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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
Pastor Ben Murray, City Hope Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation — Foster Care Month, 2INGage
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming the month of May as Foster Care
Month in Wichita Falls and urged all citizens to recognize this observance.
Item 3b- Presentation of Water Conservation Week, Public Works
8:35 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming May 15-21, 2023, as Water
Conservation Week and called upon each citizen and business to help protect our
precious resources by practicing water saving measures and become more aware of the
need to save water.
Item 3c-Wichita Falls Citizen's Academy Graduation
8:37 a.m.
Mayor Santellana discussed how the Citizen's Academy builds ambassadors for the
City, and he presented a Key to the City to each graduate.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:44 a.m.
Darron Leiker, City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve the consent agenda.
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 4—Approval of Minutes of the May 02, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Mayor and
City Council
Item 5 — Resolution 50-2023
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the Health
Department Reception Renovation Project to AOC Environmental, Inc., in the amount of
$127.600.00
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, April 11 , 2023
(b) Planning and Zoning Commission, April 12, 2023
Item 7a — Ordinance 23-2023
8:45 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating a total of$2,000,000 of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding
for reconstruction of street/sidewalk lighting in Downtown Wichita Falls.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 23-2023.
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 moved to item 8b
Item 8b — Resolution 52-2023
8:51 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of a Chevrolet Service Truck for the Fleet
Maintenance Division through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative from Viking-Cives
Midwest, Inc. in the amount of $189,461 .29
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 52-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
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May 16, 2023
Page 3
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Mayor Santellana returned to item 7b
Item 7b — Ordinance 24-2023
8:51 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating a total of $90,790.00 of American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
Contingency Funding to the City's General Fund for the additional costs for the renovation
of two restrooms located at the Health District
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 24-2023.
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 8a — Resolution 51-2023
8:57 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the Health
Department Restroom Renovation Project to AOC Environmental, Inc., in the amount of
$185,190.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 51-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
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Item 8c — Resolution 53-2023
9:01 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional
Services Agreement for Engineering Services for the Quail Creek Drainage
Improvements Phase I in the amount of $67,788.81 .
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 53-2023.
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 8d — Resolution 54-2023
9:04 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2023 Concrete
Street Rehabilitation Project to Freeman Paving, LLC in the amount of $1 ,848,299.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 54-2023.
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 8e — Resolution 55-2023
9:06 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Department of Justice, FY 2023
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant in the amount up to $13,700.00.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 55-2023.
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May 16, 2023
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Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8f— Resolution 56-2023
9:07 a.m.
Resolution approving an agreement under the Meet and Confer process to allow for the
creation and maintenance of eligibility lists for lateral positions in the Police Department
and to waive the age requirements for the lateral position.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 56-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8q — Resolution 57-2023
9:14 a.m.
Discussion and possible action on a resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve
a request from the Museum of North Texas History to donate by Gift Agreement, artifacts
from the holdings of the abandoned Railroad Museum.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 57-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, reminded the Council that this item only pertains
to the small artifacts from the abandoned Railroad Museum and does not include any
railcars. Approval of this Resolution would remove the artifacts from the elements and
put them on public display at the Museum of North Texas History.
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Councilor Brewer asked what would happen to the items if the Council votes no on this
item and it was stated the items would remain where they are. There was brief discussion
regarding the need to protect the items from the elements.
Councilor Jackson stated that he hopes after the discussion the Council votes to allow
the items to stay with the Railroad Museum.
Councilor Smith stated that the Museum of North Texas History has devoted many hours
to inventory these items, and the Board, which he is a member of, desires to preserve
these small items to be presented for public display. He stated he hopes for a vote to
proceed with this item.
Alyssa Johnston, 2307 Speedway Ave., newly elected Railroad Museum Board
President, addressed the Council and expressed the groups desire to revitalize the
Railroad Museum, to form a non-profit, and to preserve the artifacts. She stated she
understands the agenda item, that they do not want to ruffle feathers, and they want the
items to be well preserved and available for public viewing. The Board requests time to
formally form a non-profit to move forward with revitalizing the Railroad Museum, and to
partner with the Museum of North Texas History to ensure proper preservation and public
viewing. The Board proposes that they be allowed to lease the Railroad Museum location
for 7 months, with a soft opening planned for July 4, 2023, and full opening planned by
mid-August. Their short-term goals are to ensure safety and structural integrity of the
existing rolling stock, to open within 4-6 months, to rehabilitate and revitalize the museum,
to use volunteers to cleanup and maintain the grounds, to ensure security and safety of
the cars, to fundraise and begin grant application process, and to promote and market
through their identified strategy plan. They have prepared a business plan, but the plan
depends on working with the City to move forward, and they want to open as soon as
safely possible.
