo of Janie Coss Martinez to the Laredo Commission for Women. d. Appointment by Council Member Cynthia Liendo of Angie Osterman to the Historic District/Landmark Board. e. City Manager's appointment to the Civil Service Commission.
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.
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the northeast 3.95 acres, of a 7.91 acre tract, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 8593 Casa Verde Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. This is a City supported project and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the southwest 3.95 acres, of a 7.91 acre tract, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 8593 Casa Verde Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. This is a City supported project and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V
Request by Council Member Mike Garza Discussion with possible action on a partnership between the Environmental Services Department "Keep Laredo Beautiful" Program on a project with Texas Department of Public Safety, Trooper Lugo, at intersection of Cielito Lindo and Highway 83.
9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 118, Block 8, Del Mar Hills, Section 1, Area “A”, located at 424 East Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-O (Residential / Office District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District VI. 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Bridge System Construction Fund FY 2013-2014 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $477,493.00 received from Texas Municipal League (TML) for the damages caused by Hurricane Alex to the Bridge of the Americas (Bridge I) outdoor lighting. The City had received an initial payment of $198,868.50 and has recently accepted a final payment of $477,492.50 for said damages for a total of $676,361.00. Funds will be used to repair the outdoor lighting at Bridge I. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees) (AS AMENDED)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.84 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, and located at the northwest corner of Aguanieve Drive and Cuatro Vientos Road, from R-1A (Single-family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District I
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Block 26, Laredo Airport Subdivision, located at 1500 Calton Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); Providing for publication and effective date.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 3 and 4, Block 823, Eastern Division, located at 1414 and 1416 N. Meadow Avenue, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District III
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1082, Eastern Division, located at 620 N. Urbahn Avenue, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends denial of the zone change. District III
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.859 acres out of a 2.105 acre tract of land out of Block 80, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of West Calton Road and Gallagher Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Trecon Investments Corporation, as LESSEE, for a tract of land consisting of 48,442.25 sq. ft., and located on Block No. 9 at the Laredo Airport, Subdivision Plat being the northwest corner. Lease term is for twenty (20) years commencing on June 01, 2014 plus, two (2) consecutive ten (10) year renewal options. Initial monthly rent shall be $1,271.61 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; and rent adjustments based on appraisals at each ten (10) year anniversary period; providing for an effective date. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 11. 2014-O-046 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. 2014-O-047 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. 2014-O-048 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. 2014-O-049 Authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge Revenue Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2014 in the estimated 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. 2014-O-050 Authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 in the estimated 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. 2014-O-051 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. X. RESOLUTIONS 12. 2014-R-34 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the renewal of a Clinical Affiliation Agreement between the City of Laredo Fire Department and Laredo Texas Hospital Company, L.P., DBA Laredo Medical Center. Laredo Fire Department provides its emergency medical technicians and paramedic students with clinical training available at Laredo Medical Center. (Approved by Operations Committee) 13. 2014-R-36 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for the enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign. This grant is for overtime salaries and fringe benefits and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation. (Approved by Operations Committee) 14. 2014-R-43 Suspending implementation of the planned effective date of the Interim Rate Adjustment filed by Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a Centerpoint Energy Entex and Centerpoint Energy Texas Gas, under § 104.301 of the Texas Utilities Code and requiring delivery of this resolution to the company by and through its Director of Regulatory Affairs. XI. MOTIONS 15. Referring the City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission and requiring that a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission with any recommendations be brought back to City Council before the adoption of the budget; in accordance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo. 16. Directing staff to prepare a service plan for the voluntary annexation of one (1) tract of land totaling 3,500.07 acres, more or less, for a total annexation of 3,500.07 acres, more or less, as shown on attachment “A”, in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local Government Code. 17. Refund of property tax in the amount of $1,466.63 payable to USA C/O CWSAMS due to an overpayment, Account No. 964-00001-014. 18. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amounts to be adjusted for the month of March 2014, represents a decrease of $240,670.18. These adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders. XII. 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. 19. 2014-R-38 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application, if offered, to the Federal Aviation Administration in the approximate aggregate amount of $8,000,000.00 to Rehabilitate General Aviation Apron (Phase 8), Rehabilitate Airport Terminal Apron, Install Security Fencing to include installation of gate access controls, acquire vacuum sweeper, and design for Taxiway G extension and design rehabilitation of General Aviation Apron (Phase 10); and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents resulting from the award. The City’s local match in the amount of $888,000.00 (10%) is available in the Airport Operations Fund Budget. 20. 2014-R-39 Authorizing a fee waiver and a tax abatement agreement between the City of Laredo and Orbit Real Estate L.L.C., for a proposed commercial project located at 1010 Juarez Ave., Lot 3, Block 170, Western Division that consists of rehabilitation of the existing professional offices, in accordance with authorized guidelines and criteria established for the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). This agreement will be for a five (5) year period and will abate taxes on rehabilitation improvements for the purpose of economic development. The project has an estimated capital investment total of $80,500.55, estimated annual tax abatement total of $512.79 and estimated total fee waivers of $1,342.50. Guidelines and criteria for the agreement are set forth in the attached agreement and information. 21. 2014-R-40 Authorizing a fee waiver and a tax abatement agreement between the City of Laredo and Roberto Vela for a proposed commercial project located at 1920 San Bernardo Ave., Lot 5, 6, 7, 8, (N 2 vs.) of Lot 3 & 0.0762 R.O.W. Block 479, Western Division that consists of ten (10) new professional offices and retail use, in accordance with authorized guidelines and criteria established for the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). This agreement will be for a five (5) year period and will abate taxes on new improvements for the purpose of economic development. The project has an estimated capital investment total of $836,500.89, estimated annual tax abatement total of $5,328.51 and estimated total fee waivers of $3,936.00. Guidelines and criteria for the agreement are set forth in the attached agreement and information. 22. 2014-R-035 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the "surface only" of two (2) parcels of land for public safety visibility improvements at the intersection of Shiloh Drive and Backwoods Drive. Said parcels of land being more particularly described as follows: Tract 1: a tract of land containing 1,244.63 square feet more or less, out of Lot 6, Block 6, Shiloh Crossing Subdivision, Phase 2. Tract 2: a tract of land containing 404.23 square feet more or less, out of Lot 7, Block 6, Shiloh Crossing Subdivision, Phase 2. Each tract of land is further described by metes and bounds and boundary surveys provided as Exhibits A and B. Further requesting authorization for staff to negotiate with property owners for the acquisition of said tracts by purchase at their market values established by an Independent State Certified Appraiser and further authorizing staff to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire one or more parcels should staff be unable to acquire due to the inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell and/or inability to locate the listed owner. Funding is available in the 2010 Utilities Sewer System Revenue Bond. 23. 2014-R-37 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the "surface only" of four (4) parcels of land in support of the West Laredo Corridor- Phase II realignment of Las Cruces Drive and Flecha Lane. This project will help address existing concerns with traffic, drainage and public safety in the immediate area. The parcels needed for Right of Way are described as follows: Tract 1: A 391.66 square foot tract of land more or less, out of a called 1.486 acre tract being described as Lot 1, Block 1, R.C. Trust Plat, recorded in Volume 20, Page 30, Webb County Plat Records. Tract 2: A 318.93 square foot tract of land and a 1,628.22 square foot tract of land more or less, out of Lot 1, Block 1, Belinda Plat, recorded in Volume 10, Page 80, Webb County Plat Records. Tract 3: A 23,641.06 square foot tract of land more or less, out of a 2 acre tract of land recorded in Volume 1927, Page 53, Webb County Deed Records and Tract 4: A 41,935.05 square foot tract more or less out of a 1.8267 acre tract of land recorded in Volume 624, Page 486 and Volume 637, Page 94, Webb County Deed Records. Tracts are further identified in attached Exhibits 1-4. Further requesting authorization for staff to negotiate with property owners for the acquisition of said tracts by purchase at their market values established by an Independent State Certified Appraiser and for staff to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire one or more parcels should staff be unable to acquire due to the inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell and/or inability to locate the owner. Funding is available through the West Laredo Corridor - CPL II grant in the Capital Improvement Fund. 24. 