Min 08/17/2021 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 (arrived at 8:45 a.m.)
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
Eric Deluna, Pastor, Lakeview Church of Nazarene, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Kathryn Faust, Police Department
8:33 a.m.
Manuel Borrego, Chief of Police, recognized Kathy Faust as the Employee of the Month
for August 2021. Mayor Santellana congratulated Ms. Faust and presented her with a
plaque, letter of appreciation, restaurant voucher, and check, and thanked her for her
service.
Item 3b — Proclamation — Hospice Cares Day, Hospice of Wichita Falls
8:38 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming August 20, 2021 as Hospice Cares
Day in Wichita Falls and invited everyone to join him in congratulating Hospice of
Wichita Falls for the great achievements they make every day for our citizens.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:41 a.m.
Darron Leiker, City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Smith to approve the items on the consent agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 4 — Approval of minutes of the August 3, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 5 — Resolution 89-2021
Resolution authorizing award of bid for the City's estimated annual requirement of
automotive lubricating oils and grease to Western Marketing, Inc. in the amount of
$172,808.70.
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
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Metropolitan Planning Organization —Transportation Policy Committee, April 28, 2021
Item 7a — Ordinance 34-2021
8:42 a.m.
Ordinance granting a waiver of Appendix B — 3740 to reduce the setback requirements
located at 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 .
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 34-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Smith, and Whiteley.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 7b — Ordinance 35-2021
8:47 a.m.
Ordinance amending the Sanitation Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget and authorizing the
purchase of a Backhaus A60 Compost Turner through the Houston-Galveston Area
Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from Ecoverse Industries, LTD in the amount
of $608,855.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 35-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning.
There was brief discussion regarding the benefits of composting, cost savings, and the
amount of waste diverted from the landfill.
Robert Newman, 4406 Wendover, asked if the equipment was insured. Mr. Leiker
stated that some equipment is insured, and other equipment is self-insured due to cost.
Decisions to insure are made based on the actual value and age of the equipment.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
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Nays: None
Item 7c — Ordinance 36-2021
8:56 a.m.
Ordinance amending the Public Transportation FY 2020-2021 budget and authorizing
the purchase of a John Deere 210L Tractor through the Sourcewell Purchasing
Cooperative from Yellowhouse Machinery Company in the amount of$138,464.65.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 36-2021.
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 7d — Ordinance 37-2021
8:59 a.m.
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to apply
for and accept $150,000 in FY 2021-22 Texas Department of Transportation Aviation
Division Non-Primary Entitlement grants for hangar construction at Kickapoo Downtown
Airport.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 37-2021.
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 7e — Ordinance 38-2021
9:03 a.m.
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Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for The Public Health
Crisis Response/ Public Health Workforce grant funding in the amount of$1,929,328
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 38-2021.
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 7f— Ordinance 39-2021
9:06 a.m.
Ordinance accepting $14,545,825 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Federal Grant
Funds for COVID response and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary
funding agreements related hereto.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 39-2021.
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 7q — Ordinance 40-2021
9:08 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating $1,400,000 of ARPA funding to complete replacement of the
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Control System for the water
treatment system.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 40-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8a — Resolution 90-2021
9:15 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept funding up to $50,000
for two Kayak launches at Lake Wichita under the Habitat and Angler Access Program
(HAAP) provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 90-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8b — Resolution 91-2021
9:18 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with Clark
Construction in the amount of$15,049,587 for the construction of the Convention
Center portion of the Hotel Convention Center project.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 91-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
There was brief discussion regarding the lease agreement with O'Reilly Hospitality for
the convention center. O'Reilly will operate the convention center and absorb all risk. It
was stated that the project will be funded by 4B Sales Tax Corporation revenue bonds,
and there was brief discussion regarding their financial position.
Annie Jackson, 1027 Crescent Lane, stated she is in favor of the hotel project, but
expressed concerns with O'Reilly having a lease for the convention center and stated
she is not in favor of the convention center. Mrs. Jackson discussed various questions
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she has regarding the lease agreement. Mr. Jurecek stated the lease is still being
negotiated, and the city will be responsible for capital improvements and replacement of
equipment, but the maintenance of the facility will be part of the lease. Mr. Leiker
discussed that the City negotiated for O'Reilly to take on the risk of the convention
center as this encourages O'Reilly to fill up the hotel and convention center, which is an
economic advantage to the city. Mrs. Jackson asked if the convention center would be
for the sole use of O'Reilly, and if that will affect or interfere with any of our events. Mr.
