Min 11/18/197533
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
November 18, 1975
Item 1
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 9 :00 o'clock A.M. , with the following members present:
J. C. Boyd, Jr. Mayor Pro tem
Hardy McAlister
Dr. Guillermo Garcia X
Bill E. Gowan Aldermen
Joe N. Prothro X
Gerald Fox City Manager
H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas Deputy City Clerk
Max Kruger Absent
Peggy McCullough Absent
Mayor Pro tem Boyd welcomed the large number of visitors, stating that Mayor
Kruger was not present due to illness, and Alderwoman McCullough is in Indiana,
attending the funeral of her husband 's aunt.
Item 3a
Consideration was given to the two swimming pools referendum petition which
had been certified as being valid. Mayor Pro tem Boyd called the question, "shall
the ordinance as specified in the referendum petition be repealed"? The unanimous
vote was "No".
Since a required four-fifths of the members of the Board of Aldermen were not
present to call a special election, they decided to postpone action on this matter
until the next council meeting, at which time it was expected that another re-
ferendum petition would be ready for action.
Item 4a
A request for budget revisions was presented by Ronnie Wood , Director of
Finance. The items in the funds , as follows, were approved in the 1974-75 budget,
but will be received and paid for in the 1975-76 fiscal year.
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a. Water and Sewer - $16,987.62
b. Airport - $1,971.59
c. Transit - $558.59
Moved by Alderman Prothro that these budget revisions be accepted and approved.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
Item 4b
A proposed ordinance was presented establishing prima facie maximum speed
limits for certain times and certain zones.
if
ORDINANCE NO. 3035
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 29-91.1 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS , ESTABLISHING PRIMA FACIE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS
AT CERTAIN TIMES IN CERTAIN ZONES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Garcia that Ordinance No. 3035 be passed.
Alderman Gowan inquired concerning the success of reducing the speed of ve-
hicles at the three locations presently utilizing these traffic devices. Ed Ilschner
34
Item 4b, cont'd.
explained that observations have been made, along with reports from the school
crossing guards. Selective enforcement of Captain Trainham's men, along with the
sign, have made it a success. He explained the fixed and mechanical signs to be
used.
Alderman McAlister inquired why only 21 of the 35 locations have been selected
for this enforcement? Mr. Ilschner explained that most of the others are on
state highways, which requires him to submit a request to the Texas Highway De-
partment for their approval. This is the reason for holding them out. Alder-
man McAlister inquired into the cost. Mr. Ilschner stated that if they have to
go underground, some costs will be experienced. Other than that, salvageable
materials will be used. The cost will be approximately $1200. They will get
approximately 14 signs and signals installed this year.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
At
Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
t
Item 4c
A proposed ordinance was presented accepting certain streets in the 1975
Assessment Paving Program.
F
ORDINANCE NO. 3036
ORDINANCE ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS OF FOUR (4) UNITS OF THE 1975 ASSESSMENT
PAVING PROGRAM IN THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS , AS DESIGNATED IN
ORDINANCE NO. 2970; DECLARING THE CONTRACT WITH STUCKEY CONSTRUCTION COM-
PANY, WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS
FULLY COMPLETED AND PERFORMED; DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE, EXECUTION AND DE-
LIVERY OF CERTIFICATES IN EVIDENCE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AFTER
GIVING EFFECT TO SUNDRY CREDITS HEREIN AUTHORIZED AND ALLOWED AGAINST
SOME OF SAID ASSESSMENTS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ENGROSS AND ENROLL
THIS ORDINANCE BY COPYING THE CAPTION OF SAME IN THE MINUTE BOOK OF THE
BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS, AND BY FILING THE
COMPLETE ORDINANCE IN APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF SAID CITY; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that Ordinance No. 3036 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
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Item 4d
Alderwoman McCullough requested that the subject of additional holidays for
city employees be placed back on this agenda. Because she was unable to be
present at this meeting, Mayor Pro tem Boyd suggested that action be postponed
today, and that it be put on the next agenda. Alderman Gowan suggested that
this subject and TMRS be discussed at a work session. The Board of Aldermen
set Monday, December 1, 1975, at 5 :00 P.M. for the work session.
