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4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 06/21/2000it MINUTES OF THE 4B SALES TAY CORPORATION June 21, 2000 Present: CITY CLERK'S OFFICE Date 011" By Time L - Rick Boone, President § Ikard Smith, Vice President § Benay Ayers, Secretary Treasurer § Corporation Board Members Ray Gonzalez § Leon Mallonee § Arthur Bea Williams § Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager § Jack Murphy, Parks & Recreation Director § City Staff Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary § from Midwestern State University: Louis J. Rodriguez, President § Al Hooten, Vice President of Business Affairs § Visitors Mark Lanier, Director of Physical Plant § Absent: Tommy McCulloch I. Call to Order § Corporation Board Member President Rick Boone called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. II. Approval of Minutes Benay Ayers moved that the minutes of the January 31, 2000 and April 26, 2000 minutes be approved as written. The motion was seconded by Arthur Bea Williams, and unanimously approved. III. Financial Report Robert Powers gave an overview of the 4B Sales Tax Corporation's Preliminary Financial Statement dated May 31, 2000. The Corporation holds approximately $1.5 million in sales tax receipts, and $120,000 in interest earnings. Expenditures to date for fiscal year 2000 include the library debt service payment of roughly $347,000, and the Rotary Park matching project of $12,000. The Corporation has spent $18,000 out of the 575,000 allotted for a needs assessment study for the public safety training center. Mr. Powers added that the Corporation might receive a report on this assessment in July or early August. The needs assessment study will furnish a concept design and budget estimate which will help the Council decide whether to proceed with construction drawings and engineering reports. That phase of the project should take six to nine months, with another 18 months dedicated to the bidding process and construction. Projecting forward, Mr. Powers indicated a positive end -of -year fund balance for 4B funds of nearly $2.6 million, with $162,000 in interest earnings. These figures would also take into account the cash payment for the new fire stations. He also relayed to the Corporation that it is unlikely the fire stations will be complete by the contractual deadline. There is a liquidated damages clause in the construction contracts for reimbursement of some of the fees for failure to meet this deadline. IV. Request for MSU for $300,000 for Matching Funds for Sikes Lake Dredging President Boone opened the public hearing to consider Midwestern State University's request for matching funding to dredge Sikes Lake. MSU President Lou Rodriguez made a presentation to the Corporation concerning this request. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to discuss this issue, and proceeded to give the following information. Currently, Sikes Lake has a depth of approximately two feet. It is basically a dying lake. The University used to stock it with fish, but there is not enough oxygen in the lake for the fish to survive. This lake serves a recreational function for the entire community, as many citizens take advantage of the trail surrounding the lake for jogging, biking, or walking. The MSU Board of Regents feels it is very important to save the lake. MSU attempted to attach Sikes Lake to the McGrath Creek project, but the Corps of Engineers said it was not in a flood control area. The University went to the Legislature several times for help with the problem. Finally, the 76`' Legislature appropriated $750,000 to MSU, subject to this amount being matched by the University by the end of August 2000. MSU hired Carter- Burgess to come up with a recommendation in terms of dredging. A depth survey was performed, and Carter - Burgess noted the lake could be dredged to a depth of five feet. Several options for removal of the silt were discussed by the Board of Regents. The most viable is the use of a trucking system, whereby the silt would be pumped out by a machine that would squeeze out 70% of the water. The silt would then be removed by trucks to property owned by IN/ISU south of the state hospital. The water would then be recycled back to the lake. Both the Bridwell and Priddy foundations have committed funds toward this project. If the City were to contribute, Mr. Rodriguez remarked that this would be a private, state and municipal partnership. This type of partnership is viewed very favorably by the Legislature. Leon Mallonee questioned how the Museum and Art Center intends to raise the 5216,000 referenced in Mr. Rodriguez' letter to the Corporation. Mr. Rodriguez remarked that they more than likely could not raise this amount of money, although the museum is very much in support of the project. He added that the museum could be very helpful in the fundraising arena. President Boone asked if only dredging part of Sikes Lake is an option. Mr. Rodriguez replied that the remaining silt would flow into any part of the lake that had been dredged. Mr. Boone then asked how long this project would extend the life of the lake. Mr. Rodriguez replied that the best estimate is in the 30 to 40 year range. A lot of the siltation came from the subdivisions being built in that area. As this area is almost completely developed, the rate of siltation should slow down. Ms. Williams asked the age of the lake, and Leon Mallonee estimated that it was built in the 1940's. In response to Mr. Boone's query, Al Hooten stated no toxins are in the water. President Boone expressed a concern that the Corporation administers public funds, yet this lake is a semi - private facility. He asked what guarantee is there that the public will always have access to the back side of the lake? Mr. Rodriguez replied that, while it