Min 09/05/2023 City of Wichita Falls
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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
Michael Smith, Councilor District 1, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Santellana led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Andrew Borchardt, Fire Department
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Santellana recognized Andrew Borchardt as Employee of the Month for September
2023 and shared a brief video. Mayor Santellana congratulated Mr. Borchardt and
presented him with a plaque, letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and
thanked him for his service.
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 August 15, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 5a — Resolution 96-2023
Resolution authorizing the purchase of nine 3/4-ton pickups for various City Divisions
through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative from
Sam Pack's Five Star Ford in the amount of $365,328.29.
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Landmark Commission, July 12, 2023
(b) Planning & Zoning Commission, July 12, 2023
Item 7a — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Proposed Tax Rate
8:37 a.m.
Mayor Santellana opened the public hearing at 8:37 a.m.
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September 5, 2023
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Jessica Williams, Director of Finance, stated that the current tax rate is $0.694321 , the
no new revenue tax rate is $0.639708, the voter approval tax rate is $0.685010, and the
proposed tax rate for FY 2023-2024 is $0.680000. The proposed tax rate is a 2.1
reduction in the tax rate compared to last year. Tax rates were calculated and certified
by the Wichita County Tax Assessor-Collector. There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Santellana closed the public hearing at 8:38 a.m.
Item 7b — Ordinance 48-2023
8:39 a.m.
Ordinance adopting the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2023 and
ending September 30, 2024.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 48-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning.
David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm Lane, discussed the need for a bike safety coordinator,
the new revenue stream available from the county for child safety issues which could help
fund the position, and how this position could provide bike safety classes in the school
district. Mr. Coleman asked the Council to consider funding the position.
Becky Raeke, 2420 Reilly Road, echoed Mr. Coleman's comments and stated that if it
were a budget issue in the past it should not be now. Ms. Raeke asked the Council to
consider funding this position.
Mr. Leiker addressed the comments regarding the new fee of $1.50 fee per registered
vehicle paid to the County and stated those funds will be used for the school crossing
guard program. If there are excess revenues from that fund they can go towards the bike
safety coordinator position, along with funds that were already in the City's budget for the
school crossing guard program.
Councilor Whiteley asked about the timeframe and Mr. Leiker said there is not a specific
time but it would be this fiscal year. The City will meet with the County on September 7,
2023, to discuss how the revenue will be distributed to the City. Councilor Whiteley
requested that Becky Raeke be involved in drafting the job description for the bike safety
coordinator position.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
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September 5, 2023
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Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 7c — Ordinance 49-2023
8:42 a.m.
Ordinance ratifying the increase in property tax revenue as reflected in the Annual Budget
for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2023 and ending September 30, 2024.
Moved by Councilor Smith to adopt this budget that will raise more total property taxes
than last year's budget by $3,246,905 or 7.19% and of that amount $603,283 is tax
revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax role this year.
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 7d — Ordinance 50-2023
8:45 a.m.
Ordinance levying, assessing, and fixing the tax rate for the use and support of the Wichita
Falls Municipal Government and providing for the Interest and Sinking Fund for the 2023-
24 fiscal year.
Moved by Councilor Smith that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax
rate of $0.68000 which is effectively a 6.3% increase in the tax rate.
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 7e — Ordinance 51-2023
8:47 a.m.
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Ordinance adopting the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Fiscal Year
beginning October 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2028.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 51-2023.
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 7f— Ordinance 52-2023
8:48 a.m.
Ordinance replacing Ordinance No. 10-2023, the fee schedule applied to City operations;
providing for severability; providing that such ordinance shall not be codified; and
providing an effective date.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 52-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 7q — Ordinance 53-2023
8:50 a.m.
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to award contract to Patagonia Health, Inc. for
the Health Department Electronic Health Record (EHR) Conversion Project, in the
amount of $80,025.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 53-2023.
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 7h — Ordinance 54-2023
8:52 a.m.
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the amount of
$41 ,947.62 for grant revenue from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for
a Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant for Fiscal Year
2024 and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept
said funds.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Ordinance 54-2023.
