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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 -
Darron Leiker - City Manager
Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney
Marie Balthrop - City Clerk
Absent: Councilor Bobby Whiteley
Mayor Santellana called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Gene Holley, Pastor, Life Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation — Wichita Falls Fire Department 130th Anniversary Day —
Wichita Falls Fire Rescue
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming October 21, 2021, as Wichita Falls
Fire Department 130th Anniversary Day, and he called upon the residents of Wichita Falls
to express their appreciation for the exemplary services provided by the dedicated
members of our Fire Department.
Item 3b — Circle Trail Presentation and Discussion
8:35 a.m.
Pat Hoffman, Property Management/Lake Lot Administrator, presented an overview of
the history and timeline of the Lake Wichita boundary survey process that began in
2007. Ms. Hoffman discussed notifications mailed to property owners, town hall
meetings, encroachments on city property, notifications of encroachments, the
encroachment policy that was adopted, staff/citizens meetings to discuss
encroachments, and cleanup performed at the city's expense on the North side of the
lake. Ms. Hoffman discussed in detail the history of ownership, encroachments, and the
lease agreement executed for city owned property for the property where Larry's Marine
is located. Per Councilor Jackson's request, Ms. Hoffman read a portion of the lease
agreement, which clearly stated the intent of the City to construct a trail for public
pedestrian travel along the shore of Lake Wichita.
Blane Boswell, City Engineer, gave a presentation over the history of construction of the
Circle Trail, which began in 1987. Currently, 22.7 miles of trail has been completed, 0.6
miles is under construction, and there are two proposed areas equaling 1.1 miles that
have not yet been funded. Grant applications have been submitted for the two
incomplete areas. To date, $18.7 million has been spent to construct the trail with $14
million funded by grants and donations, and $4.6 million from 4B Sales Tax Corporation
funds. Mr. Boswell discussed regulations and ADA requirements for shared use paths,
and stated that transportation grants cannot be used to improve or widen streets, or to
acquire right-of-way, which means constructing the trail along the shoreline is the best
path to meet TxDOT grant requirements. He discussed issues with moving the trail to
the street, the average distance from homes on the proposed route versus on the street,
and the large cost difference between the two options. Mr. Boswell noted that the cost
to construct the path along the shoreline would be approximately $3.2 million, and
moving the trail to the street would cost approximately $5.3 million with additional
funding requirements for right-of-way acquisition. Moving the trail to the street would
require street improvements, drainage issues, driveway reconstructions, elevation
issues, utility relocations, and would not meet the requirements for TxDOT grant
funding. All taxpayers own the land along the shoreline, and constructing the trail along
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October 19, 2021
PAGE 2 OF 15
the shoreline is more aesthetic, safer, requires no utility relocation or right-of-way
acquisition, and is the highest and best use of taxpayer dollars.
Mayor Santellana discussed right-of-way and drainage issues, and the increased cost to
move the trail.
Councilor Browning asked about the chances of receiving a grant if the trail is moved.
Mr. Boswell noted that for the current grant cycle, there is approximately $15 million
allocated for the entire state, and seventy-eight projects totaling approximately $123
million were submitted, so it is very competitive. It was noted that safety is one of the
items considered in the grant application and the purpose of the grant is to provide
alternative transportation routes.
Councilor Jackson asked for the date when TxDOT would approve grants and
expressed concerns about accepting the grant prior to the next council meeting. Mr.
Leiker stated that grant acceptance will be voted on by the council and discussed
various actions that would have to be voted on prior to the trail construction.
Councilor Jackson asked how many residents on Lake Shore Drive have paid a curb
and gutter tax without having curbs and gutters installed. Gary Morath discussed the
curb and gutter tax and stated that every citizen pays this fee when property is
purchased and a home is built. Council and staff tried to clarify if he was referring to a
development cost assessed by the builder, or a specific fee, but it was unclear
specifically what fee or tax Mr. Morath was referring to.
