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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
Minister Ken Holsberry, Tenth & Broad Church of Christ, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation — League of Women Voters Equality Day/League of Women
Voters
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Santellana read a proclamation proclaiming August 23, 2023, as Women's Equality
Day in Wichita Falls and asked everyone to join him in recognizing the League of Women
Voters in Wichita County and women from all over the city as we celebrate Women's
Equality Day.
Item 4-6 — Consent Items
8:35 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 Mayor and City Council
1 . August 1 , 2023 Regular Meeting
2. August 8, 2023 Special Meeting
Item 5a — Resolution 89-2023
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to purchase
the 175 Solarmax LED Ballfield Lights from Solarmax LED, INC. to replace aging lights
at the youth baseball fields located at Kiwanis and Lake Wichita Parks in the amount of
$83,125.
Item 5b — Resolution 90-2023
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for non-matching Grant Funds from the
FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in the amount of
$37,692.00 with co-applicant, Wichita County Sheriff's Office.
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August 15, 2023
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Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Metropolitan Planning Organization - Technical Advisory Committee, April 6, 2023
(b) Metropolitan Planning Organization —Transportation Policy Committee, April 25, 2023
(c) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee — June 13, 2023
Moved to item 8e
Item 8e — Resolution 95-2023
8:36 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Raw Water Purchase contract with
Oklaunion Power Station LLC.
Mr. Leiker requested that item 8e be pulled from the agenda in light of both the Public
Works Director and Utility Operations Manager being unable to attend the meeting today.
Returned to item 7a.
Item 7a(i) — Public hearing and consideration to rezone 2203 Missile Road (+/-3.43
Acres of the Lewis Wells Survey, Abstract 323), from Limited Commercial (LC) to
Planned Unit Development — Residential Use (PUD-RU) zoning district to allow for
the construction of a 48-unit multi-family complex
8:37 a.m.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8:37 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services discussed the purpose of the rezone, and
the differences between what can be built in LC versus PUD-RU. Mr. Floyd discussed
the additional enhancements to the project required under PUD-RU zoning. Burkburnett
ISD was notified of the project and no comments were received. The Planning and Zoning
Commission unanimously approved the proposed rezone on July 12, 2023, and an
additional public hearing was held on August 9, 2023, and there were no additional public
comments. Staff recommends approval of the rezone.
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August 15, 2023
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Michael Grassi, #7 Amber Valley, stated that he would like to move forward with the
project, discussed the additional requirements under PUD-RU, and stated that the rezone
would allow him to put parking in the rear which improves the aesthetics of the project.
He stated that if the rezone is not approved parking will have to be moved to the front and
visible from the street.
Councilor Whiteley asked about the meetings that Councilor Jackson planned to organize
and asked how those went. Mr. Grassi stated that he spoke on the phone extensively
with Councilor Jackson and a representative of the neighborhood and they agreed to
disagree.
Debra Reed, 5500 Hooper, discussed her concerns about the crosswalk and safety of the
children and adults that use it. She stated the lighting is currently in the ground and not
bright enough during the day. She discussed her concerns regarding water and sewer
infrastructure, stated that she hopes there is a study completed for the traffic congestion
in the area, and said she was sorry there was no meeting between Mr. Grassi and the
community members due to differences of opinions. Ms. Reed acknowledged that
Development Services did make some improvements in communication, but stated there
is still room for additional improvement. She discussed that the land across from the
property is owned by Mr. Rhone and is designated as a designer median.
Councilor Jackson asked Ms. Reed if she knew how many people signed the petition that
she started. Ms. Reed said she had 85 signatures on the petition, and the most recent
letter received from Development Services stated they did not need to resubmit the
petition of opposition for the additional public hearing. Ms. Reed discussed how they had
already reached the 20% of individuals opposed to the project and stated that she hopes
the City will address the crosswalk.
Mayor Santellana asked Ms. Reed if she had a choice between a multi-story project and
the proposed project what project would she prefer. Ms. Reed stated she would prefer
the least objectionable project which would be the proposed project, but the crosswalk
needs to be addressed.
