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4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 07/12/1999MINUTES OF THE 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION July 12, 1999 Present: Rick Boone, President § Ikard Smith, Vice - President § Tommy McCulloch, Secretary- Treasurer § Leon Mallonee § Corporation Board Members Benay Ayers § Arthur Bea Williams § Mayor Kay Yeager § Councilor Dan Shine § City Council Representatives Jim Berzina, City Manager § Gregory D. Humbach, City Attorney § Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager § Jack Murphy, Parks & Recreation § City Staff Glenn Jamison, Parks & Recreation § Scott Taylor, Engineering § Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary § Al Norris, Park Board § Visitors Dick Bundy § Absent: Ray Gonzalez § Corporation Board Member I. Call to Order. President Rick Boone welcomed everyone to the meeting, which began at 8:35 a.m. He noted that Arnold Oliver had resigned as a member of the Corporation. Mr. Boone acknowledged Mr. Oliver's contributions, stating he had offered a lot of insight and would be missed. He was pleased, however, to recognize the Corporation's new member, Arthur Bea Williams. He recognized her outstanding career and service to the community. Mayor Kay Yeager then administered the oath of office to Ms. Williams. RECEIVED IN C.?" CLERK'S OFFICE Date � + -? " 99 __.. By --?`j — Time _3 �'_°Q - 2 II. Elect Officers. President Boone announced that it was time to fill the offices of President, Vice - President, and Secretary- Treasurer. Ikard Smith moved that the persons currently holding those positions continue to do so. Tommy McCulloch seconded the motion, with the exception being that Benay Ayers would serve as Secretary- Treasurer, a position which he currently holds. It was unanimously approved that Rick Boone would continue as President, Ikard Smith as Vice - President, and Benay Ayers would now serve as Secretary- Treasurer. III. Approval of Minutes. The minutes of the October 19, 1998 and June 15, 1999 meetings were unanimously approved. IV. Financial Report. Robert Powers gave a brief presentation on the Corporation's financial picture. The sales tax payment received by the City each month represents the sales tax proceeds from two months prior. The payment for the May sales tax was $163,500. Eight months of sales tax payments total a fund balance of $2.8 Million. He anticipates another $925,000 to be received in the remaining four months. The second of seven library debt service payments of $350,000 is due in August. The Board will end the year with just shy of $3.3 Million. The architectural fees of $240,000 for the fire station construction was budgeted two years ago. Mr. Powers reported the City has now gone out for bids on this project, and the bids are due August 12. President Boone asked Mr. Powers if he expected the sales tax to continue to increase. Mr. Powers said he prepares the Board's budget by taking the average of the three prior years. Each year it has increased. However, when sales tax rates begin to drop, they do so rapidly. He did acknowledge, however, that he is not an economic forecaster. V. Public Hearing to Consider Improvements to 600 Eleventh Street (second floor of Wichita Falls Public Library) for recreation activities. Parks Director Jack Murphy noted the Corporation considered this request for funding last December, but the request failed due to lack of a second on the motion. Portions of the second floor of the Wichita Falls Public Library would be renovated under this project, to provide for more efficient use of space and to meet building codes. To assist with their presentation, Recreation Superintendent Glenn Jamison offered a packet of information concerning Parks and Recreation programs and the renovation project. Mr. Murphy recognized Al Norris, a member of the Park Board, who wished to address the Board members. Mr. Norris stated that the Park Board had conducted surveys and met several times to discuss their prioritization of projects. Their latest vote, taken just last 3 week, revealed that renovation of the second floor of the Library is the Board's number one priority. He noted that he is a member of the Senior Zone, and has observed its growth since its inception 11 /2 years ago. Many senior citizens enjoy walking the corridors on this floor, but as the hallways are not interconnected, they are not conducive to exercise. Glenn Jamison then addressed the Board, stating he feared staff did not do a good job presenting this request last December. He pointed out the diagram in their handout revealed the desired changes, including the areas to be converted to hallways, indicated by diagonal lines. Many seniors enjoy walking the corridors, but as they dead -end, it makes for an awkward walking trail. He stated that by law, the City must have "no -end" corridors. Mr. Jamison continued, stating that the Parks and Recreation Department maintains a "body count" of the participants in and out of the various classes and programs at this recreation center. The total count quite obviously reflects a repetition of many of the same individuals. In any event, there are over 60,000 "bodies through the door" annually. The department sponsors 20 continuous - running classes throughout the year, 75 -85 workshops, and 40 -50 special events. The Senior Zone alone has a 30,000 "body count" annually, with a membership of over 600 seniors. The Senior Zone is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other programs begin at 4 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Meetings are held in the building on Saturdays, from the morning to mid - afternoon. The building is utilized all day, almost every day of the week. Participants range in age from 3 years to the mid -90's, and are composed of 60% adults, 40% children. Mr. Jamison pointed out that some of the rooms are so small, they are almost unusable. He classified the exercise area as a disaster. The exercise machines are located in three different rooms, making it impossible to keep abreast of the welfare of the individuals in each room. He stated that these renovations could increase attendance by 30% to a nearly 80,000 attendance count per year. Another area to benefit from this renovation would be the dance instruction room, and by extension, the library. This room would be renovated to allow for a buffer of sound from the dance floor to the library. In addition, as the walking area would be carpeted, this would allow for a sound buffer from the library, too. President Boone stated that one goal in a remodeling project is to minimize maintenance. He questioned how often the carpeting would need changed. Dick Bundy replied its useful life would be at least 15 -20 years. The carpet would be a level loop, commercial grade carpet; maintenance would consist of vacuuming and periodic cleaning. Mr. Jamison added that the present vinyl floor can be hazardous, with hard -to -spot water spills or slick spots. President Boone asked if the second floor would need to be shut down for this renovation, and if so, for how long. Mr. Bundy did not anticipate that the entire floor would 4 need to be shut down. Rather, construction partitions would be used, as access to the genealogy room and to fire exits would need to be maintained. In answer to President Boone's query concerning the continuation of the Senior Zone and various classes, Mr. Bundy replied that the work may be done in phases, with the entire project lasting approximately 4 -5 months. Mr. Jamison added that this project consists of more than simply the moving of walls to allow for the walking area. The area is in need of electrical upgrading. The arts and crafts room has extension cords running all over the floor, and is close to being a Code violation. In addition, the air conditioning system is inefficient. Mr. Bundy stated that the Carrier air conditioning systems, installed in 1977, are good. The problem is the controls on the system are inadequate. With this renovation plan, new controls would be installed for these rooftop systems to allow them to operate correctly. Benay Ayers questioned whether this area is adequate for the Senior Zone's future needs. Mr. Jamison replied affirmatively, stating that the Senior Zone is through each day by the time several of the other programs begin. This allows for multiple uses of the remaining recreation rooms, should the Zone grow beyond its presently designated rooms. Mr. Murphy stated, as with the Park Board, this project was the staff's number one priority, as well. He opined that it is remarkable that so many uses are made of this floor, and believes the credit for the fine recreational program should go to Program Coordinator Kathy Whetstone and Mr. Jamison. He also added that, no matter what use is made of the upstairs floor in the future, these basic repairs are needed. President Boone questioned whether the Park Board and City staff would come back to the 4B Board to ask for more money, if the $400,000 proved inadequate. Mr. Berzina stated that it would depend upon how much the project would overrun the estimated amount. They do want to reserve the right to come back to ask for more, if necessary. Councilor Dan Shine then spoke, stating it was a terrible oversight from the Council's standpoint that it did not realize the extent to which the building was used. The $400,000 needs to be spent to alleviate the Park & Recreation Department's problems. He believes the City of Wichita Falls is in need of a new recreation building, but that it will not likely happen soon. A lot of activities are taken out of the library building because they are not compatible