2014-R-32 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $763,195.00 to fund the Laredo Police Department HIDTA Task Force (formally known as Financial Task Force) and a grant in the amount of $47,600.00 to fund the Rio Grande Valley (formally known as STX Public Corruption HIDTA Task Force). Both grants are funded by the Executive Office of the President, Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at no cost to the City. Funding will be used to pay personnel salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, travel and operating expenses from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Funding for the Rio Grande Valley Financial HIDTA Task Force will be used for payment of fringe benefits, overtime, and operating expenses from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. 25. 2014-R-42 Declaring a public necessity to utilize the area under IH-35, between Ugarte Street and Chicago Street, as a parking area on Sunday, April 27,2014, for the First Annual Paseo en La Avenida San Bernardo event and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the use of said property. XII (b) MOTIONS 26. Discussion with possible action to ratify the Piano Custodial Agreement entered into by the City of Laredo and the Laredo Center for the Arts for the care and custody of the City's 1964 Steinway medium grand piano Serial Number 386884D formerly stored at the Laredo Civic Center. 27. Consideration to award a contract to sole source provider, Transcore L.P., for the purchase of 5,000 Automatic Vehicle Identification (A.V.I.) sticker tags as part of the Laredo Bridge System Toll Collection System in an amount not to exceed $62,500.00. Funding is available in the Bridge System Fund. 28. Consideration for approval of award of construction contract to the lowest bidder, ALC Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the base bid amount of $63,930.00 for the Bartlett Avenue Sidewalks (Hillside Road to Gale Street) with a construction contract time of thirty (30) 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 June 2014. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund. 29. Consideration for approval of amendment No. 1, an increase of $48,290.00 to the professional services contract with Castle Engineering & Testing, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for the City Street Connections at State Loop 20 for Lomas Del Sur, Cielito Lindo and Los Presidentes to provide additional laboratory, sampling and testing services of materials for quality assurance. Current contract amount with this amendment is $73,965.00. Completion date is scheduled for January 2015. Funding is available in the Capital Grants Fund. 30. Consideration for approval of change order No. 1, an increase of $64,750.00 to the construction contract with AZAR Services, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for the Upper Zacate Creek Soccer Complex to include flexible base as part of the contract, which was originally removed from base bid prior to award, additional sidewalk and rip-rap to improve stability of earthen berm along existing low flow channel and to add thirty (30) calendar days to the construction contract time. Current construction contract amount with this change order is $488,995.70. Completion date for the project is scheduled for September 2014. Funding is available in the 2007 and 2010 C.O. Bond. 31. Consideration to authorize the purchase of one (1) medium duty truck with utility boxes from Santex Truck Centers, San Antonio, Texas in the total amount of $91,747.00 through the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract pricing. Funding is available in the 2013 Contractual Obligation Bond proceeds and the Public Works Department Fund. 32. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract to Miracle Recreations Equipment Company-C/O Park Place Recreations Designs, San Antonio, Texas for the purchase of Custom Mega Tower Playscape for Slaughter Park in the amount of $164,580.00. This purchase is through the Buy Board Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing. Funding is available in the Community Development Block Grant 38th Action Year and in the 2008 Certificate of Obligation Bonds. 33. Consideration to award annual service contract FY14-051 to the lowest bidders: LED Electric and Lighting Contractor, Laredo, Texas in an amount up to $150,000.00; and 1. Castillo Electric & Facility Services, Laredo, Texas in an amount up to $50,000.00, 2. for electrical repair services to include, but not limited to: minor repairs, maintenance of various systems, subsystems, and/or equipment devices for various City Departments. All services will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding will be secured from the user departmental budgets.
Request by Council Member Alejandro "Alex" Perez 1. Discussion of a fee removal/reduction charged at recreational centers for veterans, elderly and disabled people. (Co-Sponsored by Mayor Pro-Tempore Esteban Rangel) 2. Request for time-line on utility work and repavement within the boundaries of the following streets: Seymour Ave., Corpus Christi St., Arkansas Ave. and Gustavus St. 3. Discussion with possible action regarding the collection of nuisance violations from right of way.
Apr 21, 2014 City Council
Communiqués a. Presentation of Barbara Fasken Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Recognitions a. Recognizing the United Middle School Maverettes Dance Team for their Marching Auxiliaries National Championship at Fort Worth, Texas. b. Recognizing the United South High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the District Championship.
Request by Council Member Cynthia Liendo 1. Status report on the plastic bag ordinance, with possible action.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee for the naming of a building, street or other city facility in memory of Cesar Chavez. b. City Council nominations with confirmation by the City Council to the Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) Board of Directors. c. Appointment by Council Member Cynthia Liendo of Janie Coss Martinez to the Laredo Commission for Women. d. Appointment by Council Member Cynthia Liendo of Angie Osterman to the Historic District/Landmark Board. e. City Manager's appointment to the Civil Service Commission.
