[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:03] Ready for the recognitions? All right.
[0:16] City of Laredo's mayor and city council will be recognizing
[0:22] the following. Starting with, City of Laredo mayor, Dr. Victor Tervino, city council recognized
[0:30] the Sheet Valleval team, 11 U Red team, which has shown a spot to compete in the 2025 USA
[0:38] a national tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.
[0:49] This is a historic achievement as the 11U Heat Red team
[0:54] is the only team from the radio in their age group
[0:57] to reach this prestigious national level.
[1:00] They will be probably represent the city of the radio
[1:03] at the USA volleyball national championship.
[1:06] Best of luck.
[1:08] All right, showing off.
[1:15] First is Jesse Dominguez, where are you?
[1:25] Next is Romina
[1:32] Baraghan,
[1:40] he bien Velasco,
[1:49] Druid
[1:57] Hernández,
[2:05] Puehigarsa,
[2:11] Alestusano,
[2:15] Alia,
[2:21] Cassandra Peña,
[2:29] Casey Rocha,
[2:41] Aguirre,
[2:49] Mila Terrasa, Abasan Contreras,
[3:02] Camila Kinyones,
[3:10] Miguel
[3:10] Hello kids, the
[3:22] coach is a coach around.
[3:25] Coach, where is he?
[3:27] Coach, you want to say a couple of words?
[3:30] You want to say a couple of words?
[3:31] All right,
[3:35] well first and foremost, thank you, Dr. Travinio for this opportunity.
[3:40] More than anything, our athletes and our coach at Coach and you, Dr. Rodriguez, and assistant
[3:46] coach Jesse.
[3:47] Thank you all for your perseverance, your hard work, your dedication, our parents, without
[3:52] you all parents where we're nothing so thank you all our girls are going to be representing
[3:57] in a couple of weeks in Kansas they were fearless in the in the final against Salomo and they're
[4:03] going to do amazing representing our amazing city Dorito Texas so thank you all.
[4:13] Let's get a picture
[4:14] back here.
[9:39] Megan Jackson. Megan
[9:52] showed showcase her beauty points and determination earning a world
[9:56] deserve spot in the top 15. Congratulations.
[10:18] Miss Laredo, team USA, Niali Matani,
[10:43] before proceed. Niali showed brightly on stage and probably placed in the top five
[10:49] a remarkable achievement. Congratulations. Thank
[13:51] you very much. Congratulations. We'll
[13:53] stand by for the City Council at 5.30. Thank you very much.
[13:58] The regular
[14:03] city council meeting, 11, take you to the street, the rid of Texas F7L440, Monday, June 22, 2025, I'll stand for it, but I don't need it.
[14:16] I put it on
[14:29] the side of the police, and we pray for the victims of Colorado, Colorado terrorist attack.
[14:53] You may be seated.
[15:04] Mr. Secretary, roll call, please. Yes, Mayor. Honorable Mayor, Dr. Victor D. Trevino. Present. Honorable
[15:13] Council Member District 1, Gilbert Gonzales. Honorable Council Member District 2, Ricardo
[15:20] Ranjero, Jr. Honorable Council Member District 3, Melissa Siraroa. Honorable Council Member District
[15:29] District 4, Ricardo Riccasa,
[15:33] Honorable Councilmember District 5, Ruben Gutierrez, Jr., President, Honorable Councilmember District 6, Dr. Tyler King, Honorable Mayor Portem, and Councilmember District 7, Vanessa Pettis,
[15:51] Honorable Councilmember District 8, Alisa Siraroa, Mayor Yavocora.
[16:32] We would like to go into communications
[16:39] before we do sit in Scotland, go on to communications, item six, seven, and we'll go into, first we'll go on to recommendations for 46
[16:59] and 47 there, all right, number 46.
[17:05] Recognizing the John B. Alexander High School baseball team for winning outright district champions.
[17:13] by district camps, area camps, and regional semi-finalists on their 2025 season.
[17:20] Thank you.
[17:50] Thank you.
[17:51] Thank you.
[17:53] Thank you.
[17:56] Mr. Chair.
[17:58] Mr. President, the mayor of the City Council recognizes the John B.
[18:03] Addick's under high school.
[18:05] Based on what's seen for winning outright district champs, by district champs, area champs, and regional semi-finalists,
[18:11] other 2025 season. Congratulations, guys. Guys, it's a
[18:17] high. It was a high. I know it's hard being out there. And
[18:19] the heat, you know, I always say this, the right-o-heat
[18:22] mean being a former player. I know the heat is the one that
[18:26] gets to dedication. Guys, you got you went so far and you did
[18:30] this to accomplish this. It's not just you guys, nobody's
[18:36] giving you this. You guys earned it. This is you guys,
[18:40] You know, your parents sacrificed their time, their energy, their money, their gas money to go see you, and you made them proud, and you made them ready to proud.
[18:50] Me, along with Councilman Wiltierrez, you know, we decided to recognize you, and it was something that it's awesome. Thank you for doing this.
[18:58] Guys, it's just the beginning. You're young. You're going to be up here one day. You might be one of us.
[19:05] continue your dedication, your commitment, that's what it takes to get what
[19:10] you guys are at. Congratulations, good luck in your future endeavors and much
[19:17] respect for you guys what you guys do. I'll pass it out to him to serve with you.
[19:22] Gentlemen, I just want to say congratulations, you are doing a tremendous job representing
[19:27] the City of Laredo and we are so grateful for you all doing so. To the parents
[19:31] It's out there where these young men thank you,
[19:34] because without you behind them,
[19:35] always pushing them they wouldn't get to this level.
[19:38] To the coaches as well.
[19:40] Congratulations, because this means
[19:41] so much hard work coming from you, the players.
[19:45] Thank you.
[19:46] It means the world that you're representing Laredo.
[19:48] Not just in Laredo, Texas, but all over the state
[19:51] and me even possibly further than that.
[19:53] So as council member, I have said,
[19:56] wish you the best in future endeavors.
[19:57] Keep on striving for the best that could help with you are.
[19:59] thank you. Congratulations.
[20:09] Again, congratulations to everybody. I think what's
[20:12] well-deserved any time there's people from the radio that make us proud to be
[20:17] citizens of the radio. We congratulate them. Thank you and congratulations again.
[20:22] Coach, where's the coach?
[20:25] Hey coach, you want to say some words? I know these I got
[20:30] and your guys here and stuff.
[20:32] We'll be going.
[20:33] Thank you.
[20:34] We're hoping to swing it over here so the camera can see it.
[20:37] Well, first of all, I want to thank you all for inviting us
[20:38] and recognizing the baseball team this year.
[20:41] These guys put in a lot of work this year
[20:43] and baseball stuff.
[20:44] It's a tough sport.
[20:45] And I think these guys did what they could this year.
[20:49] Parents, thank you for all your support
[20:50] and for entrusting us with your kids and go bulldogs.
[20:54] We'll be ready for next year.
[20:55] There you go.
[21:02] Mayor council member wants to say a few words to the boys as well.
[21:05] We're going to do that in the individual for Venture.
[21:10] Just really quick, I want this day to go by.
[21:12] I know Coach Lemma is celebrating a milestone.
[21:14] He's surpassed 200 wins this year.
[21:17] Congratulations, Coach.
[21:19] Thank you.
[21:21] Hi,
[24:02] guys.
[24:03] I know you guys this gentleman would not be anything without his teammates.
[24:08] You guys made him what he is right now and work him together as a team, but we also got to recognize that he's done, you know, been a champion.
[24:19] So we want to congratulate Andrew the Leon.
[24:23] you know, like in Andrew, you know,
[24:30] obtaining 2022 new comer of the year, District Champion,
[24:33] 2023 District MVP, first team all-state, first place,
[24:38] 2024 pitcher of the year, District Champion,
[24:40] 2025, District 30, 36 AMBP,
[24:45] and selected to the Texas High School Baseball Coach,
[24:47] Coach's Association, 685 Base South Texas Star Team.
[24:52] Well, that's a lot, congratulations.
[25:02] And the big accomplishment you've done, you know,
[25:04] it's something that, you know, not all of us
[25:06] can be able to do what I'll try, you know.
[25:08] But, you know, I never did it.
[25:11] But, but it's awesome.
[25:12] You know, seeing somebody that going from the radio
[25:14] going all the way, you know, it's awesome.
[25:16] And just keep on doing good luck in your endeavor, brother.
[25:19] I played ball with your daddy.
[25:20] He wasn't as good as you were.
[25:24] But, you know, he'd hit it awesome.
[25:26] And I'm proud of your parents
[25:27] for keeping up with you, pushing you the way your teammates are backing you up all the time,
[25:33] your coaches, your family, your friends. It takes a little bit of to raise a child
[25:38] and you go up to be a great man, so appreciate it, brother, good luck.
[25:49] Again, councilman, thank you for bringing this up. I think it's important to portray all the people
[25:54] that are good for the radio and give us pride to wear the radio once. So keep it up,
[26:00] Congratulations again.
[26:06] First off, I just want to say thank you to everybody.
[26:08] That's here for us not only for myself, but for the whole team.
[26:11] Guys, thank you for everything, you know, your other memories and everything this year.
[26:14] I truly appreciate it.
[26:15] There's been one of y'all.
[26:16] I love all of y'all.
[26:17] I love all of y'all to death.
[26:18] Coaches, thank you all for everything these past four years.
[26:21] You know, I mean, the other great role models, great father figures for some of us.
[26:24] I mean, I appreciate everything both of y'all coached you and coached almost.
[26:28] My parents, dad, mom, I love y'all. Thank you for the endless support, and I want to be here without you all, so thank y'all.
[28:28] One, two, three.
[28:31] One, two, three.
[28:34] One more right here.
[28:47] here we
[28:52] go
[28:54] Smile.
[33:02] A couple of announcements as everyone was aware were celebrating Alzheimer's Awareness Month. And as the radar was ranked number one in prevalence in the state of Texas, we know from the CDC and for family
[33:23] history, environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors. More specifically when it comes to lifestyle factors that contribute to high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, obesity, diabetes, depression, smoking,
[33:40] exercise, alcohol consumption as a community we need to do better for the future
[33:46] generations and I will go more to it with my agenda items.
[34:12] We also have
[34:13] represented from the Rageo Job Corps for some of the public that may not know.
[34:20] The program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and funded by
[34:26] Congress and administered by the Youth Department of Labor to teach young people the academic and
[34:33] vocational skills they need to secure meaningful and lasting employment. The program has
[34:39] held thousands of students stay out of poverty, jail, and drug use.
[34:46] The Greater Job Corps Center
[34:47] offers three career training and education for young adults aged 16 to 24, providing them with
[34:53] skills and tools needed to succeed and to succeed in a variety of industries.
[34:59] It is a residential program which students live on campus, receive meals, and basic medical
[35:06] care.
[35:07] This center also helps students earn their high school diploma or equivalent and provides
[35:12] academic support.
[35:14] In my opinion, we raise a job court has been a pillar for community for decades and when
[35:20] And I was informed that the Department of Labor cancelled the program.
[35:24] I was frankly very shocked.
[35:27] So please, Mrs. Acevede, please come up.
[35:30] And as Chair, I yield to you the floor.
[35:34] Good afternoon, Mayor and Councilmember.
[35:39] The opportunity to stand before you and share all the wonderful stories that have come.
[35:44] Excuse me, your name for the record, please.
[35:45] I'm sorry.
[35:46] I thought you said my name, but I'm not going for it.
[35:48] Three minutes is what I remembered.
[35:50] And I'm the center director for the Laredo Drop Course Center.
[35:56] I just wanted to, we wanted to take the opportunity today to come before you and first and foremost, thank you.
[36:03] And your office mayor for the prompt response to the urgent call this week last week to our closure and Congress members office.
[36:15] also responded very properly and quickly to the need of the young people that were working
[36:21] with in Laredo.
[36:22] I'm very proud to report back to Council members and to the community that we have a dedicated
[36:27] group of individuals that for decades have continuously proven that the performance at the
[36:35] the Job Corps Center in Laredo has rated either top 5 or top 10 in the country.
[36:43] Out of 121 jobs, of course, under throughout the nation, the Laredo Job Corps has produced
[36:49] great results.
[36:51] It is without reason that we are tremendously saddened by the news of the closure and we eagerly
[36:57] look for members of the council or other opportunities in the community to see how we can continue
[37:03] to do the work.
[37:04] I have some ideas I'm looking forward to opportunity to discuss with members of the council and congress member of his career in the later future.
[37:13] We have 220 young people and I'm happy to report back that the staff from Laredo with their commitment, dedication and pride have safely made sure that all students have a place to go and own three remaining on our facilities as of today.
[37:37] Thank you so much for sharing that information, and I am hopeful because it was dismantle perhaps
[37:48] there's an opportunity for it to be reconfigured once it goes through the core process.
[37:54] But we really appreciate the work that you do.
[37:57] I think the rate of job core has been stated, has really given opportunities to youth who perhaps didn't follow an academic path, but still are looking towards building a future.
[38:10] And the rate of job core has played such an important role in helping students have a vision and have hope for a brighter future.
[38:18] and so I am sure with the mayor's leadership that the city can do what it can to help in that process and find you a way to move forward because it would be a shame if these students weren't able to continue to develop so that they can become essentially contributing members to our society.
[38:42] That's what we're all looking for, and thank you for the success of your program in the past.
[38:47] Just a question, where did these children that were there or the young adults, where did
[38:53] they get transferred to or put into now because when I received a call Friday afternoon,
[38:58] there was 220 people and they called me with an emergency that these people, young adults,
[39:04] were going to be homeless.
[39:07] Where did they go?
[39:07] You see, after we left now?
[39:09] Yes.
[39:10] And it's actually 220 is our capacity and active on our campus as of Friday.
[39:16] We had 194 students about 50 of them are non-resident students so they don't live on our property they commute daily in average about 50 to 65 on a program year that is our number and the rest of the young people either we transported back home some of them are from San Antonio from local areas some of them are here from Laredo so we've been transporting students over the weekend we had a total of 25 students at a time on Saturday night.
[39:46] So throughout the time the numbers have significantly changed because of the work of the staff.
[39:53] And the three you have left now?
[39:55] Yes, the three that we have left now are students that have disclosed not having to
[40:00] be placed to go.
[40:01] So we're working with them to make sure that they have somewhere to go.
[40:04] One of them I can tell you, he is one of our welder students.
[40:08] He has to see place to go, but he has continuously worked through this time.
[40:13] He lives in San Antonio, and for him it doesn't make sense to drive back and forth for employment.
[40:18] So we're letting him work and give out his appropriate notice to the employer.
[40:22] Okay, if you do have any problems getting any type of a home or a safe situation,
[40:26] please let our staff know the work on your direction.
[40:28] Thank you.
[40:29] Thank you.
[40:29] Thank you for that.
[40:34] Work that the Laredo Job Corps students have done has a tremendous economic support to the
[40:41] in Laredo Business Community.
[40:43] As of Friday, we had a total of 36 businesses
[40:47] that were working with us with our internship program.
[40:51] And it's a huge impact to our community as well.
[40:54] I do want to point out that several communities,
[40:57] several businesses up and down the street,
[40:58] main streets are owned by former job court students.
[41:03] And definitely I think it's something to look into and consider
[41:06] and I look forward to the conversations.
[41:08] And I thank you for this time and the support.
[41:10] And if by some reason you can find an adequate living situation for this one student, do you have any alternative plan?
[41:22] We do. We've been chatting with him and looking at possibilities of roommates situation with other students, potentially looking at rental properties that offer opportunities for young adults and transitional living homes that we have any here in the area.
[41:36] and for the most part he's considering just going back to Senate on you.
[41:41] Our whole visit, it would stay in Maria.
[41:43] Yes, go ahead.
[41:44] Yes, sir.
[41:45] The impact, obviously, is his filter on the city when and if they find out about this.
[41:50] I just find out about this right now.
[41:54] It's really a bad thing.
[41:56] I'm just wondering if any of them are going to get to go or get transferred over to the Senate.
[41:59] That was top court location.
[42:01] That one was axed off.
[42:03] You know, sir, unfortunately the way this was done,
[42:07] it was across the country.
[42:09] It's not a unique situation to Laredo.
[42:12] It's for the entire nation, all 121 centers received.
[42:17] The notice, the same day, the Congress members office
[42:20] received the notice.
[42:22] As staff, we found out because Congress members office
[42:26] and Gloria notified us.
[42:28] The notice went out at 3 p.m. publicly
[42:30] and that's when we were notified as well.
[42:34] And unfortunately, the notice came out with eight paws.
[42:38] However, Department of Labor indicated contract negotiations
[42:44] and contract limitations, which included ending the services
[42:49] for the students by the second, which is today.
[42:56] I'm sure we're here.
[42:56] We are having additional questions.
[42:58] Yes, go ahead.
[42:59] What was the budget?
[43:00] If you know the budget nationally for all of these drop core centers, and then what was the budget for?
[43:07] I definitely don't want to give you false information or misleading numbers, but I know roughly for a student at drop core minimum,
[43:16] we're looking at minimum 36, $40,000 a year depending on their need.
[43:21] Now, it's important to recognize the job core is not just an educational, vocational training facility, it is residential.
[43:27] So, we do provide full housing along with full medical support for the students.
[43:33] A lot of our young people that are in our program have never been diagnosed with any type
[43:37] of mental health concerns,
[43:41] diagnosis for them so that they can be successful in the
[43:44] workplace.
[43:45] And that includes costs of medication.
[43:47] So, it ranges anywhere from, like I said, minimum 36,000 a year to up to 60,000, depending
[43:53] on each individual's needs.
[43:55] So, an example of really investing in youth and trying to develop all of the talent that
[44:01] we have.
[44:02] Absolutely, or investing in young Americans, these are students that are not necessarily
[44:06] as described in the false report that is indicated that led to this decision, these are students
[44:12] that are you as citizens, that need the opportunity to work, and perhaps college is not for them.
[44:18] And we've also had young people that have gone to college, gone to bachelor's degree, and
[44:22] realized this was at my passion and they get into the field to become apprentices, join unions,
[44:29] and become part of this field work in our country. So it's very disappointing, very disheartening.
[44:35] I have family that is graduated from Job Corps and been with the Job Corps Network for over 10 years.
[44:41] And a lot of us have that story here. Laredo, some of our staff have been with the Laredo Job Corps since
[44:47] it opened 47 years ago. And we had to let them go. I'm going to stand for our practice.
[44:53] a total of a hundred and four
[44:57] Friday. Another huge economical
[45:00] Our city, as of Friday, 36 employees were let go.
[45:05] Six additional ones today, this afternoon, Friday, another group of 20, 30 individuals. And then up to the 30, another, another dozen there. Yes, go ahead. Did you say there would be some kind of with the federal government cuts. They've been doing some severance packages three months or six or four of pay. Are they going to, are they completely cut without pay altogether? I wouldn't be able to give you that information.
[45:31] that has been handled through the company and a third-party HR, and I don't receive that information
[45:39] because it's been handled directly with the employee. I can ask them follow-up, certainly.
[45:43] Nice to meet you. Absolutely. Mr. Hernandez, do we have the information
[45:46] regarding to those employees if they have any severance pay or what's going to happen to them,
[45:52] or do they go to work force commission? I believe that's where they would need to go,
[45:59] So I have no other information on that right now, I think we were working on the emergency
[46:04] and then working our way back from that, so.
[46:08] Mayor, I will add that the order from Department of Labor included referring our students to
[46:13] work for solutions.
[46:15] However, they were already part of work for solutions, they were part nervous, they
[46:19] visited our campus, they were already part of the network as the legislation under the
[46:23] the work for Innovation Opportunity Act requires us to partner with them.
[46:27] So it's very ironic that they would ask us to refer back to someone that we already partner with.
[46:34] Also considering the cuts that may happen within that area as well.
[46:39] And I would just add though, please keep us in the check and we'll help where we can.
[46:44] Certainly, thank you for that.
[46:46] Thank you for the response and yours, I appreciate it.
[46:49] Thank you, all right?
[46:53] We're seeing with number 15
[47:02] Come have
[47:11] This is on the item
[47:30] All right, well, thank you, menace.
[47:33] No, we have a motion.
[47:35] No, motion, yes.
[47:36] A motion on the floor.
[47:37] A second.
[47:38] A second.
[47:39] A second.
[47:39] A second.
[47:40] A second.
[47:40] A second.
[47:41] A second.
[47:50] A second.
[47:50] I am the academic manager at the River Job Corps.
[47:54] I appreciate you inviting me here to go ahead
[47:56] and speak on behalf of my school, our training program.
[48:03] I'm here representing Jim Cutters.
[48:05] Now, water Jim Cutters, Jim Cutters, of course,
[48:07] just like the things this.
[48:08] They go ahead and they cut gems, they polish gems,
[48:11] and that's what we do at Job Corps.
[48:13] Because all the gems we have, they're students.
[48:15] They're diamonds and they're rough.
[48:17] Now, what gives a diamond its value?
[48:18] is it just the Earth that creates a partially yes,
[48:22] but it's also the jump cutter that publishes them,
[48:25] that cuts away the impurities that goes away
[48:27] and prepares us so we can have its real value.
[48:29] And that's what we do at Job Corps.
[48:32] We prepare them, okay?
[48:34] We prepare them for real life skills,
[48:37] to be out there in the workforce,
[48:39] to be out there and going ahead and providing
[48:41] and being productive members of society.
[48:44] I wanna go ahead and take this opportunity,
[48:46] you just not to just go ahead and tell you about what Mr. Sarah so
[48:52] eloquently went ahead and put just personal. May 11, 2023, I suffered from a
[49:00] wound in my right leg.
[49:03] That same day the doctor certainly had done everything
[49:06] could. If you want to survive, we're gonna have to amputate. So be it. After I got
[49:14] to rehab at a specialty center, great folks over there, by the way. I was having breakfast
[49:19] in my wheelchair, but all of a sudden I heard that she saw her horse. Mr. Jim Ennis,
[49:25] I turned around. It was one of our CNA students, Marie Contreras. She says, what are you doing here?
[49:33] And then I just pointed down to my leg, where my leg used to be, and she's like, oh, okay. And she
[49:39] She sat down, she spoke with me, and then she went ahead and once I finished my meal,
[49:44] she will meet back up to my room.
[49:47] She went ahead and had her social sign to that floor, and she helped me not just meet
[49:51] but everybody on that floor.
[49:53] She helped me transition from being a person who had walked on two legs for most of his
[50:01] life, to somebody having to transition, to being an aptitude, transitioning from the
[50:07] bed to wheelchair. Going to the restroom with one leg, not an easy task. And this is
[50:16] what we do edge up for now. Unfortunately I didn't get to see her finish out
[50:20] because I was still in rehab when she finished her work-based learning. But
[50:25] that's what we do edge up for. We go ahead and we provide the training for the
[50:31] students. In my particular area, we do academics. We provide GED classes for those students.
[50:39] A GED by the way, that carries the same weight because it is also gun ahead and judged by the Texas education agency.
[50:49] There are the ones that go ahead and certified. There are the ones that provide the GED. It is proctored by them.
[50:56] And we have had many graduates there at Jobboard.
[51:02] One example, real quickly, we had a student to graduate from Jobboard.
[51:08] Went into the United States Air Force on high position as a transitor.
[51:11] He was my student, English language splurder.
[51:15] And then he went ahead and graduated from us and got accepted into the United States Air Force.
[51:20] And there he was a transitor.
[51:22] FBI came in to investigate him, do background checks on him, a great thing that we did.
[51:28] I just like him, there's many other stores.
[51:31] So I hope that you, individuals, use people who have contributed so much to this community
[51:38] can go ahead and influence which you can.
[51:41] The powers are being Washington to go ahead and continue funding job court in the future
[51:46] because it's not just a program that seems a theory it actually works. It works for LIDEL and it works for the nation.
[51:57] So thank you for your time and thank you for your service to the community.
[52:01] Thank you very much.
[52:05] Next is Dr. Anjana.
[52:23] Good evening Mayor, I'm Roman Mayor and Council Member, and everyone present here.
[52:29] I'm Dr. Angela Becker, I'm a project manager at the Opinion International Study Centre
[52:34] and with me I have a colleague.
[52:36] Hello, good evening, Dr. Amar Romero, Mayor and Councilman.
[52:39] My name is Chris Urahael Bright, and I serve as the
[52:41] European International Science Center, Community Engagement Partnership Officer.
[52:46] And we're here today to invite you all for the workshop.
[52:49] I mean, first you workshop that is going to be on June 7th, from 9 to 12 for Laredo
[52:55] and 2 to 5 for Nobel Laredo.
[52:58] So to begin with that, like as you all know, Laredo and International Science Center,
[53:03] we work for the quality of people's life that includes air and for that we are working
[53:09] in one project called by National Community Air Monitoring Project. For that project we
[53:14] have installed 19-air location in Laredo and Navilarito. One of the part was to collect
[53:19] the data which is kind of gap in Laredo right now. So we already collected data from 19
[53:26] location all air sensors were up on by the January so it's already three months so we're
[53:33] going to see that first part of data if you want to go and we already have created a data
[53:38] dashboard in our Rio Grande Data National History Center website under air quality and it's
[53:43] PM2.5 which will be updated twice early so you can go and check the data for Laredo and
[53:49] Navidad over there so that was the part of the data collection and data dissemination we have
[53:54] to all the components on this project that's related to the community engagement and
[53:59] unpacking to part, it's wonderful. So, the next few objectives that we have for this workshop
[54:04] is community engagement, community
[54:10] engagement partnership officer, the Airs, the
[54:19] Tattivision,
[54:19] Tamar Homes,
[54:23] and Cisco, have you.
[54:34] When somebody to be a part of that by National Air Council,
[54:37] because we all have been saying here, so we are already a part of that council,
[54:42] whether we like it or not. And other than that, we have an executive committee of four members
[54:48] members from Laredo and for members from Laredo are from can you professors, academic
[54:55] that belongs to, and Kanya Penevi is community and the one from our whole community itself,
[55:03] Mr. Iwardo,
[55:07] but from different fields, so
[55:13] the better with all.
