Social Services PSA's

Had a great meeting today with Jerry from the Public Access Channel and Peggy and Liz from 211. We are working on a series of Public Service Announcements to highlight the many services available to the community through the hardworking non-profits in Laredo.  My hope is that anyone struggling with a problem will be aware of the services these organizations offer.  We might need actors.  Let me know if you're interested in acting or if you know of a new agency that we might not know is available to those in need.

Downtown Parking Meters

New machines feature credit card slots

Check out the new parking meters at 600 block of Flores, which are part of a six-month pilot program.  The minimum charge allowed when using the credit card is still $1.00 which is the cost for two hours parking.  If, after the pilot program goes as expected, additional machines will be purchased in two or three phases to replace all outdated parking meters with the new solar-powered ones.

According to Roberto Murillo, Traffic Safety Manager, the new machines should help cut down on maintenance costs associated with the previous ones.  Staff will monitor the use of the credit card slot, to determine if all downtown parking meters should eventually be replaced with those that feature credit card acceptance.

Additionally, the Zaragoza and Santa Maria parking lot has been converted into a pay-by-space parking lot and will no longer be manned by a teller.  Pay-by-space station payment options are coins, bills, and/or credit cards.  Hourly rates and hours of operation remain the same.  The lot, while still utilized, as less busy than other parking lots and the division hopes to save approximately $25,000 annually with the change.

The pay and display at the El Portal parking lot, located at 1300 Zaragoza, now also accepts credit cards.  Instructions step by step to use machines are posted on each location. 

For more information on any of the new features, please call the Parking Enforcement Division at (956) 794-1780.  *Press release by Xochitl Mora, PIO

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Looking forward to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and Americorp on a service project for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday January 16th.  We will be working on reparing the home of an elderly person who resides in District 8. The home is in desperate need of improvement.  We are looking for volunteers.  Please let me know if you're interested in helping out.  For more info on the great work Habitat does, visit their webpage at:  http://habitatlaredo.org/

First City Council Meeting of 2012

Interesting items:

#12--Consideration to adopt the federal legislative agenda.  (Declares which items will be given priority when visiting with officials in Washington)

#24--Consideration to authorize a contract for the purchase and installation of a splash park at Ladrillera Park. (Next agenda will include item requesting approval for metal shade and walking track )--- Entire project should be complete by April 10th.

#28--Authorizing the City Manager to award a contract for architectural services for design of a new administration building at the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant.  (The building will include student exhibit areas and observation deck perfect for student tours.)

#33 (A-2) Discussion with possible action to create a resolution regarding the continued blockage of intersections by Kansas City Southern.  ( Texas Transportation Code states a railroad company commits an offense if a train of the railroad company obstructs for more than ten minutes a street, railroad crossing or public highway punishable by a fine.)
#33 (D-3) Discussion with possible action on the appraisal and possible sale of the Laredo Civic Center property.  (Proceeds could go toward building a Community Center in District 8 and a new Reception Hall/ Conference Center possibly by the LEA while allowing LISD to have their own Performing Arts Center in the heart of the school district)

Check out the entire agenda at the link below: 
http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/city-council/council-activities/council-agendas/2012Agendas/2012-R-01.pdf

Facebook and Twitter

Please check out my facebook and twitter pages:
http://www.facebook.com/clespinoza
http://twitter.com/laredodistrict8

Happy New Year!