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.
3. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the northeast 3.95 acres, of a 7.91 acre tract, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 8593 Casa Verde Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. This is a City supported project and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V 4. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning the southwest 3.95 acres, of a 7.91 acre tract, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, located at 8593 Casa Verde Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. This is a City supported project and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V
Request by Council Member Mike Garza Discussion with possible action on a partnership between the Environmental Services Department "Keep Laredo Beautiful" Program on a project with Texas Department of Public Safety, Trooper Lugo, at intersection of Cielito Lindo and Highway 83.
9. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 118, Block 8, Del Mar Hills, Section 1, Area “A”, located at 424 East Del Mar Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-O (Residential / Office District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District VI. 1. Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo Bridge System Construction Fund FY 2013-2014 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $477,493.00 received from Texas Municipal League (TML) for the damages caused by Hurricane Alex to the Bridge of the Americas (Bridge I) outdoor lighting. The City had received an initial payment of $198,868.50 and has recently accepted a final payment of $477,492.50 for said damages for a total of $676,361.00. Funds will be used to repair the outdoor lighting at Bridge I. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees) (AS AMENDED)
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 1.84 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit “A”, and located at the northwest corner of Aguanieve Drive and Cuatro Vientos Road, from R-1A (Single-family Reduced Area District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District I
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Block 26, Laredo Airport Subdivision, located at 1500 Calton Road, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); Providing for publication and effective date.
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 3 and 4, Block 823, Eastern Division, located at 1414 and 1416 N. Meadow Avenue, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District III
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 5, Block 1082, Eastern Division, located at 620 N. Urbahn Avenue, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-3 (Mixed Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. Staff is not in support of the application and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends denial of the zone change. District III
Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.859 acres out of a 2.105 acre tract of land out of Block 80, Calton Gardens Subdivision, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of West Calton Road and Gallagher Avenue, from B-1 (Limited Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the zone change. District V
INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES 10. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Trecon Investments Corporation, as LESSEE, for a tract of land consisting of 48,442.25 sq. ft., and located on Block No. 9 at the Laredo Airport, Subdivision Plat being the northwest corner. Lease term is for twenty (20) years commencing on June 01, 2014 plus, two (2) consecutive ten (10) year renewal options. Initial monthly rent shall be $1,271.61 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; and rent adjustments based on appraisals at each ten (10) year anniversary period; providing for an effective date. (Approved by Operations & Finance Committees)
IX. FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 11. 2014-O-046 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. 2014-O-047 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. 2014-O-048 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. 2014-O-049 Authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge Revenue Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2014 in the estimated 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. 2014-O-050 Authorizing the issuance of the City of Laredo, Texas International Toll Bridge System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2014 in the estimated 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. 2014-O-051 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. X. RESOLUTIONS 12. 2014-R-34 Authorizing the City Manager to execute the renewal of a Clinical Affiliation Agreement between the City of Laredo Fire Department and Laredo Texas Hospital Company, L.P., DBA Laredo Medical Center. Laredo Fire Department provides its emergency medical technicians and paramedic students with clinical training available at Laredo Medical Center. (Approved by Operations Committee) 13. 2014-R-36 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Texas Department of Transportation for the enforcement of Vehicle Occupant Protection during the "Click it or Ticket" Campaign. This grant is for overtime salaries and fringe benefits and is funded 100% by the Texas Department of Transportation. (Approved by Operations Committee) 14. 