[55:22] So, this workshop will going to be a major role in that part because we want to have this
[55:27] workshop as a hands-on workshop where University of Math is from University of Massachusetts
[55:33] and our justice, our professor, your doctor teacher will be coming down to give us basic
[55:39] information, not only basic, it can go as deep as we want about the air quality of
[55:44] Laredo and Navilarito and he will be doing some hands on activities, it's open to community,
[55:48] it's totally free, so we all can learn together and I want me to send someone from there actually
[55:55] to our bilateral council plus to the workshop itself and everyone is welcome including
[56:01] Thank you all that
[56:04] much.
[56:05] We did a few flyers.
[56:06] I'm not sure.
[56:06] Y'all received them or not.
[56:07] Yes.
[56:10] Thank you.
[56:10] Thank you.
[56:14] Well, this is already 45.
[56:15] We didn't receive the flyers.
[56:17] I don't know.
[56:18] Would you be able to pass them?
[56:22] Thank you.
[56:24] Yeah.
[56:24] Let's say I'm 45.
[56:26] You're welcome.
[56:27] Okay.
[56:28] Do you want to start?
[56:28] I'll speak now.
[56:29] If you want to break out.
[56:31] I mean, wait a minute.
[56:32] Let's get one.
[56:33] Let's show you.
[56:35] I have 43 and 44.
[56:45] All right, we'll
[56:52] proceed with from an Emerald 15 number 43.
[57:00] Discussed with hospital action of future international bridge sites and any matters related there to
[57:11] Mr. Rees. Mr. Rees, the problem is that you brought up on an item number. We're not there yet.
[57:20] I understand that. Do what you like to speak?
[57:22] I wanted to speak in public comment for item 45.
[57:25] Okay. Okay. Do you want to speak there before?
[57:28] All right.
[57:43] for the record on the team Reese taxpayer and veteran advocate we advocated recently against a bond simply because there's no trust and there is no bond
[57:59] No trust in some council members, no trust in police officers that refuse to take witness statements, or victim statements, or simply write a simple police report.
[58:15] I'm not in this to reward failure.
[58:21] As I understand, we are going to, on Salis, requested this item and sponsored by
[58:29] Richmondwood Terrace and Ricardo Rashida Kid. And it's for a half million dollar
[58:36] police trip. Where? At the police headquarters, a multi-million-dollar building that was
[58:44] paying for by taxpayer money for a building built on property that doesn't belong to the city.
[58:52] Is that smart of our city to build a multi million dollar building in somebody else's property?
[59:02] And now you want to throw a half million dollars on a gym?
[59:05] Some,
[59:18] I've ever owned all day and I see substations that are left abandoned, even the downtown facilities
[59:28] abandoned.
[59:30] Are you going to build a gym and then this is going to be abandoned as well, like the police
[59:35] substations?
[59:37] That's not smart in any way, superform.
[59:40] But I do support my police officers, like me, they are shaking, down the walls, down
[59:51] being walls, some of them, and they need that exercise, so why don't the police officers
[1:00:00] Fire department, use of rec centers, use of rec centers or use the one high school obstacle course.
[1:00:09] That will increase police presence and fire department presence at our rec centers around our community to help our community. That will benefit everyone and not just the police department and not just the fire department. Then gather physical data. How many offers?
[1:00:32] officers or fire department employees really worked out and improved their health back with data before they throw taxpayer money their way.
[1:00:45] But if you guys want our interested in throwing away money, you have a hefty discretionary funds.
[1:00:54] Okay, which in my opinion shouldn't happen.
[1:00:57] You should help our job course because they help our community.
[1:01:00] thank you so much. Thank you. All right. Thank you. We'll proceed with number 45,
[1:01:09] and 43, but in 15, we're 43. Discussion with path of action on future international bridge
[1:01:17] sites and any matter related there to sponsored mayor pro them, but it's a bettis. I brought
[1:01:25] up to sign them up because we're, we await the approval of the Columbia Solidary Bridge
[1:01:30] expansion.
[1:01:31] I wanted to start to look toward the future, especially since Laredo has been in the
[1:01:36] bridge business for over 100 years since 1889 and our general fund depends on this revenue
[1:01:42] source.
[1:01:44] In my opinion, as the number one port of entry to the Western Hemisphere, I believe we
[1:01:49] We waited too long for the World Trade Bridge expansion, and as a result, we're paying
[1:01:54] the price in terms of loss of market share, congestion, loss of productivity, and
[1:02:02] missions.
[1:02:03] This goes hand in hand with us working with Senator Kuhl's office and Congressman Quayar
[1:02:09] and Congressman Musalis to bring back the fast track and expedite a review process.
[1:02:17] So learning from our history, this proposal is more along the lines of incorporating potential
[1:02:22] international bridge crossing with our 10-year, 20-year, 30-year plans and modifying them
[1:02:29] as they relate to the changes in pedestrian, non-commercial and commercial and rail opportunities.
[1:02:37] So it is my initial moment of motion to a struck management to come back with a plan incorporating
[1:02:44] these potential international crossing that will benefit the city of Laredo, the areas
[1:02:51] that are mentioned.
[1:02:52] I'll take a look at that motion.
[1:02:54] Second.
[1:02:55] All in favor?
[1:02:57] Not going to.
[1:02:57] No.
[1:02:58] Both.
[1:02:59] Motion passed.
[1:03:01] Next is number 44.
[1:03:05] Discussed with possible action on creating a healthy neighborhood challenge to encourage
[1:03:09] focus, promote physical activity in public health and are medically
[1:03:14] underserved community, and any matters related there too.
[1:03:19] Now, this item I brought it up. I said initiative to piggyback on the challenge
[1:03:23] we had earlier this year between communities within the state and to bring it
[1:03:28] down to a local level either between neighborhoods or districts where we
[1:03:34] encourage more physical activity in our communities. We keep ranking number
[1:03:39] number one in the top percentile of the United States when it comes to illness and disease
[1:03:45] because a number of factors as primary ones are lifestyle.
[1:03:52] So whatever we can do at Council to encourage a change is a good thing.
[1:03:58] My motion would be to instruct management to work with the health department to promote
[1:04:02] challenge within our city between the neighborhood or districts to see who can log the most
[1:04:09] Steps or physical activity for select the period of time for recognition or whatever the council feels appropriate. That is my motion.
[1:04:19] I will second that motion.
[1:04:21] Motion second.
[1:04:23] Discussion.
[1:04:25] Mayor.
[1:04:26] Go ahead.
[1:04:27] Present.
[1:04:28] Good evening, Mayor.
[1:04:28] Members of the City Council, Dr. Richard Chamberlain, your public health director.
[1:04:32] I want to say thank you, Mayor, for bringing this item to the floor of the council chambers.
[1:04:36] there isn't enough awareness or education or information that's out there that lets us know the importance of physical activity
[1:04:43] as you as a physician definitely knows the importance of physical activity on longevity and vitality
[1:04:49] so this opportunity to work within the physical activity realm within the neighborhoods is a beautiful initiative to bring to life
[1:04:57] and we just wanted to say that once the agenda was published we already started brainstorming on this initiative
[1:05:05] basically bringing it all to an app. So that would be our only way to make this work, which is what happened. We're looking to launch this with the other events I'm going to that's like just if you are able to see.
[1:05:21] We're looking to launch this in October of 2025 because we're already working on a public health games, which would be in September, then where you're working on piece of
[1:05:31] will be, which is October, and then of course we have the
[1:05:33] Lurego Marathon in November. So we want to make sure that we
[1:05:35] continue to have this level of physical activity and brandy at
[1:05:38] the city level that is going to be focusing, of course, on
[1:05:41] the population that demonstrate and that we do have these
[1:05:43] initiatives that are locally homegrown, organic, and for the
[1:05:47] people, for their heart, for their mind, for the social.
[1:05:50] Great. Thank you.
[1:05:51] Thank you.
[1:05:54] Dr. Chamberlain, I guess I'm not surprised that you are, you're
[1:05:58] already have a plan about activities and how to reach people. I think this idea of reaching
[1:06:06] into the neighborhoods and creating better communication with them because the only way we're
[1:06:10] going to be able to measure their activity is to have a means to communicate and for them to reach
[1:06:15] back out to the city, right? So I do think that's going to be really important. We always as a city,
[1:06:24] I feel that we find it very difficult to reach out to our public and to get that engagement
[1:06:30] back.
[1:06:31] So I think if this is one of the ways to do that with this very personalized interest
[1:06:36] in people's health, I think it's a great thing.
[1:06:40] I'm wondering if perhaps, and this would be a discussion with management, to get the
[1:06:46] PIO involved or communication people involved so that at the city level we can piggyback
[1:06:54] on this outreach that you're doing to the community and use it for other
[1:06:58] departments and other ways to continue that healthy communication between
[1:07:03] neighborhoods and and the city government. So thank you for this.
[1:07:07] You're welcome to come to the conversation. I'm going to start self-suffering.
[1:07:10] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
[1:07:11] May I have three, but item number 33?
[1:07:14] We have one over here.
[1:07:15] We have one over here.
[1:07:15] We have one over here.
[1:07:16] We have one over here.
[1:07:17] We have one over here.
[1:07:18] We have one over here.
[1:07:19] Yeah, for the question on favor on favor I propose motion passes I don't I don't have a 3-3 mayor motion very
[1:07:28] 33. 33 motion second on favor are opposed motion passes number 33 it's
[1:07:44] Consideration to approve an amendment to the contact of the link with tax attorneys
[1:07:48] in Florida's analysis analysis BLLC by removing section 10, which required the delinquent
[1:07:55] tax attorney to mail a 30-day notice, 15-day notice for personal property, prior to filing
[1:08:02] a lawsuit and the attorney requests to let it re-link with this notice after file lawsuits
[1:08:07] as soon as the link with accounts are turned over for collection in an effort to generate
[1:08:13] more revenue for the city.
[1:08:14] There's no financial impact at this time.
[1:08:20] Good evening Mayor and council members.
[1:08:24] Do you have any questions with regard to this item?
[1:08:28] Make a motion to accept.
[1:08:30] Motion second.
[1:08:31] On favor?
[1:08:32] I vote.
[1:08:34] Motion passes.
[1:08:35] Thank you.
[1:08:36] Thank you.
[1:08:36] Thank you.
[1:08:39] Mayor, if I may, I'd like to motion to open up public hearings and interrupt your ordinances.
[1:09:04] Another.
[1:09:06] and it's 2025-2026, one-year action plan, which identifies the products proposed to be funded by the youth department of housing and urban development.
[1:09:13] The city anticipates receiving two of the energy to 9,543 and the 51st action here canary development block grant, funds and 146,102 to the home and personal partnership program, and 266,104,95 to the emergency use of grants.
[1:09:27] an additional 80,000 that has been received
[1:09:29] and have the rehabilitation for involving loan funds
[1:09:31] and a hundred and 25,000 home programings
[1:09:34] from the follow-up project are proposed.
[1:09:38] 51st AY20 development block grant,
[1:09:40] community development administration,
[1:09:41] private 170,108.
[1:09:43] Housing rehabilitation administration,
[1:09:45] a hundred and 7,635.
[1:09:46] Housing rehabilitation loan program, 800,000 home
[1:09:49] the services, Bethany House expansion project,
[1:09:50] 400,000 section, 108 loan repayment, 400,000
[1:09:54] rental rehabilitation program, 300,000 total,
[1:09:56] a little $2,850,9,443 revolving loan housing rehabilitation for
[1:10:01] golfing on administration, 10,000-thousand rehabilitation for
[1:10:04] golfing loan programs, 70,000 total, 80,000 home investment
[1:10:08] partnership grants, home program administration, 94,500
[1:10:11] down payment assistance programs, 180,000 tenant based rental
[1:10:14] assistance, 300,000 safety park, 1000 community housing development
[1:10:17] organization, 180,000 homeowner recognition program, 130,
[1:10:20] 2,400, 2,800, send home affordable rental housing program,
[1:10:24] 150,000 total, 1,171,088 cents, emergency solutions grant ESG program
[1:10:30] administration, 20,000 emergency shelter shelter operation, 85,000,
[1:10:33] emergency shelter services, 30,000, 3,000, 3,000, 3,500,
[1:10:37] rapid rehousing, 40,000, 45 dollars, homelessness prevention, 50,000 homeless
[1:10:41] management information systems, 6,000, 450 for a total of 266,095.
[1:10:48] Number two, amending chapter 18 article five, the cigarette of
[1:10:50] of ordinances and changes in title of Article 5 District, Certificate of Occupancy to establish
[1:10:54] clauses and procedures for the issuance maintenance and historical record keeping as Certificates
[1:10:58] of Occupancy, Presidio Plurado, and established framework for addressing missing and certificates
[1:11:01] of occupancy for long-standing businesses and properties to ensure regulatory compliance
[1:11:05] and public safety while minimizing underbirds on property owners and adding section 18 to 27
[1:11:10] and title record-keeping and green statement process, providing the ordinance to be cumulative, providing
[1:11:14] for severability clause and providing for publication in a perfect date.
