Min 03/16/2021 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
Dr. Mark Bender, First Christian Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3 — Proclamation — Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Camp Fire North Texas
8:35 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming March 18, 2021 as Camp Fire's
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day in Wichita Falls and asks all moms, dads, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, teachers and mentors to make a difference in a life of a child by
composing a letter of love in appreciation to the children in our community.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:37 a.m.
City Manager Darron Leiker gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve the 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 March 2, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 5a — Resolution 30-21
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) Toro Groundmaster 5900 16-foot mower
through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Professional Turf Products, Limited
Partnership, in the amount of$99,866.55.
Item 5b — Resolution 31-2021
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) John Deere Flail Mower through the
BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Quality Implement Co. and Tiger Corporation in
the amount of$137,567.67.
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, February 9, 2021
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March 16,2021
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Item 7a — Ordinance 04-2021
8:39 a.m.
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) Grant Program in the amount of$413,228 received from the
Department of State Health Services and authorizing the City Manager to execute
contract accepting same.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 04-2021.
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 7b — Ordinance 05-2021
8:42 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating $1,045,386 in Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief
Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Funds for Airport Operators and authorizing the
City Manager to execute all necessary funding agreements related hereto
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 05-2021.
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 7c — Ordinance 06-2021
8:44 a.m.
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a Federal Transit
Administration Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with
Disabilities Grant in an amount of$372,342 from the Texas Department of
Transportation.
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Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 06-2021.
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 8a — Resolution 32-2021
8:49 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Tax Abatement Agreement with Rise
Properties LLC and Cleanaire, LLC, dba Pamlico Air related to their project where they
spent approximately $2.5 million to repair, add improvements, and upgrade air filter
manufacturing capabilities for the property at 2801 Production Boulevard owned by Rise
Properties LLC which is in the Pamlico Reinvestment Zone.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 32-2021.
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 8b — Resolution 33-2021
8:52 a.m.
Resolution authorizing continued participation with the Steering Committee of Cities
served by Oncor; and authorizing the payment of six cents per capita to the Steering
Committee to fund regulatory and legal proceedings and activities related to Oncor
Electric Delivery Company, LLC.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 33-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote:
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March 16,2021
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8c — Resolution 34-2021
8:54 a.m.
Resolution awarding bid and contract for the 2021 Water Budget Utility Improvements
Project to Bowles Construction Co. in the amount of$1 ,415,632.00 and authorizing the
City Manager to Execute pertinent documents
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 34-2021 .
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 8d — Resolution 35-2021
8:55 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Crossing Surface Installation
Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company for the upgrade of the
7th Street railroad crossing in the amount of$385,530.00.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 35-2021 .
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 9a1 — COVID-19 Update, Lou Kreidler, Director of Health
9:03 a.m.
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Mrs. Kreidler stated that the number of cases received over the past two weeks remains
low, but she is concerned about the effects that the Governor's order that opened
businesses 100% and no longer requiring masks will have on our numbers. She is
encouraged by the number of businesses that are still requiring masks, at least for their
employees. If a person is exposed unmasked and unvaccinated it is considered a high
risk exposure. Businesses that are not requiring employees to wear masks need to be
prepared for more individuals to be quarantined if a work exposure occurs. If individuals
are fully vaccinated they will not need to quarantine, however they will be required to
monitor for symptoms and wear a mask during the 14-day period after exposure. The
Health District has given 7,351 vaccines and fully vaccinated 3,144. This includes 200
doses of the one dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The State has opened group C
which includes individuals age 50-64 regardless of health status, and the federal
government mandated that vaccines be available to all Pre K — 12 school staff and
licensed childcare workers. The allocation panel did not include law enforcement in
group C, and there is no indication when new individuals will be added to the list. The
Health District has worked with the Texas Department of Emergency Management and
the National Guard will be coming to Wichita Falls to vaccinate home bound individuals
in the area starting tomorrow. We continue to see a decline in the number of
hospitalizations and vaccines are making a difference. Please continue to wear your
mask, social distance, wash your hands, and get a vaccine when it is available to you.
Item 9a2 —Presentation on the City's Compensation Study
9:08 a.m.
