Ruben Atilano

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several municipal matters. Key items included a motion to incorporate sidewalks and active transport into the maintenance, construction, and repair program. The Council also addressed Housing Tax Credits, passing a motion to create a streamline policy for future projects and approving a Resolution of Support for Zimmerman Properties regarding the Calle del Norte Apartments LIHTC application, which included waiving a $500 commitment fee. Furthermore, the establishment of a Port of Entry Advisory Committee, comprised of local port industry representatives, was advanced by directing staff to begin the creation process. A status report on the Dellwood Apartments (2201 Bristol Road) led to a motion directing management to enforce public nuisance ordinances to the fullest extent and pursue cost recovery measures due to the property being a hazard. The session concluded with discussions regarding various ordinances, a staff report, and an executive session.

The City Council meeting covered various financial and regulatory matters. Discussions included the potential consequences of personnel budget cuts in the Tax Collector's office and the presentation of an Appropriation Ordinance which was subsequently adopted, authorizing payments for prior services. A significant portion of the meeting involved public appeals regarding the Ward 4 Storm Drainage Project, leading to a motion to redirect those funds to other wards. The Council addressed requests for new and reinstated taxicab permits, referring the taxi permit matter to the Transportation Committee. Other discussions included cost-sharing for a proposed underground storm drainage system at Calton Road and San Dario, which was referred to legal counsel. Action was taken regarding delinquent 1979 taxpayers, authorizing lawsuits. An ordinance prohibiting large signs near the Zacate Creek Beautification Project was tabled for committee review. The Council adopted an ordinance authorizing a contract with the University of Texas at San Antonio for archeological services related to the City Toll Plaza construction. Furthermore, an ordinance was adopted authorizing the Community Development Agency to contract for STDC grants for the Homemaker/Chore Services Program. The formation of the Laredo Housing Finance Corporation was approved via resolution, and a resolution to request bid proposals from Bond Counsels was passed. Finally, an amendment to the Garbage Collection Fee Ordinance was adopted to set a fee of 35¢ for stickers placed on commercial garbage containers, and to restrict dumping at the city dump site.

Key discussions during the meeting included the introduction of ordinances authorizing the City Manager to execute several lease agreements for space at the Laredo International Airport, involving entities such as Francisco Alderete d/b/a Alderete & Associates, Tri-Group International, Inc., and Wholesale Shoes of Laredo, LTD. Council also handled final readings, including a water supply and sewer contract. Resolutions adopted included proclaiming National Library Week and authorizing the execution of Water Rights Sales Agreements for the purchase of Class A and Class B Water Rights from various entities. Furthermore, resolutions accepted grants from the Texas Department of Health for the HIV Care Consortia Project and from the Texas Department of Transportation for a Safety Belt Enforcement Program. The Council authorized the acceptance of conveyance for a twenty-acre tract including the UNITEC Wastewater Treatment Plant, approved a property tax refund, and awarded contracts for a utility vehicle for the Fire Department and for nitrate-based odor control chemicals. A construction contract was awarded for the replacement of 150 Fire Hydrants. The City Manager provided updates on the status of the Inner Loop alignment, the completion of Villa del Sol Park, and the cost and status of the proposed fourth bridge, including environmental study requirements and financing mechanisms. Discussions also covered the timeline for the Corpus Christi Street sidewalk program, ongoing clean-up of Zacate Creek, and steps being implemented to stop sewer back-up in the Chacon Creek area. Council also discussed the establishment of a Laredo Commission for Women and the future of the Border Air Ambulance service, which provides in-kind support to the city. Finally, public hearings addressed paving assessment improvements for Project 51 and amendments to health department budgets related to chronic disease and HIV care projects.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the period 2023-2027.

The meeting included a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Annual PHA Plan and Five-Year Action Plan for fiscal years 2026-2030. The board also considered approving the write-off of non-collectible accounts for vacated units in various Public Housing locations, approving the 2026 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Payment Standard amounts, and authorizing the Executive Director to extend contracts for towing and security services. Additionally, the board considered approving updated policies related to procurement, admissions, continued occupancy, violence against women, emergency transfers, assistance and service animals, pest eradication, maintenance, and pet ownership. There was discussion and possible action to finalize and adopt the Housing Authority's Agency Annual PHA Plan, the 2026-2030 FHA Five Year Action Plan, and to approve the Capital Fund Program Amendment. A hiring freeze of management and supervisory positions was also discussed. The Board may meet in executive session for consultation concerning attorney---client matters.