[1:11:17] Number three, public insurance recovery ordinance,
[1:11:19] extended in a minute because this will be 225.959
[1:11:22] with one regional administration budget
[1:11:23] by appropriate national revenues and expenditures provided
[1:11:25] by the commission on state emergency communication
[1:11:27] in the amount of $430,000 to the fund.
[1:11:29] The NG-911 program of South Texas Region,
[1:11:32] including Jim Hawks for our website about the counties
[1:11:34] to making total on the biennium of $7 million,
[1:11:36] $225,000, $115 for the period of the beginning
[1:11:38] of September 1st, 233 through August 31st, 255.
[1:11:41] Number four, public insurance recovery ordinance,
[1:11:43] all-board city management, grant a non-existent
[1:11:45] franchise to Dr. Rescue LLC to use it prevent, to use the president of future streets,
[1:11:49] alleys, avenues, alleys, roads, highways, sideways, easement, and other public rights that
[1:11:54] we have city of Laredo-Tex for more percent of the structure, maintain operating, decommission
[1:11:57] container reviews, gathering, and it's supposed to serve as a setting for alternative conditions
[1:12:01] to govern the franchise.
[1:12:02] Provide a set of separability costs and saving costs, and an effective date franchise he will
[1:12:05] be deposit into the general fund.
[1:12:07] Number five, in ordinance, the city council's city of Laredo-Tex is authorized, city manager
[1:12:10] to amend the city of Laredo-Tex for twenty-five, capital grant fund to appropriate
[1:12:13] It will be driving as it expresses the amount of $1,516,770 for the text department of transportation.
[1:12:19] Tons of transportation alternatives at the site grant for the
[1:12:22] preceding improvement of the construction of sidewalks, curb gutters,
[1:12:25] cross-service materials, pavement marking, lighting, sandskating, and select utility relocation
[1:12:29] along cleanness avenue between Ithorvita and Water Street.
[1:12:32] The local max will be funded by the Tech Increment Reinvestment Zone, zone number one,
[1:12:35] turns number one, grant will be allocated in the grant cap.
[1:12:38] In the capital grant fund providing that this warning shall be cumulative,
[1:12:41] provided a severability clause, provided for publication at the current effect of the date.
[1:12:46] All right. Number one.
[1:12:50] Okay.
[1:12:54] Ready?
[1:12:55] Ready.
[1:12:56] Okay.
[1:12:58] Well, if you read number one.
[1:13:00] Four or against?
[1:13:01] Four or against?
[1:13:02] Four or against?
[1:13:03] Four or against?
[1:13:04] Motion to close and introduce?
[1:13:05] Second.
[1:13:05] Motion to second. All the favor?
[1:13:07] Both.
[1:13:08] Both will pass.
[1:13:10] Number two.
[1:13:11] second.
[1:13:12] 4 against 4 against 4 against.
[1:13:15] Motion to close and introduce.
[1:13:17] Motion.
[1:13:19] Second.
[1:13:20] On favor.
[1:13:22] Both motion passed.
[1:13:23] Number three.
[1:13:25] 4 against 4 against.
[1:13:29] Motion to close and introduce.
[1:13:30] Second.
[1:13:31] Motion and second.
[1:13:32] On favor.
[1:13:33] Opposal.
[1:13:34] Motion passed.
[1:13:35] Number four.
[1:13:36] 4 against 4 against 4 against 4 against.
[1:13:39] here. I have a question. Yes, go ahead. I, Mr. Dan, I realized that these trash collection
[1:13:50] companies come to the city and they're just looking for permission to use the streets and be able
[1:13:57] to open their business. But we've had so many of them just since I've been here. And I wonder
[1:14:05] at some point if controlled the car wash is from opening the proliferation of those businesses,
[1:14:15] if we could have a review of how many companies are actually trying to operate, because I do
[1:14:22] think there's something to be said for having a plethora of businesses and then really not having
[1:14:29] enough business to sustain a profitability margin for them. So I don't mean for it to apply to this one,
[1:14:35] But perhaps we could have our department look at the number and see if there is maybe
[1:14:47] or something that gives us a better idea to make sure that everybody has
[1:14:53] an advantage to have a successful business.
[1:14:56] Mayor and City Council and we can
[1:15:09] So, that's what you're talking about is reducing the number of franchisees that we allow to utilize within our facility. I think within the city. So, we are obligated through the health and safety of within the statutes that were responsible for all trash collection within the city. And that's why we utilize the franchises for these types of facilities.
[1:15:33] So we could look at that. I don't think there's anything that it ties us to not reducing the number and locking. Yeah, so I'm getting that not there. So so we can look at that. I know that we're doing a lot of conversation with solid weight right now.
[1:15:47] So happy to put that on that list as well, too. But I would recommend approving this one.
[1:15:53] I'll move to it's closing in to the second motion second non-favorite
[1:15:58] both motion passed
[1:16:00] number five four against four against motion a club to introduce
[1:16:06] motion second on favor both motion passes may are capital to introduce or this is six seven and eight
[1:16:14] No, I'm not sure if he did.
[1:16:19] As the motion to approve final ordinances,
[1:16:22] final reading of ordinances 9, 10, 11, 12,
[1:16:27] 13, 14, 15, 16.
[1:16:31] Skip 16.
[1:16:32] If he could skip 16.
[1:16:35] 16.
[1:16:35] Okay.
[1:16:38] 17 and 18.
[1:16:40] All right, motion.
[1:16:54] The question is that I will be abstaining from that vote, so I would just like to not be included.
[1:16:59] No, no, it's the first and the second.
[1:17:02] Second.
[1:17:03] The second.
[1:17:03] The last question.
[1:17:08] Second.
[1:17:09] We'll do.
[1:17:09] Second.
[1:17:09] You have to approve.
[1:17:16] Second.
[1:17:22] Second.
[1:17:29] If Y-25-056 environment health solution software, that's going to be the amendment motion to approve as well. Number 28
[1:17:38] 29-30
[1:17:41] We'll hold on on 29
[1:17:43] To approve 30, 31-32
[1:17:47] 33 has been done. 34-35
[1:17:52] That's the motions. All right.
[1:18:06] We're back on the roll 29.
[1:18:12] Discussion with possible action to approve the proposed changes to the medical insurance rates for the city of the right of health and benefits plan for all employees, retirees and dependents.
[1:18:21] funding will be available on the Health and Benefits Fund.
[1:18:24] Ms. Niente, I don't disagree with moving forward with this, but the question you gave
[1:18:32] a very detailed and I think comprehensive explanation for how we would proceed with
[1:18:37] funding the Health Benefits at our budget meeting, and I thank you for that.
[1:18:42] I do think that there was one question that remained unanswered, and that was if the recommendation
[1:18:48] is to have a healthy reserve fund and the increase that is required by this plan
[1:18:55] necessitates actually not depleting, but decreasing that fund to make budget.
[1:19:04] What is the plan in the future to restore the reserve fund and also to reach the new
[1:19:12] higher amount that's been recommended by our financial council?
[1:19:18] Mayor and council members will end up ending the human resources director I along with our budget director and our consultants have been working on it
[1:19:25] If we did not do anything to modify our plan as today's month as the workshops ingest in today's ordinance is suggesting if we do not do anything we did
[1:19:34] Clean it if we do this plan modification will be able to then see a upswing on those
[1:19:40] applications and we have people out of our PPO plan and we put them into our
[1:19:46] deductible plan what that does is start building up our reserves. So we need to
[1:19:51] give people out of that comfortable PPO or they're bringing more out of
[1:19:55] pocket. We know for a fact that more than 1,000 more employees do not hit the
[1:19:59] $1,000 a year. So if I can get them out of there we're gonna have a savings. We're
[1:20:03] projecting and all and I'll see if we see budget. If we move it if we modify our
[1:20:08] plan the way we're projecting the way our consultants are recommending we'll start seeing possibly a two million every year uptick
[1:20:14] So we're hoping in five years and we'll be able to gauge it in the next year
[1:20:17] So to see if those two million dollars in our research will start developing at that point
[1:20:22] Give us get us to what we need to be as an organization
[1:20:25] That is incredibly good news. Thank you. Thank you very much and for the plan. Yes, appreciate it. I'll move to close
[1:20:39] but we go back to communications number six number one just a table that
[1:20:44] item otherwise there was nothing said on that item we'll table in for now until
[1:20:47] there's a president presenter here okay could I comment before we table
[1:20:52] absolutely so I do know according to just Facebook posts the pride parade is
[1:20:58] taking place on this Saturday I wish I had better information about the details
[1:21:02] but you find it on Facebook or find it on Instagram this has become an annual
[1:21:06] event and it's very joyful and it's a lot of fun it happens downtown so it'll
[1:21:12] happen on June 7th. Look to social media to find those details.
[1:22:25] Good evening, Mayor. Members of the Council, my name is Vanessa Fula-Zola, the Public Art
[1:22:30] Program Manager, and I'm going to be talking about the Dorado Public Art Program today.
[1:22:35] So before I get into it, I want to introduce you guys to myself and our team. Currently
[1:22:41] I am the only one in the arts and culture team.
[1:22:45] So we do have our fine arts and culture commission
[1:22:48] with us, and we have them backing us as support
[1:22:52] and by us I mean me.
[1:22:54] And I also have the library team
[1:22:56] and Dr. Chamberlain as well supporting me.
[1:22:59] So a little bit about me, I have a bachelor's degree
[1:23:01] in mathematics in art.
[1:23:03] So you will see that I'm very data driven
[1:23:07] and data oriented with things,
[1:23:09] but then I'm also creative as well and I studied art and literature in Italy for two semesters.
[1:23:17] So when going through the Laredo art master plan and the ordinance, living in a place where
[1:23:23] art and culture is like part of the fabric of Italy, I can honestly understand what it is you guys
[1:23:30] are trying to do because all the life over there is completely different compared to Laredo.
[1:23:35] So I completely understand what y'all's objectives are when you work my
[1:23:42] experience is primarily
[1:23:43] in education.
[1:23:44] So for 13 years, I worked with an education, some roles that I had, I was a research assistant,
[1:23:52] I was also at John faculty and more recently I was a manager at Laredo College, I was in
[1:23:58] charge of the mathematics tutors there.
[1:24:01] And then within the past seven years, I co-own a small arc business here in Laredo.
[1:24:06] and if you ask me some things that I do on the left hand side you can see some
[1:24:12] of the pieces that I have created. I like to joke that I am a jack-of-all-trace
[1:24:18] master of none, master of one. So I like both 2D and 3D work, so that is why I
[1:24:27] mostly focus on multi-media. So I do painting, photography, digital art. You can
[1:24:34] see on the language is wood burning and then the actual frames.
[1:24:43] So since
[1:24:43] Laredo is an import, we wanted to use these reclaimed wood to actually make
[1:24:49] things out of discarded wood that people have just thrown away. So this is a
[1:24:53] way for us to save on our overhead
[1:24:58] for a wish, one of the things that people thought
[1:25:00] would trash. So I also do focus on 3D works. So I do sculpture, woodworking, interior
[1:25:07] your design and on the right-hand image you can see a macrame project which is a room
[1:25:14] divider. It is over 8 feet tall and required over 600 yards of cord and took over three
[1:25:21] months to make. So I'm a very patient person. So it's perfect for working here.
[1:25:28] Enough about
[1:25:29] me. Let's get into why I'm here. So the purpose of this presentation is just to go over our
[1:25:35] programs, objectives, goals, and the procedures, guiding the implementation of the Laredo Art
[1:25:41] Master Plan. So we're going to review some community surveys, project
[1:25:47] strategies, so we can bring
[1:25:48] accessible art and to share public spaces in Laredo. Our goal is to enrich our community and
[1:25:55] our community's life and foster lasting engagement for Laredoans and hopefully visitors as well.
[1:26:03] So with that, you will hear us refer to the Rado Art Master Plan as LAMP.
[1:26:10] So what we think LAMP is, it is a 240 plus page document, so I'm just summarizing that
[1:26:16] into a couple of slides.
[1:26:19] So it is where we are going to incorporate, hopefully, unique installation to draw in tourism
[1:26:25] boost local businesses and create opportunities for local artists.
[1:26:29] It is also a way for us to have community engagement.
[1:26:34] We really want our projects to be interactive so we can get people
[1:26:38] going outside and interacting with what we already have within the radio.
[1:26:43] So hopefully we can educate and inspire participation
[1:26:46] and foster community connections and encourage feedback
[1:26:50] because we want to be able to set forth these projects
[1:26:53] but also hear back from the community to see
[1:26:56] what we're doing right and what we want to do going forward for our future annual plans.
[1:27:03] So with that, we currently have three surveys on our website where you guys can actually
[1:27:09] send any ones in the community there to submit a survey which will go over a little bit later.
[1:27:16] And another thing is, is we want to foster collaboration, so we don't want just collaboration
[1:27:20] between city staff elected officials, we also want collaboration with the community.
[1:27:25] So, one of those surveys or several of the surveys is get feedback to understand where
[1:27:31] people in the radio want to see public art and then of course what type of art people
[1:27:35] want to see in the radio.
[1:27:37] So, hopefully what we're going to do is foster, you know, cultural pride and engage people
[1:27:45] with the community.
[1:27:47] So, now let's look at some location surveys within lab.
[1:27:51] So, if you go through lab there's several surveys within there.
