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Item 1 - Call to Order
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in regular session at 8:30 a.m.
on the above date in the Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium with the following
members present.
Stephen Santellana - Mayor
Bobby Whiteley - Mayor Pro Tem/At-Large
Tim Brewer - Councilors
Jeff Browning
Steve Jackson -
Larry Nelson -
Michael Smith -
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
Ken Holsberry, Minister 10th & Broad Church of Christ, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation —Women's Equality Day, League of Women Voters
8:33 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a Proclamation proclaiming August 26, 2022, as Women's
Equality Day in Wichita Falls and recognized the League of Women Voters of Wichita
County along with women from all over the city gathered here today to celebrate the 102
anniversary of the nineteenth amendment.
Item 4-5 — Consent Items
8:38 a.m.
Darron Leiker, City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Smith to approve the consent agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 4a — Approval of Minutes of the August 2, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 4b — Approval of Minutes of the August 9, 2022, Special Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 5 — Receive Minutes
(a) MPO-TAC, April 7, 2022
(b) MPO-TPC, April 26, 2022
(c) Park Board, June 23, 2022
(d) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, July 12, 2022
Item 6ai — Public Hearing on an Ordinance amending the Wichita Falls Code of
Ordinances, Appendix B: Zoning.
8:40 a.m.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8:40 a.m.
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August 16, 2022
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Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, gave a presentation and discussed the history of
the Downtown (Re) Zoning Initiative that began in 2017, and delays in the process due to
the pandemic.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the ten public input meetings
held December 9, 2021, through August 16, 2022, to discuss the zoning changes in the
downtown area, and the efforts made to contact all parties involved through social media,
postcards, and press releases. There is a dedicated page on the city's website for the
process that has been used to share information, and messages were sent out via the
City's notify me application. Mr. Floyd discussed the recommended text changes to the
Code of Ordinances, Appendix B: Zoning, differences from the recommendations in the
Freese and Nichols report, the updated property use tables, and recognized Karen
Montgomery-Gagne for her work on this project.
Councilor Whiteley asked about the boundaries of each zone since the maps are not
clear, and some of the boundaries do not follow streets or alleys or they fall in the middle
of a block. He is in favor, but concerned about redefining boundaries to follow streets
and possible future unintended consequences due to the current boundaries.
Mr. Menzies stated that most of the boundaries of the city wide zoning from 1985 were
probably drawn to make current businesses compliant. He stated there was not much
public input during the process to adjust the boundaries, and noted that this plan is not
permanent and Council has the ability to adjust and rezone property.
Councilor Whiteley stated that he understands this recommendation came from the
Planning and Zoning Commission and it was not a unanimous vote. His opinion is that
we should clean it up now as opposed to going through rezoning in the future.
Councilor Nelson asked for a copy of the downtown zoning tables and asked about
businesses with drive-thru windows. Mr. Floyd discussed items considered when
allowing drive-thru windows at a business.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 9:09 a.m.
Item 6a(ii) — Ordinance 30-2022
9:09 a.m.
Ordinance amending the Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances, Appendix B: Zoninq revising,
consolidating and incorporating sections addressing: definitions, downtown zoning district
boundaries, creation of special downtown zoning districts, downtown non-conforming use
limitation and appeal process, development regulations (setbacks), and incorporating a
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August 16, 2022
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downtown zoning use table; and a Land Use Plan amendment to consolidate use
categories in Greater Downtown; providing a repealer clause; providing for inclusion.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 30-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 6b — Ordinance 31-2022
9:10 a.m.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 58 Article V — Lodging in Its Entirety, And Providing for
Codification.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 31-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
There was brief discussion regarding definitions, and concerns with wording.
Mayor Santellana moved to 6c while staff researched the wording.
Item 6c — Ordinance 32-2022
9:19 a.m.
Ordinance accepting and appropriating a donation for COVID Positive Individuals
Housing in the amount of$5,000 received from Wichita Falls Faith Mission.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 32-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Browning, Jackson, Nelson, and Whiteley
Nays: None
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Item 7(a)i — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Operating Budget
9:23 a.m.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 9:23 a.m.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO, discussed the proposed 2022-2023 fiscal year
budget. She discussed the 19.63% increase over the prior year budget, and how some
of the increase is due to use of fund balance and transfers between funds for one-time
expenditures. When one-time expenditures are removed, the increase is 10.52% over
the prior year.
Paul Clark, 2101 Miramar, asked about tax rates and increases in taxes in relation to the
budget and increased revenues.
Mr. Leiker discussed the proposed reduced tax rate, and the 3.5% cap in property tax
revenues. At the proposed tax rate, the City will not meet the 3.5% revenue cap. He
stated that the City is not bringing in 19.4% of additional property taxes, since there are
other sources of revenue. Mr. Leiker discussed appraisal values versus tax rates; the
10% increase cap on appraisal values; how these items together determine the amount
of taxes paid; various property tax exemptions; and stated that estimates of tax
calculations are sent out by the Appraisal District. There was brief discussion regarding
the difference between additional property tax revenues versus total revenues in the
budget, and changes due to SB 2. Ms. Williams shared a slide that showed each revenue
source and the percent increase over last year.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 9:34 a.m.
Item 7(a)ii — Resolution 93-2022
9:35 a.m.
Resolution Setting a Date for Adoption of the FY 2023 Budget.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 93-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
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Item 7b — Resolution 94-2022
9:36 a.m.