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 8a — Resolution 97-2023
8:54 a.m.
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 2023 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 97-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8b — Resolution 98-2023
8:59 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the replacement of the Multi-Purpose Event Center's (MPEC) in-
house sound system located inside the Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall through the TIPS
Purchasing Cooperative from AVI-SPL, LLC in the amount of $121 ,595.66.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 98-2023.
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 8c — Resolution 99-2023
9:04 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept funding in an amount up
to $320,000 for planning and preliminary engineering to develop active transportation
networks under the 2023 Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood Program
provided by the United States Department of Transportation.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 99-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Becky Raeke, 2420 Reilly Road, thanked John Burrus for being a champion for the bicycle
community, and for this proposal. The Ohio Street bridge is already being used by
citizens walking and cycling, and it connects the North side of town where there is a lot of
new development including homes and businesses. Ms. Raeke said it is time to connect
the trail to the North side of Wichita Falls and to Sheppard Air Force Base, and she
thanked the Council for their consideration.
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David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm Lane, also thanked Mr. Burrus for being an advocate to
the biking community, stated that this item has been in the circle trail master plan, and
the bridge would open up the whole corridor for bike traffic. Having the preliminary
engineering work completed will put us in a better position to receive an Alternative
Transportation Grant from TxDOT in the future. Mr. Coleman said he appreciates the
Council's support and hopes this item is approved.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8d — Resolution 100-2023
9:12 a.m.
Resolution approving the Wichita Falls Type B (4B) Sales Tax Corporation Budget for
Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 100-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 8e — Resolution 101-2023
9:19 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B Sales
Tax Corporation Board of Directors and amending the budget to include funding up to
$197,000 to the City of Wichita Falls to upgrade and/or replace various items at the
Wichita Falls Sports Complex on Sheppard Access Road.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 101-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith, and carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8f— Resolution 102-2023
9:27 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B Sales
Tax Corporation Board of Directors and amending the budget to include funding up to
$219,000 to the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and Industry for consulting services
to support Sheppard Air Force Base.
Moved by Councilor Brewer to approve Resolution 102-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith.
Ron Kitchens, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO, 5307 Waterford Drive,
discussed the economic impact of Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB), how the base
represents 34.4% of our local economy, the importance of SAFB to our housing market,
and the importance of the community advocating for SAFB for improvements and
recognition. SAFB competes with five other NATO training bases, and we are currently
fifth on list, making us the least likely to receive trainees. The Chamber of Commerce
has a strategic partnership with Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC) and they
are asking the Type A and Type B boards to partner with them, as well as accepting
private donations. Mr. Kitchens discussed the need to have someone in Washington,
D.C. advocating for SAFB every day, and noted the contract amount is for a three-year
period. There was brief discussion regarding the consulting group, the work they have
performed in other communities, the membership the committee that the contractor will
answer to, and the expectations for the contract. Councilor Nelson asked that Councilor
Jackson be included in the committee as the Sheppard Air Force Base Liaison.
Glenn Barham, President of SMAC, discussed the upcoming steering committee meeting
that will be held within the next couple of weeks in London, and reminded the Council that
in 2005 when the last base realignment and closure round was held, SAFB was the home
of all medical training, and even though SAFB scored first to keep the medical training, a
political decision moved the training to San Antonio resulting in a $42 million negative
impact on our local economy. We must be more proactive in what we do to support SAFB,
and we need feet on the ground in Washington D.C. that can advocate for SAFB and this
community.
Motion carried by the following vote:
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September 5, 2023
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Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Jackson, Nelson, Smith, and
Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8q — Resolution 103-2023
9:41 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC, "4A") Budget for Fiscal Year 2023- 24.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 103-2023.
Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson,
Mr. Kitchens, Chamber of Commerce CEO, provided an update on Panda Biotech and
Clayton Homes.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Santellana, Councilors Brewer, Browning, Nelson, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilor Jackson
Item 9a — Staff Reports Discussion of Railroad Museum Lease Terms
9:50 a.m.
