City Council

Dee Margo

Peter Svarzbein, District 1

Mayor

Alexsandra Annello, District 2

Cassandra Hernandez, District 3

Sam Morgan, District 4

Tommy Gonzalez

Isabel Salcido, District 5

City Manager

Claudia L. Rodriguez, District 6

Henry Rivera, District 7

Cissy  Lizarraga, District 8

May 12, 2020

9:00 AM

Teleconference phone number 1-915-213-4096

Toll free number:  1-833-551-0381

Conference ID: 760-059-801#

AND

AGENDA REVIEW MEETING

May 11, 2020

9:00 AM

Teleconference phone number 1-915-213-4096

Toll free number:  1-833-551-0381

Conference ID: 540-254-953#

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OPEN MEETINGS LAWS DUE TO EMERGENCY

The Texas Governor temporarily suspended specified provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act to allow telephonic or videoconference meetings and to avoid congregate settings in physical locations.

Notice is hereby given that an Agenda Review Meeting will be conducted on May 11, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. and a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of El Paso will be conducted on May 12, 2020 at 9:00 AM. Members of the public may view the meeting via the following means:

Via the City’s website. http://www.elpasotexas.gov/videos

Via television on City15,

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofelpasotx/videos

In compliance with the requirement that the City provide two-way communication for members of the public, members of the public may communicate with Council during public comment, and regarding agenda items by calling the following number:

1-915-213-4096 or Toll free number: 1-833-551-0381

At the prompt please enter the corresponding Conference ID:

Agenda Review, May 11, 2020 Conference ID: 540-254-953#

Regular Council Meeting, May 12, 2020 Conference ID: 760-059-801#

The public is strongly encouraged to sign up to speak on items on this agenda before the start of this meeting on the following links:

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/municipal-clerk/meetings/city-council-meetings

and

http:/www2.elpasotexas.gov/municipal-clerk/signup_form.asp

The following members of City Council will be present via video conference:

Mayor Dee Margo and Representatives Peter Svarzbein, Alexsandra Annello, Cassandra Hernandez, Sam Morgan, Isabel Salcido, Claudia Rodriguez, Henry Rivera, and Cissy Lizarraga

A quorum of City Council must participate in the meeting.

ROLL CALL

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

All matters listed under the CONSENT AGENDA, including those on the Addition to the Agenda, will be considered by  City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion unless separate discussion is requested by Council Members. Prior to the vote, members of the audience may ask questions regarding items on the consent agenda. When the vote   has been taken, if an item has not been called out for separate discussion, the item has been approved. Council may, however, reconsider any item at any time during the meeting

CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1.

Goal 6: Set the Standard for Sound Governance and Fiscal Management

1.1.

Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 28, 2020 and the Agenda Review Meeting of April 27, 2020.

All Districts

City Clerk's Office, Laura D. Prine, (915) 212-0049

(Attachment)

(Attachment)

CONSENT AGENDA - REQUEST TO EXCUSE ABSENT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

2.

REQUEST TO EXCUSE ABSENT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

CONSENT AGENDA - RESOLUTIONS:

3.

Goal 2: Set the Standard for a Safe and Secure City

3.1.

Authorize the Mayor to sign an amendment to an Interlocal Agreement between the City of El Paso and Emergence Health Network.

All Districts

Police, Assistant Chief Peter Pacillas, (915) 212-4308

(Attachment)

CONSENT AGENDA - APPLICATIONS FOR TAX REFUNDS:

4.

Goal 6: Set the Standard for Sound Governance and Fiscal Management

4.1.

That the tax refunds listed on the attachment posted with this agenda be approved.  This action would allow us to comply with state law which requires approval by the legislative body of refunds of tax overpayments greater than $2,500.00.  (See Attachment A)

All Districts

Tax Office, Maria O. Pasillas, (915) 212-1737

(Attachment)

CONSENT AGENDA - NOTICE FOR NOTATION:

5.

Goal 6: Set the Standard for Sound Governance and Fiscal Management

5.1.

Accept the following donations: $2,500 from Marathon Petroleum, $1,000 from El Paso Disposal, 350 rolls of toilet paper from Food City, $500 from El Paso Electric, and facemasks from Excel Garment Manufacturing Inc. for the purpose of providing care items to seniors, vulnerable citizens impacted by COVID-19 and other aid initiatives in District 3.

Representative Cassandra Hernandez, (915) 212-0003

5.2.

