Min 03/02/2021 City of Wichita Falls
City Council Meeting
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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
DeAndra Chenault - Mayor Pro Tem
Tim Brewer - Councilors
Jeff Browning -
Steve Jackson -
Michael Smith -
Bobby Whiteley -
Darron Leiker - City Manager
Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney
Marie Balthrop - City Clerk
Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Sergeant Toby Romack, Salvation Army, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation — Wichita County Mask Up Initiative, The Rotary Club of
Southwest Wichita Falls
8:34 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming March 2, 2021 as Wichita
Falls/Wichita County Mask Up Initiative Day and urged citizens to keep wearing a mask
and social distance when possible. Let's work together to end this pandemic and keep
our loved ones safe. The Southwest Rotary Club will be selling yard signs for the
initiative.
Item 3b — Northwest TX Council Boy Scouts of American Report — Parker Deal
8:38 a.m.
Parker Deal, First Class Scout with Troop 11, presented the Northwest TX Council Boy
Scouts of America Annual Report.
Item 3c — Proclamation — Meals on Wheels March for Meals Month, The Kitchen
8:45 a.m.
Mayor Santellana proclaimed March as Meals on Wheels March for Meals Month to
bring awareness for the need of a nutritious meal and human contact for those who are
often forgotten and live in isolation in our community.
Item 3d — Employee of the Month — Blake Haisten, Fire Department
8:48 a.m.
Ken Prillaman, Fire Chief, recognized Blake Haisten as the Employee of the Month for
March 2021. Mayor Santellana congratulated Mr. Haisten and presented him with a
plaque, letter of appreciation, restaurant voucher, and check, and thanked him for his
service.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:51 a.m.
City Manager Darron Leiker gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Smith to approve the items on the consent agenda.
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March 2,2021
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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 4 — Approval of minutes of the February 2, 2021 Regular Meeting of the
Mayor and City Council
Item 5 — Receive Minutes
(a) Park Board, September 24, 2020
(b) Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee, October 15,
2020
(c) Park Board, October 22, 2020
(d) Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee, November
11, 2020
(e) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation (4BSTC) December 3, 2020
(f) Park Board, December 10, 2020
(g) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, January 12, 2021
(h) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, January 21, 2021
Item 6 — Ordinance 03-2021
8:53 a.m.
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the amount of
$18,000.00 for grant funding from the Dallas Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force, which is administered by the City of Dallas Reimbursement Program.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 03-2021.
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 7a — Resolution 23-2021
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8:54 a.m.
Resolution to accept the written offer as presented for one trustee parcel and
authorizing execution of the Quitclaim Deed to convey title to the Walker Family Trust.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 23-2021.
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 7b — Resolution 24-2021
8:57a.m.
Resolution authorizing continued participation with the Atmos Cities Steering
Committee; and authorizing the payment of five cents per capita to the Atmos Cities
Steering Committee to fund regulatory and related activities related to Atmos Energy
Corporation.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 24-2021.
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 7c — Resolution 25-2021
8:59 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No.1 for the Hike &
Bike Trail from Barnett Road to Seymour Highway in the amount of$179,794.86.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 25-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson.
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Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, noted that this change order will be funded
by the 4B Sales Tax Corporation and will fill in the gaps along this portion of the trail that
were not able to be funded with the initial bid.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7d — Resolution 26-2021
9:01 a.m.
Resolution awarding bid and contract for the 2021 Asphalt Rehabilitation Project to
Freeman Paving, L.L.C. in the amount of$1 ,018,865.50.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 26-2021 .
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 7e — Resolution 27-2021
9:05 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of prisoner cages, push bumpers, lights, and sirens
for new patrol units through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Big Country
Supply in the amount of $55,445.01 .
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 27-2021 .
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
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Item 7f— Resolution 28-2021
9:08 a.m.
Resolution granting a waiver of Resolution 112-89 to allow the connection of water
service outside the City Limits to a Commercial Use located at 2974 State Highway 79.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 28-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7q — Resolution 29-2021
9:13 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B Sales
Tax Corporation Board of Directors and amending the budget to include funding up to
$7,500 to The Museum of North Texas History related to their ongoing efforts to
inventory and preserve the contents of the former Railroad Museum downtown.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 29-2021.
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 8a1 — COVID-19 Update, Lou Kreidler, Director of Health
9:20 a.m.
In February there were 457 new positive cases which represents a 16.54% decrease in
cases from the prior month, there were 33 deaths which represents a 39% decrease
from the prior month, and there were 1 ,989 recoveries in February. The Health
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Department has administered 6,519 vaccines and have fully vaccinated 2,844
individuals. The transition to the new online inoculate system by Luminare is complete
and 2,301 individuals were imported into the new system and 736 of those have
completed the registration process. The online system has greatly reduced the time it
takes to schedule appointments and the Health Department is able to serve more
individuals in less amount of time. Within 3 hours of going live with the new system
over 400 individuals registered. Mrs. Kreidler asked the public to make sure they are
available for the time they select, and if they cannot keep the appointment for any
reason to please call the Health Department. This is very important as they only
schedule appointments for the vaccine they have available. When individuals do not
show up employees have to rush to schedule someone else so they do not waste any
doses of vaccine. Once vials are punctured they must be used within a specific amount
of time and it is important to the Health Department that no dose is wasted. Vaccines
are working as there has been a decrease in the number of hospitalizations for the over
65 age group and a decrease in cases in nursing homes. Mrs. Kreidler discussed the
new CDC quarantine rules for those vaccinated, partners that are offering vaccinations,
and urged citizens to continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash their hands often
and get the vaccine when it is available. Lengthy discussion was held concerning the
state priority groups, concerns with those not included in these groups, implications if
we do not follow the guidelines and how other entities are not following the state
recommendations. It was discussed that not all entities providing vaccines are licensed
by or receive funding from the state like the Health Department, and do not run the risk
of losing funding if they do not follow the guidelines. Mrs. Kreidler has been in contact
with the state various times to clarify questions and discuss concerns with priority
groups.