with the library. Councilor (and new Board member) Arthur Bea Williams concurred, stating this project is a good way to publicly show the City of Wichita Falls' commitment to the elderly. In addition, it could serve to assist in the push for downtown living areas for seniors. Mr. McCulloch moved that the 4B Board authorize $400,000 for the described renovation project for the second floor of the library. Ms. Ayers seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. E VI. Consider Budget for FY 1999 -2000. Mr. McCulloch said that he, Ikard Smith, Rick Boone, and Robert Powers met last week to discuss the Board's fiscal year 1999 -2000 budget. He stated the beginning fund balance as of October 1 is estimated to be $3,276,655. This figure includes receipts yet to come, minus the library debt service plan and architectural fees previously approved for the fire station project. Mr. Powers anticipates receipts and interest earnings of nearly $2.5 million. The projected available assets total $5,772,655. The upcoming year's debt service payment is $347,000. The previously- approved fire station project is estimated at $2,175,270. This will leave $3,250,122 in uncommitted funds as of September 30, 2000. He did point out, however, that the fire station project may come in at $2.6 million, and that the Board had just approved the Park Board /Parks and Recreation Department request for $400,000. Ms. Ayers questioned whether the just- approved renovation of the second floor of the library building will be taken from this fiscal year's budget. Mr. Powers replied no, it will have to be part of next fiscal year's budget. Under the 4B state statute, once funds have been approved to be expended by the Board, a public hearing is held, and the funds cannot be expended before the expiration of 60 days. In addition, the Board's budget has to be presented to the City Council 60 days prior to the start of the City Council's fiscal year. President Boone asked Mr. Powers what projects he anticipated the Board looking at this next year. Mr. Powers replied that it may be possible that the Board will consider a funding request for the training center. Mr. McCulloch made a motion to approve the proposed budget for fiscal year 1999- 2000; seconded by Benay Ayers, it was approved unanimously. VII. Other Business. Mr. Berzina stated the Council is working toward creating a stormwater utility, possibly through an additional water /sewer charge. This may be premature, but the objective is to reach a net /net type figure by lowering the trash revenue. The goal is to raise in excess of $1.5 million a year. That is all from a construction standpoint that the community could stand, and yet see substantial progress. He stated the City was able to claim excess CDBG funds of $800,000 to put toward two significant CDBG - eligible drainage programs - Morningside and Salvation Army /Camp Fire. City Engineer Scott Taylor then addressed the Board. He stated an ordinance was at the review stage which prioritized projects stormwater drainage projects. The criteria to prioritize includes: endangerment to habitable structures, non - habitable structures; aesthetics, erosion, E maintenance; and impact on other infrastructure. He stated there are 56 identified drainage projects that require funding. Of those, 16 are 413- eligible projects. City Attorney Greg Humbach stated by law that 4B funds can be used if the projects could affect businesses. He and Public Works Director George Bonnett reviewed the list, and he made a judgment call as to which of those projects could affect businesses. The projects eligible for 4B funding are: Austin Street, Phase I & II; Austin Street, Phase III; Bridwell; Burkburnett /Lincoln; Campfire /Salvation Army; Echo /Neta Lane; Kemp Boulevard; Lake Wichita Addition; Likins Circle; Lindsey /9th Street; Loch Lomond; Old Iowa Park Road /Industrial Boulevard; Pearlie Drive; Plum Creek East Branch; Quail Creek; Selma Drive; and Sinclair. Mr. Taylor then showed a diagram of all the drainage projects. He pointed out that these projects are quite extensive and located all over the city. He stated the City will more than likely find more projects by the time these are completed. It will take 35 -40 years to complete the identified projects. Mr. McCulloch stated he would like to encourage the staff, if it is feasible, to present a project request to the Board at its next meeting. The Board could then consider making a commitment to the project if the timing was right. Mr. Taylor remarked the Lindsey /9th Street project was self - contained. The next meeting date was tentatively set for August 12 at 8:30 a.m. Mr. McCulloch moved to adjourn, Ms. Ayers seconded, and the meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m. RZ-4111 Tommy McCulloch Secretary- Treasurer Linda Merrill Recording Secretary