Skip Waters, 3419 Westminster Ave., Dallas, TX, addressed the Council on behalf of the
National Railway Historical Society as current President of the North Texas Chapter. He
is also the Chapter Development Chairman for the National Railroad Historical Society.
He was contacted about creating a new local chapter and this item is on the state agenda
for vote on May 21 , 2023. They have resources to assist the local organization to bring
the museum back to life. He discussed the great attendance of the planning meetings,
several individuals independently working on this project, and how everyone has come
together to form a board and elect officers. Rail enthusiasts still come to Wichita Falls to
see the equipment and want to see the museum. He requested that the Council consider
giving the group the opportunity to revitalize the museum, and he feels partnering with
another organization is beneficial, and sees that as a positive.
Jan Saville, 2017 Berkeley Drive, owner of the World's Littlest Skyscraper, addressed the
Council and presented several full guestbooks with names of individuals that have visited
her building. She is located very close to the Railroad Museum and many visitors are
disappointed when they hear the museum is closed. She asked the Council to envision
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what a valuable addition this museum can be to the City. She discussed attractions in
other towns such as the Stockyards in Fort Worth with the daily gunfight attraction, and
suggested that similar things can be done in Wichita Falls at the Railroad Museum, such
as a stagecoach and train robbery reenactment, or reenactment of an oil field gusher.
She discussed having the museum open in time for the ribbon cutting of the new hotel
and convention center, as this is a chance to increase tourism with family friendly
entertainment downtown. They are seeking recognition of the organization, renewal of
the lease, and preservation of the artifacts.
Ann Arnold, Executive Director of the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, 1005 9th
Street, stated that they are excited about the groups that have spoken and they look
forward to working with them. The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture is the local
arts agency that serves and partners with the City. She stated that preservation of our
history and heritage is vital and they are thrilled to support this group and share their
expertise and resources. Museums preserve history and make sure items are properly
cared for and the Museum of North Texas History has the training to preserve and care
for these items. She recommended the items be placed with the museum while this group
moves forward.
Jerry Weems, 2630 Northshore Dr., addressed the Council and stated he was
disappointed that the museum was closed when he went to visit. He hopes the City keeps
the artifacts and allows the group to move forward.
Mayor Santellana stated that he feels like everyone is in agreement with wanting to
preserve the artifacts and to support the newly formed group as much as possible.
John Christhoff, 1013 Turtle Creek Road, discussed the history of the Railroad Museum
and how citizens of Wichita Falls raised money to move the 304 railcar to its current
location. He discussed the enthusiasm of the community and the business plan to move
forward, and asked the City consider leasing the current museum location to the newly
formed board. He stated the heritage and the preservation of the heritage of Wichita
Falls is important, and discussed education programs previously provided.
Annie Jackson, 1027 Crescent Lane, addressed the Mayor regarding a conversation they
had regarding the contentious hotel and convention center project, and the database used
to see what other cities offer. She discussed her experience with other corporations and
team building efforts between human resources departments for team building. She asked
the Council to consider how the Railroad Museum could be used for teambuilding events,
and discussed the importance of preserving our history. She discussed various items at
the Railroad Museum that are important to our heritage, and possible school trips that
could be restarted. She asked that the Council promote and support a working venture
between the two Museums to promote our City, tourism, and heritage.
Ms. Johnston asked what the next steps are to move forward. Mr. Leiker stated that the
original proposal was to turn over the artifacts, and sell a portion of the existing rail stock
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May 16, 2023
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for funding for renovation. Mr. Leiker suggested that the Council stand down on selling
any of the railcar stock, allow the group to continue to move forward, and allow the
Museum of North Texas History to preserve the artifacts in the interim. Discussion was
held regarding the steps needed to move forward.
Steve Goen, 1519 Sweetbriar Dr., addressed the Council and discussed the history of the
museum, memories he has of the railroad, and memorabilia he owns. He stated he is
considered the leading railroad historian in the United States, and he has written twelve
books which are available in our public library. He discussed his involvement in previous
efforts to save railcars, the history of the museum, the artifacts he has purchased with his
own funds, and previous efforts to add to the museum. He is not concerned about the
artifacts going to the Museum of North Texas History since he has a larger personal
collection, but he is concerned about the grounds and the railcars.
