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4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 04/07/2022 MINUTES OF THE WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (4BSTC) April 7,2022 Present: Glenn Barham, Vice President § Members Rick Hatcher, Secretary-Treasurer § Dave Clark, § Darron Leiker § Nick Schreiber § Michael Mills § Mayor Stephen Santellana § Mayor and Council R. Kinley Hegglund, Jr., City Attorney § City Staff Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager § Lindsay Barker, Dir. of Marketing & Communications § Curtis Gordon, Ag Manager § Paige Lessor, Recording Secretary § Jeff Watts, County Commissioner § Wichita County, Texas Absent: Tony Fidelie § 4B President 1. Call to Order. Glenn Barham called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes of 01/06/2022. Mr. Clark moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Hatcher, the motion carried 5- 0. 3. Public hearing regarding a funding request from the City of Wichita Falls to replace the livestock panels used at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center. Mr. Barham opened the public hearing at 3:01 p.m. Lindsay Barker introduced Ag Manager Curtis Gordon to the Board and explained that he could answer any "ag specific" questions. Ms. Barker stated that when the City took over MPEC management in October 2021, Staff went through each facility and identified all repairs, maintenance, equipment updates, and general projects that needed to be done. One item on the list was the purchase of new livestock panels. Ms. Barker displayed photos of the livestock panels currently in use, which are believed to be the original panels purchased when the Bridwell Ag Center was opened approximately 27 years ago. She described the condition of the panels as rough. The metal was rusted out, and the plywood was busted and splintered in many areas. She stated that not only were these panels in pretty rough shape, but the Center only had 300 panels, and it would be a really good idea to increase the inventory. She said that the purchase of new panels was outside the funding range for regular maintenance and not large enough to be considered for a capital improvement project. So she felt like this funding request would be a good fit for the WF4BSTC because it would support WF4BSTC Minutes Page 1 of 3 04 07 2022 the mission of the Corporation, the promotion of tourism. She explained that the MPEC staff is trying to be good stewards of taxpayer`dollars. She stated that Mr. Gordon and Staff had already, completed several upgrades tb the Ag Center, including heater repairs, fan replacement, swamp- cooler repairs, light switch breakers, heat sensors, and paint upgrades. Mr. Gordon has done a great job'utilizing the Tri-County Trustee Program,and they have done a fantastic job and helped save on the cost: She reiterated that MPEC has really tried to use its maintenance budget to the best of its ability,but the addition of the new livestock panels is a little bit out of the scope of what can be done right now. Ms. Barker presented photos of the Priefert livestock panels to be purchased. She explained that these panels are lighter in weight, so they are easier to set up and tear down, and these have gates,which the current panels do not. So someone has to hop over the panel to get to their livestock. Additionally, these particular panels would not take up much storage space. The MPEC wants to provide quality facilities and equipment for focal events and events that would bring and attract tourists and visitors to spend dollars and generate sales tax. Commissioner Jeff Watts addressed the Board. He stated that he spoke with Mr. Gordon and that the Priefert panels are"the Cadillac"of livestock pens. He explained that purchasing 300 of these panels would double MPEC's inventory.The existing panels are tremendous,even though they are 37 years old, but there is no easy access for someone to go in and out. These panels are antiquated compared to what is on the market today and what people are accustomed to when they attend livestock shows. They are used to the new, modern, larger gates with at least a 7-foot entrance.He explained that Wichita Falls would be able to host much larger events with the repairs made to the original panels and the addition of the new panels. He stated that Duncan, QK (80 miles north of WF)twice per year,hosts an event in which the majority of the United States comes to show swine and lambs. Duncan's facility is not nearly as nice as the'Bridwell Ag Center, but they can host the, larger events because they have the number of pens to accommodate the participants. - Mr.Gordon introduced himself to the Board and stated that he was hired-about six months ago. He said that he loved his job and loved dealing with the people at the Bridwell Ag Center. He explained the Ag Center has a lot of potential,and many people want to comein and host some shows, but with only 300 panels, the Ag Center cannot accommodate them. For example, one potential client said he would like to bring 600 hogs next year, but if Wichita Falls cannot accommodate him,he will have to go to Abilene. Mr. Barham asked if these pens are used for events like Ranch Round-Up. Mr. Gordon explained that the requested panels are for hogs, sheep, and lambs and-Measure about 42 to 45 inches in height.Mr.Barham then asked how many panels were being requested,and Mr. Gordon - stated that 30,0 panels were being requested. Mr. Gordon further noted that the cattle and horse panels are in good shape and that much of the equipment is in good condition and just needs some TLC, upkeep, and repairs. He stated that he fears if the City does not keep up with the increasing numbers, it will lose the events to other cities. Mr. Schreiber asked if anything could be done with the current panels regarding reusing, recycling,or selling them.Mr.Gordon explained that the Ag Center would be keeping the existing panels,and the purchase of the new panels would add to the current inventory. He explained they can set up 300 panels for 300 hogs right now, but they have shows coming up with 500 to 600 WF4BSTC Minutes Page 2 of 3 04.07.2022 hogs. He reiterated that this purchase is not a replacement but rather an addition to the current inventory of panels. Ms. Barker stated that Mr. Gordon and his team have been replacing the plywood in the old panels and plan to paint them as time permits. She said the new pens would be the first set they would use for an event. Then if and when they needed additional panels,they would use the old panels. They would be able to continue to update and rehab the old pens since the new pens would be in use. This gives them the benefit of getting the new pens, updating the old pens, and hosting larger events. Mr. Hatcher asked about where these new panels would be stored and how they could be moved from place to place. He suggested sliding some sort of sleeve or padding over the forklift's forks to provide a cushion for the panels as they are moved throughout the building. He believed this might extend the life of the panels. He also suggested storing the panels inside the building on a rack system that would not take up much space. Ms. Barker agreed with Mr. Hatcher and explained that plans about where and how to store the panels are being discussed. Mr. Barham closed the public hearing at 3:18 p.m. 5. Executive Session. Mr. Barham adjourned the meeting into executive session at 3:18 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.087. He announced the meeting back into regular session at 3:33 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated,and no votes or further action were taken on these items in executive session. 6. Consider a funding request from the City of Wichita Falls to replace the livestock panels used at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center. Mr. Leiker made a motion for the Board to approve up to$150,000 for the replacement of selected livestock panels used at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center. Seconded by Mr. Clark,the motion carried 6-0. 7. Financial Report Mr. Menzies directed the Board to look at the sales tax report on page 14 of the agenda packet. He stated that sales tax for the year is doing well and explained that February was 13% ahead of last year and March was 8%ahead of last year. He stated that the April sales tax payment was received yesterday, which is reflective of February, and it is up over 30%. So for the fiscal year, which started October 1s`, sales tax revenue is running about 16.5% above last year. In the financials, the bottom line is about $325,000. The fund balance is very healthy right now, and it includes all of the commitments toward the Conference Center Hotel project and the commitment toward The Kate (Petroleum Building renovation). 8. Adjourn. Mr. Barham adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m. Guy A. "To ' Fidelie, Jr., President WF4BSTC Minutes Page 3 of 3 04.07.2022