Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 11/14/2017MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
November 14, 2017
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Garner, Chair
Penny Miller, Secretary
Sam Bownds
Jesse Brown, City Council
Jack Browne
Pete Gill
Kendrick Jones
Larry Scott
Ford Swanson
Jake VanDonge
Tom Lang, Ex-Officio
■ Members
Terry Points, Parks and Recreation ■ Staff
Jim Dockery, City Manager's Office
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager
Dana Shoening, Director Community Development
Kinley Heggland, City Attorney
Davis Powell, Engineering
Vikesh Desai, Engineering
Jennifer Blackwell ■ Guests
Sally Gray, Wild Bird Rescue
Claire Kowalick, Times Record News
Mayor Stephen Santellana
Tina Henderson
ABSENT: Michael Chapman, Kathie Forehand-Chaddick
I. Call to Order and Introductions
Steve Garner called the meeting to order. Members, staff and guests introduced
themselves.
11. Approval of Minutes
Motion made to approve the October minutes. Motion passed.
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III. Wildflower Project
The Rolling Plains Chapter Texas Master Naturalist completed planting of the
demonstration wildflower plot at the Lake Wichita spillway. The chapter is willing to
expand the area next season.
IV. Lake Wichita Spillway Mural
The City has approved the contract for the mural painting, but will wait to execute the
contract until the money has been raised. The Lake Wchita Committee will not be
fundraising for the mural —donations should be sent to the Community Foundation and
designated for the mural.
V. Discussion of Grant Projects
Davis Powell said the City Council agenda on November 20 includes an item to accept
the boat ramp grant. The boardwalk grant was accepted previously. An RFQ has been
prepared for design of the boardwalk, boat ramp and veterans plaza with a suspense of
December 18.
TxDOT has approved multiple grants for the Circle Trail, which will leave a single
section to complete that entire project.
VI. Discussion of Brick Sale Campaign
Steve Garner passed out flyers to publicize the brick sale campaign. Alex Nelson will
be keeping track of sales.
VII. Discussion of Fundraising
Hoegger Communications has put together a video on the Lake Wichita project. Steve
Garner and Tom Lang have met with Harry Patterson and Jackie Hoegger to put
together a list of approximately 30 potential donors they will meet with one-on-one to
ask for funding. The majority of people on the list have been to previous events and are
familiar with the project. The committee previewed the video.
A lengthy discussion of a potential bond election to include some lake amenities as well
as much -needed city infrastructure took place. Jim Dockery kicked off the discussion by
stating that the lake project is well beyond the city's capital budget. The city is
considering a bond election in May or November of 2018 to address significant
infrastructure needs and would like information on needs for matching dollars and the
cost of various amenity projects as possible inclusions in the bond. He asked for a list
of projects and projected costs. Tom Lang stated the costs for the projects that have
been part of grants are accurate —the costs of others are estimates. Mayor Santellana
said to estimate high as it has been 2 years since many of the projections were put
together and the cost of materials have increased.
Jim Dockery and Mayor Santellana did not feel there was public support for the
dredging part of the project —shoreline amenities would be more popular with the public
and have less cost associated with them. Mayor Santellana felt the committee would
need to raise at least $15M before the public might support funding for the remainder.
Tom Lang stated that it is easier to get funding from private donors for amenities, as
there is the possibility of naming rights for those.
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The committee members were asked for their opinions —all agreed the project needs a
win, so the public can see progress.
Vill. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Date
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