[1:27:54] So for our upcoming annual plan we're going to be looking at these locations and you will see that our projects are primarily focused on these locations.
[1:28:04] So you will see that it does not equal 100%.
[1:28:06] It is just the top three areas that people in Laredo were most interested in seeing public art.
[1:28:13] So 37% of people in Laredo said city buildings and districts.
[1:28:17] So, that includes the libraries, historical districts, neighborhoods, school campuses, 36% set outdoor spaces, so that would be our city parks, sidewalks, crosswalks, trail heads, walking routes would have you.
[1:28:32] And then 25% of people in Laredo said that they wanted to see art in infrastructure. So, that's underpasses, bridges, rail road entrances, and gateway entrances.
[1:28:42] So when we are doing future projects, this is what we're going to be focusing on, the specific locations throughout the city.
[1:28:49] Next, we'll look at the types of public art. So we already know the locations, so now what forms of art do people in the rate of want to see?
[1:28:57] Well, within lamp, the top three mediums that people spoke up about was outdoor artwork.
[1:29:03] So you can see here that I have a band diagram because a lot of this stuff overlaps within each other.
[1:29:08] So this form of 51% of people, they just want artwork outdoors, so that can include the
[1:29:14] murals and the installations but it's just art in public spaces and outdoors and it's
[1:29:20] where people can participate.
[1:29:22] So 20% of people send installations, that would be your sculptures, lights, sound installations,
[1:29:28] multimedia, traditional statues, what have you, and then 15% of people send murals, so that
[1:29:34] would be paintings on walls, tiles, mosaics, and utility cabinets, and so on and so forth.
[1:29:39] All of these can be considered art or artwork but then we can also incorporate them in city
[1:29:44] buildings. So now that you know a little bit of lab and what the community wants to see for the
[1:29:50] public art, how are we going to implement it? Well implementing it we're going to follow our standard
[1:29:56] operating procedures. So this is where we're going to establish the
[1:30:00] Distinct and transparent process for the submission evaluation and implementation of our program. So what we're going to do is we're going to hopefully get people to understand the workflows and understand the steps and details of the project process from the very beginning until the very end in the maintenance process of upkeeping the artwork that we have in the radio. And then, of course, we're going to hopefully streamline efficiency. We want to be efficient when we are working on these projects.
[1:30:28] and this is where we're also going to be incorporating feedback and regular
[1:30:32] check-ins with the artists. So we want to make sure that the artist complete
[1:30:35] the artwork within a time frame and by us incorporating gradual payments we'll
[1:30:41] be giving the artist a percentage up front once they sign on for the art
[1:30:46] project halfway through. We're going to be doing a feedback so we'll be basically
[1:30:51] meeting with the artists and going over to see if what they propose is what it's
[1:30:55] implemented and then that would include the regular check-ins with them to make
[1:31:00] sure that we are getting what the city paid for and then hopefully this will
[1:31:05] help minimize delays and ensure timely completion of the artwork and then
[1:31:10] within our SOPs we also have responsibilities outlined of everyone that is a part
[1:31:16] of the city officials to elected officials, staff, artists and our evaluation
[1:31:24] condition can be as well.
[1:31:27] As it relates to, and nice to meet you by the way,
[1:31:30] thank you.
[1:31:31] Exciting that you are on board.
[1:31:34] Work flows, I mean, known in the past,
[1:31:36] council just kind of decided that looks that would be cool there
[1:31:40] and then just kind of submitted it and it got done.
[1:31:42] But obviously the point is to try to filter it through you.
[1:31:47] But if we do, thank we have a good idea, which, you know,
[1:31:51] workflow with the IDFB that we submitted to you, your office, and then then go through
[1:31:59] the sequence that you just set.
[1:32:01] The timeline.
[1:32:02] Yes.
[1:32:02] So I'm going to go over the timeline, but if you guys do have any ideas of projects, please
[1:32:07] contact us, or contact your FACC member, because we have monthly meetings with them where they
[1:32:13] can bring up the projects that you proposed, and then from there we can move forward with
[1:32:18] the timeline.
[1:32:18] So hopefully we can streamline any projects that you guys are interested in, but we want
[1:32:23] you guys to let us know, or have hopefully meetings with your FACC member, so they can
[1:32:29] give you updates on things, and you know, they're going to be your ear to the ground with
[1:32:33] the community.
[1:32:34] And then we'll also be going over with them when we are doing the surveys, so they can sit
[1:32:40] down and meet.
[1:32:41] And when we are doing our annual plan, let's say that you have some constituents in your districts
[1:32:45] that we're specifically saying that they wanted girls.
[1:32:48] For that year, we can focus on doing murals
[1:32:50] and listen to what your community members said.
[1:32:54] Mayor Mann.
[1:32:55] Yes, for the Rick and Mr. Secretary of Councilwoman,
[1:32:58] I would like to say a lot to Mr. Mayor.
[1:32:59] Thank you.
[1:33:03] Thank you.
[1:33:04] Welcome, very happy to see that you're
[1:33:07] getting this project off the ground.
[1:33:08] I know it's been a long time coming.
[1:33:11] I thought I understood that there was an existing
[1:33:15] Public Art Works Plan, a master plan that has been discussed in past years.
[1:33:22] And so there would be some type of basis to begin to look at projects is.
[1:33:29] Yes, that's correct.
[1:33:30] So everything going forward, so we will have a yearly annual plan.
[1:33:35] So that's where we would focus on the projects for that specific year.
[1:33:38] But everything we're doing is guided through length and the ordinance set forth.
[1:33:42] And then of course, also we'll be on the radio.
[1:33:44] So we're going to be following all of those things, including the master plan.
[1:33:48] So projects going forward, we are focusing on LAMP, but then we can also take into consideration
[1:33:54] what the community also wants, which a lot of it does align with what LAMP already has
[1:33:59] set forth.
[1:34:00] But it's just to basically guide us for that specific gear plans for projects that we can
[1:34:05] do.
[1:34:05] And well, that plan exists on the website for which one, the overall plan is going to be presented to you guys for approval, so then we can go forth for that year, but we can have it available to the website.
[1:34:20] So artists who are specifically interested in things can see what we have going forth for that year.
[1:34:26] Thank you.
[1:34:28] Thank you.
[1:34:29] I appreciate it.
[1:34:30] So now that we went over LAMP, which is our objectives,
[1:34:34] we heard from the community what they kind of want to see in our procedures.
[1:34:38] Let's look at a timeline of a project.
[1:34:41] So this is just a general timeline for things so you guys can kind of see how the workflow is.
[1:34:47] So first, starting off, we have project launch and proposal submission.
[1:34:52] So this is where we will do the public announcement and we'll be getting submissions for
[1:34:56] artists. So for this we're going to be providing support for the artist. This is
[1:35:01] where I'm currently working with several organizations to help do workshops, to
[1:35:06] help artists with this submission process. And then of course for the
[1:35:10] proposals as well. So we know that there's some people that don't understand
[1:35:14] necessarily how to do all the paperwork and fill out all this stuff. It is the
[1:35:19] business side of art, which let's face it a lot of people within the arts have
[1:35:24] difficulty with some myself being one of them. But we will be having workshops
[1:35:29] currently already meeting with 10 ULC, LISD and the Daphne Art Foundation to
[1:35:36] establish these workshops. So this is where we're going to be able to make it
[1:35:40] accessible and understanding for everyone in the community. So after this
[1:35:45] submission process, we'll move on to the review and evaluation where I will be
[1:35:49] doing just an initial review to make sure that all the guidelines and everything is met
[1:35:55] and that it's going to be sent to our evaluation committee, which some of those members will
[1:35:59] be part of the FACC. So they're going to be scoring the proposals based on the artistic merit,
[1:36:05] impact, feasibility and the qualifications. So once again through that we're going to move on to
[1:36:10] the next stage of the approval and notification. So this is where City Officials will approve
[1:36:16] the projects that were recommended by the evaluation committee and then from there I would go about
[1:36:22] notifying the artists. So once we go into the project implementation stage so I'm going to be
[1:36:28] meeting with the artist to set forth clear expectations with them. This is where we're going to set up
[1:36:33] the gradual payments with them and we are going to discuss timelines if there are delayed with things
[1:36:39] that they need to contact me and keep me up to date to make sure that we get the project completed
[1:36:44] within, you know, a reasonable timeline. Now, if there are delays, we're expecting them to
[1:36:49] contact me to let me know because as the program manager, we want to be able to manage our
[1:36:55] expectations and their expectations as well because if there's a back order of things, we completely
[1:36:59] understand, but we need them to keep in contact with us. So, if we are going to extend our project
[1:37:06] implementation, our timeline, we might also be extending the gradual payment for the artist.
[1:37:12] since we are doing gradual payments.
[1:37:14] We're not giving them the lump sum at the very beginning.
[1:37:17] We'll be giving them a certain percentage at the beginning
[1:37:20] and then when we meet our midpoint,
[1:37:23] we'll be giving them the feedback to make sure
[1:37:25] that they align with the project that was approved
[1:37:28] and we'll be giving a certain percentage at that point
[1:37:31] and then at the very end, once the project is completed,
[1:37:34] that's when you would give them the final percentage
[1:37:37] of what was proposed at the very beginning
[1:37:39] of what the project was costing. And then, of course, the project, post project. So after
[1:37:46] everything's finished, we have our unveiling. We also kind of want to access the impact of
[1:37:51] the public art project and then have the community feedback. Currently on our page, which is located
[1:37:57] on the library page. If you go to the About Us section, you would be able to see the Laredo Public
[1:38:03] our program so on there you will have our mission statement our vision statements you will also be
[1:38:10] able to view the Laredo Art Master Plan our public facing SOPs and then of course Viva Laredo
[1:38:17] and we also added three surveys there so those three surveys are to get the community feedback
[1:38:23] because we want to be transparent with things but also kind of listen to what the community wants to see
[1:38:29] So we have a feedback survey, which they can let us know how we did our projects.
[1:38:35] We also have a location survey, which anyone in the radio can feel free to fill out.
[1:38:40] Riddle tell us what specific locations they want to see public art and in the public art
[1:38:45] type survey where that kind of narrows down the types of projects that people in the radio
[1:38:49] want to see.
[1:38:50] So that goes over different mediums and different things as well.
[1:38:54] So those, you guys can send people right away so that if you have any of your constituents
[1:38:59] or community members that want to provide feedback, they can go forth and look at that already.
[1:39:05] So now that we have, you know, what LAP is, you know, what our standard operating procedures
[1:39:11] are and our timeline,
[1:39:15] some funding sources.
[1:39:16] So how we're going to fund these projects, we're going to go based off of our district priority
[1:39:21] funds.
[1:39:21] So you can kind of see since the implementation of the ordinance, these are the CIP projects
[1:39:28] that were already approved or already issued.
[1:39:32] So this is the guiding light of where we're going to be tapping into the COs.
[1:39:37] So you can see these are the specific departments and divisions and this is basically where we're
[1:39:41] going to be using our funding sources.
[1:39:44] And then going forward, we also have the approved COs from the most recent years.
[1:39:50] So going forward, you can also see that we're going to be tapping into these funding sources as well.
[1:39:56] And this is based off of Council agenda items and ordinances that are stated below.
[1:40:03] Next.
[1:40:04] Yes.
[1:40:04] What?
[1:40:05] Do you have a copy of all the projects that are public works or the funding sources for that particular?
[1:40:13] For this one.
[1:40:14] Yes.
[1:40:14] Yes, they are located on the website.
[1:40:17] I don't have them with me right here, but they are located on the finance website, on the district priority funds.
[1:40:22] where they break down each district and the specific projects that you guys put forth on
[1:40:26] that specific year.
[1:40:28] So this is based off of that idea.
[1:40:34] So the next step towards the more vibrant city, so we have brighter mention collaboration.
[1:40:41] So we want to work not only with city officials and city staff, we want to work with the community.
[1:40:47] So currently we're in the works with proposing a mural with the engineering department on SSH
[1:40:54] Chava's walkway, which hopefully we can contribute to.
[1:40:57] We are also working on a GIS mapping
[1:41:01] of all of Laredo's public art.
[1:41:03] So on the screen on the left-hand side,
[1:41:06] you can see a little sample,
[1:41:10] the public art of storing maps of a city.
[1:41:14] So this is kind of like what you're gonna see,
[1:41:15] but for all of Laredo's public art.
[1:41:18] So there are already murals and sculptures up in Laredo.
[1:41:21] Now all we have to do is track everything.
[1:41:23] So luckily I have had this CVB
[1:41:25] and keep the radar beautiful to help guide me towards some of the projects
[1:41:29] that they've worked on and I'm going to continue to build off of that. So you
[1:41:33] can see that it's very user-friendly on the left-hand side, it has all the
[1:41:37] murals with a picture and a little explanation and the title and then on the right
[1:41:41] hand side it will have the map and each tab will have a different medium of art.
[1:41:46] So you can see there there's murals, sculptures, once we implement other
[1:41:50] mediums you will see that we're going to be building out that site. But if anyone
[1:41:54] ask questions about the public art. You can direct them here and it will have all the information
[1:42:00] of the public art that we have in the radio. And another thing that we're also working on is our
[1:42:05] mini murals which is our utility cabinet art. So for this this is going to be a high traffic
[1:42:12] area literally because we want to put these in for utility cabinets throughout your districts.
