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Min 01/16/2018 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building January 16, 2018 Item 1 - Call to Order The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas met in regular session on the above date in the Council Chambers of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 8:30 o’clock a.m., with the following members present. Stephen L. Santellana - Mayor Jesse Brown - Councilors DeAndra Chenault - Mitesh Desai - Brian Hooker - Eric West - Bobby Whiteley - Darron Leiker - City Manager Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney Kia Weathersby - Deputy City Clerk - - - - - - - - Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 8:30 am - - - - - - - - Item 2 – Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Councilor Jesse Brown gave the invocation. Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance. - - - - - - - - Item 3-4a Consent Items 8:32:01 AM City Manager Darron Leiker gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent Agenda. Mo ved by Councilor Brown that the consent items be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Desai and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 2 Item 3 - Approval of Minutes of the January 2, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Item 4 - Receive Minutes Minutes of the following boards and commissions were received: (a) Water Resources Commission, December 18, 2017 - - - - - - - ***This item was heard out of order.*** Item 9 – Executive Session City Council went into Executive Session at 8:33 am in accordance with Texas Government Code §551.074 and §551.087. City Council reconvened at 9:29:19 AM. Mayor Santellana announced that no polls or votes were taken during Executive Session. - - - - - - Item 6a – Resolution #04-2018 9:29:39 AM Resolution #04-2018 Resolution declaring the City of Wichita Falls’s eligibility and intention to participate in the Texas Tax Abatement Program to promote development and redevelopment and adopt guidelines and criteria for tax abatement in the City of Wichita Falls Moved by Councilor Brown that Resolution No. 04-2018 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hooker and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 6b – Resolution #05-2018 9:31:07 AM Resolution #05-2018 Resolution of support for proposed affordable housing tax credit project, Flats at 44 at 4010 Central Frwy./I-44 North, Wichita Falls, Texas, from Flats at 44 Housing Partners, LP Moved by Councilor West that Resolution No. 05-2018 be passed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 3 Motion seconded by Councilor Brown and carried by the following vote: Jake Mooney, Overland Park, KS spoke about the project and their belief that spreading this program around the city is the best use. Adding rooftops will help retail and other development and improve what are currently vacant lots. They wish to help bridge the gap between Wichita Falls and the Base. He confirmed that rezoning will be required. The project was submitted after the law council meeting. He said they are proposing two different sites. This proposal is seen by them as an insurance policy for getting a development in north Wichita Falls. They are not the same firm that completed the housing on Airport Drive. The company does not currently own the land this project would be on but they are in discussions with the landowner. They will not purchase the property if they are not awarded the project. Motion by Councilor Brown to table this item until after discussion on Item 6F. Motion seconded by Councilor Hooker and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 6c – Resolution #06-2018 9:39:21 AM Resolution #06-2018 Resolution of support for proposed affordable housing tax credit project, Kemp Flats at 3110 Central Frwy./I-44 North (approximate address of 3300 Airport Drive), Wichita Falls, Texas, from Kemp Housing Partners, LP Moved by Councilor Hooker that Resolution No. 06-2018 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Desai and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None Community Development Director Dana Schoening said this item was tabled at the last meeting. The property would require re-platting, but the zoning allows for multi-family housing. When asked about the economic benefits of this project, Jake Mooney developers look at activity around other commercial developments when they decide whether or not to develop. His firm believes that putting residential areas near commercial areas encourages commercial developers to come in and build. Councilor West stated that part of the reason this was tabled was because he was not sure that a 40 apartment complex would stimulate economic growth, and asked if anyone on staff had an opinion. City Manager Darron Leiker stated that in his professional opinion, this would not be enough people to spur economic growth. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 4 Motion by Councilor Brown moved to table this item until after discussion on Item 6f. Motion seconded by Councilor Hooker and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 6d – Resolution #07-2018 9:46:14 AM Resolution #07-2018 Resolution of support for proposed affordable housing tax credit project, The Heights at Wichita Falls located at 2000 Loop 11, Wichita Falls, Texas, from TX Loop 11 2018, Ltd. Moved by Councilor Hooker that Resolution No. 07-2018 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Desai and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None Mr. Schoening said the project would require re-platting but is currently zoned for multi-family apartments as permitted use. Andy Lee, representing the development team, said he sees economic development as the primary thing the city needs right now. The city needs affordable housing for the jobs and industry that are being created in north Wichita Falls. This site is in the City View school district, which meets State standards for schools. The land is owned by American National Bank, and working with them on this project would create opportunities to work with them on future projects in north Wichita Falls. Developer Chris Applequist, Frisco, TX spoke about the project. This development team is a long-term ownership developer. They see an opportunity for revitalization with this project. They did not submit this project because they did not want to tie up the land too early and were waiting on rules for the State to be finalized. He said without the tax credit and council support they will not be able to do the project. Councilor Brown told Andy Lee he liked his reference to the importance of economic development but said he is not clear on how someone who works in a higher paid industry will qualify for this low income housing. Mr. Lee replied that starting wages are low enough to qualify. Mr. Applequist added that all 40 units will be affordable housing. There will be employees working entry level, hourly positions who will qualify. Mayor Santellana asked why building on the north side of the city would benefit citizens more than somewhere else in the city. Mr. Applequist replied that the site is walking distance to the amenities nearby, but that there are many sites that would be good sites. Councilor Chenault asked how many are on the waiting list for affordable housing and was told it is between 400-500. Motion by Councilor Brown to table this item under after discussion on Item 6f. