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Item 1 - Call to Order
City of Wichita Falls
City Council Meeting
Minutes
February 4, 2020
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
DeAndra Chenault
Tim Brewer
Jeff Browning
Steve Jackson
Michael Smith
Bobby Whiteley
Darron Leiker
Kinley Hegglund
Marie Balthrop
- Mayor
- Mayor Pro Tern
- Councilors
- City Manager
- City Attorney
- City Clerk
Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 8.30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Pastor Mark Bender, First Christian Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Jimmy Culipher, Public Works — Water
Distribution
8:32 a.m.
Daniel Nix, Utilities Operations Manager, recognized Jimmy Culipher as the Employee
of the Month for February 2020. Mayor Santellana congratulated Mr. Culipher and
presented him with a plaque, letter of appreciation, restaurant voucher, and check, and
thanked him for his service.
Item 3b — Proclamation — League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls, Centennial
Day
8:37 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming February 4, 2020, as League of
Women Voters in Wichita Falls Centennial Day and congratulated The League of
Women Voters on 100 years of dedication and commitment to the vital issues and
concerns to members and the public.
Item 3c — Recognition of Foreign Exchange Students — Dave Clark
8:41 a.m.
Dave Clark introduced sixteen foreign exchange students and Mayor Santellana
presented each of them with a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:52 a.m.
City Manager Darron Leiker gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve items on the consent agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
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February 4, 2020
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Item 4 — Approval of minutes of the January 21, 2020 Regular Meeting of the
Mayor and City Council
Item 5a — Resolution 13-2020
Resolution authorizing award of bid for the purchase of twelve (12) 2020 Ford Utility
Police Interceptors from the low bidder Wichita Falls Ford -Lincoln, Inc. in the amount of
$417,949.80.
Item 5b — Resolution 14-2020
Resolution authorizing the purchase of two (2) John Deere backhoes with bayonet
breakers through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Yellowhouse Machinery
Co. in the amount of $230,200.00.
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Wichita Falls Park Board, October 24, 2019
(b) Landmark Commission, November 26, 2019
(c) Wichita Falls Park Board, December 12, 2019
(d) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, December 19, 2019
Item 7a — Public Hearing & Ordinance 06-2020
8.54 a.m.
Ordinance rezoning +/- 5.09 acres of land located at 2507 Central Freeway East (Lot 6,
Block 1, Garner Addition) and abutting right-of-way from Heavy Industrial (HI) to Light
Industrial (LI) to allow for the commercial uses of services and indoor entertainment;
and amending the Land Use Plan from Industrial to Light Industrial.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8.55 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the proposed rezoning of
land located at 2507 Central Freeway East and the abutting right-of-way from Heavy
Industrial to Light Industrial. This rezone was approved unanimously by the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Councilor Chenault asked if there were any responses from the notifications that were
sent out. Mr. Floyd stated that they received one negative response from the residential
property to the South, but staff was unable to reach the owners.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 8.58 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 06-2020.
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February 4, 2020
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Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8a — Resolution 15-2020
8:59 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Red River Authority of Texas for the construction of a new Potable Water Main.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 15-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8b — Resolution 16-2020
9:03 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 2 for the 2018
Kemp Monroe Drainage Project Phase II an addition of $64,564.90.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 16-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8c — Resolution 17-2020
9:05 a.m.
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February 4, 2020
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make application for a grant from the Office
of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Homeland Security Grants Division, 2020 State
Homeland Security Program — Regular Projects (SHSP-R), Grant Number 3996401, in
the amount of $60,561.67.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 17-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8d — Resolution 18-2020
9:08 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an AIA Architect Agreement with
Gerri A. Kielhofner, AIA — Architect doing business as gak Architect to prepare building
permit/construction documents for an approximately 35,930 SF convention/banquet
facility located adjacent to the MPEC Facilities.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 18-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning.