[1:42:19] So, if you guys don't have anyone assigned in your FACC committee, we highly suggest that
[1:42:27] you guys assign someone and the reason that we say that is these are district specific
[1:42:32] projects.
[1:42:33] So, we want to make sure that your district has a voice and with you having that committee
[1:42:37] member assigned to your district, we're able to have a voice for that specific district
[1:42:43] because it can be that you are the historical district or import or export, what have
[1:42:48] And we want to make sure that you know that district has a voice and with your committee member from the FACC, we highly suggest that you meet with them and talk to them to kind of see what it is that we're doing and then projects that we're going to be working on.
[1:43:06] So another thing that we've mentioned and that we've mentioned a lot today was getting people moving, getting people outside and exercising and being able to be healthier.
[1:43:16] So we want to incorporate some interactive projects.
[1:43:21] So this is still pending recommendation from the FACC,
[1:43:25] but we did get that we have approval
[1:43:28] for using some of the issued COs.
[1:43:31] So one of the projects that we're going to hopefully set forth
[1:43:35] is called jumpstart creativity.
[1:43:37] So these are ground murals.
[1:43:40] What we want to do is have these murals in high traffic areas
[1:43:43] where there are kids.
[1:43:45] So the ground mural is a hot Scotch mural and we're looking to put them outside on the sidewalk of every
[1:43:52] Elementary school. So kids can hop into school. They're working out
[1:43:56] They're hopefully getting excited for the day at school and on top of that you're getting parents to walk by and see that we're actually doing
[1:44:04] Something for the kids and you can hopefully get community engagement and get them to appreciate what it is
[1:44:10] that we're trying to do here.
[1:44:12] And each ground mural can have a different theme.
[1:44:16] We can have where there are just different leaves,
[1:44:18] and it goes into a flower,
[1:44:20] or we can have the different planets,
[1:44:21] and it leads to Pluto.
[1:44:23] If it's still considered a planet,
[1:44:26] but we can have that artist.
[1:44:28] Basically, come up with their ideas,
[1:44:30] and each school has their own specific thing.
[1:44:34] And that's why we say once again,
[1:44:36] that your committee member is the voice of your district.
[1:44:39] So, they can give insight into specifically what your district has to offer and we can get these ground murals to that specific district.
[1:44:48] So, another interactive project.
[1:44:51] I like to call it footnotes for salt pork shopping the names, but this is a literal story walk which is sidewalk poetry.
[1:44:59] So, I don't know.
[1:45:00] We have seen our heard of this before, but basically what it is, if we're preparing sidewalks, which if you go back to some of our CIP projects, we are fixing sidewalks. So regardless, we're already using concrete. Now, part of the current state of concrete, you can actually indents into it. So that's where you see people write their names or rights, you know, who they're dating or what have you at the time. But for us specifically, we want to create mold for
[1:45:29] where we would stamp in poetry or short stories
[1:45:33] written by people in the radio.
[1:45:35] So for this, we might wanna do,
[1:45:38] which I'm working with LISD and UISD.
[1:45:41] We might wanna do some contests
[1:45:43] where we have people and students in community engagements,
[1:45:50] but then also have creative writing as well.
[1:45:54] So if we're engaging middle schoolers
[1:45:56] with their creative writing classes,
[1:45:58] maybe we can also engage high schoolers as well who have to write and we can engage with them
[1:46:04] and hopefully get them to submit stories and then we can use that to imprint it into our different
[1:46:09] the sidewalk projects that we're working on. So another thing that you'll be hopefully proposing
[1:46:16] is gallery walks. So this is inspired by little libraries. So if you see the image posted there that
[1:46:24] is a mini gallery. So what it is is basically a post and it's a miniature gallery. So for this we can select kids, students, people, part of the Deaf New York Foundation, people at 10 ULC, anyone that's interested in the arts, and we can make it accessible all throughout the city.
[1:46:45] So we can basically have this anywhere.
[1:46:48] So looking through this, imagine you're going to a park
[1:46:52] where we have ground year olds where the kids can play.
[1:46:55] We have footnotes where people can walk by and see, you know,
[1:46:59] short stories about the city or that are positive notes
[1:47:03] for people to walk by as they're exercising.
[1:47:06] And then they can also hopefully see some of the gallery walks that we have.
[1:47:10] So this is kind of something that we want to implement
[1:47:12] and infuse into our city.
[1:47:14] And another thing you guys can look forward to hopefully going forward is our artist mentorship program.
[1:47:21] So we want to offer artists a hands-on experience in public art.
[1:47:27] A lot of lab, it mentioned that we select the same artists for projects.
[1:47:32] But a way that we can help engage and get more people to be confident enough to submit these proposals
[1:47:40] is by having a mentorship program for our citizens.
[1:47:45] So hopefully we'll foster community growth
[1:47:48] with feedback, networking opportunities,
[1:47:50] and portfolio support,
[1:47:52] where we would be helping them build their portfolio
[1:47:54] and hopefully feel confident enough
[1:47:56] to submit a proposal in the future.
[1:47:58] And then you want to strengthen art appreciation
[1:48:00] while enhancing Laredo's creative identity for public art.
[1:48:04] So this is something that you guys can hopefully look forward
[1:48:07] to in the upcoming annual plan,
[1:48:09] where we are going to be proposing these projects to you guys for a full approval.
[1:48:15] And I want to thank you guys for your time and attention.
[1:48:19] And if you guys need anything, I have my contact information provided there.
[1:48:23] But you guys can also access through the public art library page under the About Us tab.
[1:48:30] And you will see public art.
[1:48:32] Thank you very much.
[1:48:35] Mayor Motion to go on to his second session for the 33rd, 30th, 39th.
[1:48:39] I'm going to take the government code 551.071, consultation with attorney 551.072 for deliberations with real property 551.073, deliberations about gifts of donation 551.074, personal matter 551.076, deliberations about security devices and 551.087, economic developments, and any other matters for any other employees, I think that's there to be so.
[1:49:02] All right, motion any second, second, second, second, motion passes, seconded session.
[1:49:16] Regular
[1:49:19] session, no action was taken, then the second session.
[1:49:22] Marry 5A for number 37, Mr. Direct Staff to proceed as directed.
[1:49:29] a motion.
[1:49:31] All in favour?
[1:49:32] Staff Member Go ahead.
[1:49:34] Madam Director,
[1:49:39] as amended as amended motion.
[1:49:44] All in favour?
[1:49:44] Aye.
[1:49:45] Motion passes.
[1:49:47] for number 38 for a staff to interview both candidates and back to what's next
[1:49:57] meeting for the decision to be made. Second motion, second. All in favor?
[1:50:03] No, the motion passed. And for number 39 for staff to proceed is directed. Motion?
[1:50:09] second.
[1:50:10] Second.
[1:50:11] All favor?
[1:50:12] Aye.
[1:50:13] Opposed?
[1:50:14] Mayor Fimey, motion to recess of the
[1:50:17] legislative council and convene as
[1:50:18] a legal mass transit board.
[1:50:21] Motion.
[1:50:23] Second.
[1:50:23] Second.
[1:50:24] Opposed?
[1:50:24] All favor?
[1:50:25] Opposed?
[1:50:26] Opposed?
[1:50:26] Second.
[1:50:27] Opposed?
[1:50:28] Second.
[1:50:29] Second.
[1:50:30] Second.
[1:50:31] question for you.
[1:50:43] May I have a question?
[1:50:46] On this fair, the waving of these bus first for children
[1:50:49] between the ages of six to 17, the graduation or program
[1:50:53] to help families and children who are already
[1:50:54] stay connected.
[1:50:56] After, during the summer months,
[1:50:59] kids on summer transportation,
[1:51:00] be commencing June 3rd through August 31st, 2025.
[1:51:04] Do you know or do you have an approximation
[1:51:06] of what that actually costs the city at the end of it?
[1:51:10] is the ridership high with shorter of that age.
[1:51:15] We tried to come up with an estimate.
[1:51:19] This is the first time that this,
[1:51:21] we're putting this program together,
[1:51:23] so we don't have that type of data.
[1:51:25] After this, we will be able to share with you
[1:51:27] how successful we were.
[1:51:30] But this event is gonna help promote
[1:51:34] all city and recreational activities for the kids
[1:51:37] and for their families and we hope to increase and encourage them.
[1:51:42] It's also an opportunity for us to encourage them to write the bus
[1:51:47] so that in the future use it.
[1:51:49] And that's how we want to build up the business that should not
[1:51:54] ridership. These children need to be accompanied by an adult
[1:51:56] by their parent or can they be in there alone.
[1:51:58] The parents, anybody, let's say kids under 12,
[1:52:02] would have to be accompanied by a parent but the parents would have to pay sure of course okay thank
[1:52:10] you very much motion to approve number 40 motion second all in favor motion passed motion
[1:52:18] to approve number 41 and 42 motion second all in favor I opposed motion passed motion to adjourn as
[1:52:30] the mass transit board and reconvene as the United City Council.
[1:52:33] Motion. Second, on favor.
[1:52:35] Aye. Aye.
[1:52:36] Opposed, motion passed.
[1:52:38] Item 45.
[1:52:40] Number 45, is it?
[1:52:42] Is it?
[1:52:43] It's 45.
[1:52:44] Is it?
[1:52:44] 25, 45, right?
[1:52:46] Okay.
[1:52:46] All right.
[1:52:47] Item 45.
[1:52:51] Councilman, do you want to read this discussion with us for action to allocate points for the
[1:52:56] renovation of the health and wellness center, located at the real clean department headquarters
[1:53:01] and any matters incident there to, believe we have a system check here to present.
[1:53:10] Mayor distinguished members of Council for the evening, Mr. C. E. Manger, staff, Ricardo
[1:53:14] and Salis, Assistant Chief, noted the department for the record.
[1:53:18] On behalf of Chief Rodriguez regarding the project for full renovation and expansion of
[1:53:24] for current gym located at police headquarters.
[1:53:28] This initiative is not only to support
[1:53:31] while this initiative, but also motivate our officers
[1:53:34] and keep up with standards of the profession such.
[1:53:40] Any particular questions that you have,
[1:53:42] customer, this request or this initiative?
[1:53:46] I can.
[1:53:46] Let's go ahead.
[1:53:49] As we heard earlier in the public comments,
[1:53:53] I'd like you to answer questions as to why it should be at the police department and what are your thoughts on it being and why we don't want to have our officers training in any world sort of that.
[1:54:10] So, after the bond referendum, we've heard the symptoms out of here, they don't want us to spend large amounts on big buildings, they want us to work with what we have.
[1:54:20] Obviously, the investment that was initially done several decades ago in this department, obviously they believe that it's eligible at a much lower cost to conduct a lot of improvements and support the initiatives or a lot of the vision that we have and then meet the needs of our growing department.
[1:54:36] So,
[1:54:43] what's done is just a, just a, just a, just a little facts.
[1:54:48] If we add this money to this wellness center, and it's going to bring value to that property,
[1:54:55] right?
[1:54:56] God waiting, you know, later on the future, you do get a training center, you do get a new
[1:55:03] headquarters, that will bring value to what we're changing over, rebuilding your money.
[1:55:09] or that bring bigger, more property value to that building?
[1:55:15] Yes, sir.
[1:55:16] Any investment that's done to this building?
[1:55:19] Obviously, it's done, it can be done in infrastructure.
[1:55:23] There's a lot of conversations that when we're doing a lot of support
[1:55:26] from other law enforcement agencies and a lot of other entities
[1:55:29] that we're looking closely at what we're doing.
[1:55:32] And there's a lot of interest of other agencies moving in
[1:55:35] and using that building a lot of federal agencies and such because it has a lot of value.
[1:55:41] Obviously, the art department has grown and gone beyond the need of that particular building,
[1:55:47] but it still serves a lot of purpose. It has a lot of ESCO. It has a lot of value.
[1:55:51] Better.
[1:55:52] Just continue.
[1:55:53] Yeah, go ahead.
[1:55:54] Just to clarify that, for our green dogs to the airport.
[1:55:58] Is that all right, with a measurement?
[1:56:00] They're probably belongs to the city of the radio through the airport.
[1:56:02] Yes, sir. Oh, the office has hit on the radio properly. So it's still an investment going back to the our properties
[1:56:08] Which drugs? Yes, the airport to which the airport belongs to the city of the radio. Yes, correct? Yes, correct. So so we're we're adding we're adding
[1:56:17] I think that it will one of our problems, right, this one, okay, go ahead.
[1:56:26] Chief, I know as a city and this governing body, we wouldn't be ready to commit what's being said, $450,000.
[1:56:40] Is that the price?
[1:56:42] Yes, no, there's been an initial study that's been done of what we can do with that sport
[1:56:51] footage.
[1:56:52] Our gym is approximately 1,600 square feet, but it also has a large area where there's
[1:57:03] other amenities such as a small sauna, there's a lot of locker rooms, changing areas and
[1:57:10] in restrooms and such people would have changed a shower and all these things.