Jurecek stated that our staff and O'Reilly will work together to bring in events that will
complement each other rather than compete. Mrs. Jackson congratulated the City
Council on the hotel project.
Mayor Santellana discussed the benefits of the project, the positive economic impact of
the project, and that the risk is on O'Reilly Hospitality and not on the City.
Councilor Whiteley asked Mr. Leiker to discuss what 4B funds can and cannot be spent
on. Mr. Leiker discussed how the state sets the rules that must be followed for both 4A
and 4B funding. 4A is for economic development projects related to primary job
creation, and 4B includes 4A approved projects and quality of life projects. The
convention center project fits the 4B funding laws and the income stream that funds 4B
will grow as we bring in more sales tax. Councilor Whiteley clarified that 4B funds
cannot be used for employees, police, fire, or general government expenses.
Councilor Jackson asked if 4A or 4B funds could be used for streets or infrastructure.
Mr. Leiker stated both can to a point, but it has to be linked to a project that has a
specific type of employment or job. Mr. Hegglund stated that the infrastructure has to
be linked to a business corridor.
Randy Ledford, 5127 Lakeshore Drive, asked about these funds being used for trails.
Mr. Leiker stated that these funds can be used for general parks and recreation and 4B
funds have been used for matching funds for the trail project in the past.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8c — Resolution 92-2021
9:40 a.m.
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Construction Management
Agreement with O'Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC for managing the construction of
a Convention Center.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 92-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8d — Resolution 93-2021
9:44 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award a professional services agreement
with Black & Veatch Corporation for the replacement of the Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition (SCADA) control system for the water treatment system in the amount
of $375,000.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 93-2021.
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 8e — Resolution 94-2021
9:45 a.m.
Resolution rejecting Request for Proposal (09-21) submittals for school crossing guard
services for the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 94-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and
Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8f— Resolution 95-2021
9:46 a.m.
Resolution authorizing an inter-local agreement between the City of Wichita Falls,
Texas and the Wichita Falls Independent School District for the purchase of retired
Wichita Falls Police Department Patrol cars.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 95-2021.
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 8q — Resolution 96-2021
9:50 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC) and amending the budget to include up to
$106,500 for Broad Ripple Strategies related to updating the WFEDC Strategic Plan.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 96-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Henry Florsheim, President/CEO Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce discussed the
project and noted that this project is budget neutral as the Downtown Business
Recruitment position was budgeted but is not being filled at this time. There was brief
discussion regarding the benefits of having an updated Strategic Plan.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley.
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Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 9 — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council.
10:01 a.m.
Councilor Smith discussed the Vexus 5G optic fiber project in the Fountain Park area,
and concerns with the mess they are leaving. He encouraged those that live in the area
where the work is being completed to document any damage and report those damages
to Vexus at the end of the project. They have provided no notification, and this is due to
the Legislature taking away local control on what can be done in city rights-of-way. He
suggested citizens contact Representative Franks,Senator Springer, or him as he has
contact numbers for Vexus.
Councilor Whiteley also discussed the Vexus project, and stated that the biggest
complaint is there was no notice. Kuddos to the employee of the month Kathryn Faust.
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Todd Mudd who is retiring after 37 years of service.
Councilor Whiteley wished him well in retirement.
Councilor Chenault stated that tonight is MSU Texas night downtown at the Farmers
Market, and students will be downtown and some businesses will be staying open late.
Hotter'N Hell is August 28 and she asked citizens to be mindful of bikers. Please pray
for our children, WFISD, and staff, as there have been several bomb threats at our
schools. WFISD has a mascot and color voting form for the two new high schools at
www.wfisd.net/hsbrandinq.
Councilor Brewer thanked everyone for showing up today and that he appreciates the
group coming out to speak regarding the trail.
