Loading...
Min 05/18/1976155 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building May 18, 1976 Items 1 & 2 The Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas , met in regular session on the above date in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 8:30 o'clock A.M. , with the following members present: J. C. Boyd, Jr. Mayor Hardy McAlister X Dr. Guillermo Garcia Bill E. Gowan X Aldermen Ray Ashbrook W. E. Ryle Jerry F. Mathis Gerald Fox City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Gerald Carlson City Clerk Wilma J. Thomas Deputy City Clerk The invocation was given by Don Waddell of the University United Methodist Church. Item 3 Moved by Alderman Garcia that minutes of the meeting held May 4, 1976, be approved . Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried unanimously. Mayor Boyd stated that at a recent Rotary Club meeting the winning essay on What America Needs was read by a student at Hirschi High School. He was so impressed with its content that he invited the student and the Principal, Mr. Joe Reed, to attend this meeting. He introduced Mr. Reed, noting that he is retiring at the end of this school year after 43 years in the teaching profession. Mr. Reed presented a copy of the attached essay to Mayor Boyd , and introduced Miss DeAnn Mercer. Miss Mercer read the essay, which pointed out the needs of America, specifically the family unit, pollution and conservation, and a return of religious conviction. She stated that the cure for these needs is Concern. Item 4a Robert Wesley was honored as Employee of the Month. The City Manager introduced him as Janitor Foreman in the Building Maintenance Department, stating that he has worked for the City for 9z years. Mayor Boyd presented a plaque and tickets for two meals at a restaurant of his choice to Mr. Wesley. He expressed the appreciation of the Board of Aldermen, the city employees, and the citizens of Wichita Falls for his dedicated service to the City. Item 4b Discussion was held on the ordinance which exempts ball fields in Hamilton and Scotland Parks from prohibition and consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain parks. City Attorney H.P. Hodge gave a history of the actions taken pertaining to these matters since September 16, 1975. Mayor Boyd noted letters from the following in opposition to permission to use alcoholic beverages in the two ball fields which we are discussing: Frank and Louise Taliaferro, Mary C. Crome, Pat Campbell, Janet B. Varela, a Concerned Citizen, First Assembly of God Church (S. E. Eldridge) , Church of Christ at 10th and Broad Lynn Rhodes) , Hazel Neal, Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Wright and John B. Davis , Brenda Hearn, E. B. Bourland, Mrs. Mikie Smith, Mrs. Danny Harris , Esther Kearns, Southwest Baptist Church (Larry D. Lilley) , Victory Baptist Church (Fred M. Bryant) , First Assembly of God Church (Donald R. Laird) , Church of Christ in Faith Village Dale Foster) , Charles Mayo, and Trinity Baptist Church. Mayor Boyd stated that he had also received three telephone calls . 156 Item 4b, cont'd. George Scruggs presented signatures of 67 persons supporting the currentordinance. He stated that he has played and managed softball for the past 28 years,never has he seen any of the people he plays with cause any problems. Most of thelitteringiscausedbyhamburgers, coke bottles, etc. , rather than beer cans. Itwouldhelpifalitterbarrelwereplacedclosertotheballdiamonds . Frank Stone, Route 4, Box 59, stated that there are 125 teams participatinginthesoftballprogramintheCity, and that it is ranked in the top three sportsinWichitaFalls . He has been involved in softball for 20 years . He respects therightsofall, but does not feel one group should attempt to force their beliefsonothers. He presented a petition to the Mayor containing the names of several persons who do not object to the consumption of beer in Scotland and Hamilton Parks . Those appearing in opposition to alcoholic beverages in these parks includeFredMcDowell, Howard Chapman, David Odom, Darius McKay, Edgar Jones, David Edwards,and Bobby Buchanan. Most of them gave the same reasons for opposition, such asboisterousbehavior, cursing, fast driving, and just having the parks exemptedbecauseoffamilyactivitiesandyoungpeople. Mr. Fred McDowell did state thatherealizesthatnoteveryonewhoconsumesbeerintheparkscausesproblems, butthatitmaykeepsomefamiliesaway. David Odom believes they are not holding thedrinkingtotheballdiamonds, but are getting out into the park. He presented apetitioncontainingsignaturesof25persons, Darius McKay mentioned problems occuring in Cleveland because of the crowds becoming intoxicated. The hearing was declared closed. VORDINANCE NO. 3087 ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3072, WHICH EXEMPTED HAMILTON AND SCOTLAND BALL FIELDS FROM THE PROHIBITION AGAINST POSSESSION AND/OR CONSUMPTION OFALCOHOLICBEVERAGES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Moved by Alderman Ryle that Ordinance No. 3087 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis. Alderman Ryle mentioned a