Mr. Morath spoke against the trail and discussed concerns with water covering the
proposed trail area, and how his property line was at the water's edge prior to the lake
level being lowered. Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, discussed the
lowering of the spillway as recommended by the Corp of Engineers due to safety issues
that created the path around the lake.
Judy Whittington, spoke against the trail, and expressed concerns regarding how
building the trail will affect private properties in the neighborhood, and the required right-
of-way referred to in the grant application. Mr. Schreiber addressed the right-of-way
concerns and stated that right-of-way acquisition was submitted so there would be
flexibility to avoid wetlands mitigation if possible.
Pony Thompson, 5301 Lakeshore Drive, spoke against the trail and discussed property
Mr. Brown is willing to donate to allow the trail to go to the street that would eliminate
acquisition for property along the street, and encourage the Council to consider moving
the trail to the north side of the street, as there are less driveways and businesses.
Staff discussed possible future conflicts when this area is developed. Mr. Thompson
expressed concerns with the view from the street versus the shoreline, reduced
maintenance if moved to the street, lighting along the street and not along the shoreline,
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October 19, 2021
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and seclusion of the proposed trail that will promote crime. Residents of Lake Shore
Drive collectively feel it would be best to move the trail to the street.
There was brief discussion regarding lighting, issues with obtaining TxDOT funding if
the trail is moved, and cyclists' and pedestrian safety when the trail crosses streets and
driveways. Mr. Thompson discussed the portion of the trail along Barnett Road and
stated that cyclist's ride on the street and not on the trail in this area, and various
comments were made regarding cyclists currently riding on Lake Shore Drive.
Councilor Jackson asked Mr. Thompson if the residents have maintained the property
along the lake shore and he stated that they have, and that they purchased property
with a lake view and do not want to install fences that block their view.
Ben Block, 4809 Saw Mill Lane, spoke for having the trail along the shoreline. He
expressed safety concerns with cycling on street crossings and stated that he uses the
trail as much as possible and prefers not to ride on the street. He expressed his respect
for the homeowners affected but feels constructing the trail along the shoreline is best
for the City.
Councilor Jackson asked if Mr. Block would like to have a trail in his backyard and Mr.
Block stated that is not what is currently being discussed. After some heated
discussion, Mayor Santellana asked the Council and Citizens to be civil during the
discussion.
Joe Nelson, 2200 Piedmont, spoke against the trail along the shoreline and expressed
privacy concerns for veterans, elderly, and handicapped citizens that live in the area.
Randy Ledford, 5127 Lake Shore Drive, spoke against the trail along the shoreline, and
expressed concerns about acquisition, wetlands, and the map submitted with the grant
application. Mr. Ledford asked about wetlands mitigation, bridges that were not
included in the grant proposal cost projections, and possible acquisition of three
properties including his own. Mr. Schreiber stated that the final design has not been
completed, discussed the map submitted with the grant application, and stated that the
properties crosshatched in blue may require a small part of acquisition, but did not
include the entire property, and the light blue line on the map is the proposed trail area.
Pamela Morath, 5311 Lake Shore Drive, spoke against the trail along the shoreline, and
asked how the trail on Barnett road was funded. Staff noted that it was funded eighty
percent with a TxDOT grant with a twenty percent match. She asked if it was still
funded with road crossings, and Mr. Leiker stated that there were no other options for
that portion of the trail, and discussed the safety measures implemented. Ms. Morath
stated that she is not opposed to the hike and bike trail and supports cyclists, but is
opposed to the trail being along the shoreline. She expressed safety concerns for her
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October 19, 2021
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property and asked why the safety of the cyclists is more important than the safety of
her property.
Mayor Santellana discussed the needs of all tax paying citizens versus the needs of the
group speaking against the trail, and the fiscal responsibility for taxpayer funds. Ms.