City Representative Henry Rivera, District 7 discloses a bi-weekly donation of $105.00 to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank’s new Home Delivery Pilot Project, which will be donated by the Representative from his salary as a City Council member. The program is set to deliver emergency food boxes to vulnerable people who may be quarantined due to COVID-19 or who may be shut-in due to age or disability and have limited ability to get food on their own.

Representative Henry Rivera, (915) 212-0007

(Attachment)

CONSENT AGENDA - BIDS:

6.

Goal 7: Enhance and Sustain El Paso’s Infrastructure Network

6.1.

The linkage to the Strategic Plan is subsection 7.2 – Improve the competitiveness through infrastructure improvements impacting the quality of life by expanding the investment and beautification of street infrastructure.

Award Summary:

The award of Solicitation No. 2020-735 Galvanized Sign Posts to Centerline Supply for an initial term estimated award of $212,647.76.  The award is to include a one (1) year optional amount of $212,647.76 for a total two (2) year estimated award of $ 425,295.52.  The approval of this contract would allow for the purchase of sign posts and hardware required for the continual replacement or repair of aging or damaged street signs throughout the city.

Contract Variance:

The difference in cost, based on comparison to one (1) year of the previous contract is as follows:  A decrease of $58,580.24, a 21.6% decrease due to reductions in quantities.

Department:                            Streets & Maintenance

Award to:                                 Centerline Supply

                                                Grand Prairie, TX

Item(s):                                    All

Initial Term:                             1 year

Option to Extend:                    1 year

Annual Estimated Award:       $212,647.76

Total Estimated Award:           $425,295.52 (2 years)

Account No.:                           532 – 32020 - 531220 – 1000 – P3254

Funding Source:                      General fund – Maintenance Supplies Parts

Districts:                                  All

This is a low bid, unit price contract.

The Purchasing & Strategic Sourcing Department and Streets & Maintenance Department recommend award as indicated to Centerline Supply, the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.

In accordance with this award the City Manager or designee is authorized to exercise future options if needed.

All Districts

Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing, Bruce D. Collins, (915) 212-1181  

Streets and Maintenance, Richard Bristol, (915) 212-0119

(Attachment)

(Attachment)

CALL TO THE PUBLIC – PUBLIC COMMENT

Call to the Public will begin at 12:00 p.m.  Sixty minutes in total will be devoted for Call to the Public. This time is reserved for members of the public who would like to address the City Council on items that are not on the City Council Agenda.

Members of the public may communicate with Council during public comment, and regarding agenda items by calling 1-915-213-4096 or toll free number 1-833-551-0381 at the prompt please enter the following Conference ID: 760-059-801#

A sign-up form is available on line at http:/www2.elpasotexas.gov/municipal-clerk/signup_form.asp for those who wish to sign up in advance of the meeting date and a sign-up form is available outside the City Council Chambers at the City Clerk table for those who wish to sign up on the day of the meeting.

REGULAR AGENDA - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.9 OF THE EL PASO CITY CHARTER:

Public comment typically is not taken during the first reading of ordinances. Public comments are invited at the date of the scheduled public hearing. Public Hearings will be held as part of the regular City Council meeting that begins at approximately 9:00 a.m. All interested persons present shall have an opportunity to be heard at that time. After the public hearings, Council may also delay taking action on Ordinances; no requirement is made by Section 3.9B of the El Paso City Charter to publish any further notice. Copies of all Ordinances are available for review in the City Clerk’s office, 300 N. Campbell, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

7.

Goal 3: Promote the Visual Image of El Paso:

7.1.

An Ordinance changing the zoning of Lots 80 and 81, Sunrise Acres No. 2, 4805 Atlas Avenue and 4806 Titanic Avenue, City of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas, from RMU (Residential Mixed Use) to R-4 (Residential). The penalty is as provided for in Chapter 20.24 of the El Paso City Code. The proposed rezoning meets the intent of the Future Land Use designation for the property and is in accordance with Plan El Paso, the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Subject Property: 4805 Atlas Ave. and 4806 Titanic Ave. Owner: Adobe Haciendas, Inc. PZRZ20-00004

District 2

Planning and Inspections, Philip F. Etiwe, (915) 212-1553

Planning and Inspections, Karina Brasgalla, (915) 212-1604

(Attachment)

PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 9, 2020

REGULAR AGENDA – PUBLIC HEARINGS AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES

8.

Goal 3: Promote the Visual Image of El Paso

8.1.