collision report in which it was stated that alcohol and drug abuse were factors in 50 percent of the collisions, and 68.42 percent of the fatalities were the result of drug and alcohol abuse in the City ofWichitaFallsduringthepastfouryears. Alderman McAlister stated that this seems to have narrowed down to a prohibitionistornon-prohibitionist factor. Prior to 1975 there had been no prohibition in anyoftheparks. He stated that the problems of loitering and enforcement in MartinPlazaandWilliamsParkcausedthemtopasstheordinance. A definite need wasshownforcorrectionofaproblemintheseparks. He does not believe a need hasbeenshownintheseotherparks. He respects the opinions of those voiced, butdoesnotconcurwiththelogic, and does not feel that they speak for a majority ofthecitizensofWichitaFalls, and a majority of those who use the parks . AldermanGarciaconcurredwithAldermanMcAlister. Alderman Gowan stated that he feels if alcoholic beverages are allowed in certain places that it will be in accordance withthewillofthemajorityofpeople. There will always be people who speed anddisobeythelaw. Alderman Mathis feels it will be difficult to confine it to one specific part of the park. The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Alderman Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : Mayor Boyd , Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, and Gowan Mayor Boyd stated that his father was a Baptist preacher, and that he grew upinaprohibitionistsurrounding, but that he does not believe the Baptist preachers approach is the right approach. He believes that education and religious trainingandenforcementofthelawisthecorrectapproach. 157 i Item 5a A proposed ordinance was presented reinstituting parking meter enforcement on Saturday. Alderman Gowan co ha drem vallofhenforDementowasfnot Traffic theand bestTrans- portation for his prior advice interest of the City. ORDINANCE NO. 3087 ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION OF ORDINANCES , TO ESTABLI SH MORNINGS , AND AMENDING SECTION 29-2 TO CORRECT THE DATE OF MEMORIAL DAY ON WHICH PARKING METERS ARE NOT ENFORCED. Moved by Alderman McAlister that Ordinance No. 3087 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item 5b pertaining to a utility easement in Newcomb Downs was postponed. jltem5c presented accepting certain streets in the 1975 A proposed ordinance was p Ryle questioned the Community Development Assessment Paving Program. Alderman Ry guesti this difference in cost in front and Sudeested lots. thatThe weCity takeaaagookeat whether we need to difference. Alderman McAlister suggestedthisassessmentpavingprogram now since properties have increased in value. Alderman Ryle concurred. ORDINANCE NO. 3088 ORDINANCE ACCEPTING IMPROVIMENTSS OF FOURR IN THE UNITS OOF THE 1975 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANG WITH TEXAS AS DESIGNATED INOMPANY ORDINANCE INCNO. WICHITA DECLARING TEXAS FOR T T TIiECONSTRUCTION STUCKEY CONSTRUCTION C OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS FULLY DES INPERFORMED; OFISPECIAL ASSESSMENTSE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF C ERTIFICA LEVIED AFTER GIVING EFFECT TO HEREIN AGAINST SOME OF SAID ASS ESSMENTS ; ENROLL THIS ORDINANCE BY CAPTION OF SA FALLSINTEXASMANbTBYB00K OF THE BOARD OF ALDERME N OF FILING THE COMPLETE ORDINANCE N APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE Moved by Alderman McAlister that Ordinance No. 3088 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item 5d A summer meeting schedule of the Board of Aldermen was suggested. It was decided that the first meeting date in June, July, and August would be established. ORDINANCE NO. 3089 ORDINANCE SETTING DATES FOR REGULAR MEETINGS OF BOARD OF ALDERMEN DURING JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST, Moved by Alderman Ryle that Ordinance No. 3089 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None 158 Item 6a A discussion 'was held on a proposed contract with PlanninillustrationsforMidtown2000. g, Inc, to prepare A motion was made by Alderman Garcia and seconded by Alderman Ashbrook that theCityManagerbeauthorizedtoexecuteacontractwithPlanning, Inc. , but it failedtocarrybyafourtotwovote. Alderman Gowan stated that he is opposed to sendinganon-bid item to Dallas. Steve Ondrejas stated that they know of no one in WichitaFallswhohasthetypeofexperiencewhichthisfirmdoes, and also access tocertaintypesofprocessing. Alderman McAlister stated that he is not sure whattheneedis. The City Manager stated that the final plan should be top flight withmarketableability. Mr. Ondrejas also mentioned that the architects serving on thePlanningBoarddonotwanttheirfirmsinvolvedinCitycontracts . Moved by Alderman McAlister that this matter be placed on the agenda at thenextmeeting, and that we investigate to see if it can be handled by a local firm. Motion seconded by Alderman Ryle, and carried unanimously. Item 6b A proposed resolution was presented approving joint certification of the UrbanTransportationPlanningprocess. This is necessary in order to receive federal fundsfortheplanningandconstructionofstreetsandotherrelatedimprovements. It