Councilor Smith thanked Ms. Reed and addressed her concern regarding the crosswalk.
He loves the project and has often wondered when something would be built on this
vacant property. He spoke to Chief Borrego about his concerns with the crosswalk, police
presence at the crosswalk, and asked the Chief if Missile Road is a dangerous road.
Chief Borrego stated it was not dangerous in comparison to other roads and he did not
see any need to add any additional features to the crosswalk. Councilor Smith also spoke
with John Burrus, Director of Aviation, Traffic, and Transportation, to see if he had any
concerns or wanted to add any safety elements, and Mr. Burrus indicated that he did not
have anything to add.
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August 15, 2023
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Ms. Reed said they have seen City buses almost run over people in the crosswalk, and
Council and staff may be confident and say it is safe, but they do not live there. She also
stated that a little girl was killed at the crosswalk several years ago.
Councilor Smith said staff will continue to monitor the crosswalk and if they see any way
to make it safer they will bring it to the Council.
Councilor Jackson stated that ninety percent of the individuals that called him were
against the rezone, and he asked Ms. Reed the percentage of individuals that would want
him to vote no. She acknowledged that Mr. Grassi plans to build upper level apartments,
but everyone's first reaction when she asked them about building forty-eight apartments
on the land was no.
Mayor Santellana asked if those individuals know that he can build a less desirable project
without any additional approval. He feels that most people want no development there,
and Ms. Reed stated that they do not want apartments, they want a residential area with
homes, and she is disappointed no public meeting with the developer was scheduled.
Mayor Santellana stated that by voting this down, Mr. Grassi can build a three-story
building with parking facing the street. Ms. Reed stated she is not in favor of that, and
acknowledged that the proposed project is the least obstructive.
Councilor Jackson asked Mr. Grassi to step forward and stated that the main concern is
that at a later date the property will sell and turn into Section 8 housing. Mr. Grassi stated
that his intention is to build market rate apartments and he intends to keep the property.
Mr. Grassi addressed Ms. Reed's concerns and thanked the community for their input.
He stated that as a private land owner, the idea that he should negotiate with the
neighborhood on what he can build there is interesting, and addressed why there was not
a public meeting. He gave credit to Mr. Floyd for the work on the project and stated that
they tried to present a project that would be the least objectionable to the neighborhood.
Tom Taylor, 2318 Rockhill Road, stated his home sits just off of Missile Road and Hooper.
He thanked Ms. Reed for her work. He has lived on Rockhill for 35 years and has seen
improvement, and agrees with Ms. Reed on the concerns with the crosswalk. One good
thing that will come out of this discussion is the attention given to the safety of the
crosswalk. He urged the Council to vote in favor of the rezone as it is a good project, it
will fit in good with the other properties in the area, and will add to the aesthetics of Missile
Road. He thanked Ms. Reed for bringing her concerns to the public.
Beverly Ellis, 1605 Parkdale, thanked Ms. Reed for her presentation and stated the
builder is concerned that he is the taxpayer, but he will make income off of the property.
She is concerned that the apartments will increase the number of children in the area.
Ms. Ellis stated that Ms. Reed's concern is valid, even though it does not seem to be a
concern to many on the Council. She thinks that Mr. Grassi should meet with the
community so he can explain his intentions, answer their questions, and listen to what
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August 15, 2023
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has to be said to him. She feels the item needs to be tabled and reviewed again at a later
time.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 9:08 a.m.
Item 7a(ii) — Ordinance 46-2023
9:08 a.m.
Ordinance to rezone 2203 Missile Road (+/-3.43 Acres of the Lewis Wells Survey,
Abstract 323), from Limited Commercial (LC) to Planned Unit Development— Residential
Use (PUD-RU) zoning district to allow for the construction of a 48-unit multi-family
complex.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 46-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 7b — Ordinance 47-2023
9:10 a.m.
