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Min 09/21/2021 City of Wichita Falls City Council Meeting -1 .�- Minutes 4 µ � f \IAli4i4 September 21 , 2021 T E XAS VtrIVIjT _�4 S/ueSkie 4e/derfr C portureW ;graL : 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 Don Stribling, Pastor, New Hope Presbyterian, gave the invocation. Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item 3a — Proclamation — National Forensic Science Week, Wichita Falls Police Department Crime Scene Unit 8:34 a.m. Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming the week of September 19-25, 2021, as National Forensic Science Week in Wichita Falls and urged residents to express their appreciation for the people, facilities, and technologies that make reliable forensic science possible in our community. Item 3b — Proclamation — Constitution Week, Daughters of the American Revolution Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution were not present. Item 4-6 — Consent Items 8:39 a.m. Darron Leiker, City Manager, 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 Chenault and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None Item 4a — Approval of minutes of the September 7, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Item 4b — Approval of minutes of the September 14, 2021 Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Item 5 — Resolution 105-2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 2 OF 16 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to purchase 130 computer workstations from Unique Digital Technology, LLC in the amount of $98,870.20. Item 6 — Receive Minutes (a) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation, June 3, 2021 (b) Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health Board, July 9, 2021 (c) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, July 13, 2021 (d) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation, July 19, 2021 (e) Planning & Zoning Commission, August 11, 2021 Item 7 — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Proposed Tax Rate 8:42 a.m. Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8:42 a.m. Jessica Williams, CFO/Director of Finance, discussed the current property tax rate of $0.763323, the no-new revenue tax rate of $0.718807, and the voter approval rate of $0.760928. The proposed budget recommends adopting the voter approval rate of $0.760928. The tax rates were calculated and certified by the Wichita County Tax Assessor-Collector. Kevin Hunter, 1647 Hurst, discussed the history of increases in the City budget and how he feels the way the budget is presented is deceptive. Sgt. John Spragins, President of the Wichita Falls Police Officers Association, expressed his appreciation to the City Council, Staff, and those speaking today. He discussed the MAG Study, stated that although he does not agree with all of the information, overall it was a good study, and provided insight on salary issues. He expressed his support for Public Safety, their desire to receive average comparable pay, and stated that he supports all City employees, as they do not have association advocates to speak on their behalf. The employees are the most important asset of the City as they keep the City going. He commended the City Council and Staff for addressing the salary issues, as they have needed to be addressed for many years. Council thanked Sgt. Spragins for his input. Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Court, thanked Sgt. Spragins and discussed previous comments she has made regarding salaries being top heavy and wanted to clarify she did not feel like Police and Fire salaries are too high, but feels they need raises. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 3 OF 16 Randy Ledford, Lakeshore Drive, expressed his appreciation to Sgt. Spragins, and agreed that lower level employees need a raise. He stated that we are in a pandemic and he does not agree with giving raises of$10,000 or more to top employees and those raises should be cut out of the budget. He feels the lower level employees are the ones that make the wheels turn. He stated that he appreciates the Council's service, but does not agree with giving top employees raises. Mayor Santellana clarified that the proposed budget gives all City employees a raise. Debra Loberger, 5144 Royalwood Drive, asked if the community is not growing how the budget continues to be raised and expressed her displeasure with some items in the budget. She questioned how closely the City Council has evaluated the budget, their budgetary knowledge, and questioned the need for an additional convention center. Mayor Santellana and Mr. Leiker discussed the extensive budget process, stated that every line item is discussed and considered, and that there are millions of dollars cut every year from departmental requests to achieve a balanced budget. Councilor Brewer asked how much of the public safety budget is covered by property tax revenues. Mr. Leiker stated that total property tax revenue is approximately $41.5 million and it takes approximately $48.1 million to support public safety. Mr. Leiker discussed