Morath expressed concerns regarding increased theft along the trail in unlit areas and
asked how long it would take to build the trail if it is funded. Mr. Schreiber stated that it
would take just under a year. There was brief discussion regarding construction access
points.
Rodney Brown, owner of Larry's Marine, and resident of Lake Shore Drive, spoke
against the trail along the shoreline and discussed his business being number five in the
state for Tracker boat sales, and concerns of how the trail will affect his business. He
acknowledged signing an agreement with the City, but expressed concerns about the
trail taking away the boat storage area. Mr. Brown expressed security concerns, being
able to protect his customers' property, and stated that the trail will be detrimental to his
business.
R.J. Wachsman, discussed the house he built for his brother at 5017 Lake Shore Drive,
and discussed the pitiful condition of Lake Shore Drive and the need for street repairs
regardless of where the trail is built. Mr. Wachsman asked when plans for the trail
would be completed, and Mr. Schreiber stated plans would not be completed until after
the grant is awarded and they have funding for the project. He expressed concerns
about how close the trail will come to his brother's bedroom window, and suggested a
bridge across the lake as a solution.
Mr. Leiker addressed Mr. Wachsman comment regarding rehabilitation of the street and
Mr. Schreiber stated it would cost approximately $6 million and most likely need to be a
bond-funded project in the future.
Michael Lambert, 3 Merryhill Circle, spoke in favor of the trail along the shoreline,
discussed safety issues with riding on Lake Shore Drive, and stated that he feels the
street should not be included as part of the trail. He discussed other areas of the trail
along Holliday Creek that have water across it when there is heavy rain, and how this
extension should not be any different from other areas of the trail regarding safety and
crime. Mr. Lambert stated the City should provide for the common good for all residents.
Barbara Lyne, 5119 Lake Shore Drive, spoke against the trail along the shoreline, and
discussed concerns regarding how close the trail would be to her home. After
clarification of the proposed trail location, she supported the trail with a bridge, but
expressed concerns for other property owners and stated that she still supports moving
the trail to the street. Ms. Lyne expressed concerns regarding the ability to sell property
with trail directly behind the home.
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Becky Raeke, 2420 Reilly Road, spoke in favor of the trail along the shoreline, and
discussed her involvement in the community, and Bike Wichita Falls. Ms. Raeke
discussed the mission of Bike Wichita Falls and the importance of cycling in our
community. She discussed a poll she created in the Wichita Falls Bicycling Facebook
group that resulted in 117 in favor of the trail along the shoreline, 11 opposed with 5 of
those being new to the group and residents of Lake Shore Drive, and one undecided.
She met with a homeowner on Lake Shore Drive, toured the properties most affected,
discussed the diversity of views along the trail, and expressed concerns regarding the
increased cost to move the trail. She acknowledged the need for Larry's Marine to be
able to do business, and stated that increased crime is not encouraged but deterred
along the trail. Ms. Raeke read an article regarding how the opinion of an individual
once opposed to a trail in their backyard changed after the trail was built and they
realized the benefits of the trail. She asked that citizens keep an open mind, and stated
that a minority should not make the decision for the majority, as there is always
opposition to any project, but we do not say no due to the opinions of the minority.
Ellen Gutow, Brook Village, spoke against the trail along the shoreline, and asked if any
Councilors took her challenge to look at how the trail will affect their property. She
stated the trail is an amenity and not a necessity, and it would be easy to move the trail
to the street and improve the street at the same time. Ms. Gutow asked if an
environmental study had been completed on the wetlands.
Carla Schmehl, 1 Summer Tree Court, spoke against the trail along the shoreline and
read a letter from a cyclist, Joe Castelli, 4532 Wendover Street, which discussed his
involvement in cycling, and stated his concerns with the negative impact to the property
owners affected by the proposed trail. She then discussed her concerns for the
homeowners affected and suggested that the council had newfound fiscal responsibility
regarding this particular project. Ms. Schmehl acknowledged the benefit of many versus
the effects on the few, but asked that Council consider moving the trail to the street or
making shared bicycle lane like the ones we have on other streets.
