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Item 1 - Call to Order
City of Wichita Falls
City Council Meeting
Minutes
May 19, 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 Kyle Bateman, Evangel Temple, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3-4 — Consent Items
8:32 a.m.
City Manager Darron Leiker gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve items on the consent agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Chenault and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 3 — Approval of minutes of the May 5, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Mayor and
City Council
Item 4 — Resolution 48-2020
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2020 Water
Budget Utility Improvements Project to Bowles Construction Co. in the amount of
$1,238,838.00.
Item 5a — Ordinance 30-2020
8:33 a.m.
Ordinance amending the Order ratified by the City Council on May 5, 2020; declaring an
emergency.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 30-2020.
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 6a — Public Hearing and Resolution 49-2020
8:34 a.m.
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May 19, 2020
Page 2
Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit for a convenience store use at 1526
Iowa Park Road.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8:34 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Community Services, discussed the Conditional Use Permit for
1526 Iowa Park Road to construct a Quick Trip convenience store on the previous site
of Nunn's Manufacturing. Mr. Floyd stated that there were no responses from the
notification letters mailed out. Councilor Smith asked if there were any future plans for
this location as they presented a convenience store model and not their usual truck stop
model. Mr. Floyd stated that he is not aware of any future plans. Councilor Chenault
inquired about the access for large trucks off the highway or any signage. Mr. Floyd
stated that he believed there would be a dedicated truck entrance. Councilor Jackson
asked if Nunn's is closing or moving, and it was stated that they did not indicate what
their future plans are. There were no additional comments.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 8:40 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 49-2020.
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 6b — Resolution 50-2020
8:41 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 1 to reduce the
2020 Asphalt Rehabilitation Project scope by $1,382,766.25.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 50-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning.
Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, discussed that three fifths of the project are
funded by bond proceeds from the 2018 bond, and two fifths are funded by the general
fund. Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 on the general fund, staff recommends
reducing the project by twenty-five percent, which is allowed by State law, to reduce the
amount funded by the general fund to offset loss of revenue.
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May 19, 2020
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Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 6c — Resolution 51-2020
8:45 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make application for a grant from the U.S.
Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2020 Coronavirus Emergency
Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program, Grant Number H4246-TX-VD, in the amount of
$94,867.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 51-2020.
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 6d — Resolution 52-2020
8:48 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make application for a grant from the Office
of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division, 2020 Coronavirus
Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF), Grant Number 4157101, in the amount of
$87,950.61.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 52-2020.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
There was brief discussion concerning the types of personal protective equipment
(PPE) used by the Police and Fire departments, PPE we have already received, and
other possible grant opportunities.
Motion carried by the following vote:
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May 19, 2020
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 7 — Other Staff Matters
8:50 a.m.
Mr. Leiker asked Lou Kreidler, Director of Health, to provide an update on COVID-19.
Mrs. Kreidler stated she sends prayers to all of the communities across our area. There
are currently eighty total cases, eighteen active cases, and ten new cases since the last
City Council meeting. The National Guard was in Electra providing testing over the
weekend and twelve individuals were tested. This was disappointing as they had hoped
for a better turnout. Over the weekend totals were not updated due to the low number
of results being received over the weekend, and to allow staff time off. We continue to
have community spread, and it is our personal responsibility to social distance and wear
a mask when distancing is not possible to prevent the spread. Mrs. Kreidler also
discussed that masks need to be worn properly to be effective, and must cover nose
and mouth completely. COVID-19 is most easily spread in crowded areas with close
contact. Mrs. Kreidler implored everyone to take steps to protect themselves and
others. Councilor Browning asked if the pending tests include those having elective
surgeries, and Mrs. Kreidler stated that yes they are included.
Item 7(a)1 — Charter Committee Report — Kinley Hegglund
8:57 a.m.
Mr. Hegglund discussed the ten areas of change for the Charter recommended by the
Charter Review Committee. These are recommendations from the committee only, the
council has the ability to accept or reject some of all of the recommendations, and those
accepted will be sent to the citizens in the November 2020 election for a vote. Formal
action will be required by the council at a future date. The ten recommended areas for
change are as follows:
1. Modernization and clarification of language
2. Bringing into harmony with State law
3. Terms of Office and related changes
4. Recall election clarification
5. Mayor and Councilor Salaries
6. Administrative Code
7. Evidence requirements in tax suits
8. Long-term contracts
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May 19, 2020
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9. Conflicts of interest
10. Mayor Pro-Tem
There was discussion concerning the changes, members of the committee, and when
the decision must be made to call a special election. Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, stated
that an election would need to be called by August 17, 2020. Councilor Jackson
expressed concerns about making these changes during the pandemic and suggested
they be looked at further. Mayor Santellana encouraged those with questions to reach
out to committee members.
Item 7(a)2 — General Fund Financial Update — Darron Leiker & Jessica Williams
9.30 a.m.