Councilor Jackson thanked everyone that showed up today regarding the concerns on
Lake Shore drive and asked that it be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Meals on
Wheels is in need of volunteers to deliver meals.
Mayor Santellana thanked everyone for attending today. It is always good to see
citizens getting involved. He thanked Councilors and Mr. Coleman in regards to the
grant for the Kayak ramps and specifically the ADA accessible ramp. This is one more
recreational activity our handicap citizens can enjoy. All three council seats up for
election have opponents. He encouraged everyone to get out and vote. He discussed
a 13% increase in registered voters from 2016 to 2020 and the increase in the
percentage of registered voters that voted. He thanked everyone that gave to the
Hirschi High School letter jacket program.
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Councilor Jackson asked when official census numbers will be out. It was discussed
that the preliminary numbers are out, and will continue to come out over the next few
months.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:33 a.m.
Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Ct., discussed concerns regarding the 2020 election,
charter amendments that were approved, and voter fraud. She provided information
compiled by Seth Keshel, former army intelligence officer that suggests voter fraud in
Wichita County, and expressed concerns with current voting equipment and
discrepancies in the number of votes reported versus the final count.
Judy Whittington, 5205 Lake Shore Drive, stated that at June 1, 2021, Council meeting
it was asked if the trail would affect any private property, and it was stated it would be
on city owned property. She discussed the impact on private property, privacy
concerns, and other unpleasant circumstances that will affect the trail. Ms. Whittington
asked that the trail be placed on the agenda and that it be moved to the existing street.
Gary Morath, 5311 Lake Shore Drive, proposed this be put on the agenda and to move
the circle trail to the road instead of their backyards. He discussed the changes in the
water levels since the damn was lowered, a previous survey for citizen input, and the
history of the lake since it was built.
Brady Bedford, 5317 Lake Shore Drive, asked that circle trail be put in front of the
homes instead of across their backyards. He asked that this issue be put on a future
agenda.
Ann Arnold-Ogden, 1005 9th Street Suite 102, discussed an economic impact study for
the arts in Wichita Falls, and the positive financial impact provided by arts and culture
events. She provided statistics on spending by arts organizations and audiences, the
return on investment to the City, the large attendance at arts and culture events, and
employment in the creative sector. Participation in cultural tourism increases the
amount of hotel occupancy tax funding in our community, and those funds help support
arts and culture organizations. She asked that the city continue to use the average
4.4% of hotel occupancy tax funds to fund arts and culture in Wichita Falls.
Poney Thompson, 5301 Lake Shore Drive, spoke in support of moving the trail to the
street in front of the homes on Lake Shore drive. He asked for Council support if this
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item is put on the agenda, and discussed privacy issues if the trail is built behind their
houses.
Annie Jackson, 1027 Crescent Lane, stated that she supports the residents on Lake
Shore Drive, and asked that this issue be placed on a future agenda. Mrs. Jackson
discussed being given the wrong ballot on Election Day and other concerns with the
election process. She yielded her remaining time to Carla Schmehl.
Carla Schmehl stated that a friend shared open records information regarding the top
100 city employee salaries totaling $9.3 million and she believes this is a good place to
start when looking for budget cuts.
Doug Compton, 4117 Lavell Ave., read a prepared statement expressing his concerns
with the duties of the governing body, election fraud, bike trails, the city budget, and
taxes.
Rodney Brown, 5007 Lake Shore Drive and owner of Larry's Marina, discussed how the
proposed trail is detrimental to his property and business, and safety issues with his
customer's boats. He stated he owns property he is willing to donate to the city for the
trail project.
Pansy Brown, 2001 Huff, asked that the trail be put on the agenda and the proposed
trail be moved to the street.
Janet Blocker, 5105 Lake Shore Drive, discussed concerns with how close the trail will
be to her property line, and asked if anyone had studied the effect of wildlife and
wetlands this bike trail will cause. She suggested moving the trail in front of their homes
and asked that this issue be placed on the agenda.
Doug Halfhill, 5105 Lake Shore Drive, asked that trail be moved to the front of their
properties instead of rear where it will not affect wildlife.
Tammy Ledford, 5127 Lakeshore Drive, asked they reconsider where the trail is located
and put this issue on the agenda. She expressed concerns with her grandkids being
able to play freely in the backyard, security issues, and maintenance of the trail along
the shoreline.
