4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 08/10/2023 MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (4BSTC)
August 10, 2023
Present:
Tony Fidelie, President § Members
Glenn Barham, Vice President §
Dave Clark §
Darron Leiker §
Nick Schreiber
Michael Mills §
Craig Reynolds §
Stephen Santellana, Mayor § Mayor& City Councilors
Bobby Whiteley, Mayor ProTem §
R. Kinley Hegglund, Jr., City Attorney § City Staff
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager §
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager §
Terry Floyd, Dir of Development Svcs §
Stephen Calvert, Senior Budget Analyst §
Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Planning §
Administrator §
Monica Aguon, Assistant City Attorney §
Chris Horgen, Public Information Officer §
Paige Lessor, Executive Legal Assistant §
1. Call to Order.
Mr. Fidelie called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. and welcomed all participants.
Additionally, Mr. Fidelie welcomed the new board member, Craig Reynolds,who comes from the
oil and gas industry and is a lifelong resident of Wichita Falls. Mr. Reynolds expressed his honor
and excitement to be a part of the board and contribute to its work.
2. Report of financial condition (current, past & planned budget & expenditures); and
other administrative actions
Mr. Paul Menzies presented the financial report, highlighting sales tax data. Mr. Menzies
noted is down 5.79% compared to the same month last year. However, sales tax is still 1% ahead
on the year and 3% ahead on the rolling 12-month period. He further mentioned that the revenue
side was tracking as anticipated,with approximately $5.2 million in sales tax revenue for the year.
He also reported that the Pickers Universe Project downtown had been closed out, resulting in
approximately $7.5 million available for new projects.
No further questions were asked or comments made about the financial report.
3. Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Minutes of June 1, 2023.
Mr. Clark moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Mills and following no
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public comment, the motion carried 7-0.
b) Approval of Downtown Matching Grant Applications
i. 713 Indiana Ave
ii. 600 8th Street
iii. 624 Indiana Ave
iv. 813 8th Street
Mr. Leiker moved to approve the Downtown Matching Grant applications. Seconded
by Mr. Clark and following no public comment, the motion carried 7-0.
4. Public hearing regarding a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of
Commerce and Industry for consulting services to support Sheppard Air Force
Base.
Mr. Fidelie opened the public hearing at 3:05 p.m.
Mr. Ron Kitchens, CEO and Chairman of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
addressed the Board. He explained the funding proposal for the consulting services and
advocated in favor of the Board assisting with the funding of the consultant. He explained
that the idea is to split the cost of the consultant between WF4BSTC, WFEDC, SMAC, and
WF Chamber of Commerce. The goal of hiring the consultant is to support the growth of
military and aerospace roles and relationships, ensure investments in Sheppard Air Force
Base,and attract federal dollars.The proposed agreement with the consulting company would
be for three years.
Mr. Fidelie clarified a point that in year three of the contract there would be a $500
monthly increase.
Mr. Schreiber asked the selection process of the consultant firm, CGA Group.
Mr. Kitchens said they called several military communities around the country,
including communities in the Gulf Coast region and South Texas,and asked which consulting
companies were doing a great job. The CGA Group was a name that was mentioned. This
firm has done an incredible job of gathering military suppliers in Lawton, OK. The former
vacant mall was purchased and turned into a military supplier base. Also, $50 million in
funding has been acquired to develop a research center to support the base. Also, this firm is
in a position to know Wichita Falls and Sheppard AFB well.
5. Public hearing regarding a funding request from the City of Wichita Falls to
upgrade and/or replace various items at the Wichita Falls Sports Complex on
Sheppard Access Road.
Mr. Fidelie opened the public hearing at 3:14 p.m.
Mr. Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, began the presentation by thanking the
board for the opportunity to discuss the funding request. He mentioned that back in
September of the previous year, the council approved a contract with Ellis to install turf at
one of the sports complexes. They have two sports complexes, and this contract allowed for
the purchase and installation of turf on four fields.The project was completed in late February
or early March, leading to a successful spring and early summer season with ten tournaments
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hosted at the complex, primarily focused on youth baseball and softball.
He also highlighted that there were originally eight tournaments planned for the fall,
but thisnumber has since been updated to 12, potentially increasing to 20-24 in the coming
year. Additionally, the CVB office has bid on hosting the 2025 USA Softball Southern
Regional Nationals, which could significantly boost the number of events and the economic
impact.
Mr. Jurecek presented historical data, demonstrating the past performance of the
facility. In 2011, there were 14 events, with a peak of 18 events in 2014. The long-term goal
has always been to host 24 events, with the economic impact estimated to be around $1.8
million per year.