Ordinance amending Chapter 94, Article I, Section 94-15 to allow for the expansion of the
use area, creating new hours of operation, and limiting the speed of Personal Mobility
Devices within the Central Business District.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 47-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
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Item 8a(i)— Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Operating Budget and
resolution Setting a Date for Adoption of the FY 2024 Budget
9:14 a.m.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 9:14 a.m.
Jessica Williams, Director of Finance/CFO, discussed the FY 2024 Proposed Budget, and
stated the proposed budget was based on the estimated preliminary values due to the
timing of receiving the certified values. The total budget is approximately $232.9 million,
which is a decrease of approximately $864,000 or .37 percent from the FY 2023 adopted
budget. The proposed budget proposes a decrease in the tax rate from $0.694321 to
$0.680000 per $100 of assessed value, and the proposed budget can be viewed in its
entirety on the city's website.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 9:16 a.m.
Item 8a(ii) — Resolution 91-2023
9:16 a.m.
Resolution for setting a Date for Adoption of the FY 2024 Budget.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 91-2023 setting the date for
adoption of the FY 24 budget for September 5, 2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8b — Resolution 92-2023
9:18 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 92-2023.
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Motion seconded by Councilor Jackson.
Ms. Williams discussed the current property tax rate of $0.694321 , the no-new-revenue
tax rate of $0.639708, the voter-approval rate of $0.685010, the proposed tax rate of
$0.680000 which is higher than the no-new-revenue rate, and the intent to consider the
approval of the tax rate on September 5, 2023.
Moved by Councilor Browning to amend the main motion to include the tax rate of
$0.680000.
Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve the main motion as amended.
Motion seconded by Councilor Brewer and carried by the following record vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8c — Resolution 93-2023
9:23 a.m.
Resolution nominating Howmet Castings & Services, Inc., located in Wichita Falls, to the
Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism through the Economic
Development Bank for designation as a Single Enterprise Project (Project) under the
Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) under the Texas Enterprise Zones Act, Chapter
2303, Texas Government Code (Act).
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 93-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
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Nays: None
Item 8d — Resolution 94-2023
9:26 a.m.
Resolution accepting the Health Official's Report regarding the need for local
governmental requirements pertaining to agricultural operations, as required by House
Bill 1750, to retain and enforce Chapter 14, Animals, and related ordinances of Wichita
Falls.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 94-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning.
Amy Fagan, Director of Heath, discussed the required report, and her concerns. Ms.
Fagan stated that the report was unanimously approved by the Wichita County — City of
Wichita Falls Health Board, and the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 9a — Staff Reports Memorial Auditorium Building Renovation Update — Dick
Bundy & Steve Wood from BYSP Architects, Blake Jurecek
9:34 a.m.
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, gave an overview of the Memorial Auditorium
renovation project, timeline, and estimated cost, and noted that this project is funded with
ARPA funds. This project does not include the auditorium as that will be paid for with
other funds at a later date.
Dick Bundy, BYSP Architects, discussed how this building was built in 1927 and is an
iconic building in Wichita Falls. In 1964 the building was renovated and the Council
Chambers was built on the first floor. This project gives us an opportunity to move the
Council Chambers to the front entrance on the third floor.
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August 15, 2023
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Steve Wood, BYSP Architects, discussed the team that is in place, and how they
addressed departmental layout, and stated they continue to meet with Department Heads
to discuss design details. He discussed each floor, what departments will be included on
each floor, and the important renovations of public restrooms. The project includes the
renovation of the vestibule area enclosing it in glass to protect the historic facade, adding
a gathering space outside, improving accessibility, and office space for Councilors to
meet with constituents.
Blake Jurecek, discussed the cost estimate. funding options, how ARPA funds can be
used, and the final project estimate of$17,450, 000.00. He noted that construction costs
have not gone up, but we have added additional aspects to the project. Proposed funding
includes $9.95 million of ARPA lost revenue funds, $3.5 million in Public Health Mitigation
ARPA funds, and $4 million of Mitigation of Travel and Tourism funds. The next step is
the bidding and procurement process, and setting a guaranteed maximum price.