[1:57:15] We want to mirror out what gyms are doing in the States, they're becoming more efficient
[1:57:21] and as far as what they provide for changing rooms and
[1:57:24] allocating more of that space to be productive for operations for equipment which is bulky and
[1:57:30] sensed for safety requires room and space between station.
[1:57:35] We want to be able to take advantage of that initial design that now it's somewhat flawed because it's almost as big as the operation of the actual gym.
[1:57:48] We want to do some expansion, be more efficient with that space and open it up to be able to do more equipment, be able to utilize it more for actual training.
[1:58:00] We're going to be working with what we have there, but again, becoming more efficient and effective with that use.
[1:58:08] So what would be the price tag on this?
[1:58:12] So obviously, there's wiggle room, depending on what we want, but the initial proposal would be 295,000 running some of the expansions or some of the construction that we want to do.
[1:58:26] Unfortunately, it's an aging building.
[1:58:28] We've had a lot of plumbing issues.
[1:58:30] We have done some assessment,
[1:58:33] and we would need to make some changes
[1:58:34] to our sprinkler systems also to the HVAC system
[1:58:39] to be able to bring it up to standard.
[1:58:42] So the rest, because it was set 450,000.
[1:58:47] But the rest, I guess, the Department of Time
[1:58:49] identified some funding from the trust fund, is that correct?
[1:58:53] Yes, or unfortunately we can't use the trust fund to invest in the building when we can use it to utilize it to buy equipment, which is another expense part of this program that we can take on that
[1:59:08] responsibility that he has to purchase.
[1:59:09] If I could help as well too, and this is what I was checking on this now, I'll reiterate what the chief was saying as well to the project is estimated at $471,000.
[1:59:20] They can utilize based upon the plan that they have 176,000 of the trust funds to get there.
[1:59:29] That leaves a remainder of the 295,000 which is what they're seeking from the city in order to help finish this off.
[1:59:36] I will say that this is not a new area either and I'm going to back that up.
[1:59:40] This area had been there and they have not done any improvements to it since 1996.
[1:59:45] six, 1996. I don't know if those
[1:59:49] members that ran the treadmills
[1:59:50] even work anymore, but it is, so
[1:59:53] just need to have that background.
[1:59:55] This is an area that they're trying
[1:59:56] to bring up to date for that.
[2:00:00] Based upon the conversation that the last time we were trying to find out if the council discretionary, the council of different funds could actually be utilized, and they could be utilized for this, but I don't know, I don't think we ever had a number from everybody for how the divided 295,000 up. And so that would be my only, my only recommendation that if you would consider us, let us talk with everybody outside of that because I would like to close that gap and do this right if we're going to do that. That would be my only recommendation.
[2:00:29] I can appreciate. I mean, part of the reason for new headquarters is because it's been since 1996 that anything's been done to the building.
[2:00:43] But Councilmember Gibson, I did a tour of the building and saw the need for new headquarters because I didn't go through, is there some other areas of the headquarters that also need significant investment.
[2:00:58] And it is not that I don't appreciate taking care of people and I do believe that the police officers the same with the firefighters need to have space to be able to invest in their health and their wellness.
[2:01:15] There are also other parts of that facility that also have needs in remodeling.
[2:01:21] So, is there a plan to manage that and maybe it's not just the police force I need to be looking at but also management because there are significant changes that need to be made to the headquarters for separate departments and where is all of this prioritized?
[2:01:42] Again, I think investing in the people who work there is important, but we know there
[2:01:49] are also important issues.
[2:01:51] Is there a plan on how you're going to move forward with these smaller investments because
[2:01:57] we can't do the big thing to make sure that other operational needs are being met.
[2:02:02] And I would tell you that the police cars have been working on all of that as far as loss
[2:02:09] that's the nature of this, I think this one, this piece in here, they've already had
[2:02:13] the plans for it, they had a lot of the pieces there, and I think that's why they work
[2:02:18] there, I will say this is 96 up until now as well too, and I'm just reading a couple of
[2:02:24] the chief's comments as well too, that'll cover the men's and the women's restroom updates,
[2:02:31] it includes a lactation room for our female officers as well too, and so I want to make sure
[2:02:37] that you understand that it is a very broad request and is to bring that area of the department
[2:02:43] up to date.
[2:02:46] I have to make a motion for staff to come back to us in two weeks after speaking to
[2:02:52] every council member and the mayor about what we possibly be able to fund this with district
[2:02:57] priority funds if any.
[2:02:59] I'm sorry to go motion motion. Second mayor. Yes, I just I'd also just like to clarify because there's
[2:03:08] going to be, you know, made it here. I just the moratorium is in explaining how this would not be.
[2:03:15] Yes, sir. Thank you. This why would this not? Yeah, I'll leave the moratorium. So the the moratorium is on
[2:03:21] the city funds itself and so the moratorium we excluded the district priority funds as part of
[2:03:27] that that model because it's again it's the discretion of the council has to how to spend those
[2:03:34] money there they're meant to assist within the district within the city and everything and so
[2:03:38] when we when we set the moratorium it was really about us kind of keeping our house in order for
[2:03:44] that and maintain your ability within the districts to take care of your districts or the things that
[2:03:50] you believe are the most important those those funds are that's what those funds are
[2:03:54] therefore they are their capital funds that are that are for that purpose the
[2:03:58] moratorium actually affects us more on the operational side as well too so keep
[2:04:02] that in mind as far as the difference within the saying if this was going to
[2:04:05] create a bunch of extra new jobs and other police department would love that but
[2:04:09] but it is it is about taking care of what we already have and so so then so
[2:04:15] the moratorium is more on the operational side and kind of holding those things
[2:04:19] and check rather than these capital things that that are that are funded
[2:04:23] through the district priority and there maybe there may be the conversation of other other
[2:04:31] bonds within the CIP of just like I think with council member Raquel and should we still be doing
[2:04:36] this project or not I think we we just need to close this gap first and I would love to report that
[2:04:41] back all right okay we have motion it's been seven there's a second all right all in favor
[2:04:47] But those are motion paths. Can I just add one more thing to your comment just so we can close the
[2:04:55] Make it really nice and neat for you to understand
[2:04:58] You spoke of training within the gym area that you do
[2:05:04] Is that training possible training rec center or anything like that?
[2:05:07] It is but it gets complicated. We tried it years past by the way where
[2:05:12] So our answers will work along shifts ten hours shifts and then some
[2:05:18] So to ask them to stick around longer periods of time to invest in that training, it's complicated, especially if they're going to go from work somewhere else because they have a gun that we don't encourage them to leave in their cars.
[2:05:31] They go to a public place, it gets complicated, they can't secure it anywhere without the building, promoting that and supporting them in that facility to be able to do it in house.
[2:05:44] Well, I'm going to get a better response.
[2:05:46] Well, the necessary safety features that you're not going to be also
[2:05:49] in convincing the public because the rec centers are for public use.
[2:05:53] And it's not going to be used for the standard, you know,
[2:05:57] get everybody out of the way we're coming in.
[2:05:59] But the ability to be within this thing building and doing this is my recollection
[2:06:06] of what I saw and got to see during that tour.
[2:06:08] And I brought you guys for bringing it up to us because we had no clue
[2:06:12] or the conditions that that building is at,
[2:06:15] especially something as important as a training
[2:06:18] and physical training area, which is vital to our force.
[2:06:22] So just want to make that clear.
[2:06:24] If I may add, we've invested in training,
[2:06:26] certifying an officer, training out the DPS Academy
[2:06:30] to be able to train officers
[2:06:33] from any portion, a lot of portions of wellness training
[2:06:37] from nutrition, physical training,
[2:06:39] and bring up to par with a lot of the push that our licensing agency is now
[2:06:44] implementing more and more as far as to have this standard throughout the state
[2:06:50] for our officer. So we want to be able to be that department that has not
[2:06:56] only the count confidence but is a certified department to be able to meet that.
[2:07:01] Thank you very much. I'm just an ad. I also added this for discussion also because
[2:07:08] of the high insurance claims that we get from our officers, you know, we need a, and
[2:07:12] right now more than ever, it's important to keep them fit for those, you know, school responses.
[2:07:18] I mean all that, all those strategies, we need more, we need the officers to maintain their
[2:07:25] fitness level because it's all about response time as well.
[2:07:30] Thank you.
[2:07:30] All right.
[2:07:31] Thank you.
[2:07:32] Thank you very much.
[2:07:35] So we had a motion.
[2:07:36] Yes, it's already passed.
[2:07:37] So we're going to have to say.
[2:07:38] Oh, and we're going to have to work for the age group.
[2:07:40] OK.
[2:07:40] On the podium.
[2:07:41] We're going to be there.
[2:07:42] All right.
[2:07:43] And being discussed with the possible staff,
[2:07:46] they can go ahead.
[2:07:47] Thank you so much, Mayor.
[2:07:49] It's just bringing back the issue with we're
[2:07:51] having with the fiber contractors.
[2:07:55] I know we brought it last month.
[2:07:56] And we mentioned we were going to try
[2:07:58] to strengthen our city ordinances.
[2:08:00] is still having a lot of, I think only like 10 to 20% of Laredo's currently under with
[2:08:07] fiber, so we know the two main contractors in town are aggressively trying to get as much
[2:08:15] ground as they can, they're dividing and conquering so to speak, and we continue to get the
[2:08:22] calls of the frustration and the lack of disregard for private property outside of the right
[2:08:28] I know we've talked about educating about what the right away is, but there's still issues even outside the right away.
[2:08:35] Thank you. I don't know if councilmember with yet is the co-sponsor, but I know it affects every district.
[2:08:42] So my main question was, you know, just for an update on where are we on enforcement as far as,
[2:08:48] and this might be for management to answer legal, we say we're going to come back and strengthen our ordinances to the maximum capacity of state law,
[2:08:56] because we are limited by state law and how much we can regulate these fiber contractors.
[2:09:00] But I'm very, very happy for you to continue.
[2:09:03] Thank you both for being here.
[2:09:04] I really appreciate it.
[2:09:05] And I want to applaud the staff for addressing this.
[2:09:08] I know you all have addressed it over and over again, specifically with these two companies.
[2:09:11] We'll mention their names.
[2:09:13] But I do want to say thank you very much because I know you all are behind it.
[2:09:17] The coverage of the call being complaining because of what I've said here and Dr. King has said
[2:09:21] here.
[2:09:22] Well, we've all said here, right?
[2:09:23] We all have issues with this.
[2:09:24] And there's problems, so I just want to say thank you, because I know you all are on it.
[2:09:28] I know you're making it more difficult for these companies to be working here, more stringent,
[2:09:32] the fines are a lot higher than they should be required to.
[2:09:34] So they're thinking twice about what they're doing, and they're just going to be digging
[2:09:37] where they want to get.
[2:09:39] And hopefully they're being more respectful towards our citizens, because I heard that they
[2:09:44] were extremely rude, so I just thank you all for trying to take care of them as you possibly
[2:09:48] can.
[2:09:50] Yes, so thank you very much for the number and we have been working on this since it was
[2:09:55] about the same. So I think we met with them twice as a monthly meeting. We met in April and
[2:10:03] we met in May. We are receiving a daily report from the companies. Linus is no exactly where they
[2:10:11] are working on. So these are things that we're going to be looking into. I know we have a brief
[2:10:15] brief presentation but we'll also be looking at penalties up to the maximum
[2:10:19] allowed under state law which is $4,000 and so I know that'll be covered as
[2:10:24] far as the presentation but we will continue working on this. We are also looking
[2:10:28] at additional measurements for stronger right-away management and we've
[2:10:31] discussed some of these with them including hydro excavating all
[2:10:36] laterals for water and sewer and so these are things that we're starting
[2:10:39] implement but we're ready to come back as soon as the next meeting we allow us to
[2:10:44] work with legal on some of these terms in conditions.
[2:10:48] Thank you.
[2:10:49] Can you read me out, and I forgot about our planning and zoning staff.
[2:10:52] I'm here with Rodlinsano, our right-of-way manager, and we do have a brief presentation.
[2:10:58] Just a bit of that.
[2:11:01] Major companies that are currently installing firebrock to cable in our city is AT&T Inversis.
[2:11:07] The current right-of-way ordinance was mended in February of 2025, which mended hydro-excavating,
[2:11:13] which means that we use water to expose the existing infrastructure.
[2:11:20] This would help in avoiding or identifying the existing infrastructure so that we can avoid hitting it.
[2:11:28] Due to the amended ordinance, we have seen a decline in damages to our infrastructure.
[2:11:35] One of the very good things that Mr. Chavez mentioned is that we are now having monthly meetings with this city staff
[2:11:43] to discuss damages.
[2:11:45] Damages continue to occur, so we want to make sure that we do continue to explore
[2:11:50] a method of improving our processes to avoid.
[2:11:56] Just a quick background on our application process.
[2:12:00] When projects come in, they're presented to our utility coordination committee.
[2:12:03] They verify existing infrastructure.
[2:12:06] The right-of-way division then issues of clearance letter.
[2:12:09] So then the utility companies can become eligible to apply for our right-of-way permits.
[2:12:16] The right-of-way permit application has been submitted by the utility company, and
[2:12:20] their designated contractor, the right-of-way division reviews the application.