He also discussed the economic impact calculation, which considers the number of
out-of-town players who spend money in the city. So far, in the current year, the complex has
hosted ten tournaments with an estimated economic impact of$1.5 million.
• The main items being requested for upgrade or replacement at the complex include:
• Portable, free-standing fencing to accommodate different age groups.
• Bathroom upgrades, focusing on enhancing privacy.
• Repairs to the concession stand, including the replacement of windows and air
conditioning.
• Replacement of bleachers that have been in use for 34 years.
• Repair and partial replacement of the existing fencing around the complex.
Mr. Jurecek shared images of the portable fencing and the roofs on the dugouts that
require repair. He mentioned the need for better bathroom facilities, pointing out issues with
privacy. The concession stand window and air conditioner require repairs. The bleachers,
which are 34 years old, need replacement. The existing fencing has issues such as leaning
and pulling up at the bottom, requiring significant upgrades.
Mr. Barham asked whether the bleachers are made of wood. Mr. Jureckclarified that
they are made of aluminum.
Mr. Schreiber inquired about plans for the other sports complex. Mr. Jurecek, if the
trend of hosting tournaments continues, they plan to explore funding for improvements to the
other complex.
Tom Taylor, a citizen and member of the Parks and Recreation Board, expressed his
support for the project and commended the work done so far. He emphasized the importance
of the restroom upgrades and highlighted the positive impact the sports complex has on the
community. He noted that many residents in his district are supportive of the tournaments
hosted at the complex.
Mr. Fidelie closed the public hearing at 3:23 p.m.
6. Consider and take action to approve the Corporation's fiscal 2024 annual budget.
Mr. Menzies addressed the board and explained the various revenue sources and
expenditure items.
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Revenue:
• Sales Tax Revenue: Estimated at just under $5.3 million, consistent with the
trend line discussed earlier.
• Interest Earnings: Doing well and equivalent to an additional sales tax
payment.
• Reimbursement from TF2: For projects like the Maplewood extension and Ray
Road Lawrence realignment.
• Reimbursement from Texdot: Received in the current year for trail
commitments.
• Parking Garage Leases.
Expenditures:
• Debt Service on various projects, including firing range, Castaway Cove, and
municipal airport terminal.
• Downtown Improvement Grants: Funded with $100,000.
• CVB: $35,000 to help with tourism-related efforts.
• Administrative fees, including officers and directors insurance and
maintenance for the Linderman parking garage.
• Capital Equipment Maintenance: Phased out after a three-year reduction
program.
• Administrative Charges: $30,000 for legal and fiscal services.
Mr. Menzies also provided updates on several open projects, including 713 Indiana,
the Conference Center architects' fees, and the hotel developer project. He discussed the
progress of the Kate project, the renovation of the petroleum building, which is expected to
be ready for rent in December.
During the presentation, there were discussions related to specific projects and their
progress, such as the Wichita Falls Brewery and other ongoing developments. Mr. Fidelie
highlighted the unique benefit of the 4B Corporation in generating revenue from non-
residents passing through the city and investing in various projects to enhance the community.
Mr. Fidelie moved to approve the FY2024 Budget. Seconded by Mr. Barham, the
motion carried 7-0.
7. Executive Session.
Mr. Fidelie adjourned the meeting into executive session at 3:40 p.m. pursuant to Texas
Government Code sections 551.087 and 551.072. He announced the meeting back into regular
session at 3:59 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated, and no votes
or further action were taken on these items in executive session.
8. Consideration of a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of
Commerce and Industry for consulting services to support Sheppard Air Force Base.
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Mr. Clark moved to provide funding up to $219,000 to the Chamber of Commerce to
assist in the cost of a three-year contract with a professional government relations consulting firm
to advocate on behalf of Sheppard Air Force Base in favor of policies,funding,and initiatives that
support retention, expansion, and enhancement of the military base. Seconded by Mr. Mills,
motion carried 7-0.
9. Consideration of a funding request from the City of Wichita Falls to upgrade
and/or replace various items at the Wichita Falls Sports Complex on Sheppard Access Road.
Mr. Leiker moved to provide funding to the City up to $197,000 to assist in upgrades and
improvements to the Wichita Falls Sports Complex located at Sheppard Access Road. Seconded
by Mr. Schreiber. motion carried 7-0.
10. Adjourn.
No further discussions took place, nor actions taken. Mr. Fidelie adjourned the meeting at
4:01 p.m.
Gu A. " ny" Fidelie, Jr., President
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