Item 5a
A proposed resolution was presented approving a contract with the Texas
t/ Water Development Board for certain water resource investigations for 1975-76
state fiscal year.
k ;
RESOLUTION NO. 1741
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR
CERTAIN WATER RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS ,
THAT:
35
Item 5a, cont'd.
That certain contract, a copy of which is attached hereto, between the City
of Wichita Falls and the Texas Water Development Board, as participants in coopera-
tive Water Resources Investigation Program sponsored by the Geological Survey of
the United Stated Department of the Interior, is hereby approved, and the City
Manager is authorized to execute the same for the City of Wichita Falls. A por-
tion of the consideration payable by the City under this contract shall be paid
by the Wichita County Water Improvement District No. 2.
Moved by Alderman Garcia that Resolution No. 1741 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
s
Item 5b
A proposed resolution was presented approving a contract with Biggs and Mathews
for engineering services for sewer improvements to serve Lockwood Company Industrial
Plant.
RESOLUTION NO. 1742
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH BIGGS AND MATHEWS , INC. FOR ENGINEERING
SERVICES ON SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES TO SERVE LOCKWOOD COMPANY INDUSTRIAL
PLANT.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS ,
THAT:
That certain contract, a copy of which is attached hereto, between the City
of Wichita Falls and Biggs and Mathews, Inc. , consulting engineers, for engineer-
ing services required in connection with construction of sanitary sewer line facilities
and sewerage lift station to serve the Lockwood Company Industrial Plant north of
Wichita Falls , is hereby approved, and the City Manager is authorized to execute
the same for the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1742 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried by the following vote :
Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays: None.
Item 5c
A proposed resolution was presented authorizing proposals to property owners
on Kell Freeway.
RESOLUTION NO. 1743
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPRAISAL OF PROPERTIES ON KELL FREEWAY RELOCATION AND
AUTHORIZING THEIR PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION.
WHEREAS, it is necessary to acquire the properties hereinafter described for
construction of the listed project in the 1967 Capital Improvements Program, and,
WHEREAS , such properties have been appraised by appraisers employed by the
Texas State Highway Department and the amount of the values as determined from the
appraisals have been studied by the Board of Aldermen, and copies are now in the
possession of the Director of Public Works and/or Assistant City Manager.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS , THAT:
SECTION NO. 1 The project and properties to be purchased by Warranty Deed
are as follows :
Kell Freeway - Project 52-380
Warranty Deed
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Item 5c, cont'd.
36 sf of Lot 12, Block 3, John W. Thomas Addition
22.5 sf of Lot 10, Block 28, Fairview Addition
22.5 sf of Lot 6, Block 8, West Side Addition to Highland Addition
4975 sf of Lot 16 & 17, Block 21-A, Highland Addition
Lots 5, 6 & 7, Block 22-A, Highland Addition
Combined total of avlues approved in this resolution 72,250.00
SECTION NO. 2 The values of such properties are hereby approved and the City
Manager is hereby authorized to purchase in the name of the Texas State Highway
Department or the City of Wichita Falls, by Warranty Deed such tracts of land as
shown on the project right-of-way map. The authorized prices to be paid for such
tracts are State approved values as determined from appraisals made by real estate
appraisers employed by the Texas State Highway Department.
SECTION NO. 3 In the event the City Manager is unable to purchase any such
tract for such approved value, he is hereby authorized and directed to cause to be
instituted condemnation proceedings to obtain such tract in the name of the Texas
State Highway Department or the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that Resolution No. 1743 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
Item 5d
4
A proposed resolution was presented approving a contract with the Texas Munici-
pal League to provide a social services demonstration program. Various costs were
explained by the City Manager.