Steve DuBose, 1609 Brazos, stated that most of his questions have been answered but
he asked that the Council respect the privacy of the property owners, and suggested
that the trail be completed in conjunction with repairs to Lakeshore Drive that must
eventually be completed.
Roby Christie, 3309 Cumberland, spoke in favor of the trail along the shoreline, and
discussed the history of trails in Wichita Falls. Mr. Christie acknowledged the small
percent that object to the trail along the shoreline, discussed the growth of trails in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area adjacent to citizen's property, and stated that property rights end
at the property line and not into the view past the property line. He stated that all
taxpayers own the land along the shoreline past the property lines and they should be
able to use that land, and encouraged the Council to build the trail along the shoreline.
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October 19, 2021
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Jack Murphy, 2812 Happy Hollow Drive, spoke in favor of the trail along the shoreline,
discussed the recreational and healthy living benefits of the trail, the history of the initial
trail, and the vision of the circle trail project. Mr. Murphy stated that trails are one of the
few activities that serve all citizens, noted that Lake Shore Drive is narrow and curvy
with many driveways and is unsafe for cyclists, and stated that the completed circle trail
be one of the best recreational trails in Texas.
Jim Heiman, 1805 Club View Street, Chair of the Wichita Falls Parks Board, spoke in
favor of the trail along the shoreline, and discussed the support from the Parks Board.
He emphasized the use of city owned property for the benefit of all citizens, and stated
that the Park Board voted unanimously to encourage the Council to complete the entire
circle trail project including the section as planned along the shoreline.
Maurice Gauthier, 4809 Whirlwind Drive, noted that this property was not city owned
property until the lake level was lowered.
Councilor Jackson apologized to everyone for his outburst earlier in the meeting.
Councilor Browning thanked everyone for coming to speak, and wanted citizens to know
that he has spoken with both sides, visited the area affected, and he and the Council
want to hear both sides.
Councilor Brewer thanked everyone for attending and expressing both sides. He stated
that everyone's views are important, and thanked staff for their presentations.
Mayor Santellana thanked everyone for attending and expressing both sides, and for
the emails and letters of support. He noted that this project is still preliminary as it is not
funded, but he wanted to get the facts out to the public before the many steps that will
have to take place before the project moves forward. Council will consider everything
and will allow the public to hear both sides. There will be time for public input, and he
encouraged citizens to reach out to the Council or staff with their questions and
concerns.
Mayor Santellana recessed the meeting for break at 11:12 a.m, and reconvened the
meeting at 11:26 a.m.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
11:26 a.m.
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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, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 4 — Approval of minutes of the October 5, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 5 — Resolution 115-2021
Resolution authorizing the purchase of One hundred fifty (150) Axon/lasers and related
accessories and warranties through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Axon
Enterprise, Inc. in the amount of$492,500.08.
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Library Advisory Board, June 15, 2021
(b) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, September 14, 2021
Item 7a — Ordinance 52-2021
11:26 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating $41,612.93 of grant funds pursuant to the Office of the Governor,
Public Safety Office, Homeland Security Grants Division, 2021 State Homeland Security
Program, appropriating said funds to the Special Revenue Fund, and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept and share said funds.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 51-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
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Item 7b — Ordinance 53-2021
11 :29 a.m.
Consider and adopt an ordinance by the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas,
repealing Chapter 2, Article III, Division 8 Youth Activities Advisory Council; and Chapter
26, Article V, Division 2, Metal Recycling Entity, from the City of Wichita Falls Code of
Ordinances.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Ordinance 53-2021 .
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Mayor Santellana moved to item 8h
Item 8h — Resolution 123-2021
11 :31 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC/4A) by amending the budget to include an up to
$16,000 expenditure to Falls Metal Fabrication, LLC, to assist in the expansion of their
existing business in Wichita Falls.