2014-R-43 Suspending implementation of the planned effective date of the Interim Rate Adjustment filed by Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a Centerpoint Energy Entex and Centerpoint Energy Texas Gas, under § 104.301 of the Texas Utilities Code and requiring delivery of this resolution to the company by and through its Director of Regulatory Affairs. XI. MOTIONS 15. Referring the City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission and requiring that a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission with any recommendations be brought back to City Council before the adoption of the budget; in accordance with Article IX, Section 9.03 of the Charter of the City of Laredo. 16. Directing staff to prepare a service plan for the voluntary annexation of one (1) tract of land totaling 3,500.07 acres, more or less, for a total annexation of 3,500.07 acres, more or less, as shown on attachment “A”, in accordance with Section 43.052 of the Texas Local Government Code. 17. Refund of property tax in the amount of $1,466.63 payable to USA C/O CWSAMS due to an overpayment, Account No. 964-00001-014. 18. Approving monthly adjustments to the tax roll. The amounts to be adjusted for the month of March 2014, represents a decrease of $240,670.18. These adjustments are determined by the Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders. XII. 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. 19. 2014-R-38 Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application, if offered, to the Federal Aviation Administration in the approximate aggregate amount of $8,000,000.00 to Rehabilitate General Aviation Apron (Phase 8), Rehabilitate Airport Terminal Apron, Install Security Fencing to include installation of gate access controls, acquire vacuum sweeper, and design for Taxiway G extension and design rehabilitation of General Aviation Apron (Phase 10); and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents resulting from the award. The City’s local match in the amount of $888,000.00 (10%) is available in the Airport Operations Fund Budget. 20. 2014-R-39 Authorizing a fee waiver and a tax abatement agreement between the City of Laredo and Orbit Real Estate L.L.C., for a proposed commercial project located at 1010 Juarez Ave., Lot 3, Block 170, Western Division that consists of rehabilitation of the existing professional offices, in accordance with authorized guidelines and criteria established for the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). This agreement will be for a five (5) year period and will abate taxes on rehabilitation improvements for the purpose of economic development. The project has an estimated capital investment total of $80,500.55, estimated annual tax abatement total of $512.79 and estimated total fee waivers of $1,342.50. Guidelines and criteria for the agreement are set forth in the attached agreement and information. 21. 2014-R-40 Authorizing a fee waiver and a tax abatement agreement between the City of Laredo and Roberto Vela for a proposed commercial project located at 1920 San Bernardo Ave., Lot 5, 6, 7, 8, (N 2 vs.) of Lot 3 & 0.0762 R.O.W. Block 479, Western Division that consists of ten (10) new professional offices and retail use, in accordance with authorized guidelines and criteria established for the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). This agreement will be for a five (5) year period and will abate taxes on new improvements for the purpose of economic development. The project has an estimated capital investment total of $836,500.89, estimated annual tax abatement total of $5,328.51 and estimated total fee waivers of $3,936.00. Guidelines and criteria for the agreement are set forth in the attached agreement and information. 22. 2014-R-035 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the "surface only" of two (2) parcels of land for public safety visibility improvements at the intersection of Shiloh Drive and Backwoods Drive. Said parcels of land being more particularly described as follows: Tract 1: a tract of land containing 1,244.63 square feet more or less, out of Lot 6, Block 6, Shiloh Crossing Subdivision, Phase 2. Tract 2: a tract of land containing 404.23 square feet more or less, out of Lot 7, Block 6, Shiloh Crossing Subdivision, Phase 2. Each tract of land is further described by metes and bounds and boundary surveys provided as Exhibits A and B. Further requesting authorization for staff to negotiate with property owners for the acquisition of said tracts by purchase at their market values established by an Independent State Certified Appraiser and further authorizing staff to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire one or more parcels should staff be unable to acquire due to the inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell and/or inability to locate the listed owner. Funding is available in the 2010 Utilities Sewer System Revenue Bond. 23. 2014-R-37 Declaring the public necessity to acquire the "surface only" of four (4) parcels of land in support of the West Laredo Corridor- Phase II realignment of Las Cruces Drive and Flecha Lane. This project will help address existing concerns with traffic, drainage and public safety in the immediate area. The parcels needed for Right of Way are described as follows: Tract 1: A 391.66 square foot tract of land more or less, out of a called 1.486 acre tract being described as Lot 1, Block 1, R.C. Trust Plat, recorded in Volume 20, Page 30, Webb County Plat Records. Tract 2: A 318.93 square foot tract of land and a 1,628.22 square foot tract of land more or less, out of Lot 1, Block 1, Belinda Plat, recorded in Volume 10, Page 80, Webb County Plat Records. Tract 3: A 23,641.06 square foot tract of land more or less, out of a 2 acre tract of land recorded in Volume 1927, Page 53, Webb County Deed Records and Tract 4: A 41,935.05 square foot tract more or less out of a 1.8267 acre tract of land recorded in Volume 624, Page 486 and Volume 637, Page 94, Webb County Deed Records. Tracts are further identified in attached Exhibits 1-4. Further requesting authorization for staff to negotiate with property owners for the acquisition of said tracts by purchase at their market values established by an Independent State Certified Appraiser and for staff to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire one or more parcels should staff be unable to acquire due to the inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of ownership, owner refusal to sell and/or inability to locate the owner. Funding is available through the West Laredo Corridor - CPL II grant in the Capital Improvement Fund. 24. 