RESOLUTION NO. 1744
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE PROVIDING FOR
A SOCIAL SERVICES DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS,
THAT:
That certain contract, a copy of which is attached hereto, between the City of
Wichita Falls and the Texas Municipal League, providing for the improvement of the
social service delivery system in Wichita Falls by the establishment of a Community
Council, is hereby approved, and the City Manager is authorized to execute the same
for the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that Resolution No. 1744 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
I
Item 5e
A proposed resolution was presented authorizing the City Manager to execute a
contract with Pinnell-Anderson-Wilshire and Associates, Inc. for analysis of law
enforcement system. Voin Campbell recommended that the contract be funded from
general and administrative funds from the IMIS project. These funds represent pay-
ments made to the City by the federal government to compensate for the administra-
tive one head costs absorbed by the City in administration of the IMIS project.
Alderman Prothro inquired of Mr. Campbell why these funds are still available
since the contract ended in June? Mr. Campbell stated that they were authorized
for administrative overhead costs. The City Manager stated that these funds have
accumulated over the past five years.
RESOLUTION NO. 1745
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH PINNELL-ANDERSON-WILSHIRE AND
ASSOCIATES, INC. CONCERNING LAW ENFORCEMENT SUBSYSTEM.
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Item 5e, cont'd.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS ,
THAT:
That certain contract, a copy of which is attached hereto, between the City of
Wichita Falls and Pinnell-Anderson-Wilshire and Associates, Inc. , providing for
consulting services in connection with the development of a system status document
for the City's Automated Law Enforcement Sybsystem (LES) , is hereby approved, and
the City Manager is authorized to execute the same for the City of Wichita Falls.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that Resolution No. 1745 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays: None.
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Item 6a
It was noted by Ben Shelton, Director of General Services, that no bids were
received on parts for raw sewage pumps for waste water treatment. Southern Engine
and Pump Company, Dallas, is the only franchised dealer for these parts in this
area. They did not bid, however, they submitted an informal quotation prior to
the advertising for bids. Their informal quotation would amount to approximately
11,000.00 for repair parts for three units. Permission was requested to authorize
the Purchasing Agent to negotiate the best possible price for these replacement parts
from this company.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that authority be granted to negotiate the price
of these pump parts.
Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried unanimously.
Item 6b
Bids were considered on an annual supply of ready-mix concrete and bulk
fr /' i
cement for all city departments. It was recouuuended that the low bid be awarded
i ( to Gifford-Hill, as follows.
a. Ready-Mix Concrete -
2000# Mix - $18.50 CY Net
2500 # Mix - $19.45 CY Net
3000# Mix - 20.40 CY Net
3500 # Mix - $21.35 CY Net
Additive-Quickset - 1% $.10 Sk
2% $.20 Sk
b. Bulk Cement - $7.00 Bbl. Net
Moved by Alderman Gowan that the bid be awarded as recommended.
Motion seconded by Alderman Prothro, and carried unanimously.
Item 6c
Bids were considered on three emergency warning sirens for Public Safety.
Halprin Supply Company, Los Angeles, submitted the low bid of $4,992.00. Fire
Appliance Company, Wichita Falls, submitted the second low bid of $5,064.00, a
1
difference of only $72.00. Service and maintenance is often required on these
sirens , and it was felt that having a local dealer would be advantageous for this
reason.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that the bid be awarded to Fire Appliance Company,
Wichita Falls , in the amount of $5,064.
Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried unanimously.
38
Item 6d
Bids were considered on four refuse compaction units for the SanitationDepartment. It was recommended that the low bid be awarded to Pak-Mor Manufactur-ing Company, San Antonio, in the amount of $102,267.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that the bid be awarded as recommended.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
L,
Item 6e
Bids were considered on a motor grader for the Street Department.