Randy Ledford, 5127 Lakeshore Drive, stated he would like to see the trail moved to the
street, and to see action concerning child trafficking and voter fraud issues. Mr.
Ledford's handicapped grandchild lives with him and the backyard is his paradise, and it
will be gone if the trail is built along the lake. He bought lakefront property 21 years ago
and the trail will destroy his property. He also expressed concerns with business
regulations that he feels need to be changed.
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Dee Hightower, 5003 Lake Shore Drive, expressed opposition to the trail, and her
concerns with the reasoning for not putting the trail on the street. She asked that this
item be placed on the agenda.
Ellen Gutow, 4020 Rhea Rd, expressed her concern for those living on Lake Shore
drive and the issues with the trail such as an increase of theft, vandalism, and invasion
of privacy. She would like to see the trail moved to the street and asked that the item be
placed on the agenda.
Didi Chandler, 4505 Barbados, expressed her support for citizens on Lake Shore Drive
and stated the trail will destroy property values in this area. She discussed nefarious
people on the trails, a stolen bike from her house, and issues with teens and drugs on
the trail. Other cities have bicycle police and she asked is the city planning to add
officers to patrol the trail. She asked about available budget funds for street
improvements and expressed her trust and support for the Council. She asked that this
issue be placed on the agenda.
Addie Ebner, 5 Tamaron Court, stated that she attended the town hall meeting at
Larry's Marina, and someone from the city group mentioned that the trail was an
amenity. She discussed that an amenity is something that is not necessary, but is
something extra to make life more pleasant. She is for the trail, but feels it should be in
a location that does not impose on the homeowners in that area, and asked the trail be
placed along the road.
Item 11 — Executive Session
11:00 a.m.
There was no executive session.
Mayor Santellana recessed the meeting at 11:00 a.m. and reconvened at 12:05 p.m.
Item 12 —Work Session to Consider Proposed 2021-2022 Budget
12:05 p.m.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO, presented an overview of the General Fund,
Water Fund, Sanitation Fund, and other funds for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Proposed
Budget. Mrs. Williams noted that the City was awarded the Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award, from GFOA for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
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The total proposed budget increased 6.26% from the 2020-2021 budget. It was noted
that last year's budget was significantly cut due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and when
compared to the last fiscal year prior to the pandemic the increase is much smaller. The
proposed property tax rate is the voter approval rate of $0.760928, which is less than
the current rate of$0.763323. This rate includes the unused increment of$0.013129
and is a $0.31% decrease from the previous year's rate. There was discussion
regarding the list of recommended one-time projects to be funded with excess
unrestricted fund balance.
Mayor Santellana recessed the meeting at 1:27 p.m. for a break and reconvened at
1:40 p.m.
Christi Klyn, Human Resources Director, gave a presentation and reviewed the
Management Advisory Group (MAG) Compensation Study. Overall the study showed
we are behind the market in pay, but benefits are competitive. Mrs. Klyn discussed the
new proposed open range pay plans for civilians, which include
minimum/midpoint/maximum rates, versus step plans. Police and Fire will remain in
step plans, but those plans will be modified to be competitive and uniform among
positions. MAG proposed a 2% COLA for all employees, and those not at the minimum
rate after the 2% be raised to the minimum. The cost to implement their
recommendation is approximately $3.3 million. Staff recommends a 2.5% merit/step
increase for each employee on top of the 2% COLA. Sixty percent of employees will
receive more than the 4.5% in order to reach the minimum pay. The total cost to
implement the staff recommendation is approximately $4.4 million.
There was discussion regarding the Fire pension plan versus the TMRS plan and parity
between the City contributions to them.
Mr. Leiker discussed the timeline to approve the budget and encouraged the Mayor and
Councilors to reach out to staff as soon as possible to discuss any ideas or changes
they would like to implement.
Item 13 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 3:13 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 7th day of September 2021.
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1J.0-C r (-vim`ko 1(
DeAndra Chenault, Mayor Pro Tern
ATTEST:
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Marie Balthrop,1RMC, MMC
City Clerk
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