isdoneinconjunctionwiththeStateDepartmentofHighwaysandPublicTransportation. RESOLUTION NO. 1810 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE JOINT CERTIFICATION PACKAGE FOR URBAN TRANSPORTATIONPLANNINGANDAUTHORIZINGTHECITYMANAGERTOEXECUTEREQUIREDCONTRACTS,AGREEMENTS, AND CERTIFICATIONS. WHEREAS, in the Wichita Falls area federal assistance may be requested for 1)streetandhighwayconstruction, 2) capital assistance for public mass transportation,3) operating assistance for public mass transportation, and 4) transportationplanning; and, WHEREAS, Joint Certification of the Urban Transportation Planning Process bytheFederalHighwayAdministrationandUrbanMassTransitAdministrationispre-requisite for federal capital, operating, and planning assistance; and, WHEREAS, the Joint Certification process requires endorsement by the MetropolitanPlanningOrganizationoftheProspectus, Transportation Plan, Transportation SystemsManagementElement, Transportation Improvement Program with Annual Element, and theUnifiedWorkProgram; and WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls, Texas has been redesignated on June 25, 1975astheMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationfortheWichitaFallsurbanizedarea; and WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls, Texas has accepted the designation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITAFALLS, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. The following documents of the Urban Transportation PlanningProcessareherebyendorsedasbeingvalidandconsistentwiththeCityofWichitaFalls ' General Plan, community development objectives, and overall social, economic,environmental , system performance, and energy conservation goals and objectives : Continuing Phase Agreement" dated March 29, 1973Prospectus Wichita Falls Urban Transportation Plan, 1970-1990 and the 1975 AnnualReport Transportation Systems Management Element Interim Transportation Improvement Program with an Annual ElementUnifiedWorkProgramSeptember1, 1976 - August 31, 1977StatementaddressingEnergyConservationNeeds Statement addressing needs of elderly and handicapped personsStatementaddressingAirQualitydetermination Statement addressing Title VI requirement SECTION 2. The City Manager is authorized to execute required contracts,agreements and certifications. 159 Item 6b, cont'd. Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1810 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item 6c A proposed resolution was presented authorizing application for a federal grant under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act for a productivity, planning and performance program. Voin Campbell explained that the City should make some believes effort to tie performance and productivity standards into the pay P ak the benefits to be derived the lengthy in which Alderman Gowan inquired i f Council has indicated they wish to do. Mr. Campbell stated that it is not. Alderman Gowan stated that he is concerned about how we can get by, perform a ion little less service. He does not i1existenceproMramCampbellefeelstwesshouldtrelate in making each department justify goals and productivity to services. Alderman Gowan tffeels tt there sare methods Campbell means in existence to evaluate a department and justify if stated this cannot be done without personnel cuts are made in this the City will need to look at productivity. Alderman Ryle stated howevers theeaimnis commendable. He Heoexplainede this that he is never pay for their cost;opposed to handouts from the federal government for everything we want to do. Let's pay for it ourselves if it is justifiable. Another staff employee would be needed . We need to look at every federal grant and see if it is something we can do ourselves. The City Manager stated that federal programs are designed for a national purpose. He feels it is managements responsibility to provide information on all programs which would be beneficial noted the aeperformance auditwrelatinge program. City Clerk Gerald Car son that to productivity which is conducted y stateeffd the Personnel Department would conductandeffectivenessthenweneedabasis on which to obtain these standards. Alderman McAlister also felt skeptical concerning a consultant. If the City feels this is a valid project then the Ctiy should be willing to allocate the money needed for it. He stated that he would not hire someone to administer the program for him if he were doing this in his own business. He did not object to applying for the grant and seeking out expert help to implement the program, but he is not in favor of hiring a full time administrator. He further stated that he applauds Mr. Campbell 's attitude on this system, but the Council has not had the opportunity to discuss it as a body to determine in what direction they want to go. We have not accepted this plan in concept. Moved by Alderman Ryle that this matter be tabled. Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously. Item 6d A proposed resolution was presented authorizing the City Manager to submitanapplicationtoUrbanMassTransportationAdministrationforaSection9Technical Studies grant. These funds are available for additional staff or an outside consultant to assist with planning demands required for continued federal eligibility. RESOLUTION NO. 1811 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING IZUNITEDESTATESGOFFAMERICALIFORIAN DEPAR UNDER THEUR OF TRANSPORTATI BAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED. WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to make grants for mass transportation projects ; and, 160 Item 6d cont 'd. WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligationsupontheapplicant, including the provision by it of the local share of projectcosts ; and, WHEREAS, it is required by the U. S. Department of Transportation in accord withtheprovisionsofTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964, that in connection withthefilingofanapplicationforassistanceundertheUrbanMassTransportationActof1964, as amended, the applicant give an assurance that it will comply withTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964andtheU. S. Department of TransportationRequirementsthereunder. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITAFALLS, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. The City Manager is authorized to execute and file an application onbehalfoftheCityofWichitaFalls, Texas, with the U. S.Departmentforatechnicalstudygrant, Federal Catalog Number 20.505. This technical astudytation, grant will provide to the City $20,000 from Section 9 planning funds allocatedundertheMassTransportationAct, as amended; the City will provide $5,000 "in-kind"services, which will make the total grant funding for the study $25,000. SECTION 2. The City Manager is authorized to execute and file with suchapplicationanassuranceoranyotherdocumentrequiredbytheU. S. Department ofTransportationeffectuatingthepurposesofTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964. SECTION 3. Gerald G. Fox, City Manager, is authorized to furnish such additionalinformationasthe1J. S. Department of Transportation may require in connection withtheapplicationortheproject. Moved by Alderman Ryle that Resolution No. 1811 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ryle, and MathisNays : None (Alderman Ashbrook was out of the room) Item 6e A proposed resolution was presented authorizing the City Manager to execute thefinalfederalaidurbansystemandurbanareaboundarymap. This will qualify theCitytoreceivecertainfederalfundsduringthefiscalyear1976-1977. RESOLUTION NO. 1812 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FEDERAL AID URBAN SYSTEM AND URBAN AREA BOUNDARYMAPOFTHECITYOFWICHITAFALLS. WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls in cooperation with the State Department ofHighwaysandPublicTransportationhasdevelopedamapdepictingtheFederalAidUrbanSystemandUrbanAreaBoundaryMap; and, WHEREAS, the Federal Aid Urban System and Urban Area Boundary Map of the CityofWichitaFalls, is to be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration as part oftheannualcertificationprocess. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITAFALLS, THAT: Such Federal Aid Urban System and Urban Area Boundary Map of the City of WichitaFallsisherebyapproved, and the City Manager is authorized to execute the same onbehalfoftheCityofWichitaFalls. Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1812 be passed. Mk Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and MathisNays : None 161 Item 7a Bids were considered on fifteen 8-cubic yard containers for Sanitation Department. It was learned that the low bidder, Arlington Equipment Company, is not a manufacturer, but is a broker. Ernest Lillard stated that he contacted the manufacturer, and he Je is satisfied that he can build good containers. Moved by Alderman McAlister that the low bid be awarded to Arlington Equipment Company in the amount of $4,520.25. Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis, and carried unanimously. Item 7b Bids were considered on demolition of hazardous structures . A tie bid was received from Denver Hawkins and Boyd Curtis on the lot at 1208 N. 3rd. The bid was awarded to Denver Hawkins by the casting of lots. V RESOLUTION NO. 1813 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACTS TO BOYD CURTIS , STUCKEY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, DENVER HAWKINS, CHARLES PETERS AND C. E. DAVIS FOR DEMOLITION OF HAZARDOUS STRUCTURES AND THE CLEARING AND CLEANING OF LOTS. WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls has advertised for bids for the demolition of certain hazardous structures and the clearing and cleaning of lots at various locations in the City; and , WHEREAS, five bids were received; the bid of Boyd Curtis was low on 4 of 17 lots ; the bid of Stuckey Construction Company was low on 4 of 17 lots ; the bid of Denver Hawkins was low on 5 of 17 lots ; the bid of Charles Peters was low on 1 of 17 lots ; and the bid of C. E. Davis was low on 2 of 17 lots . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT: Said bids of Boyd Curtis in the amount of $1,225 for 4 of 17 lots; of StuckeyConstructionCompanyintheamountof $1,210,90 for 4 of 17 lots ; of Denver Hawkins in the amount of $1,691 for 5 of 17 lots ; of Charles Peters in the amount of $125.00 for 1 of 17 lots, and C. E. Davis in the amount of $535.00 for 2 of 17 lots are hereby accepted, and the City Manager is authorized to execute for the City of Wichita Falls contracts with the above for the demolition of such hazardous buildings and the clearing and cleaning of such lots. Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1813 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Ryle, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Moved by Alderman McAlister that the bid on 432 Flood Street be rejected , and that we discuss with the Tax Department the possibility of selling it before we put it out for bids again. Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis, and carried unanimously. Item 8a A proposed resolution was presented authorizing final estimate for emergency roads at Lake Kemp. RESOLUTION NO. 1814 RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL ESTIMATE AND ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTION OF EMERGENCY ROADS AT LAKE KEMP. WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls and Zack Burkett Company entered into a contract dated December 2, 1975, wherein the contractor, Zack Burkett Company, agreed to construct certain emergency roads at Lake Kemp; and, 162 Item 8a, cont'd. WHEREAS, said construction has been completed in accordance with the plans and specifications ; and, WHEREAS, the contractor has submitted the final estimate on this project, which final estimate show a total amount of work done as $18,560.00, of which 4,640.00 has been paid by the City to the contractor, leaving a balance due of $13,920.00; and, WHEREAS, the City is responsible for payment of 66.11% of the cost of these improvements (being $12,270.00) , and Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 is responsible for payment of 33.89% of such cost (being $6,290.00) . NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS , THAT: The construction of the emergency roads at Lake Kemp is accepted by the City of Wichita Falls, the final estimate is approved , and the City Manager is directed to pay to Zack Burkett Company the balance due as shown on such final estimate and to charge Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2 the sum of $6,290.00. Moved by Alderman Ryle that Resolution No. 1814 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item $b A proposed resolution was presented accepting the Senior Citizens Center and authorizing final payment. RESOLUTION NO. 1815 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER. WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls and Myers Bros. , Inc. entered into a contract dated November 5, 1975 , wherein the contractor agreed to construct building alterations and additions for a Senior Citizens Center; and, WHEREAS, said construction has been completed in accordance with the plans and specifications as certified by the City's architect, Pardue, Read and Dice; and , WHEREAS, the contract price for such construction was $195,253.00; three change orders amounting to $1,984.22 were made, making the total amount due on said contract $197,237.22. Of this amount, $187,375.36 has been paid, leaving a balance due the contractor of $9,861.86. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT: The construction of such building alterations and additions for the Senior Citizens Center is accepted by the City of Wichita Falls, the three change orders are approved, and the City Manager is directed to pay to said contractor the balance due in the amount of $9,861.86. Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1815 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item 8c A proposed resolution was presented accepting improvements and authorizing final payment on McGrath Creek Bridge. 163 Item 8c, cont'd . RESOLUTION NO. 1816 RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL ESTIMATE AND ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGE OVER McGRATH CREEK IN WEEKS PARK WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls and Timmins-Anderson, Inc. entered into a contract dated January 15, 1976, wherein said contractor agreed to construct a bridge over McGrath Creek in Weeks Park; and WHEREAS, said construction has been completed in accordance with plans and specifications and as determined by the City Engineer, and WHEREAS, the final estimate has been submitted on this project, which final estimate shows a total amount of work done as $23,578.88 of which $21,220.99 has been paid to the contractor, leaving a balance of $2,357.89. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS : The construction of said bridge over McGrath Creek in Weeks Park is accepted by the City of Wichita Falls, the final estimate is approved, and the City Manager is directed to pay the said contractor the amount due as shown on such estimate. Moved by Alderman Garcia that Resolution No. 1816 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis Nays : None Item 9a Discussion was held on the request to advertise for additional computer core storage for Data Processing. Since there are three new council members who have not had the information contained in a previous data processing report, it was decided to address this matter first in a work session so that all members can be brought up to date on this matter. A screening committee of citizens was also suggested to advise the Council on these technical matters. Alderman McAlister stated that he would like to have the opinion of the City staff on this type of committee. Moved by Alderman Ryle that the request to advertise be tabled. Motion seconded by Alderman Mathis , and carried unanimously. J I t em 10 Moved by Alderman Garcia that minutes of the meetings of the following Boards and Commissions be received. a. Board of Electrical Examiners - May 11, 1976 b. Traffic Commission - May 11 , 1976 c. Mayor's Commission on Status of Women - May 6, 1976 Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried unanimously. Item lla Consideration was given to appointments to various Boards. Moved by Alderman Ryle that Mrs. Margie Cuunuings be appointed to the Park Board for a term to expire January 1, 1978. (She replaces Mrs . J. B. Jarratt, who resigned.) Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia and carried unanimously. 164 Item lla, cont'd. Moved by Alderman Garcia that Dan Cutbirth, Tom Foley, and Henry Dvorken be appointed to the Board of Equalization. Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook, and carried unanimously. Moved by Alderman Ashbrook that Alderman Ryle be appointed as Council representative to the BCI Highway Development Action Group. Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously. Alderman Ryle suggested that we request from the Highway Department an irrigation system for the portion of the right-of-way purchased for Kell, which will now not be needed due to cut backs in the project. Alderman McAlister noted that the tax study will be given to the media after they have reviewed it. Moved by Alderman Garcia that the meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Alderman Ryle, and carried unanimously. The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 12 :40 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this // i day ofZ,,1976. MAYOR 4;/7. )/7 ATTEST: CITY CLERK The Cure is Concern DeAnn Mercer Age: 17 3111 South Drive Hirschi High School The Cure is Concern Many Americans feel that their country is crumbling - morally, economically and politically. But these opinions merely expound on the problems; they offer no resolutions and they do nothing to discover the source. To treat only the symptoms is useless; one must treat the cause of the disease. In America's case, the disease is apathy and the cure is concern. Concern is the care one feels toward a person, an issue, or in this case, a nation. America has always been a nation built on concern. She was founded by concerned colonists, people alarmed by the heavy handedness of British mercantilism. She was strengthened by concerned patriots, zealous people who were willing to fight for their adopted homeland. She prospered under the concern of her citizens as they molded a nation built on free enterprise and liberty. Ultimately, America has been protected by a concerned and loving God. America needs to regain such concern. First, she needs people who are concerned for the family. The family should be the basic unit in America. Nevertheless, through the advancement of technology and a change in morals, family life has collapsed. Families are separated; the elderly are placed in nursing homes; and two-year,-olds are pushed off to Kindergarten. It is commonplace in many homes for family members to be united only at bedtime. The return of a family situation, coupled with a good family relationship, would reverse the present trends and would build a nation based on love, understanding and tolerance. The next area for concern involves the issues of pollution and conservation. In order for our nation to continue in prosperity, we must learn to live in harmony with the land and its resources. We must balance our consumption with an equal amount of replacement. We cannot merely cut trees down; we must plant some. We must learn to recycle extensively in order to reduce needless waste. Ultimately, America has a great need for people who are concerned about religion. The loss of religious conviction in the American society has created individuals lacking in a sense of purpose. A general feeling of apathy and hopelessness has r n settled over the land. In restoring faith in God, we would restore enthusiasm and confidence. Through such a rebirth of concern and the subsequent rise in zeal and enthus- iasm, America will once more be able to work toward resolving national problems. We will be unified and our resources will still be sufficient to satisfy our needs. Moreover, a renewal of faith will revive optimism in the future; without hope, the human spirit will perish. Therefore, America is pleading for the concern of her citizens. America needs people who care.