Christi Klyn, Director of Human Resources, stated that the City has been working with
Management Advisory Group for the past year on a comprehensive compensation
study. The last time a study of this magnitude was completed was in 2007. Mrs. Klyn
introduced Russell Campbell, Senior Vice President with Management Advisory Group,
and Mr. Campbell gave a presentation regarding the study. He discussed the
methodology and process used to obtain the recommendations and changes, the
proposed changes, provided insight, and discussed the financial impact. Mr. Campbell
stated that the study does not include staffing levels or performance, but it focused on
the market value of the job and not the person. Positions were compared to relevant
labor markets and competitors, and Mr. Campbell discussed how the City of Wichita
Falls has fallen behind on paying competitive market wages. He provided in depth
information regarding the factors considered for each position, the market survey
results, the four proposed pay structures, and the longer than average time it takes to fill
vacancies due to low pay. The total annual cost of the proposed compensation plan is
$2,911,521 and Mr. Campbell suggested that the City implement the plans this fiscal
year if possible and over no more than two fiscal years if funding is an issue.
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Mr. Leiker thanked Mr. Campbell for the very comprehensive process and year worth of
work. The purpose of today was to summarize the findings and provide an opportunity
for questions. He stated that he would like to see the plan implemented if financially
feasible this year and no longer than over a two year period. Mr. Leiker stated that
revenues have improved, and he encouraged Councilors to reflect on the data
presented today.
Item 9b — Items of Concern to Members of the City Council
10:01 a.m.
Councilor Brewer stated the housing market is exploding and there are currently less
than 100 homes for sale whereas they typically have 400-500 homes on the market.
There are new businesses springing up all over town and people are moving from other
states and he hopes to see continued growth.
Councilor Jackson thanked Mr. Campbell for the presentation, and thanked Terry Points
with Parks and Recreation for his assistance with a park in his district to get ready for
little league baseball. He asked citizens to understand all the council has is facing and
encouraged everyone to pray for our town and leaders.
Councilor Smith asked John Burris to email an update on the previous interruption in
bus routes and the current status. He stated that Pamlico Air is one of the best
responses to join together in economic development. They have invested in our
community and will be a continuing asset to our community. The Art Walk will be held
the first Thursday of every month through November and this month's Art Walk had a
great turnout. Cajun Fest is back on the calendar this year and he asked citizens to
support this event as it is one of the largest downtown events. Councilor Smith pointed
out the work of all frontline workers and thanked them for their work, and thanked
nonprofits for their work. We are seeing vaccines across the country and we are getting
through the pandemic, however, he encouraged citizens to continue to follow CDC
guidelines and get a vaccine when available. You are not only protecting yourself, but
you are protecting your neighbors and families.
Councilor Whiteley stated that the Pamlico Air project has exceeded our expectations,
and that the Art Walk was a success with a large number of citizens participating. He
stated that he still does not understand why law enforcement is still not included in a
priority group for COVID vaccines. He discussed a rumor he heard regarding a migrant
camp in Midland and asked if we had been contacted by any authorities regarding this.
Mr. Leiker stated we had not been contacted. Councilor Whiteley thanked PJ Green for
the wonderful story he did with Representative Jackson and our Firefighters.
Councilor Chenault said good morning.
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Mayor Santellana stated he was glad we went through the comprehensive
compensation study and he encouraged Councilors to take a hard look at the
information provided as it would be a strategic planning point that will be discussed later
this month. We are a couple of weeks out from the strategic planning session and he
encouraged Councilors to begin thinking about priorities they want to address.
Councilor Jackson added to Councilor Whiteley's comments and stated that after
watching Governor Abbott regarding border patrol, vaccines are not being given to
border patrol officials, and discussed concerns with flooding. He would like to see all
police, fire and border control employees vaccinated. He encouraged citizens to be
aware of what is going on in our own surroundings and he encouraged parents to know
where their kids are at all times.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:13 a.m.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 11 — Executive Session
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:13 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Codes §551.087 and §552.074.
City Council reconvened at 10:30 a.m.
Mayor Santellana announced that no votes or polls were taken.
Item 12 — Appointments to Boards and Commission
10:30 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Smith to appoint Noros Martin to Place 5 on the Landmark
Commission with a term to expire 12/31/2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
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Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Smith to make the following appointments to the Planning and
Zoning Commission:
Place 7 — Michael Grassi, term to expire 12/31/2021
Place 11 —Alternate — Dan Leslie, term to expire 12/31/2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Smith to appoint Whitney McCullar to Place 2 on the TIF #3 board
with a term to expire 12/31/2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley 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 10:32 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of April 2021.
1 : �,�
step en L. Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Marie Balthrop, TfMC, MMC
City Clerk
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