Councilor Jackson stated that on December 17t" there was a vote for $456,000 and
asked if this item would be approving Mr. Leiker to use the funds previously approved.
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, said that is correct. Councilor Jackson asked
where the $12 million for the project will come from. Darron Leiker, City Manager, stated
that the debt service of the entire $12 million for the conference center project will be
paid for by the 4B board with sales tax revenues, and no general property tax dollars
will be spent on this project.
There was discussion about the various funding mechanisms that can be used, and
how interest rates will affect the debt service amount and the method chosen to fund the
project. Mr. Leiker stated since interest rates from certificates of obligation are lower, we
could save approximately $1 million in interest fees by using certificates of obligations
versus revenue bonds. Councilor Jackson asked if certificates of obligation are used will
it have to be posted in the newspaper. Mr. Leiker discussed the multiple legal
requirements that must be met for transparency. Councilor Jackson asked if a petition
is circulated and certified to require a vote for using certificates of obligation where
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February 4, 2020
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would the project go from there? Mr. Leiker stated the project would either be
abandoned, or they would move forward with an election.
Mayor Santellana discussed some of the opposition to certificates of obligation and
thanked Councilor Jackson for his questions to help educate citizens. Mayor Santellana
stated that his opinion is that 4B funds were voted on in 1997 for the purpose of projects
just like this.
Councilor Jackson wanted to make it clear that 4B funds are from sales tax dollars, and
it was stated again that this project will not be funded with property tax dollars. He also
stated that there is approximately $8 million in 4A and 4B sales tax dollars collected
each year.
Mr. Leiker stated that he hopes this project will have a positive impact on property tax
dollars by reducing the subsidy to MPEC which will reduce the burden on taxpayers.
There was discussion on how we are competing with other cities for conventions and
that without these facilities we cannot compete, as well as the economic benefit of the
project during and after construction.
Councilor Brewer stated that Mr. O'Reilly has done the research to ensure this is a
viable project in Wichita Falls. There was brief discussion on the O'Reilly team and how
they have worked to ensure this will be a successful project and discussed the team
effort to bring in conferences to Wichita Falls. Mr. Jurecek stated that O'Reilly already
contracts with multiple organizations to use their other facilities across the state and
they will put Wichita Falls in the rotation which is a huge marketing advantage.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 9a — Staff Report — Tax Abatement, Kinley Hegglund
9:29 a.m.
Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney, addressed the council and gave a presentation
discussing tax abatements and how tax abatements are used as an economic
development tool. Mr. Hegglund discussed the benefits of tax abatements, tax
abatement reinvestment zones, and what tax abatements are not. Mr. Hegglund
discussed two options which included option 1, a zone which would include the new
hotel and option 2, recommended by staff, that would be a Convention Center
Reinvestment Zone and includes a larger area. New development often spurs
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additional new development and option 2 would allow the council the ability to offer
incentives to future projects to redevelop this area.
Mayor Santellana stated that he prefers the larger zone and it is most in line with the
strategic plan.
Darron Leiker clarified the future hotel site listed on the map. Tim O'Reilly has
discussed building a second hotel in the future, and Mr. Leiker stated that per their
agreement the second hotel would not receive tax abatement incentives.
Councilor Jackson asked if the green area on the first map would be the new
convention center, and it was stated yes it would be.
Councilor Browning asked why the larger zone did not extend to Ohio Street and Mr.
Hegglund stated there is an existing Tax Increment Financing zone in that area.
Paul Menzies discussed the proposed larger area and questions he has received
regarding the old Grand Hotel. This property is privately owned, and the owners have
asked the city for assistance in the past. The proposed larger reinvestment zone
includes this property and would allow incentives to be used in the future should the
owners choose to redevelop this property with a significant investment.
Although no official action was taken, the council unanimously agreed that the larger
zone is preferred.
Item 9b — Items of Concern to Members of the City Council
9.50 a.m.
