City of Laredo s2

CITY OF LAREDO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING M2009-SC-01 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1110 HOUSTON STREET LAREDO, TEXAS 78040 JANUARY 15, 2009 5:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present, Mayor Raul G. Salinas called the meeting to order.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Raul G. Salinas led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

In attendance:

Raul G. Salinas, Mayor Mike Garza, Council Member, District I Hector Garcia, Council Member, District II Michael Landeck, Council Member, District III Juan Narvaez, Council Member, District IV Johnny Rendon, Council Member, District V Gene Belmares, Mayor Pro Tem, District VI Jose Valdez, Jr., Council Member, District VII Cynthia Liendo-Espinoza, Council Member, District VIII Carlos Villarreal, City Manager Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary Cynthia Collazo, Deputy City Manager Horacio De Leon, Assistant City Manager Jesus Olivares, Assistant City Manager Raul Casso, City Attorney

IV. Discussion with possible action regarding the applicability of the 30 day notice provision of Article 7, “Work Conditions,” of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Police Officer’s Association to Article 22, “Assistants to the Chief of Police,” of the same agreement.

Motion to go into executive session regarding the applicability of the 30 day notice provision of Article 7, “Work Conditions,” of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Laredo Police Officer’s Association to Article 22, “Assistants to the Chief of Police,” of the same agreement.

Cm. Garcia said that he felt that the employees had served the community and he felt that they should have had the courtesy to give them the 30 days to do whatever they needed to 1 do. He added that after thirty years of serving the community, they were treated very unprofessionally. He would like to see that they would be given the courtesy of the 30 days. City Manager Carlos Villarreal agreed and stated that everyone deserves dignity especially after having served the City for a long time. He apologized for staff and for himself. He went on to say that he had requested three legal opinions and that he didn’t want to get into a debate about the articles; however, he wanted to know from the Union President what was being requested. He was willing to extend the benefits and wages for 30 days if that would solve the problem. He said he was putting this on the table without knowing what might be a potential remedy although they had met the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement as regards the 30 day notice. Cm. Landeck said that he had already brought up this issue during the last meeting. He said that it was made clear that the police chief could do whatever he wanted, and Cm. Landeck disagreed with that and felt that there were certain limitations. He stated that the Police Chief did not have the right to reorganize the department without an ordinance from City Council. He suggested to change the motion and said that it could be a serious problem if City Manager was instructed to give the 30 days. He wanted the motion to read that Council was willing to finance a decision if the City Manager should make that move. Luis Dovalina, President of Laredo Police Officer’s Association, stated that at this time he could not make a decision for the individuals who were affected. He needed first to speak to them and then get back to the City Manager. Motion to instruct the City Manager to go back and give the 30 days with wages and benefits to the officers who were demoted. Moved: Cm. Garcia Second: Cm. Rendon For: 8 Against: Abstain: Cm. Garcia withdrew his motion. Cm. Rendon withdrew his second.

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

After executive session Mayor Raul Salinas announced that no formal action was taken in executive session.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn.

2 Moved: Cm. Garza Second: Cm. Belmares For: 8 Against: Abstain: