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Central Wichita Falls Revitalization Area Committee Minutes - 08/06/2024 MINUTES Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee August 6, 2024 PRESENT: Ann Arnold-Ogden •Member Wendy Browder •Vice Chair Larry Fox •Member Jose Garcia •Member Nadia Menchaca •WFAAC Liaison Mike Mitchell •Chairman Andrea Robles •Member Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager •City Staff Christal Cates, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator •City Staff ABSENT: Councilor Larry Nelson •Member Councilor Michael Smith •Member GUEST: Debi Johnson •Guest I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Mitchell, at 4:01 p.m. and introductions of all attendees made. Ms. Cates advised both Councilor Nelson and Councilor Smith were still in executive session and would not be available to attend today's meeting. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Mitchell asked if there were any members of the public that wished to speak. No comments from the public. VII. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES Chairman Mitchell asked for a motion to approve the minutes from July 23rd, 2024. Ms. Ann Arnold-Ogden made a motion to approve with Vice-Chairwomen, Wendy Browder seconding. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6-0. VIII. REGULAR AGENDA 1. Environmental Protection Agency - Community Change Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 3 August 6, 2024 1. Save Old High The first objective staff presented was to help save and preserve Old High with the sub-recipient being Wichita Falls Independent School District (WFISD). The funds would intend to stabilize the structures/foundation and abate any environmental concerns, leaving a facility ready for its next life in serving the community. Chairman Mitchell made a motion to recommend approval to City Council. Vice- Chairwomen Browder seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6-0. 2. Preserving Homes & Families The second objective came from neighborhood outreach, the community expressed the need to preserve people, homes, businesses, and the neighborhood charter. The proposed program would acquire the properties, abate them of hazardous materials, and retrofit the structures to meet the EPA's efficiency standard. Staff will meet the partnership objectives by teaming up with a non-profit housing organization to accept the revitalized homes and aid in occupying the house with a first-time home buyer. Chairman Mitchell made a motion to recommend approval to City Council. Mr. Larry Fox seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6-0. 3. Harrison "Green" Street & Drainage A part of the original infrastructure plan from 1920 was stormwater drainage improvements. However, the improvements were never realized, leaving a significant thoroughfare underwater during minor rain events. As part of the Community Change, the City Public Works Department would coordinate the design and construction of progressive drainage methods incorporating green drainage systems and landscaping and added complete street design. Mrs. Arnold-Ogden made a motion to recommend approval to City Council. Mr. Fox seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6-0. 4. Healthy Commerce The neighborhood also identified the need for Advancement in the community, specifically for neighborhood business. This program would identify a specific commercial property owner to partner with to remediate and renovate the property, allowing for business and spending opportunities within the neighborhood. The renovated property will include a partnership to create a produce and meat market. The improved property will provide a suite to allow local farmers to sell produce and meats. Neighborhood Revitalization Committee 5 August 6, 2024 There was further discussion among the Committee and staff about potential partners, sub-recipients, and potential future projects under the grant. The Committee expressed the eagerness for staff to proceed with sending their recommendations to the City Council at the next City Council meeting held Tuesday, August 20th at 8:30am. Staff advised the Committee to attend the meeting if possible. IX. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Bridwell Park Update Mrs. Cates gave a brief update on Bridwell Park. Photos were displayed and Mrs. Cates stated construction had begun on Monday, August 5th, 2024 on the multi- purpose courts. Discussion among staff and Committee regarding contacting potential sponsors for the unveiling event for Bridwell Park. VII. ADJOURN Chairman Mitchell advised the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, August 20th at 4 p.m. to be held at the Arts Alliance conference room. A reminder for the sub-committee meeting for Bridwell Park unveiling event would be held Tuesday, August 13th at Wichita Tower, 705 8th Street, 6th Floor Planning Conference Room at 4pm. Chairman Mitchell adjourned the meeting at 6:07 p.m. zgv/e96/P1 Mike Mitchell, Chairman Date Oran Medellin, AICP, Planning Manager Date