Resolution expressing the City Council's intent to place a proposal on a future Council
agenda approving a property tax rate that exceeds the no new tax rate, but does not
exceed the voter-approval tax rate; scheduling one public tax rate hearing, and
establishing the date to vote on same
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 94-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Ms. Williams discussed changes due to SB 2, the current tax rate, the no-new revenue
rate, the voter approval rate, and the recommended tax rate of $0.694321, which is an
8.7% decrease from last year's tax rate and below the voter approval rate.
Mr. Leiker discussed how citizens could calculate their city taxes by multiplying the
proposed rate per$100 of property value, possible exemptions, and city services provided
that are supported by property taxes.
Moved by Councilor Browning to amend the main motion to include the proposed tax rate
of $0.694321 .
Motion to amend was seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve the main motion as amended.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 7c — Resolution 95-2022
9:43 a.m.
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, approving a negotiated
settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy
Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the Company's 2022 Rate Review Mechanism Filing;
declaring existing rates to be unreasonable; adopting tariffs that reflect rate adjustments
consistent with the negotiated settlement; finding the rates to be set by the attached
settlement tariffs to be just and reasonable and in the public interest; approving an
attached exhibit establishing a benchmark for pensions and retiree medical benefits;
approving an attached exhibit regarding amortization of regulatory liability; requiring the
company to reimburse ACSC's reasonable ratemaking expenses; determining that this
resolution was passed in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings
Act; adopting a savings clause; declaring an effective date; and requiring delivery of this
resolution to the company and the ACSC's legal counsel
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 95-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 7d — Resolution 96-2022
9:52 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2022 Sewer
Budget Utility Improvement Project — Phase 2 to Bowles Construction Co. in the amount
of $1,192,530.00
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 96-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 7e — Resolution 97-2022
9:55 a.m.
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2022 Concrete
Street Rehabilitation Project to Scales Concrete Construction Co. INC in the amount of
$881,287.00
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 97-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 7f— Resolution 98-2022
9:59 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Brandy Belk, dba
Suga B's, at Wichita Falls Regional Airport for Food, Beverage, and Gift Shop
Concessions at Wichita Falls Regional Airport.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 98-2022.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Mayor Santellana returned to Item 6b at 10:04 a.m.
Lou Kreidler discussed the wording in the Ordinance and the difference between a Bed
and Breakfast and a Lodging Establishment. Ms. Kreidler stated that the current
wording in the proposed Ordinance is correct.
The motion previously made by Councilor Brewer and seconded by Councilor Smith
carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
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Nays: None
Item 8a— Staff Report— Update of exhibits and holdings of the former Wichita Falls
Railroad Museum (Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, and Madeleine Calcote-
Garcia, Executive Director, Museum of North Texas History)
10:05 a.m.
Mr. Menzies discussed the past two years regarding the non-profit group that previously
ran the Railroad Museum, their disbandment, and the end of their lease with the City.
The Museum of North Texas History completed a complete inventory of all holdings and
they are considering selling part of the fleet to help fund other needs.
Ms. Calcote-Garcia discussed the proposal and accomplishments including the inventory
of over 100 different objects. She recommended that the City transfer approximately 50%
of the collection from outside the stock cars to the Museum of North Texas History, and
discussed items in poor condition and items too large to store. The remainder of the
collection could be sold or donated to another museum, organization, or collector. Ms.
Calcote-Garcia stated that she has a list of interested parties.
Due to historical significance they recommend keeping the 304 Fort Worth and Denver
Engine, Burlington Route Coal Tender, one of the United States Postal Service cars, one
of the silver MKT Bunk Cars, the Trolley Car, the black and yellow hand car, the Blue
Pullman car, and one or both of the cabooses. They recommend that the City restore the
exterior of the engines and stock they are keeping and they should be restored by
someone with expertise and experience. They recommend a roof covering and fences
around the remaining cars, City maintenance of the grounds, and the addition of
interpretative signage. The vision for this area is to be accessible to the public and
become a highlight of Wichita Falls. Ms. Calcote-Garcia discussed the cars suggested for
removal from the collection due to poor condition or redundancy. She recommended the
first step of coming to an agreement to transfer the smaller items, and using funds from
cars sold, grants, and individual donations to fund the restoration process.
Staff will continue to work with the Museum of North Texas History to implement the
recommendations if that is what the Council desires.
Item 8b — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
10:30 a.m.
Councilor Brewer asked Lou Kreidler to explain the ribbon cutting for the flashing beacon
held yesterday. Ms. Kreidler stated that Karel Davis, Texas Healthy Communities
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August 16, 2022
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Program, applied for a grant along with our Aviation, Traffic, and Transportation
department to set up flashing beacons at a crosswalk. It was a national grant program
and the City was the only city in the nation to receive the grant for the beacon. Aviation,
Traffic, and Transportation Department along with the Streets Division assisted with the
installation at Lamar Elementary to provide safety for some of our most vulnerable
citizens.
Councilor Browning reminded everyone that Hotter than Hell is next weekend.
Councilor Whiteley thanked everyone that assisted with the cleanup efforts downtown this
past weekend. He recognized Carol Murray for attending the majority of council meetings
this year.
Mayor Santellana discussed the ribbon cutting for the flashing beacon and stated that it
was neat that we were the only city in the nation to receive the grant. He thanked
Downtown Development and those that assisted with the cleanup downtown over the
weekend.
Item 9 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:35 a.m.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 10 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 10:36 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of September 2022.
S fephen Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC
City Clerk
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