Moved by Councilor Chenault to approve Resolution 123-2021 .
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 8a — Resolution 116-2021
11 :36 a.m.
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October 19, 2021
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Convention Center Management
and Lease Agreement with O'Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC for the day-to-day
management and operation of the Convention Center.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 116-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, and Smith.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8b — Resolution 117-2021
11:42 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Tax Abatement Agreement with OH-
Wichita Falls, LLC related to their project where they will spend approximately $48 million
to build a full service convention hotel on the property known as Lot 1-C, Block 1 of MPEC
South Addition and owned by OH-Wichita Falls, LLC, which is in the Convention Center
Reinvestment Zone.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 117-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, and Smith.
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8c — Resolution 118-2021
11:47 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the MPEC Sewer
Project to Bowles Construction Co. in the amount of$97,100.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 118-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, and Smith.
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October 19, 2021
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Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8d — Resolution 119-2021
11:49 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) Front Loader through the Houston-
Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from Bruckner Truck Sales,
Inc. in the amount of $154,387.00 and through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative
from Texan Waste Equipment Rentals & Sales, LLC dba Heil of Texas in the amount of
$184,900.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 119-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 8e — Resolution 120-2021
11:52 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of three (3) Automated Side Loaders through the
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from Bruckner Truck
Sales, Inc. in the amount of $479,409.00 and through the BuyBoard Purchasing
Cooperative from Texan Waste Equipment Rentals & Sales, LLC dba Heil of Texas in the
amount of$551,700.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 120-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 8f— Resolution 121-2021
11:54 a.m.
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October 19, 2021
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Resolution authorizing the purchase of two (2) Pinnacle 64T Daycab Macks through the
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from Bruckner Truck
Sales, Inc. in the amount of$288,196.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 121-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 8q — Resolution 122-2021
11:55 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) Commercial Side Loader through the
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from Bruckner Truck
Sales, Inc. in the amount of $145,311.00 and from Kann Manufacturing Corporation in
the amount of$108,362.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 122-2021.
Motion seconded by Councilor Chenault and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Chenault, Jackson, and Smith.
Nays: None
Item 9a— Staff Report— Fire Apparatus Replacement
11:56 a.m.
John Burrus, Director of AT&T, gave a presentation regarding the Fire Apparatus
Replacement Program, and discussed availability of the needed units. Mr. Burrus
discussed the current inventory, issues with current inventory, reserve units, and
recommendations for replacement. We currently do not have enough reserve units to
pull in when needed and have had to rely on other area Fire Departments to step in to
help. Mr. Burrus discussed the Apparatus Committee formed in 2021 that includes
operators and mechanic staff, and the committee recommendations to purchase 8
engines, 2 ladders, 2 squads, and 1 rescue vehicle. Mr. Burrus discussed the reserve
capacity, life expectancy of the front line units, and funding recommendations due to
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October 19, 2021
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anticipated price increases. He recommended a $9,920,692.31, twelve-year lease
purchase agreement resulting in the city owning the equipment.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO, discussed the financing portion, with first
payment not expected until 2023. Financing goals are to lock in low interest rates and
having the first payment due after the current lease expires. She discussed the timeline
and the anticipated bid award for financing on November 16, 2021, with the budget
expenditure in FY 2023-24. She stated the current lease payment is $475,000 and the
new lease would cause an increase. Ms. Williams discussed options to reduce the
payment amounts such as a down payment, but we will not know the options until after
the proposals are received. She discussed possible savings due to reduced maintenance
issues.
There was brief discussion regarding the possibility of leasing instead of lease purchase
and parts availability for both situations. The recommendation will allow fleet
maintenance to have an inventory of parts that can be used across all frontline units.
Ken Prillaman, Fire Chief, expressed the need for new apparatus, the condition of current
equipment, and the low value of the Ferrara units. He discussed the issue from the
firefighter equipment operator's perspective, and the loss of confidence in the current
equipment. Other positives are standardized training, reduced pressure on future
equipment purchase budgets, and will no longer have to take a unit out of service for
training.