Moved by Alderman Gowan that the low bid be awarded to Shaw Equipment, Dallas,in the amount of $19,268.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
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Item 6f
1
Bids were considered on a crawler loader for Utility Construction and Main-tenance Department. Discussion was held on the reasoning for requesting repurchasecost, especially when you don't intend to sell it. The City Manager explained
that this gives us some indication as to what the manufacturer feels his equip-i ment would be worth at the end of five years. J. I. Case, Inc. , Abilene, sub-mitted the lowest net bid ($35,054) ; however, Darr Equipment Company's bid containsafull3-year warranty as opposed to a 1-year warranty by Case. Parts and equip-ment service is more readily available by Darr Equipment in Wichita Falls.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that the bid be awarded to Darr Equipment Company,Wichita Falls, in the amount of $39,000.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
Item 6g
Five bids were received on a backhoe/front end loader. Only one bid met thefhorsepowerspecifications, and it was above budgeted funds. Permission was re-quested to reject all bids and readvertise, with some revisions as to horsepowerrequirements.
Moved by Alderman Gowan that all bids be rejected, and that authority begrantedtoreadvertiseforbidsonabackhoe/front end loader.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
J
Item 6h
Bids were considered on a utility tractor for the Parks Department. It was
recommended that the low bid be awarded to John's Tractor Company, Wichita Fa1ls,in the amount of $4,971. Alderman McAlister inquired concerning the warrantyonthesetractors. Ben Shelton stated that warranty is not considered on this
type of equipment.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that the bid be awarded to John's Tractor Company,as recommended.
Motion seconded by Alderman Garcia, and carried unanimously.
S
Item 7a
Permission was requested to advertise for bids for a bridge over McGrath
Creek in Weeks Park.
Moved by Alderman Gowan that authority be granted to advertise for bids as
requested.
Motion seconded by Alderman Prothro, and carried unanimously.
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1
Item 7b
Permission was requested to advertise for bids for audio/video equipment for
the Police Department in the amount of $12,497. This Criminal Justice Division grant
application is funded 100 percent by them. Alderman Garcia inquired what this equip-
ment consists of. Paul Yeager mentioned cameras, cassete recording, and related
equipment.
Moved by Alderman Gowan that authority be granted to advertise for bids as
requested.
Motion seconded by Alderman Prothro, and carried unanimously.
J.
Alderman McAlister requested that we include warranty in our bid specifications
j
for all pieces of equipment.
Item 8
Moved by Alderman Prothro that minutes of the meetings of the following boards
and commissions be received.
a. Traffic Commission — November 12, 1975
b. Board of Electrical Examiners - November 11, 1975
c. Mayor's Commission on Status of Women - November 6, 1975
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan.
Alderman Garcia noted the resolution from the Traffic Commission opposing elima-
tion of adult school crossing guards .
The motion was carried unanimously.
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Item 9a
E A request was presented from Robert Seabury to prepay the rental on the lease
for parking purposes on the city aqueduct right-of-way at the French Quarters
Shopping Center. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that Mr. Seabury had planned
to be here, but it was necessary that he go to Dallas. Mr. Hodge explained that
the reason for this request is that the mortgagee on the shopping center had re-
quired him to place $10,000 cash in escrow, to guarantee the payment by him of
twenty-five annual $400 rental payments as they became due. This requirement has
created a hardship, and he asks if the City can do anything to relieve it. It
was recommended that the City accept the sum of $5,000 as prepayment on this lease.
Following a question of what would be done with this $5,000, the City Manager stated
that unless they were directed otherwise, it would be placed in the general fund
and spent.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that Mr. Seabury be allowed to prepay the lease
in the amount of $5,000, and that the proceeds be placed in the general fund.
Motion seconded by Alderman Prothro, and carried unanimously.
Item 9b
Approval of a Citizen Participation Plan was requested. Federal regulations
require this prior to submission of an application for a second Community Develop-
ment Block grant. Stephen Ondrejas explained what is contained in this Plan, in-
cluding public hearings.
Mrs. Louise Hunter, 611 Flood Street, stated that she is a member of the Rose-
wood group, and requested that the public hearing be held in the evening for more
participation.
Angus Thompson, Director of Community Action Corporation, appeared in support
of this Citizen Participation Plan. He requested two evening meetings, December 16
and January 6.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that the Citizen Participation Plan be approved,
as requested.
Motion seconded by Alderman Prothro, and carried unanimously.