Mr. Leiker discussed the revenue sources that fund the general fund and what
departments it supports. The pandemic will have devastating financial and negative
budget consequences, and staff immediately began looking for ways to reduce
spending and save budget dollars to lessen the blow. All of the numbers discussed will
be subject to change as there are many unknowns at this time and the numbers
presented are projections.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO, gave an overview of the financial health of
the general fund during the pandemic. Mrs. Williams discussed ways we have assisted
citizens during the pandemic by waiving late fees and not performing cutoffs due to non-
payment, and how staff immediately looked for ways to save funds where possible. The
biggest loss from COVID-19 is in the general fund. Mrs. Williams discussed the
required State deadlines still in effect, areas that caused revenue loss, and unfunded
mandates that have impacted the budget. There is a hiring freeze for the remainder of
this fiscal year, and other cuts that have been made that reduced the budget by $2.7
million, although we expect a loss of $5.7 million. The expected net loss of $3 million
can be made up with additional cost savings and/or fund balance. We have a healthy
fund balance to cover these losses, and Council was encouraged to put thought into
how much fund balance they are willing to use. Mrs. Williams discussed sales tax
scenarios and the impact of reduced sales tax revenue. In order to recover from these
losses, we will need to make long term reductions, pass a decreased budget, plan to
replenish the fund balance, and look for additional cuts.
Mr. Leiker stated that his proposed budget would not include a recommendation for a
property tax increase, and discussed how property values will not be affected this year
by the pandemic, but we will see decreases next year. The pre -budget workshop will be
held June 16t", the City Manager's proposed budget filed July 13t", and budget
workshops held on July 21st and 22nd. Budget hearings will be held August 4t" and 18tn
with the budget being approved September 1st
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Councilor Smith reminded Council and Staff to think of our State legislature and
legislators and get all of this information to them. There is a Rainy Day Fund for the
State and it is for situations like this where local governments have suffered revenue
losses. The regular legislative session starts in January, but there may be a need for a
special session. Texas Municipal League does a great job reaching out to State
legislatures, but we also need to reach out to our local State representatives. There
was discussion regarding the State's stance on reducing property tax rates, Senate Bill
2, and how all of this negatively affects cities, especially during the pandemic.
Councilors were encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Williams and Mr. Leiker if they have
specific questions or suggestions for the budget.
Item 7b — Items of concern to members of the City Council
10.24 a.m.
Councilor Jackson — Stated that he feels we need to table the charter issues until we
are out of the recession. He suggested looking at doing away with the 4A and 4B
Boards and putting that money in the general fund. It was discussed that per State laws
it would take an election to stop the 4A and 4B sales tax since it was voter approved,
and stopping those taxes would reduce our sales tax rate, not add funds to the general
fund. Other taxes that could be voted on by citizens were discussed. Councilor Jackson
was encouraged to reach out to Charter Committee members to discuss the rationale
behind their suggestions.
Councilor Browning - With bars and gyms reopening he reminded everyone to be
personally responsible.
Councilor Chenault — Good morning and thank you for coming. She attended a TML
meeting and has some additional information that will be sent out and a representative
from TML will attend our July regional meeting to provide training.
Councilor Whiteley — Discussed some of the more positive things that are happening
such as the new Quick Trip that will also be a beautification project in that area, and it
will help the economy. He understands that Councilor Jackson has some issues with
the suggested charter amendments and offered to discuss it with him. There are some
cost savings, and positive changes that have been recommended. He stated that when
other Charter Committee members discussed salary increases, he, the Mayor and
Councilor Browning did not participate in that discussion. Not everyone was for or
against all charter changes, but as a whole this is what was decided. Councilor
Whiteley asked how low our fund balance was during the drought. Mr. Leiker stated
that it was depleted in the Water Fund and it reduced our credit rating by two levels,
although we have regained our credit rating since then.
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May 19, 2020
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Mayor Santellana — Suggested that everyone read the charter and the proposed
changes again. He discussed the salary increases and term limits and how he and
other Councilors did not participate in this discussion. He feels that although individuals
that run know what they sign up for, it should not cost someone money to serve on the
City Council. The suggested term changes have benefits, and the overall term limit
would be a year less at nine years as opposed to ten years. Term changes also provide
cost savings with elections not being held every third year. We are currently following
the State's orders for social distancing and reopening of business. Please report any
complaints to the Health department and we are still taking questions at the
covidguestions(a)wichitafallstx.gov. This is a strange situation we are in with the budget
with difficulties forecasting due to the pandemic. Changes may be made month to
month. Please bring any recommendations forward to Darron and Jessica. There will
be graduations starting in early June, and Midwestern will be going back to campus in
the fall. Congratulate the graduates when you see them.
Item 8 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10.39 a.m.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 9 — Executive Sessions
City Council went into Executive Session at 10.40 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Codes §551.071 and §551.072.
City Council reconvened at 12.11 p.m.
Mayor Santellana announced that no votes or polls were taken.
Item 10 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 12.11 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 2nd day of June, 2020.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
May 19, 2020
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ATTEST:
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Marie Balthrop, T C, CIVIC
City Clerk
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May 19, 2020
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