[2:12:25] Of course, it includes fees, construction plans, registration, they're required to have insurance,
[2:12:31] bond, workmen's comp, they have to submit a traffic control plan, and we verify the 8-1-1
[2:12:38] called number, confirmation number.
[2:12:41] The pre-construction inspection is scheduled.
[2:12:45] We have it performed by an inspector along with the contractor
[2:12:48] and then the hydro excavation proceeds.
[2:12:53] The contractor is then required to do property outreach
[2:12:58] in order to initiate construction.
[2:13:01] So that's sort of how these projects start.
[2:13:04] I mean, you're saying for each neighborhood they go into, or you're saying just the two projects with these projects, they're required to do that outreach.
[2:13:13] You know, because they're going through like an entire series of neighborhoods.
[2:13:18] So when do they have to keep, you know, so they just apply once at the very beginning and they get a blanket permit for the foreseeable future, or they have to reapply every time they go to a new section of the city or house.
[2:13:30] Well, I'm sorry, good evening, Councilwoman Osano for the record.
[2:13:39] So the project is specifically states what they're going to do.
[2:13:44] Sometimes the project is 30,000 linear feet, but it's divided into sections.
[2:13:49] Each section is gone by, we don't want them to start tearing up all.
[2:13:54] So they go a section at a time, repair and store, and then keep moving on.
[2:13:59] So, one of the process that we tell them to do is to talk to the customers by leaving
[2:14:06] a tag that's already been their way of doing business and they give a number, call
[2:14:12] me if you have any questions and at that point, they move forward in the construction of
[2:14:19] the installation of fiber.
[2:14:21] If there's ever any damages, we obviously, we're going to discuss it, but we recommend
[2:14:28] and that contract or property owners call the 311 so we can hold accountable the contractors to make sure that they restore.
[2:14:37] We give them 48 hours for them to restore or figure out what is it unless it's something major.
[2:14:44] So if they don't then by ordinance there is a liability insurance that they could through risk management that we could obtain funds to help.
[2:14:56] You know, pay for damages.
[2:15:00] So the response has been very swift to try to talk to customers. So that's what we've seen lately. It's been. To the question was, the question was, do they have to do, do they have to reapply for the, or it, it's dependent on the project? If they've applied for the whole 30,000 feet, that's when they have to do their.
[2:15:27] Okay. So that 30,000 feet could be quite a few projects at one time. And then what's
[2:15:36] inspected exactly their equipment, their plan, where they're going to be trenching,
[2:15:43] where they're going to be going late. Does anyone go back and inspected after?
[2:15:51] So what happens if there's damages?
[2:15:54] That's kind of the crux of the question.
[2:15:57] So what we recommend is for if there's damages on the private property inside the right
[2:16:05] of way.
[2:16:05] So you have irrigation system, landscaping in the right of way.
[2:16:10] First thing, call 3-1-1.
[2:16:12] What that does is it records that complaint and we get notified.
[2:16:15] there has been an issue. So at that point the 3-1-1 complaint, it gets assigned to our division,
[2:16:23] right away division, then investigates and notifies the right away contractor to restore the
[2:16:27] right away and the private property that's been damaged within 48 hours. So at that point it is incumbent on the
[2:16:35] contractor or subcontractor to go back and address those damages. Should the contractor not prepare the
[2:16:42] and at that point, risk management department,
[2:16:45] that's the city department,
[2:16:47] is authorized to file in the contractor's liability insurance
[2:16:50] because the contractor, as well as the company,
[2:16:54] are both liable,
[2:16:56] so they're liable jointly, and so forth.
[2:16:59] Right away division follows up,
[2:17:01] follows up on the three, one with tickets,
[2:17:03] to ensure that the complaints have been resolved.
[2:17:06] So they, once they've determined that they have been resolved,
[2:17:10] They close the complaint and the final inspections are performed to ensure that the right-of-way has been restored to its pre-constructions condition.
[2:17:21] So all utility companies are ultimately liable for damages incurred to their contractor.
[2:17:29] Just a simple question to them, actually, is this the way it's written?
[2:17:36] It seems to me that you get blanket-type ordinance or policy as to people that are going to be trenching and they're going to be doing pretty much underground work.
[2:17:50] Do you see any need to adjust it so that we can, as we move forward, there's going to be
[2:17:56] the city needs to be fibers coming up.
[2:17:59] And I'm not sure if there's intricacies amongst the fiber industry as to how to go about
[2:18:06] the installation process, I know that we won't be getting these many complaints.
[2:18:12] at there being an easier way or a little bit more compliant way of looking at this from the city's point of view as opposed to the individual property owners calling us and telling us this is what we're seeing.
[2:18:27] I'm seeing it on a daily basis and I'm not sure what the right way or the wrong way is because they give you a design.
[2:18:35] And this is the second question by design when they submit it.
[2:18:41] Do the property owners know that they need to go through there?
[2:18:44] The city knows that they need to go through there.
[2:18:46] But it just happens to be that there's a lot of bike breakages.
[2:18:50] There's a lot of interruption to other things that are in there.
[2:18:52] Is that are you letting them go through the area where most of water,
[2:18:57] sewer, all of that is going through?
[2:18:59] But that is exactly the idea.
[2:19:01] they're supposed to lay there. We have explored micro-trenching in the paved area in the
[2:19:08] street. We understand that that is not a feasible solution. So the lines go basically behind
[2:19:18] the curb and it's tight and that's why that that high-preservation is so important to identify
[2:19:26] by the existing infrastructure.
[2:19:29] But I just see, to see that, you know,
[2:19:31] I was at a house yesterday and I've been seeing all of them.
[2:19:34] They're right along the water meter
[2:19:36] in between the water meter and the sidewalk in that area.
[2:19:40] There's no, I mean, I would say a designated area
[2:19:43] that they're looking at, but it's pretty much at will.
[2:19:48] In that, there's about a two foot area
[2:19:50] and it's pretty much at will.
[2:19:52] And I'm thinking that that's why we're hitting
[2:19:54] in their heat pipes, water pipes, and all that kind of stuff.
[2:19:57] And because they're all bunched in together,
[2:20:00] and then you want them to hydro-crench in there.
[2:20:02] And God knows what's under there and how deep it is.
[2:20:05] So that's where I see the problem is.
[2:20:06] Mayor, come in.
[2:20:07] Yes, go ahead.
[2:20:08] And that's part of the proposed changes.
[2:20:10] The original number in the back is the next meeting.
[2:20:12] The next meeting, which will include, again,
[2:20:15] hydro-excavating these lateral services,
[2:20:18] because that's something that was not being done.
[2:20:21] It's vague in the ordinance right now,
[2:20:23] So we're gonna make it very clear that they have to do this as they cross through these laterals
[2:20:28] that they must show us that they cross in a proper manner without damaging the service.
[2:20:33] I am thinking that, well, and this is, I mean, wishful thinking and it's partly outside the box
[2:20:38] that then saying that any new development should put a conduit system in there for such a thing
[2:20:45] that you can just pull wire through. I mean, I think that's, you know, I don't know who would pay for it.
[2:20:52] I don't know how it looks I don't know even how to say that but it would seem to me that any industrial park that's coming up
[2:20:58] That's going to have any of that stuff any new development. We're getting all this all over the city that this is a way of the future
[2:21:04] We're going to have everything's going to be underground. We don't have anything going above ground
[2:21:08] So I'm wondering if we can have a you know
[2:21:12] Predezzinator or pre-installed through the reference system a
[2:21:16] I can't do it, so I take a pool through there.
[2:21:20] But it's just me, so I'm just taking out a lot.
[2:21:22] And I can address that, Mayor.
[2:21:23] So yes, it is typical on intersections where we,
[2:21:29] developers, where developers will leave a conduit
[2:21:33] right for future crossings, the developer will now
[2:21:38] want to pay for that originally, but it's something
[2:21:41] that we do look into city projects and other projects
[2:21:44] that we have more responsibility on, but mainly at the intersections.
[2:21:50] These companies right now, they're going into existing subdivisions that some of them
[2:21:55] are not prepared for something like this.
[2:21:59] There's already, because of the ordinances of the way that we're built before, but my thinking
[2:22:05] is that I'm wondering how many of the households that they predict that they were going to have
[2:22:11] We're already having that.
[2:22:12] So it just presents more problems in the future.
[2:22:15] I'm glad you're looking at tightening that up.
[2:22:17] But I'm just thank you for future development.
[2:22:20] What we could do to be a little bit more creative
[2:22:21] about this process.
[2:22:23] So they can come in here, do their job,
[2:22:24] and do everybody's happy, but so that's just my thought.
[2:22:28] Thank you.
[2:22:28] Yes, go ahead.
[2:22:30] Ms. Gator, you said that micro-trenching was not,
[2:22:34] you looked at that and we decided that we explored that.
[2:22:39] only because in San Antonio they you know what I saw with Google
[2:22:46] fiber was that they were laying microchances or I guess that's what it's called
[2:22:50] right there's in the street a little bit away from the curb and then they came
[2:22:55] back and and and patched it up and I'm just wondering why it works there and it
[2:22:59] would work here. We looked at it we talked about it works and saying that the main
[2:23:06] of the of the street. That was one of the things. It would still need to dig behind the curb and tunnel underneath to connect back to the fiber and bring it over because what we're talking about micro-transition is putting like a truck line at the asphalt area, not on the curb and then out of certain debt and it's easier for them to start where there is no or there is very little, I guess, obstructions, nothing's there, right. So,
[2:23:34] So, but we still have services crossing.
[2:23:39] So if you have a service line on one side of the street crossing over, you're still,
[2:23:43] you need to make sure that you expose those.
[2:23:45] The risks are going to be the same.
[2:23:47] They're still exactly so, based on the damages that could happen to the asphalt, it was just
[2:23:54] not something that you seem to want to look at.
[2:23:57] Thank you.
[2:23:58] All right.
[2:23:59] Thank you.
[2:24:01] So we wanted to explore the current ordinance and state statute.
[2:24:06] The current ordinance, the current department, the current state statute allows that for
[2:24:10] a maximum per occurrence, or occurrence of damage, a penalty or a fine of up to $4,000.
[2:24:19] Our current city right away ordinance allows for a fine of $1,000 for the first occurrence,
[2:24:25] a $2,000 fine for the second occurrence and a $4,000 fine for the third offense with suspension of the registration,
[2:24:32] suspension for 180 days after which we're in statement or cost $2,500.
[2:24:40] So, that being said, what do we recommend?
[2:24:44] Our recommendation is to mirror the state's statute.
[2:24:47] So, to allow or to address, to change our ordinance, to allow up to the $4,000 fine for
[2:24:56] the per occurrence.
[2:24:58] And we wanted to add additional measures for stronger right away management, including
[2:25:04] pre-instruction meetings, post-construction inspection, project closeout, of course,
[2:25:09] hydroescalate, every existing water and sewer service, again, engage with stakeholders, including
[2:25:14] fraud meant providers and residents, you know, resident representatives for input and of course we'll work with City Attorney's Office and City Manager's Office, regardless of this.
[2:25:25] Ms. Gettin, if I may or go ahead, this all sounds wonderful, and it looks great, but do you have the staff to do this?
[2:25:32] Pre-construction meetings, more meetings? Do you need any more? And do you have the staff to do so?
[2:25:38] Well, I mean, like I say, it sounds fantastic, but it's going to be done.
[2:25:42] But as you well know, but it's very tight already and it's going to be even tighter next
[2:25:46] you.
[2:25:46] So that's my question.
[2:25:48] Would you all be able to handle even more work than what we're second on you now?
[2:25:54] It will, it will be a tab.
[2:25:56] It'll be difficult.
[2:25:57] It'll be a tab for us.
[2:25:58] That's for sure.
[2:25:59] Thank you.
[2:25:59] But, you know, we have to do what we need to do as part of the city to make sure that our right
[2:26:05] by the way it's managed appropriately.
[2:26:07] I go ahead, Councilor.
[2:26:08] Okay, I thought at the beginning you had said
[2:26:10] you were already doing those pre-construction.
[2:26:12] We are doing pre-construction meetings.
[2:26:15] We have that inspection.
[2:26:17] So, what's the issue?
[2:26:19] I have to remember that there was this good asking
[2:26:21] about additional staff needed for this additional work
[2:26:24] by this new ordinance change.
[2:26:26] But I think these would be specialized to this
[2:26:28] because our pre-construction meetings are for,
[2:26:32] you know they're scheduled once every month for all the projects that are coming
[2:26:38] through and these would be I guess specific to just the right way because the main
[2:26:43] change I saw in that slide was that that it was where you would be first defense
[2:26:48] I mean obviously you have to finalize it but it looks like the idea of as you're
[2:26:51] going straight to the $4,000 fine instead of small up to the maximum but that's the
[2:26:56] main change I saw but I mean at the end of the day like you said we have to
[2:27:01] protect the right way so I just wanted to make sure I understood it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
[2:27:07] Thank you so much.
[2:27:08] Thank you.
[2:27:09] All right, come over here if I may.
[2:27:11] Yes, for number 4950 and 51 motion to table them all three with the opportunity for the council member when she wishes to bring them back.
[2:27:20] Motion.