Becky Trammel, 307 Morning Drive #11 , Burkburnett, and Nadine McKown, Executive
Director of the Museum of North Texas History, 720 Indiana, addressed the Council. Ms.
Trammel clarified that the Museum of North Texas History will not obtain or sell the rolling
stock, and she suggested that the Council table this item as they cannot be a storage
facility for a potential future museum. Mr. Hegglund stated the item has been tabled
before and needs to be voted on today. Ms. Trammel stated they will take the items under
the terms in the agreement, and agrees to partner with the new group like they do with
other groups once they become a lawful 501(c)3, have secure facilities, and become a
member of the community.
Councilor Smith called for a vote.
Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
The main motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Browning, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilors Brewer, Jackson, and Nelson.
There was brief discussion about a possible conflict of interest with Councilor Smith
serving on the board of the Museum of North Texas History, and Mr. Hegglund stated
there is no legal conflict, and every Councilor is required to vote.
Item 8h — Resolution 58-2023
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10:14 a.m.
Resolution confirming the appointment of a Fire Chief for the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 58-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Mr. Leiker discussed the requirements for Fire Chief, the application review, and the
interview process. He recommended that Deputy Chief Donald Hughes be appointed as
Fire Chief, and discussed his service and qualifications.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to amend the main motion to add Donald Hughes in the blank
on the Resolution.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
The main motion as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 9a — Presentation on the City's new public-facing GIS interactive map — Terry
Floyd
10:19 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, gave a presentation on the new public
facing GIS interactive map and provided a live demonstration. The map can be accessed
from the City's Development Services homepage on the website, and individuals can
check their zoning and other property information. He discussed plans for additional
public facing information that will be added in the future.
Item 9b — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
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10:23 a.m.
Councilor Whiteley stated he was confused about the response from the Railroad
Museum supporters after the vote since what he heard is that both sides agreed to
preserve the small artifacts until the new group is up and running. He discussed the need
for communication to avoid misconceptions, and he thanked Councilor Jackson for
bringing up the Railroad Museum and moving that forward. He congratulated the Police
Department for their efforts to get officers hired and discussed the need to increase pay
for police and fire in order to compete with other agencies, and this will be discussed more
during the upcoming budget meetings. He congratulated Chief Hughes on his
appointment as Fire Chief.
Councilor Browning congratulated Chief Hughes for his appointment as Fire Chief and
thanked Terry Floyd for his concise and informative presentation.
Councilor Smith congratulated Chief Hughes, and he thanked everyone for attending
today.
Councilor Brewer discussed the Fire Fighter's Association Banquet and the Police
Officer's Memorial service which were both great events. He also congratulated
Councilor Jackson for getting things moving forward with the Railroad Museum.
Councilor Jackson congratulated Chief Hughes and thanked Chief Borrego for his efforts
to continue to hire more officers, and obtain additional bulletproof vests. He
recommended that the City move forward with a yearly lease agreement with the Railroad
Museum board for $1 .00 per year. This will be a great addition to downtown and there
has been a tremendous outpour of interest.
Mayor Santellana congratulated Chief Hughes for his appointment. He enjoys seeing
individuals that are interested in running for office attending meetings, and he encouraged
anyone interested to reach out with any questions they have. He congratulated the
Citizens Academy graduates and discussed the benefits of the program which makes
ambassadors for the City. He thanked other Council members for stepping up to attend
events he is unable to attend due to the high number of events he has been invited to.
He recognized the emotions regarding the Railroad Museum item but it looks like we are
moving in the right direction moving while the current items are being preserved. He feels
like there is some confusion about the action taken today and he will reach out to
members of the group to discuss the action taken.
Councilor Jackson asked about an estimated date when the convention center will open,
and it was stated it would open around end of July or August. He said he feels the
Railroad Museum will be a great attraction for visitors, and suggested eventually getting
a trolley.
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Mayor Santellana gave a shout out to our City Manager intern Henry Anderson who is
interested in local government and will be attending a graduate program at Texas A&M
next semester.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:37 a.m.
There were no comments from citizens.
Item 11 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:37 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .087, and §551 .072.
City Council reconvened at 11 :06 a.m.
Mayor Santellana reconvened in open session and announced that no votes or polls were
taken.
Item 12 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 11 :07 am.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of June 2023.
S(Fephen Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC
City Clerk
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