An Ordinance approving a detailed site development plan for a portion of Tract 1A, Section 31, Block 80, Township 1, Texas and Pacific Railroad Company Surveys, City of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas, pursuant to Section 20.04.150. The penalty being as provided in Chapter 20.24 of the El Paso City Code. Subject Property: South of Sean Haggerty Drive and East of McCombs Street. Property Owner: Northtowne Village Joint Venture. PZDS19-00037

District 4

Planning and Inspections, Philip F. Etiwe, (915) 212-1553

Planning and Inspections, Andrew Salloum, (915) 212-1603

(Attachment)

(Attachment)

8.2.

An Ordinance changing the zoning of Tract 30, Block 29, Ysleta, 8149 Alameda Avenue, City of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas from R-4 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial).  The penalty is as provided for in Chapter 20.24 of the El Paso City Code. The proposed rezoning meets the intent of the Future Land Use designation for the property and is in accordance with Plan El Paso, the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Subject Property: 8149 Alameda Avenue; Owner: Yolanda E. Calderon; PZRZ19-00035

District 7

Planning and Inspections, Philip Etiwe, (915) 212-1553

Planning and Inspections, Anne Guayante, (915) 212-1814

(Attachment)

8.3.

An Ordinance amending Title 20 (Zoning), Appendix A (Table of Permissible Uses);Title 20 (Zoning), Chapter 20.10 (Supplemental Use Regulations), Section 20.10.455 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities), Subsection D; and Title 20 (Zoning), Chapter 20.10 (Supplemental Use Regulations), Section 20.10.455 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities) Subsection F of the El Paso City Code to update the Table of Permissible Uses and update the supplemental use regulations for Personal Wireless Service Facilities. The penalty is as provided for in Chapter 20.24 of the El Paso City Code.

All Districts

Planning and Inspections, Philip F. Etiwe, (915) 212-1553

Capital Improvement, Sam Rodriguez, (915) 212-0065  

(Attachment)

(Attachment)

REGULAR AGENDA - OTHER BUSINESS

9.

Goal 1: Create an Environment Conducive to Strong, Sustainable Economic Development

9.1.

Discussion and action on a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to terminate the Golf Course Management Agreement between the City of El Paso and Kemper Sports Management, Inc. for the Butterfield Trail Golf Club located at 1858 Cottonwood Dr., El Paso, Texas. The termination will be effective May 31, 2020. If an additional wind down period is necessary, the termination date will be extended to June 15, 2020. Termination of the contract is pursuant to the City’s right to terminate due to a force majeure event. Travel restrictions due to the global pandemic COVID-19 has caused a downturn in revenue in the aviation industry. The El Paso International Airport must focus its limited resources on essential airport operations and cannot continue to subsidize the Golf Course for the remainder of the term of the contract. [POSTPONED FROM 04-28-2020]

District 2

Aviation, Monica Lombraña, (915) 212-7301

(Attachment)

10.

Goal 2: Set the Standard for a Safe and Secure City

10.1.

Update reference Resolution on Cite and Release, November 12, 2019 - Item 20.5/ April 27, 2020 Item 7.  Action on a Resolution implementing Cite and Release program for Class A and B possession of marijuana.

All Districts

Police, Chief G. Allen, (915) 212-4307

Police, Assistant Chief Victor Zarur, (915) 212-4307

(Attachment)

(Attachment)

11.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

11.1.

Discussion and action on developing a Temporary Rental/Mortgage Assistance program to benefit residents and small businesses, within the City of El Paso, that are unable to pay their rent/mortgage as a result of job loss and small businesses closing or operating at reduced capacities as a result of COVID-19. To direct the City Manager to allocate CARES Act COVID-19 funding and any other funding that is available for this program and to further develop implementation strategies, guarantee the program is user friendly and ensure that the public is informed via social media platforms, media PSA’s, print media, the city website, and any other resources that are available.

All Districts

Representative Henry Rivera, (915) 212-0007

(Attachment)

11.2.

Discussion and action to develop a utility temporary program to assist residents with electric utility payment assistance as a result of being impacted with an economic hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic; and direct the City Manager, Tommy Gonzalez, to allocate CARES Act COVID-19 funding, additional federal funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or any other available federal funding to this program. To further develop implementation strategies, guarantee the program is user friendly and ensure that the public is informed via Social media platforms, media PSA’s, print media, the city website, and any other resources that are available.

District 7

Representative Henry Rivera, (915) 212-0007

(Attachment)

11.3.

Discussion and action for the City Council to approve that the expenditure of General Fund savings generated from the unfilled administrative position in the office of the City Council District 6 Representative in the amount not to exceed $11,984.00, to reimburse El Pasoans Fighting Hunger pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding dated March 31, 2020, serves the municipal purpose of relieving the emergency necessity of the municipality’s residents and protecting the health and safety of the community as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and approves the expenditure. The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to effectuate any budget transfers and execute any contracts and/or related documents necessary to ensure that the funds are properly expended for such purpose.

