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Min 10/20/2020A), i 44 -Fa T E X A S S/cseSkie,. C��/de�O��poj-tuau7ie5. Item 1 - Call to Order City of Wichita Falls City Council Meeting Minutes October 20, 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 8.31 a.m. Item 2a — Invocation Tim Brewer, Councilor District 4, gave the invocation. Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item 3a — Proclamation — Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, Chelsey Carrillo 8:33 a.m. Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month in Wichita Falls, and asked all citizens to join him in raising awareness by educating themselves on the magnitude of this tragedy, and giving support to bereaved families. Item 3b — Employee of the Month September — Derek Jones, Fire Department 8:35 a.m. Mr. Jones was unable to attend the meeting so this item was postponed. Item 3c — Employee of the Month October— Francisco Villalobos, Recreation 8:36 a.m. Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, recognized Francisco Villalobos as the Employee of the Month for October 2020. Mayor Santellana congratulated Mr. Villalobos and presented him with a plaque, letter of appreciation, restaurant voucher, and check, and thanked him for his service. Item 4-6 — Consent Items 8:40 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 Smith and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley Nays: None Item 4 — Approval of minutes of the October 6, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Item 5a — Resolution 94-2020 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 2 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Professional Services Agreement to Biggs and Mathews Environmental, Inc. for engineering services for the City of Wichita Falls Landfill in the amount of $78,000.00. Item 6 — Receive Minutes (a) Park Board, February 27, 2020 (b) Type B Sales Tax Corporation, August 27, 2020 Item 7 — Ordinance 62-2020 8:41 a.m. Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to approve a request from the New Jerusalem Baptist Church to partially vacate and abandon a ten -foot public utility easement consisting of approximately 2,921 square feet across the north western portion of Lot 1- C, Block B, Ray Massie Subdivision running east and west along the north property boundary for approximately 292 feet. Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 62-2020. 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 8a — Resolution 95-2020 8:44 a.m. Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to Firehouse Subs Foundation for a 2020 Public Safety Grant. Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 95-2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 3 Nays: None Item 8b — Resolution 96-2020 8:46 a.m. Resolution Appointing Gold Star Family Member as an Ex-Officio Member of the Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee. Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 96-2020 and appoint Alicia Castillo as an ex-officio member of the Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, with a term to expire July 31, 2027. Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley Nays: None Mayor Santellana moved to item 10. Item 10a — Staff Report — COVID-19 Update, Lou Kreidler 8:49a.m. Lou Kreidler, Director of Health, gave an update on COVID-19 cases. In the last two weeks, there has been a drastic increase in the number of cases, and the positivity rate for last week was 39%. Between March 18, 2020, and September 30, 2020, there were 1,871 cases, and between October 1, 2020, and October 19, 2020, there were 1,151 cases. We are on target this month to see more cases than the previous five -month total. The increase in cases is due to many factors including individuals going to work sick because they thought they had allergies; individuals not wearing a mask or wearing them inappropriately; people having or attending parties without social distancing or wearing a mask; and there has been spread in daycares and churches. Anywhere that people do not social distance and wear masks there has been spread. The graph from last Friday shows that the combined contact and close contact cases together account for 54% of the cases, and this is attributed to family gatherings of any size. As of yesterday at 4:00 p.m., United Regional had 74 COVID or COVID suspected patients in the hospital. They have increased the number of COVID units to five, and currently 25% of their bed capacity are for COVID patients. The hospital is currently operating at over 90% of their capacity, and is right at 100% of their critical care capacity. While there are other hospital beds throughout the region, there is no additional critical care CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 4 capacity in the region. Both Kell West and Electra Memorial have COVID patients, patients being seen in the hospital are much sicker than what they saw in the spring, and they are requiring a higher level of care. While United Regional has sufficient resources, they do not have an unlimited staff, and currently have over 60 staff who are quarantined. As COVID spreads, more businesses will be affected. Currently there is not a single department in the City of Wichita Falls that has not been affected by COVID. Now more than ever the Health Department asks that citizens take immediate steps to help slow the spread by taking ownership of your actions, and responsibility for your decisions. Parents are encouraged to start thinking about alternatives to traditional trick -or -treating and Halloween parties, and find creative ways to have fun without increasing the spread. The holiday season is fast approaching and large gatherings for the holidays will only increase the spread. In the spring, we were able to slow the spread by limiting our activities and interactions with others outside of our household. It is more important now than ever to wear a mask at all times when around others, social distance, stay home when you are sick, wash your hands, and use hand sanitizer when washing is not possible. It will take all of us to slow the spread. It was noted that as United Regional fills up with COVID patients, it will reduce the capacity to care for other critical issues such as heart attacks, car wrecks, etc. United Regional is the only critical care hospital in this region, and serves the surrounding areas. Item 10b — Items of Concern to Members of the City Council 8.57 a.m. Councilor Smith reiterated the need to wear masks, social distance, wash your hands, etc., and to understand that we are not just protecting ourselves, but are protecting our family and neighbors. It has been said that this may be the darkest period