is State property, he could see no reason why the use of the property should change. He can provide a communication from the Board of Regents assuring the City of its intent to keep it available to the public. President Boone continued, stating that MSU will still be short some funds for this project. He asked how long the University could wait before starting construction. Mr. Rodriguez acknowledged they are $300,000 short of having the match for Austin. He intends to get the rest of the money, but can offer no guarantee other than a hard try. If this effort proves unsuccessful, they would have the option of not dredging as much as intended. Mark Lanier noted that MSU would have to start the project in the January- February timeframe. It is a six -month project, involving unique equipment, and the necessity of building a holding pond on the site. President Boone questioned whether there is a potential for damage to public roadways. Mr. Rodriguez replied negatively; indeed, the only potential damage would be to the roads on the MSU campus. There being no further discussion, President Boone closed the public hearing. 4 Ms. Ayers stated she just recently went to the lake, and remarked that it is the best -kept secret in Wichita Falls. It is a real asset. Ms. Williams remarked that she has been a regular user of the trail in the past. If the expected life of this project is 30 years, the 4B contribution of 5300,000 would average out to $10,000 per year. If there is an agreement with the Board of Regents that it will stay available to the public at- large, then she is enthusiastic about the project. Mr. Mallonee remarked that, despite the Corps of Engineers' decision, there is a definite flood problem there. He feels Sikes Lake is a valuable asset to the City of Wichita Falls. President Boone commented that he has always viewed this area as public, and it needs to be supported. Benay Ayers moved, seconded by Leon Mallonee, to accept project, assuming the Board of Regents provides the assurance the area will remain available to the public. All members approved. President Boone pointed out to Mr. Rodriguez that this vote is subject to the Council's final approval. V. Request from City of Wichita Falls for $176,000 for Matching Funds for TXDOT TEA 21 Trail Grant Project by Lake Wichita President Boone opened up a public hearing on the City's request for funding for a grant project. The request is to match funds from a TXDOT TEA 21 grant project for a three -mile stretch of trail at Lake Wichita. The TXDOT share is 80 %, or roughly $703,000. The City's 20% match is $176,000. That is the request before the Corporation today. Parks and Recreation Director Jack Murphy explained that the City cannot proceed with the project until the $176,000 is received by the State. The trail would extend from the base of the dam by the spillway at Lake Wichita to the end of Fairway Boulevard in Jaycee Park. The present trail ends near Lake Park Drive where it intersects Old Lake Road. Mr. Murphy opined that it is a wonderful opportunity to expand the use of Lake Wichita. Ikard Smith questioned whether Lake Wichita is used by boaters. Mr. Murphy replied very little, although this type of use has increased with the construction of a boat ramp. He added that 90% of the use of water is actually use of the shoreline. This trail is an important way to develop that use. Mr. Murphy further discussed another feature for the trails — a road train. His employees are building a train out of surplus military equipment. He hopes to have it in ready to take the Council on a ride later this month. It will be equipped with a sound system, and available for private rental. The train would hold approximately 40 adults, or 80 children. The station will be at Hamilton Park. This added attraction will appeal to tourism. President Boone asked Mr. Murphy the status of the extension of the trail at the Country Club. Mr. Murphy stated the City has two options to consider: (1) build the trail along the creek; or (2) go around the Country Club to the old aqueduct behind the Country Club's maintenance facility. The first option is probably cost prohibitive, because it would entail the moving of some 5 greens of the Club's golf course. When questioned about the timeframe for this extension, Mr. Murphy suggested three years, but added there are many variables involved. Returning to the topic at hand, Mr. Murphy stated that people love water, and this trail extension is a way to access the lake. Plus, now that the lake is tower for flood control purposes, there is dry land all around it, which makes it even more accessible. President Boone then announced the public hearing closed. Vice President Smith urged the Corporation approve this project. Ms. Williams stated this is a good public project that will exist into the future. Mr. Mallonee moved, seconded by Ray Gonzalez, that this project be funded. This motion was unanimously approved. VI. Discuss FY 2000 -01 Budget Schedule Mr. Powers asked the members to give him a timeframe within which to schedule their next meeting, at which time they could discuss the 4B budget. After discussion, it was agreed that the next scheduled meeting would be held on Tuesday, July 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Conference Room. President Boone asked City Councilor Williams her opinion of the likelihood of the City Council approving MSU's request for funding of the dredging of Sikes Lake. She stated that she believes the majority of the Council can see the necessity of those kinds of projects that entice people and businesses, those projects that are not only functional but also beautiful. VII. Adjourn There being no further business, President Boone announced the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m. Benay Ayers Secretary- Treasurer Linda Merrill Recording Secretary