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 5 The motion was seconded by Councilor Desai and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 6e – Resolution #08-2018 10:04:17 AM Resolution #08-2018 Resolution of support for proposed affordable housing tax credit project, Wichita Falls Pioneer Crossing at 1038 West Wenonah Blvd., Wichita Falls, Texas, from Wichita Falls Pioneer Crossing, LLC Moved by Councilor West that Resolution No. 08-2018 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Brown and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None Mr. Schoening said this property would require re-platting for this development. The current zoning would allow for multi-family apartment complexes. Developer Lisa McKetty, Austin, TX brought information packets for Council members. This developer constructed Royal Gardens in Wichita Falls as well. It is one hundred percent occupied and there is a significant wait list. She asked the Council to give support to all developers who have submitted a proposal. She said she is aware they won’t score the highest number of points, but would like to have the council support. She said this project is not feasible without a tax credit. The property is under contract. Motion by Councilor Brown to table this item under after discussion on Item 6f. The motion was seconded by Councilor Desai and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 6f – Resolution #09-2018 10:11:43 AM Resolution #09-2018 Consider and take action to amend Resolution #01 -2018 for a proposed affordable housing tax credit project, The Reserves at Maplewood II, in Wichita Falls, Texas by OPG Maplewood Partners II, LLC CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 6 Moved by Councilor Hooker that Resolution No. 09-2018 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor West and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None Mr. Schoening said a resolution of support was passed at the last council meeting to support this project. It is an extension of an existing facility. The parcel is owned by the developer and zoned general commercial which allows for multi-family apartments. He said road improvements to Maplewood Ave would be required. Applicant Brett Johnson, Leawood, Kansas, asked the Council to keep the previously passed Resolution. He said if they are the only one to receive support, OPG will provide the funding to extend Maplewood Ave. The road extension could create opportunities for significant economic development. The road would have the highest benefit for the city as a whole. He said the resolution needs to be amended to add funding and the development of the road. OPG owns the land that this project would be on. He said he would like to enter into an agreement if TIF #2 has funds available. Councilor Chenault asked for the occupancy for the current apartments and waiting list information for the existing apartments. Mr. Johnson said the current apartments are full and have a large waiting list. Councilor West said that this offers a unique opportunity with the street extension that is a top priority for the city. It would give us affordable housing and give the citizens a tax break with the road extension. Mayor asked if the project will move forward without the tax credit and was told it would not. Councilor Brown clarified that the Maplewood extension will be done at some point, regardless of which proposal is chosen. Mr. Leiker said the extension will be done if the funds are available. Councilor Brown moved to table discussion in order of tabled motions. Motion seconded by Councilor Hooker and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - The council then voted on the items in order: Item 6b – Resolution #05-2018 10:25:26 AM Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilor Desai Nays: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Hooker, West, and Whiteley CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 7 - - - - - - Item 6c – Resolution #06-2018 10:25:50 AM Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilor Chenault, Desai, Whiteley Nays: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Hooker, and West Item 6d – Resolution #07-2018 10:26:32 AM Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilors Desai Nays: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Item 6e – Resolution #08-2018 10:26:58 AM Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilors Desai Nays: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Item 6f – Resolution #09-2018 10:27:33 AM Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: Chenault - - - - - - Item 5a – Ordinance #05-2018 10:29:45 AM Ordinance #04-2018 Ordinance amending Section 22 of the Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances to amend the 2015 International Building Code; establishing distance separation between properties containing multi-family residential development and solid waste transfer station; providing codification; and declaring an emergency Moved by Councilor Hooker that Ordinance No. 04-2018 be passed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 8 Motion seconded by Councilor Brown and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brown, Chenault, Desai, Hooker, West, and Whiteley Nays: None - - - - - - Item 7 – Items of Concern to Members of the City Council 10:34:55 AM Councilor West spoke about new trash bins downtown, and that they are almost always full when he passes them. He would like to know who owns and manages them. Mr. Leiker replied the bins are owned and maintained by Downtown Development Corporation. They send an electronic signal when full, so we will look into making sure they are being emptied. Councilor Whiteley thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work on taking care of holes in the streets. Councilor Brown spoke about the council actions and the opportunity to save the taxpayers over a million dollars by pushing costs to a developer. Councilor Chenault thanked everyone who came out to the Kemp and Sunnyside reopening on January 4th and reminded everyone of the MLK prayer breakfast Councilor Desai gave the Hirschi Huskies a shout out. - - - - - - - Item 8 – Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda. 10:38:17 AM Beverly Ellis, 1605 Parkdale, thanked Councilor Chenault for all of her hard work during the last few years to make sure things are happening in her district, as well as the entire city. She spoke about an incident that occurred a few years ago, when she saw a lady in a wheelchair and her son who were sent outside the travel center to wait for a bus for several hours. At that time, she brought the incident to the attention of the Council and was assured it would be taken care of and not happen again. Recently, Councilor Chenault was awakened very late to come out to the bus station to help people who were again stranded outside in the cold. She would like to ask the Council to again consider the people in the City and what they need, and tell Councilor Chenault thank you again for her work. Ms. Ellis asked that the station be left open to allow people a place to wait. Mayor said that protocol has now been set up to prevent this from happening again, and that Councilor Chenault went above and beyond. Mr. Leiker clarified that this was not a city bus, it was a Greyhound bus that did not arrive on time. This was beyond our control. Protocols are now in place to help avoid this type of situation in the future. - - - - - - - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 16, 2018 Page 9 Item 10 - Adjourn City Council adjourned at 10:44:15 AM PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of February, 2018. __________________________________ Stephen L. Santellana, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Tracy B. Norr, TRMC/MMC, City Clerk