2014-R-32 Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $763,195.00 to fund the Laredo Police Department HIDTA Task Force (formally known as Financial Task Force) and a grant in the amount of $47,600.00 to fund the Rio Grande Valley (formally known as STX Public Corruption HIDTA Task Force). Both grants are funded by the Executive Office of the President, Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at no cost to the City. Funding will be used to pay personnel salaries, fringe benefits, overtime, travel and operating expenses from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Funding for the Rio Grande Valley Financial HIDTA Task Force will be used for payment of fringe benefits, overtime, and operating expenses from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. 25. 2014-R-42 Declaring a public necessity to utilize the area under IH-35, between Ugarte Street and Chicago Street, as a parking area on Sunday, April 27,2014, for the First Annual Paseo en La Avenida San Bernardo event and authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the use of said property. XII (b) MOTIONS 26. Discussion with possible action to ratify the Piano Custodial Agreement entered into by the City of Laredo and the Laredo Center for the Arts for the care and custody of the City's 1964 Steinway medium grand piano Serial Number 386884D formerly stored at the Laredo Civic Center. 27. Consideration to award a contract to sole source provider, Transcore L.P., for the purchase of 5,000 Automatic Vehicle Identification (A.V.I.) sticker tags as part of the Laredo Bridge System Toll Collection System in an amount not to exceed $62,500.00. Funding is available in the Bridge System Fund. 28. Consideration for approval of award of construction contract to the lowest bidder, ALC Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the base bid amount of $63,930.00 for the Bartlett Avenue Sidewalks (Hillside Road to Gale Street) with a construction contract time of thirty (30) 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 June 2014. Funding is available in the Airport Construction Fund. 29. Consideration for approval of amendment No. 1, an increase of $48,290.00 to the professional services contract with Castle Engineering & Testing, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for the City Street Connections at State Loop 20 for Lomas Del Sur, Cielito Lindo and Los Presidentes to provide additional laboratory, sampling and testing services of materials for quality assurance. Current contract amount with this amendment is $73,965.00. Completion date is scheduled for January 2015. Funding is available in the Capital Grants Fund. 30. Consideration for approval of change order No. 1, an increase of $64,750.00 to the construction contract with AZAR Services, L.L.C., Laredo, Texas, for the Upper Zacate Creek Soccer Complex to include flexible base as part of the contract, which was originally removed from base bid prior to award, additional sidewalk and rip-rap to improve stability of earthen berm along existing low flow channel and to add thirty (30) calendar days to the construction contract time. Current construction contract amount with this change order is $488,995.70. Completion date for the project is scheduled for September 2014. Funding is available in the 2007 and 2010 C.O. Bond. 31. Consideration to authorize the purchase of one (1) medium duty truck with utility boxes from Santex Truck Centers, San Antonio, Texas in the total amount of $91,747.00 through the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program’s contract pricing. Funding is available in the 2013 Contractual Obligation Bond proceeds and the Public Works Department Fund. 32. Consideration to authorize a purchase contract to Miracle Recreations Equipment Company-C/O Park Place Recreations Designs, San Antonio, Texas for the purchase of Custom Mega Tower Playscape for Slaughter Park in the amount of $164,580.00. This purchase is through the Buy Board Cooperative Purchasing Program Pricing. Funding is available in the Community Development Block Grant 38th Action Year and in the 2008 Certificate of Obligation Bonds. 33. Consideration to award annual service contract FY14-051 to the lowest bidders: LED Electric and Lighting Contractor, Laredo, Texas in an amount up to $150,000.00; and 1. Castillo Electric & Facility Services, Laredo, Texas in an amount up to $50,000.00, 2. for electrical repair services to include, but not limited to: minor repairs, maintenance of various systems, subsystems, and/or equipment devices for various City Departments. All services will be purchased on an as needed basis. Funding will be secured from the user departmental budgets.
Request by Council Member Alejandro "Alex" Perez 1. Discussion of a fee removal/reduction charged at recreational centers for veterans, elderly and disabled people. (Co-Sponsored by Mayor Pro-Tempore Esteban Rangel) 2. Request for time-line on utility work and repavement within the boundaries of the following streets: Seymour Ave., Corpus Christi St., Arkansas Ave. and Gustavus St. 3. Discussion with possible action regarding the collection of nuisance violations from right of way.