how our property tax base and total tax levy is lower than many comparable cities. Even though our tax rate is higher, the total amount of revenue received is lower than other cities due to the lower tax base. There was brief discussion regarding city revenues, the requirement for a balanced budget, the lengthy budget process, transparency, and the confusing language required by SB 2. Mayor Santellana stressed the open door policy of the Staff and the City Council to answer citizen questions. Councilor Brewer asked about the amount of property tax revenue due to new property added to the tax rolls. Ms. Williams discussed the increase in the assessed valuations. Home values are set by the County Appraisal District and they use a State mandated equation to value property. Mr. Leiker stated that there is approximately $2.6 million in additional property tax revenue and the amount of property tax revenue from new properties added to the tax roll is $364,905. Councilor Jackson asked what the difference in revenue is between the previous property tax rate and the proposed property tax rate. Mr. Leiker stated that each penny generates approximately $572,000 and the reduction is around a third of that amount. Councilor Smith asked Ms. Williams to comment on SB 2. Ms. Williams and Mr. Leiker discussed how SB 2 limits the increase in property tax revenue to 3.5% and the previous limit of an 8% increase. Ms. Williams discussed the proposed rate, which includes the unused increment from last year. Councilor Smith commented on the perception that many seem to have that the Councilors do not know what they are doing regarding the budget. He stated that they all have varying degrees of experience and training in finance CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 4 OF 16 and the budgeting process, and it is a lengthy process where citizen participation is encouraged. He discussed the State awards the City has received for budget and transparency over the past several years, and encouraged citizens to get involved and ask questions before the day of the adoption of the budget. Ms. Williams discussed two additional awards recently earned for the first time from the Texas State Comptroller for transparency in debt obligations and public pension. Last year the City received the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) budget award for the first time, which is the highest award we can earn, and Standard and Poor's commented in a rating letter about the City's extensive forecasting process. Councilor Jackson asked how much debt the City of Wichita Falls has. Ms. Williams, stated that total debt is approximately $160 million with the majority due to improvements to the water system, and stressed that complete information regarding debt is available on the transparency page on the City's website and there is a debt section in the proposed budget. Mayor Santellana and Mr. Leiker noted that our level of debt is low compared to other comparable cities. Mayor Santellana and Ms. Williams discussed the required annual audit performed by Edgin, Parkman, Fleming and Fleming, P.C., which is available online, along with a separate audit for all federal funding received. It was noted that the City has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from GFOA. Councilor Jackson asked when the water/sewer bonds would be paid off and Ms. Williams stated they have a final maturity of 08/01/2027. Councilor Whiteley discussed increases in reserve funds and asked how that effects our credit rating. Ms. Williams discussed that anytime we increase our reserves and keep our reserve levels at policy it assists in raising our credit rating. Mr. Leiker discussed how a good credit rating is important and saves the city millions in interest charges. It was noted the City's credit rating declined during the drought when we went below our reserve fund policy, but the current rating is AA, which is excellent. Councilor Jackson asked about the $19 million in bonds that were issued for the convention center, and when they will be paid off. Ms. Williams stated they would be paid off in 2051 and the bonds will be funded on September 28, 2021. It was noted that the first payment will not be due until the next budget year and the payment will be funded by 4B Sales Tax Corporation revenues. Councilor Jackson asked if the convention center land will be owned by the City or O'Reilly, and Mr. Leiker stated the City would own the convention center building and land, and the land the hotel will be built on will be owned by O'Reilly. Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Court, asked why the land was sold to O'Reilly but they did not build the hotel. Mr. Leiker explained that O'Reilly Hospitality is building the hotel and investing approximately $50 million in private funds to build the hotel. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 5 OF 16 Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 9:31 a.m. Item 8a — Ordinance 45-2021 9:31 a.m. Ordinance adopting the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2021 and ending September 30, 2022. Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 45-2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following record vote: Councilor Smith - Aye Council Whiteley - Aye Councilor Browning - Aye Councilor Chenault - Aye Councilor Brewer - Aye Councilor Jackson - Nay Mayor Santellana - Aye Item 8b — Ordinance 46-2021 9:38 a.m. Ordinance ratifying the increase in property tax revenue as reflected in the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2021 and ending September 30, 2022. Moved by Councilor Smith to approve Ordinance 46-2021 to adopt a budget that will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $2,668,674 or 6.87 percent increase, and of that amount $364,905 is tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year. Motion seconded by Councilor Chenault and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: Councilor Jackson Item 8c — Ordinance 47-2021 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 6 OF 16 9:40 a.m. Ordinance levying, assessing, and fixing the tax rate for the use and support of the Wichita Falls Municipal Government and providing for the Interest and Sinking Fund for the 2021- 22 fiscal year; and declaring an emergency. Moved by Councilor Smith to approve Ordinance 47-2021 and that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of$0.760928 which is effectively a 5.86 percent increase in the tax rate. Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following record vote: Councilor Smith - Aye Councilor Whiteley - Aye Councilor Browning - Aye Councilor Chenault - Aye Councilor Brewer - Aye Councilor Jackson - Nay Mayor Santellana - Aye Councilor Browning left the meeting at 9:46 a.m. Item 8d — Ordinance 48-2021 9:46 a.m. Ordinance adopting the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2021 and ending September 30, 2026. Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 48-2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: Councilor Jackson Item 8e — Ordinance 49-2021 9:50 a.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 7 OF 16 Ordinance replacing Ordinance No. 58-2020, the fee schedule applied to City operations; providing for severability; providing that such ordinance shall not be codified; and providing an effective date. Mr. Hegglund asked that the motion include three minor amendments as follows: 1. Page 8 of 35, under item 2c-1, the word cares be changed to acres 2. Page 29 of 35, under item 11 b-6 section 7, City of Olney be shown as a raw water client (RWO) 3. Red River listed as a treated water client (TWT) Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 106-2021 with the amendments as previously stated. Motion seconded by Councilor Smith. Councilor Whiteley stated he is not in favor of having all of these fees approved under one vote as he feels there needs to be additional discussion, as he feels some of the increases are too large. There was lengthy discussion regarding the need for the increased fees, how taxpayer dollars are currently subsidizing development expenses due to the low fees, and the quarterly stakeholder meetings that have been held. Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, stated that the increases would bring the fees to average and discussed the increasing costs to provide these services. Michael Grassi, 7 Amber Valley Court, representing the North Texas Home Builders Association, addressed the Council. Mr. Grassi discussed his daily interaction with City staff, and stated that having Mr. Floyd join the team has been beneficial. He agrees with Councilor Whiteley that the increases in fees was sprung on the industry. He discussed the ten cities used for comparison and that of those cities we have a lower population, lower cost of living, and lower building fees. He believes that lower development fees is a positive thing to help increase growth. Mr. Grassi discussed the number of new home builds over the past several years and the reduction in new home builds, but that City staff in the building department has not been reduced. He expressed that a fifty percent increase in permit fees is excessive, and asked the Council consider further research. Mayor Santellana discussed the significant amount of time that was spent on this Ordinance and how the Council has to weigh the taxpayer subsidy versus the cost to the development community. Mayor Santellana pointed out that we are not keeping up with inflation and although our goal is not to completely cover the costs, there needs to be a balance. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 8 OF 16 Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, stated the quarterly stakeholders meeting was moved up to accommodate discussing the fee increases prior to today's meeting. The discussion began over a year ago and included a survey and those results were presented to the development community in June or July prior to the presentation to the City Council. He noted that our survey results were very similar to survey results from others cities showing that our data was accurate. Mr. Menzies discussed commercial development and remodeling and that although new home builds are lower, the workload has not decreased for building inspections with over 10,000 inspections completed so far this year. Mr. Menzies discussed fee increases for property cleanup and how the City should not be the least expensive option for citizens that have to clean up property with code violations. Councilor Whiteley stated again that he does not like the fact that this Ordinance is all- inclusive. He agrees with Mr. Grassi that the Chamber of Commerce could brag on the low cost of development fees in Wichita Falls. He believes that if we encourage development the increased development will make up for the revenue that would be received from increased fees. He is in favor of phasing in these costs in a different manner. Mayor Santellana asked Mr. Grassi if these increases would decrease the number of homes built. Mr. Grassi discussed other increased costs, how Sheppard Air Force Base drives the home building market and how increased costs will decrease the number of homes built. Mr. Grassi stated that we are not comparable to the other areas we are being compared too. Mayor Santellana asked if the proposed budget is forecasted on the proposed fee increases. Mr. Leiker discussed that some fees are included and others are not. Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Chenault, and Smith. Nays: Councilors Brewer, Jackson, and Whiteley There was brief discussion regarding possibly removing some of the fees and breaking the ordinance into sections. Councilor Whiteley moved to reconsider the fee ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and approved by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 9 OF 16 Councilor Whiteley moved to exclude the changes in Section 2 and keep the previous fees related to development services and vote on the remainder of the Ordinance as stated. Motion seconded by Chenault and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: Councilor Jackson Changes to Section 2 will be removed and discussed at a future meeting. Councilor Jackson moved to exclude the changes in Section 6a Animal Services and keep the previous fees. Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer. Lou Kreidler, Director of Health, discussed that they are not raising fees on rabbits and guinea pigs, they are simply adding a reclaim fee, and are reducing the fees regarding fowl adoptions. Councilor Jackson asked how much these changes would increase revenue and it was stated revenues would increase approximately $4000 per year. Motion carried by the following record vote: Councilor Smith —Aye Councilor Whiteley — Nay Councilor Chenault —Aye Councilor Brewer—Aye Councilor Jackson —Aye Mayor Santellana — Nay Fee changes to Section 6a will be removed and further discussion will be held at a future meeting. Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 49-2021 as amended. Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 10 OF 16 Item 8f— Ordinance 50-2021 10:27 a.m. Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for the COVID-19 Immunization grant funding in the amount of $367,529 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 50-2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Chenault. Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Court, asked if any of this appropriation is being used to educate the community that the Pfizer vaccine being administered is not fully FDA approved, and that Comirnaty is approved but not yet in production and is a distinctly different formula. Mrs. Kreidler stated that is not correct and discussed the FDA emergency use and approval process and explained that Comirnaty is the brand name for the Pfizer vaccine. She offered to email research to Ms. Schmehl. Ms. Schmehl stated that her research shows that Comirnaty is a distinctly different formula. Mayor Santellana clarified that Ms. Schmehl's question is in regards to public education, and he reiterated how these grant funds will be used. Councilor Jackson asked about the timeline for FDA approval and stated that his research shows it takes up to 13 years. Ms. Kreidler stated it depends on the drug and process used. Councilor Jackson asked how many local citizens have died from the COVID vaccine. Ms. Kreidler stated that to her knowledge there have been no local deaths due to vaccine. Councilor Smith asked Mrs. Kreidler to give the position of the CDC and FDA. Mrs. Kreidler stated that per information received from the CDC and DSHS the Pfizer vaccine, now branded under Comirnaty, has full approval for ages 16 and up. Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None Item 9a — Resolution 106-2021 10:35 a.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 11OF16 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the second phase of the Memorial Auditorium Sewer Project to Anthony Inman Construction, Inc. in the amount of$176,099. Moved by Councilor Brewer seconded by Chenault and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None Item 9b — Resolution 107-2021 10:39 a.m. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the operation and management of the Wichita Falls Municipal Golf Course to APGL, Inc. d/b/a Perm-O- Green in the annual amount of$120,000. Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 107-2021 . Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: None Item 9c — Resolution 108-2021 10:52 a.m. Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B (4B) Sales Tax Corporation Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 108-2021. Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Smith, and Whiteley. Nays: Councilor Jackson CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 12 OF 16 Item 10 — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City Council. 11:01 a.m. Councilor Smith reminded citizens facing possible eviction that there will be no additional extension of the eviction moratorium. The Eviction Diversion Group has been working with several entities to educate renters and landlords that there are funds that can be applied for through the Texas Rent Relief Project. The Northwest Texas Legal Aid Society has been assisting citizens that qualify for aid with filling out the application. He stated that regarding fee issues, we are always playing catch up and inflation increases our costs for services. He is in favor of a constant review of fee structures. In reference to one fee going up $500 in one year, he suggested taking our fees and costs and spreading them out over 2-3 years. In regards to the COVID vaccine, please consider getting the vaccine if you do not have medical or ethical reasons not to. He feels the surge is contributed to those that are unvaccinated. For those that have had one vaccine he encouraged them to get the second vaccine to be fully vaccinated, and get the booster shot if they qualify. He encouraged citizens to get the facts and make an informed decision. Councilor Whiteley stated that he appreciates the comments made today regarding the budget. He discussed items that he does not agree with and the timing of when the budget was received. He reminded everyone that we open our meeting with a prayer, and we all pray that we make the best decisions for our community. He discussed the demeanor, tone, and accusatory statements that some citizens address the Council with and he asked that people remember we are all citizens and one community. He asked that complaints and emails regarding mandates and items that are above the local government level stop, as the City Council does not have control over those issues, and encouraged citizens to voice their concerns to those that do have control. Councilor Chenault said good morning and thanked everyone for coming out. She thanked the staff and all individuals that have worked on the budget. She stated that the budget takes a lot of planning and time, and she asked for everyone's patience. Councilor Chenault reminded everyone that tonight at 7:00 at Bud Daniels Park there would be a free outdoor concert by the All Funk Radio Show sponsored by the Parks and Recreation department. She encouraged everyone to come out and have a good time. Councilor Jackson thanked Base Camp Lindsay for inviting him to the Gala at the Kemp Center, as they raised funds for a good cause. He stated that the pandemic caused there to be a small group, but they had a silent auction to raise additional funds. He thanked individuals that gathered with Post 169 on Lakeshore Drive to serve veterans, and he thanked Chief Borrego and McGruff for attending. He stated that in regards to the vaccine he feels it should be the individual's choice. He stated that he will not take the vaccine, that he participated in a community prayer meeting that was held against vaccine CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 13 OF 16 mandates, and closed by reading scripture from Ephesians 6:11. Councilor Jackson stated he believes God has us covered and he chooses to live longer and not take the vaccine as he believes the vaccine is pure evil. Councilor Chenault reminded citizens that we have an election coming up on November 2nd, October 4th is the last day to register to vote, and October 18th is first day of early voting. Mayor Santellana stated that Booker T. Washington School is turning 100 and the walk will begin at 9:15 a.m. on October 2nd and a program will be held at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Santellana thanked all of the staff for their work on the budget, thanked the public that commented, and encouraged them to continue to communicate and ask questions regarding the budget. He agreed with Councilor Whiteley and encouraged everyone to keep discussions civil. In regards to the fee Ordinance, he is glad we do not rubber stamp every decision and the Council will revisit the fee changes that were removed. He expressed his condolences and offered prayers to the family of RW Smith, Deputy Police Chief. He asked that citizens please pray for our community, and stated that we open every meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance for a reason, as they pray to make good decisions and bless our community. Item 11 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda 11:13 a.m. Maurice Gauthier, 4809 Whirlwind Drive, asked about the progress of negotiations regarding the lease agreement for the Convention Center to O'Reilly. Mr. Leiker stated that the lease agreement is essentially complete. The City will lease the Convention Center to O'Reilly to manage on behalf of the City, O'Reilly will be responsible for the daily operations and any loss, and the City will be responsible for capital improvements. Mr. Gauthier questioned the investment if there is no return for the City as he heard O'Reilly wanted to build the Convention Center. Mr. Leiker stated that the lease agreement is what Mr. O'Reilly agreed to and he feels it is a win to have Mr. O'Reilly take the responsibility for any losses as there will be no liability to the City. Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Court, commented in regards to the Convention Center and stated that it is confusing since we already have the MPEC that runs at a loss. She asked if the new Convention Center would be in competition with the MPEC. Ms. Schmehl discussed the capacity and it was noted that the new Convention Center will accommodate approximately 1000 individuals for a banquet and will have break out spaces for smaller meeting areas. She asked if we expected people to travel through our airport and Mr. Leiker stated that 90% of attendees to our events would travel by car. She feels that it is a waste since we have the MPEC and she does not like debt. She agrees CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 14 OF 16 that citizens have been remiss in their duties to participate, and she stated that she has had to cancel appointments to attend City Council Meetings. She asked again that at least one meeting be held in the evening so citizens can attend. Mayor Santellana and Mr. Leiker encouraged Ms. Schmehl to meet with them or City staff to address her questions. Judy Whittington, 5205 Lakeshore Drive, addressed the council regarding the Circle Trail along Lakeshore Drive. When the lake level was lowered, it left areas that were unsightly and the city had no interest in the shoreline at that time. Ms. Whittington discussed various neighborhood meetings that were held where it was expressed that there were no plans for the shoreline property, and being told there were no plans when the City surveyed the shoreline property to determine the boundaries. She stated that she feels the City has not been honest with the citizens on Lakeshore Drive, and that the issue is not having a trail, but rather the location of the trail, which will change the use of their land and take away the privacy taxpayers expect when they purchase property for a family home. She requested that the trail be moved to the street. Mr. Leiker stated that the agenda item that was approved when the study was completed did discuss future improvements to the Lake and the formation of the Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, which has been working on improvements for several years. In reference to taxes being paid on the property, Mr. Leiker clarified that citizens do not pay taxes on shoreline property owned by the City. Ms. Whittington stated that they are paying taxes on property that will be effected by the trail, and that stating there will be future improvements is much too vague when it will affect their property. Randy Ledford, 5127 Lakeshore Drive, stated that the trail was proposed and citizens voted against having the trail from Larry's Marina to Barnett. He agreed with Ms. Schmehl that having a meeting at 8:30 a.m. keeps citizens from attending and he asked for an evening meeting once a month so working citizens can attend. He discussed the two bridges built on the trail and his concerns with bike crashes on these bridges. He stated that what has happened to our veterans is atrocious as their shade trees have been bulldozed and they only have one tree left. He appreciated the Mayor and his heart for the handicapped as expressed a few weeks ago, and discussed his concerns with homes affected by the trail that have handicapped occupants, and his concerns with how the trail affects Larry's boat shop. He feels we need to help small businesses especially during COVID, and expressed his desire to move the trail to the street. Mr. Leiker reminded citizens the meeting to discuss the trail on Lakeshore Drive would be held October 19th Ellen Gutow, Brook Village, addressed the council regarding how wrong it would be to put a bike trail in the backyards of Lakeshore Drive residents. She encouraged Councilors to visit the homes affected and discussed concerns with crime and emergency vehicle access to the proposed trail area. Ms. Gutow encouraged the Council to consider moving the trail to the street and to improve the roadway. She asked for one meeting a month to be held in the evening as citizens lose wages when they attend during work hours. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 15 OF 16 Item 12 —Adjourn Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 5th day of October 2021. /*L., ‘,2 Stephen L. Santellana, Mayor ATTEST: M,t ,8 *- Mane BalthropFLMC, MMC City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 21, 2021 PAGE 16 OF 16