Construction is estimated to be from January 2024— Spring 2026, and this project will not
raise taxes or be a burden to our citizens.
Mr. Leiker noted that we also anticipate energy efficiency with this renovation that will
reduce utility costs.
Item 9b — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
10:07 a.m.
Councilor Jackson thanked everyone that helped with the storm last week, and personally
thanked the Robinson family who used their equipment to help two elderly citizens on his
street trim trees. He asked about reporting damages, and Mr. Leiker stated that this is
the first step to see the magnitude of the damage so we can seek state or federal
assistance. Councilor Jackson discussed the significant damage in District 5, thanked
everyone that helped their neighbors, and stated there is more cleanup needed.
Councilor Brewer asked Amy Fagan about participation in adopt a pet. Ms. Fagan said
that the Animal Shelter is participating and there will be free adoptions on Saturday,
August 26, 2023.
Councilor Smith thanked several groups including the Fire Department and Police
Department for their search and rescue efforts on Seymour Highway Thursday night. He
thanked Parks and Recreation for their work cleaning up trees, and stated Lucy Park is
accepting tree limbs. He thanked the Street Department for their work putting up
temporary stop signs and clearing the streets. Luckily, we had no disruption in water or
sanitation systems, and he thanked City staff for their extended hours of work.
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August 15, 2023
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Councilor Browning reminded everyone that next weekend is Hotter "N Hell and to watch
for cyclists.
Councilor Whiteley echoed Councilor Smith's remarks regarding City staff and expressed
his appreciation. He praised Building Inspections for allowing call in permits and
inspections to assist with getting power restored and repairs made. It really simplified the
process and he appreciates it. He thanked Blake and BYSP for their presentation, and
thanked Dick Bundy personally for the work he does in our community.
Councilor Nelson thanked everyone that helped during the storm, and mentioned various
businesses that helped. He discussed efforts in the Ben Donnell area, and the distribution
of water. Everyone did a good job during those three days, and stated he is going to try
and institute a disaster committee in his district to work together.
Mayor Santellana discussed the storm, the excellent communication, how vital
communication is during these events, and how Mr. Leiker provided as much information
as possible while the internet service was down. He thanked ONCOR for their work,
discussed possibly bringing back a committee to provide funding to low income
individuals with repairs during a disaster that is not large enough for federal or state
funding. Mr. Leiker discussed how the committee would be a group you could go to and
get immediate funding for repairs that cannot wait. Mayor Santellana encouraged
individuals interested to get in touch with him. He thanked the firefighters for their
assistance, thanked Councilor Jackson for his assistance in District 5, and thanked
Darron for keeping the Council informed. There was a fire behind his house and he
thanked the Fire Department for protecting the homes in that area, and stated they did a
fantastic job across the County. He encouraged individuals to help Fire Departments with
water, and other donations as they can. He thanked the Police Department for blocking
off the areas to keep citizens safe and away from the fires, gave kudos to all of the
emergency response teams in the area, and stated he loves seeing Wichitans helping
Wichitans. Next weekend is Hotter `N Hell and he encouraged citizens to volunteer.
Councilor Jackson asked if all power has been restored, and Mr. Leiker stated he would
have to check the outage map, but thinks we are close.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:34 a.m.
Carol Murray, 3203 Beech, stated she was prepared to discuss the water contract but
since it has been postponed she will hold her comments. She stated the contract gives
us an opportunity to have a town hall meeting, and asked if there are any plans to hold a
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August 15, 2023
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community meeting to discuss the contract since it impacts citizens. She encouraged a
meeting to be planned.
Danny Wilson, Police Officers Association, 3411 McNiel #300, thanked the Council and
Jessica for their work on the budget. He discussed the national shortage of officers and
the need to work on recruitment and retention. The association would like to meet with
the Council over the next fiscal year during the budget process.
Item 11 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:40 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .087 and §551.072.
City Council reconvened at 11 :25 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 :26 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 5th day of September 2023.
ntep en Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
ZC
Marie Balthrop, TRM MMC
City Clerk
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