Councilor Jackson thanked Darron and Russell for assistance with a water meter issue
in his district, and discussed the issue between Monarch Speedway and the property
owner concerning the water meter which supplies both properties. The issue led to the
meter being pulled, and this is a problem since there is a large event planned for
February 21st that will bring revenue to Wichita Falls. Councilor Jackson discussed the
event coming to the track. Mr. Leiker and Mr. Schreiber discussed that instances like
this are why we do not allow private services to cross property lines, and the city will
work to find a resolution. Councilor Jackson thanked Chief Borrego for following up and
making an arrest on the first homicide of the year.
Councilor Brewer believes the hotel is an excellent idea for Wichita Falls, will make
money for all of Wichita Falls, and will help lower the subsidy to MPEC. He invited
anyone that does not understand the process to get in contact with Darron Leiker, City
Manager. Councilor Brewer stated that anytime an individual wants to invest $48 million
in the Wichita Falls economy he will vote yes.
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Councilor Chenault said good morning and thanked everyone for coming out. February
is Black History Month and wished everyone a happy Black History Month, and happy
Valentine's Day. Councilor Chenault discussed the burning of the Linwood Community
Center over the next few days, and the future new facility that will be constructed. The
City Auction is February 15t" at Mike's Towing, 3205 Industrial Drive, and you must be
there by 8.00 a.m. to register.
Councilor Browning encouraged everyone to be safe with the incoming inclement
weather.
Councilor Whiteley stated that this was a good council meeting and that he hopes we
cleared up concerns with the hotel project and discussed how much this project is going
to do for the city. Councilor Whiteley thanked Russell and Mr. Culiper and stated that
the employee of the month is always a great thing and he is always astounded at all the
great employees we have. Councilor Whiteley expressed his appreciation for the clergy
that pray before the meetings and thanked them for their prayer and guidance.
Councilor Smith requested Mr. Hegglund to email the tax abatement presentation to the
council. It is Black History Month and the Museum of North Texas History has a great
exhibit that highlights black baseball players throughout history and the black Spudders
baseball team that used to be in Wichita Falls. Councilor Smith asked Mr. Leiker to give
a comparison of how prepared we are for inclement weather today vs. 2009. Mr. Leiker
stated that they have reviewed the after action plan from 2009 and the new equipment
that has been purchased to alleviate issues we experienced in 2009. We are in a
severe storm warning and there is confidence that we will receive 4-6 inches of snow
and staff has been making preparations over the last several days. Mr. Leiker
emphasized to the citizens to stay home as much as possible if roads are bad since you
are not only putting your life in danger, but also the first responders that respond to an
accident or rescue situation. A press release was sent out this morning and we will
keep the public updated via various social media platforms and the media.
Councilor Jackson stated that he attended the 80t" Flyer Wing banquet in hanger four
Friday night and he appreciated being invited. He personally worked in that hanger for
four or five years.
Mayor Santellana stated that we will be talking about the hotel project for a while and he
thanked Councilor Jackson for all of his research and questions. He also appreciated
how the racetrack water issue was handled. Mayor Santellana had the opportunity to
speak with the owner of Monarch at an event this weekend, and learned a lot about
racing and the financial impact to the city. Mayor Santellana discussed the importance
of the census and the multiple ways citizens can respond. He stated he had an
opportunity to go to Booker T. Washington and see the first student council in the
history of the school, and read to a group of second graders. The school also pairs kids
with high school football players to read together. Hirschi has a program to ensure
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February 4, 2020
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students that earn a letter jacket receive one through sponsorship of $59.00. If anyone
is interested in sponsoring they can contact the Mayor. He discussed the weather
forecast, the emergency management plan in place, and encouraged everyone to stay
safe.
Mr. Leiker discussed the city's staffing plan in the event of inclement weather.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
9:48 a.m.
There were no citizen comments.
Item 11 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 10:11 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 18t" day of February, 2020.
ATTEST:
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Marie Balthrop, TR MC, CMC
City Clerk
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Stephen L. Santellana, Mayor
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