Mr. Leiker discussed the length of time this issue has been discussed, and the upcoming
request for proposals and timeline.
There was brief discussion regarding the funding, future budget year increases, and
possible use of grant funds to buy down the lease purchase.
Item 9b— Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council.
12:41 p.m.
Councilor Browning stated his excitement for the hotel project and congratulated the
Mayor on the first annual Taco Fest as it was a success.
Councilor Chenault said good morning and thanked everyone for coming out.
Councilor Jackson thanked everyone for coming out and reminded citizens that early
voting has started and Election Day is on November 2nd, and he encouraged everyone to
get out and vote. He thanked New York for the donation of a fire truck to the Wichita
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October 19, 2021
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West fire department. Councilor Jackson stated that he believes that everyone from the
Mayor down should have to take a drug test, that he had a hair follicle test completed,
and recommended that the Mayor and Council do the same. He discussed concerns
regarding the Mayor's business selling rebar and concrete for city projects and stated he
feels it is unethical. Mayor Santellana asked Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney to address
those concerns.
Mr. Hegglund stated that the Mayor does not violate state law or the charter by selling
products to a contractor for a city project, and that this was permissible under the old
charter prior to the amendments.
Councilor Jackson left the meeting at 12:45 p.m.
Mayor Santellana disclosed to the public that he does bid as a subcontractor for City
projects within the limits of the law. He is not allowed to directly contract with the City but
he is legally able to subcontract. Councilor Browning agreed and stated that they are not
on the council to make money, but have had to give up work due to being on the Council.
Councilor Chenault stated that her last full meeting is November 2nd and she encouraged
District 2 citizens to attend.
Mayor Santellana discussed issues with decorum during the meeting and how it is
unacceptable behavior. He stated that in the future he would strive to keep the meeting
in order, as the discourse today was embarrassing. He wants everyone to have input
and representation, but in the future, he will recess the meeting if emotions get out of
control. David Gibbs, VFW Post 8878 shared an invitation with the Mayor and invited
everyone to Sikes Lake on October 23, 2021, from 10:00-3:00 for a Veterans event. Taco
Fest was a great success and Mayor Santellana gave credit to Zavala for the success
and stated that he was encouraged about the money raised which will be used for
scholarships.
Councilor Chenault reminded citizens of the neighborhood revitalization meetings this
weekend at 9:00, 11:00 and 2:00 at Floral Heights Methodist Church. Terry Floyd
encouraged citizens to look at information on the website.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
12:52 p.m.
Gary Morath, 5311 Lake Shore Drive, apologized for his emotions earlier, but stated they
bought this land to build their forever home on and he never expected anything to be built
behind him. It is his home, not a house, and he has no desire to sell it. He discussed
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October 19, 2021
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how his property did previously touch the water's edge, and how water touches his
property throughout the year with heavy rains. He discussed the jagged contour of his
property and his property line, and stated the trail will have to either go over the water or
encompass some of his property. He understands the water is lower, but when he
purchased the property his property line went to the water's edge and he never anticipated
having anything built behind him due to that.
Judy Whittington, 5205 Lake Shore Drive, stated that she is a retired CPA, former Director
of Finance for Wichita Falls ISD and former County employee and is accustomed to
looking at multi-million dollar numbers. She suggested that some of the numbers
presented today mixed apples and oranges. She believes Lake Shore Drive is on the
long term street improvement plan, and believes there is probably an estimate in archives.
She suggested looking at the cost of bringing Lake Shore Drive up to standard and then
look at the cost to add the bike lane, as she feels they would have a better view of what
it would cost to build a bike lane on Lakeshore Drive versus the proposal in the grant.
Item 11 — Executive Session
No executive session was held.
Item 12 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 1:01 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 2nd day of November 2021.
tep en L. Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC
City Clerk
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