District 6

Representative Claudia Rodriguez, (915) 212-0006

(Attachment)

11.4.

Presentation by Dr. Ogechika Alozie, board certified in infectious disease specialist, on COVID-19 entitled "COVID-19: Flying the Plane".

All Districts

Representative Peter Svarzbein, (915) 212-1002

(Attachment)

11.5.

Discussion and action to direct the City Manager to research and allocate eligible CARES Act COVID-19 funding, and any other funding that is available for contact tracing, hiring of contract tracing personnel,  and other measures conducted to address the spread of COVID-19 in El Paso.

All Districts

Representative Peter Svarzbein, (915) 212-1002

(Attachment)

11.6.

Discussion and action for additional recommendations for the use of CARES Act COVID-19 funding allocated to the City of El Paso. To Direct the City Manager to determine the cost of each of the following recommendations and the implementation methods to be used; and any new program or augmentation of any new city program allocated/ incur CARES Act funding should consider the rehiring of City furloughed employees:

A. Implement and augment the existing infrastructure for City Wide Wi-Fi capabilities so that residents may stay informed about COVID-19 issues, so that unemployment services may be accessed, residents and businesses are able to access online payment for utilities, etc. and all level of students from kindergarten to colleges have access to educational material.

B. Implement and augment the Welfare Check Program for individuals that are being self-quarantined by rehiring, retraining, and/or implementing an on the job training for city employees who have been furloughed.

C. Implement and augment the Contact Tracer Program for individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 by rehiring, retraining, and/or implementing an on the job training for city employees who have been furloughed.

D. Implement and augment a City Disinfecting System to clean all city facilities every day where people congregate such as bus stops, park walking paths, public sidewalks, library drop off boxes, etc.

E. Implement Free Wellness Centers at fire stations, police command centers, and/or city “neighborhood” facilities to provide temperature checks and other COVID-19 symptoms that people may believe they have by rehiring, retraining, and/or implementing an on the job training for City employees who have been furloughed.

F.  Establish a “City Employees Furloughed Compensation Fund” to assist employees affected by furlough in the form of funds and/or monthly grants.

All Districts

Representative Henry Rivera, (915) 212-0007

11.7.

Discussion and action for the City Council to approve that the expenditure of General Fund savings from the office of the City Council District 7 Representative in the amount not to exceed $15,000, to reimburse El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Home Delivery Service, a pilot program for those who are quarantined due to diagnosis or pending diagnosis of COVID-19, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding dated March 31, 2020, serves the municipal purpose of relieving the emergency necessity of the municipality’s residents and protecting the health and safety of the community as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and approves the expenditure. The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to effectuate any budget transfers and execute any contracts and/or related documents necessary to ensure that the funds are properly expended for such purpose.

All Districts

Representative Henry Rivera, (915) 212-0007

(Attachment)

11.8.

Discussion and action on adopting a Resolution regarding COVID-19 policy directives.

All Districts

Representative Cassandra Hernandez, (915) 212-0003

Representative Alexsandra Annello, (915) 212-0002

Representative Peter Svarzbein, (915) 212-0001

(Attachment)

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OPEN MEETINGS LAWS DUE TO EMERGENCY

The Texas Governor temporarily suspended specified provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act to allow telephonic or videoconference meetings and to avoid congregate settings in physical locations.

The following members of City Council will be present via video conference:

Mayor Dee Margo and Representatives Peter Svarzbein, Alexsandra Annello, Cassandra Hernandez, Sam Morgan, Isabel Salcido, Claudia Rodriguez, Henry Rivera, and Cissy Lizarraga

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of the City of El Paso may retire into EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to Section 3.5A of the El Paso City Charter and the Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapter D, to discuss any of the following: (The items listed below are matters of the sort routinely discussed in Executive Session, but the City Council of the City of El Paso may move to Executive Session any of the items on this agenda, consistent with the terms of the Open Meetings Act and the Rules of City Council.) The City Council will return to open session to take any final action and may also, at any time during the meeting, bring forward any of the following items for public discussion, as appropriate.

ADJOURN

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

Sign Language interpreters are provided for regular City Council meetings. Copies of this Agenda will be provided in Braille, large print, or audiotape upon requests made a minimum of 48 hours prior to the meeting.

ALL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AGENDAS ARE PLACED ON THE INTERNET ON THURSDAY PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE ADDRESS BELOW:

http://www.elpasotexas.gov/