4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 11/21/2011MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION
November 21, 2011
PRESENT:
Jim Ginnings, President § Members
Charles Elmore, Vice President/Sec.- Treasurer §
Tony Fidelie §
Darron Leiker §
Joe Nieto §
Dustin Nimz §
Glenn Barham, Mayor § City Council
Darron Leiker, City Manager
§ City Staff
Kevin Hugman, Assistant City Manager
§
Jim Dockery, Asst. City Manager /CFO
§
John Burrus, Director of AT &T
§
Miles Risley, City Attorney
§
Bob Sullivan, MPEC Director
§
Lindsay Greer, CVB
§
Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary
§
ABSENT:
Alan Donaldson § Member
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Jim Ginnings called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Darron Leiker moved that the minutes of August 29, 2011 be approved. Seconded
by Charles Elmore, the motion unanimously carried.
3. TROLLEY BUS REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Darron Leiker moved for discussion and consideration of the Trolley Bus Replacement
Project, which would provide for approximately 50% of the cost of the replacement of a trolley
bus, in a total amount of up to $116,000. The motion was seconded by Joe Nieto.
Kevin Hugman said the City has two trolleys that are each 26 years old. They serve as
shuttles for CVB and MPEC events and other activities, including private rentals. The cost to
refurbish a trolley is $100,000, while the cost to purchase a new one is $232,000.
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WFEDC — Minutes of November 21, 2011 2
Lindsay Greer said the CVB used the trolleys for 23 events last year, while the City used
them 15 times. Having them puts Wichita Falls at a competitive advantage. Bob Sullivan added
that the new bus would be ADA compliant. He also touched upon the air conditioning and
exhaust problems on the trolleys. Replacing one of the them would make a big impact.
John Burrus said both trolleys have over 300,000 miles on them. They were purchased
with FTA funds, but those funds are not available to purchase buses used for charter activities.
They were purchased in an open air style with no windows. Plexiglas type windows and air
conditioning were installed after - market. The company that manufactured these buses is no
longer in business, and parts cannot be located. Refurbishments are fabricated in- house. Staff
considered stripping the interior and having it refurbished, which would give the City the ability
to buy replacement parts. That option costs over $100,000 (not including the windows).
The proposed trolley is 34" longer than the existing trolleys, with seating up to 30
passengers. Seats can be flipped into an upright position to accommodate wheelchairs. Charles
Elmore asked if there were cheaper "off the shelf' units. Mr. Burrus said no. Tony Fidelie asked
the turnaround time on receiving the trolley. Mr. Burrus said it would be ready in early summer.
Dustin Nimz asked if the City needs the second trolley. Mr. Burrus said both existing
trolleys would be kept, with parts cannibalized from one to use on the other. That would allow
for another 2 -3 years' use of one of the trolleys. Eventually, the City would sell it by auction.
Jim Dockery added that the City currently charges $75 per hour for rental, and would
increase that rental fee for the new trolley to $150 to recover maintenance costs. Mr. Leiker
added that citizens rent a trolley for its novelty.
Jim Ginnings called the question, and the Board unanimously voted to fund
approximately 50% of the cost of the replacement of a trolley bus, in a total amount of up
to $116,000.
Charles Elmore asked if consideration has been given to installing a trolley system in the
downtown area. Mr. Burrus said there has been no study, but if the Council is interested it could
be discussed at the strategic planning session in January. Museum groups downtown have
requested a streetcar system.
Mr. Ginnings adjourned the meeting into executive session at 4:32 p.m. pursuant to
TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE § §551.071, 551.072, and 551.087. He announced the meeting back
into regular session at 5:21 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated,
and no action was taken on these items in executive session.
5. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.
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