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, updated Council on matters concerning the
Railroad Museum lease terms.
Alyssa Johnston, 2307 Speedway Ave., addressed the Council and stated the board has
finalized the business plan and emailed it to the City Council. They have a strong board
and are ready to move forward with the lease and requests that an item be placed on the
next agenda to approve the lease. She asked the City for specific terms regarding liability
insurance, and stated she is unsure what else the Council is waiting on before placing
this item on the agenda. They want to rebrand the museum to get support and interest
from around the nation regarding rail history.
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September 5, 2023
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Councilor Jackson asked if we can get this item on the agenda in two weeks, and Mr.
Leiker stated we need to have some discussion in executive session to get specific
information before moving forward.
Ms. Johnston stated they greatly appreciate the Council's support.
Councilor Browning asked about board resignations and who is currently serving. Ms.
Johnston discussed the ebb and flow of the board, and stated there are 9 current board
members and they are vetting others.
Councilor Smith added his name to the list of Councilors requesting this item to be on the
agenda. He also asked about the insurance issue since the City is asking for insurance
before the lease, and the lease being required to get insurance. Ms. Johnston stated she
can get a policy contingent upon the lease being approved.
Ms. Johnston thanked the Council and encouraged them to reach out to her if they have
any questions.
Councilor Jackson thanked Alyssa Johnston for her work, and Councilor Smith for being
the third councilor to request an agenda item.
Councilor Smith stated that the Museum of North Texas History is ready to work with the
committee to move items once the weather is cooler.
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 stated he thinks the Railroad Museum will be a great asset downtown,
and discussed a company that has volunteered to assist with landscaping. He
encouraged citizens that smoke to be careful due to grassfires and stated that over 500
acres close to his home burned over the weekend. Councilor Jackson thanked the Fire
Department for their work and encouraged people to be aware of their surroundings and
pray for rain.
Councilor Brewer discussed the 76th Police Academy graduation and the new graduates
who will be a great asset to the community.
Councilor Smith discussed the Police Academy and Fire Academy graduations that were
both inspiring and professional. He encouraged individuals to attend a graduation even
if they do not have a vested interest, and stated new academies are starting if anyone is
interested.
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September 5, 2023
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Councilor Whiteley thanked and congratulated Andy Bochardt, employee of the month.
He also went to both well attended graduations, and he gave kudos to both sets of
graduates.
Councilor Nelson thanked Ron Kitchens regarding the CGA contract and stated he hopes
we stay on top of it. He also hopes we get the contract for the three weeks of softball
tournaments and he mentioned items regarding the Sears and Pepsi buildings that he is
working on with Development Services.
Mayor Santellana attended the Police Officer graduation, but was unable to attend the
Fire Department graduation due to a family emergency. We are in the heart of election
season and he recognized all candidates in attendance, and encouraged citizens to reach
out to the candidates. The League of Women Voters is having a candidate event on
September 28th, and he encouraged citizens to attend. He also encouraged citizens to
go see the MPEC improvements.
Item 10 — Comments from the Public to Members of the City Council Concerning
Items That Are Not on the City Council Agenda
10:20 a.m.
Carol Murray, 3203 Beech, invited the Council and staff to a town hall meeting being held
at the Realtors Association on September 6, 2023, to discuss the proposed water contract
with OPS. As a Crime Stoppers Board member she discussed the Armadillo Race and
encouraged people to contribute to Texoma Gives.
David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm Lane, race director for Hotter `N Hell, thanked the City
of Wichita Falls for the event. It was a phenomenal success and the MPEC facilities are
great. He thanked the City departments that supported the event, discussed the economic
impact, and thanked the Council again for their support.
Item 11 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:22 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .071 and §551.087.
City Council reconvened at 11 :05 a.m.
Mayor Santellana reconvened in open session and announced that no votes or polls were
taken.
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Item 12 —Adjourn
Mayor Santellana adjourned the meeting at 11 :05 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of September 2023.
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to en Santellana, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, MMC
p, ,City Clerk
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September 5, 2023
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