to date concerning the pandemic. The pandemic is not over, is not going away, and we all have to work together to slow the spread. Councilor Smith and others participated in Community Champions Day last Wednesday delivering meals for The Kitchen. Meals on Wheels delivers over 800 meals, and they are in need of volunteers. He encouraged citizens to vote, early voting is taking place now, and Election Day is November 3ra Councilor Browning encouraged everyone to educate themselves regarding candidates and issues on the ballot, go vote, and stay safe. Councilor Jackson stated that the Meals on Wheels program is an awesome program and he participated last Wednesday delivering meals. It was a blessing and the clients were very appreciative. The first annual car show for Base Camp Lindsay was held this past weekend with over 125 entries. They continue to raise the funds to reroof the facility, and he appreciates everyone that came out. On any given night, there are 75 homeless veterans on the street in Wichita Falls. He encouraged everyone to help CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 5 Base Camp Lindsay as much as they can, and volunteers are needed. Vote November 3rd, and early voting continues through the 30t" of this month. Councilor Jackson inquired about the final count on the Census. The final counts will not be received until later next year, but it was stated that 90% or more participated in the Census in our area and statewide. Councilor Brewer continues to be excited and stated there are job openings and the housing market is booming with sales and new homes being built. It is exciting to see the new businesses including a new Starbucks on Southwest Parkway this month, and Panera Bread that will be at the old Golden Corral location. There is continued progress on the hotel on McNeil, and he welcomed the new businesses and residents to Wichita Falls. Councilor Whiteley recognized David Toogood for being appointed by the Governor to the Governor's Committee to Support the Military. Kudos to Chelsey Carrillo for her very moving speech; it took a lot of courage to come and speak today. Congratulations to Francisco Villalobos for being employee of the month. He thanked Meals on Wheels for inviting them to participate last week, but stated that the real heroes are the individuals that deliver every day. Councilor Whiteley mentioned the City Charter Propositions on the ballot and stated this topic has been discussed for months at council meetings, it has been on the website, and in the newspaper. He encouraged everyone to educate themselves by visiting the City's website and to go out and vote. Thank you to Firehouse Subs for the grants they provide across the country. This business originated with firefighters and they have grown to where they can contribute to communities across the nation. Councilor Whiteley discussed the painting unveiling that Harry Patterson held, and he thanked Mr. Patterson for what he does for our community. Councilor Chenault said good morning and stated that the East of the Falls Community Development Corporation will provide Shuttle to the Polls on Election Day, November 3rd, for citizens that are 55 or older. Citizens can call the Martin Luther King Center to request a ride. The shuttle will pick up every 30 minutes from 6.45 a.m. until 6.30 p.m., if you do not have transportation this is a way you can get to the polls. Mayor Santellana discussed the non -profits in our area and stated that volunteerism is down. He was able to participate in Meals on Wheels where he read a proclamation, he and Chief Borrego did a video for First Step for their candlelight vigil, and he attended a Downtown Development meeting this week. This past weekend the Heritage Assembly of God Church hosted the Farmers to Families program and gave out meal boxes to the community, and they intend to apply for the program again. Very proud to see Francisco Villalobos and his family here. It says a lot that he was born in Mexico, started as a temporary employee with the City, received his citizenship, worked his way up to a full-time position, and is now being recognized as employee of the month. Early voting lines were very long in the beginning, but are getting better. It is nice to see that many voters coming out. Mayor Santellana encouraged citizens to consider donating CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 6 blankets or jackets to area shelters as the weather gets colder. Flu shots are now available and he encouraged everyone to get their flu shot. Grab a friend, support your candidates, and go vote. He stated that the letter jacket campaign for Hirschi students was successful and it assisted students that could not afford a jacket. Councilor Smith stated that information on the City Charter amendment propositions is found on the City's webpage, under the City Clerk's election information page. He encouraged voters to get the information before voting, and Mr. Leiker encouraged citizens to call the City if they have any questions. Councilor Chenault stated that the Overcoming Word Praise Center is having a feed our community Farmers to Families event on October 28t" beginning at 12:00 p.m. They will have over 1200 boxes of food that will be given out first come first serve. The address is 1801 Airport Drive, and masks will be required. Item 11 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda 9:20 a.m. There were no comments from the public. Item 12 — Executive Session City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:21 a.m. in accordance with Texas Local Government Code §551.074 and §551.087. City Council reconvened at 10:23 a.m. Mayor Santellana announced that no votes or polls were taken. Item 9 — Board and Commission Appointments 10:24 a.m. Moved by Councilor Smith to make the following appointments to the Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee: Place 7 — Crystal Byrd, term to expire July 31, 2027. Place 11, Voting Alternate — Jeremy Garza, term to expire July 31, 2027. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 7 Motion seconded by Councilor Chenault and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley Nays: None Moved by Councilor Whiteley to make the following appointment to an unexpired term on the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation: Place 1 — Brent Hillery, term to expire July 31, 2021 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 13 —Adjourn Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 10:26 a.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of November 2020. ATTEST: Marie Balthrop, TKMC, MMC City Clerk Stepben L. Santellana, Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES October 20, 2020 Page 8