Item 8a2 —Winter Storm Update
9:45 a.m.
Ken Prillaman, Fire Chief, presented a response overview for winter storm Uri. Chief
Prillaman discussed the timeline, gave an overview of the City's response, highlighted
significant wins, and discussed challenges they faced. This event was historic and
included five simultaneous disasters including: the coldest temperatures in over fifty
years; largest amount of snow in a single week since 1985; largest local power outages
since the 1979 tornado; first ever statewide disaster; and all of this happened during a
worldwide pandemic. Chief Prillaman discussed departmental responses and noted
significant wins to include the following: water and sewer systems maintained
pressures and avoided a local boil water order; significant daily process clearing roads;
acquisition and distribution of bottled water; acquisition of portable showers; and public
private partnerships for community shelters/warming stations. Following are some of
the challenges faced: limited Emergency Management resources such as not having
cots, blankets, water or food; limited number of generators; no support from the Red
Cross due to COVID-19; warming center to sheltering transition; acquiring adequate
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March 2,2021
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drinking water; use of non-potable water; and a limited amount of portable showers.
Chief Prillaman discussed financial implications and steps the City has taken to assist
the public to include waived fees, emergency repair grants, and FEMA assistance. It
was acknowledged that there is always room for improvement, but one certainty is that
no community can afford to purchase, store, and maintain enough equipment and
supplies to cover all possible disasters. Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works,
discussed the snow removal operations plan and how roads are prioritized due to
limited equipment. There was brief discussion between council and staff and various
questions were answered. Staff that worked during the disaster and their families were
repeatedly thanked for their hard work during the disaster, especially since many of
them were facing their own issues at home with power outages, freezing pipes, etc.
Item 8a3 — Downtown Street 2-way Conversion, John Burrus
10:26 a.m.
John Burrus, Director of Aviation, Traffic and Transportation, discussed the plan to
transition some one way streets to two way streets, and adding some four way stops in
the downtown area. Mr. Burrus discussed the process, opposition, and continuing
coordination with businesses and churches in the area. The wfmpo.com website has
additional information.
Item 8b — Items of Concern to Members of the City Council
10:34 a.m.
Councilor Smith thanked the Salvation Army and Faith Mission for serving the
community through the winter storm as both of these facilities were full during the event.
He also thanked all non-profits for all they do for our community.
Councilor Browning gave a special thanks to Mr. Leiker for keeping the council informed
throughout the winter storm, and thanked the City employees for their work especially
since many of them were dealing with power outages and issues of their own. Councilor
Browning stated that he is not for purchasing more equipment as this was a once in a
lifetime event that we learned from and can work to do better in the future.
Councilor Jackson thanked Mr. Schreiber and Mr. Burrus and their departments for their
work during the winter storm. He also personally thanked John with Hennan Heating
and Air Conditioning, Phillip with Redhawk Heating and Air Conditioning, and Miller
Plumbing for assisting the citizens in his district with repairs. Councilor Jackson
expressed his support for the Railroad Museum and thanked Chief Borrego for applying
for the grant for crimes against children. He feels we need to step up as a community to
stop human trafficking.
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Councilor Brewer thanked the City staff for all they did and gave a special thanks to
Lindsay Barker for disseminating information to the community. Businesses are still
coming to Wichita Falls, and the new Chick-fil-A will have their grand opening this
Thursday. Councilor Brewer discussed concerns he has received regarding envelopes
being sent with water bills to customers on automatic draft and asked Mr. Leiker to
explain why that is done. Mr. Leiker stated that the city uses a third party for this
service and the process is automated. It would actually cost the city more to remove
the envelopes than it does to send them. Mr. Leiker encouraged citizens to sign up for
electronic statements as this saves money on paper, envelopes, and postage.
Councilor Whiteley commended the city for waiving cut off fees and repair permit fees
after the winter storm. Kuddos to the employees that worked through the winter storm
working long hours in painful conditions. It will be tough to pick just one employee of
the month.
Councilor Chenault stated that Wal-Mart on Central Freeway is providing COVID-19
vaccines. You can sign up at Walmart.com, create an account, and schedule an
appointment. CVS will also have vaccines and will require online registration.
Councilor Chenault brought attention to citizens that are unemployed and need
assistance with utilities and rent and stated that they can apply for assistance at
www.texasrentrelief.com, and sign up for emergency repairs through Neighborhood
Resources in Room 300 at City Hall. Interfaith Ministries can assist with food needs
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9-2, and citizens can apply for FEMA
assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. The first Art Walk of 2021 will be held this
Thursday downtown 5:30 — 9:30, and she encouraged everyone to wear their mask.
Mayor Santellana thanked employees and councilors for their work through the winter
storm. The Strategic Planning session is coming up and he thinks it will be a unique
year and will include more emergency management issues. The Strategic Plan is one
of the most vital things we do to set goals and priorities for the city. Mayor Santellana
asked for support for letter jackets for band members for twelve graduating seniors from
Hirschi High School.
Item 9 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:49 a.m.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 10 —Adjourn
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March 2,2021
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Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 10:49 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 16th day of March 2021.
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Stephen L. Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TWO, MMC
City Clerk
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