40
Item 9b
V ORDINANCE NO. 3037
ORDINANCE CHANGING THE TIME OF THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING IN DECEMBER OF
THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO 5 :00 o'clock P.M.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS ,
THAT:
SECTION 1. The time of the regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on
December 2, 1975 is hereby changed from 9:00 o'clock a.m. to 5 :00 o'clock p.m.
SECTION 2. A public hearing to obtain the views of citizens on general com-
munity development and housing needs and to obtain public comment on proposals
for a Community Development Block Grant will be held at this meeting, and it is
determined that such public hearing should be held at 7:30 o'clock p.m. in order
to obtain the greatest public participation; therefore, this ordinance is de-
clared to be an emergency measure on the ground of urgent public need for the
preservation of the peace, health and safety of property of the City, and it shall
become effective upon its passage.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that Ordinance No. 3037 be adopted changing the
time of the regular meeting on December 2, 1975 from 9:00 o'clock a.m. to 5 :00
o'clock P.M. , and that a public hearing on community development and housing be
held at 7:30 P.M. , December 2, 1975.
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes : Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Gowan, and Prothro
Nays : None.
Mr. Roy Parish inquired what will happen now on the swimming pool petition?
It was explained by Mayor Pro tem Boyd that an election will be called, but that
7( a six - member vote is required and we do not have that many members present this
i morning.
Item 9c
Appointments to various boards were considered.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that Robert Castle be appointed to the Planning
Board for a term to expire May 23, 1977. (He replaces A. W. Harvey, who resigned) .
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
Moved by Alderman McAlister that Mrs. Janice Beall be appointed to the Citizens
Traffic Safety Council for a term to expire June 10, 1977. (She replaces Mrs.
Karen Vandiver, who resigned) .
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan, and carried unanimously.
Moved by Alderman Garcia that Dr. Jennie Louise Hindman be appointed to the
Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women for a term to expire April 22, 1977.
She replaces Mrs. Nancy Sherrill, who resigned) .
Motion seconded by Alderman McAlister, and carried unanimously.
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Item 9d
Nancy Tomlinson, 4512 Lake Park Drive,questioned if access would be made
available to the tennis courts when the bridge which is now open is being re-
placed? The City Manager stated that access would be provided during that time.
She also questioned why Mr. Seabury is being given a discount? The City Manager
r and City Attorney explained that it is not really a discount. They are letting him
pay the present value instead of over the full period. She stated that she did not
see the necessity of giving him a discount.
Jack Ballard stated that he is here to try to regain the confidence of the
citizens which has been lost. He mentioned the proposal to eliminate the public
41
Item 9d, cont'd.
safety director position and make him an assistant city manager. He stated that
they have lost the confidence of the citizens by trying to circumvent the vote of
the people. He also requested that Williams Park be included in the no drinking
ordinance. He stated that if Mr. Fox is not removed from office by January 1, he
will cite them in court asking for his removal.
Mayor Pro tem Boyd read a resolution from the Traffic Safety Council opposing
the elimination of paid school crossing guards as they now exist.
Mrs. Olie Lazenby, president of City Council PTA, stated that they are here to
protest any elimination of school crossing guards. She stated that they will not
accept a volunteer program or warning signs in lieu of the paid crossing guards.
She stated that the City is too large for a volunteer force. She introduced five
ladies who would also address the Board of Aldermen.
Mrs. David Hess, 4106 Meadowbrook, appeared as president of Cunningham PTA.
She requested a crossing guard on Call Field Road at either McNiel or University.
She mentioned a letter which had been sent in September requesting more school cross-
ing guards. Alderman McAlister stated that he does not feel this should be a city
function. The school should participate in this matter also. Mr. Ilschner mentioned
a survey taken at McNiel and Call Field, and the guidelines which they have to follow.
Very few children cross there. Mrs. Hess stated that bicyclists were not counted
as pedestrians. She stated that a petition was taken around, and 70 children were
found in that area.
Mrs. Vic Kaufhold, Jr. , 1302 Harrison, appeared as president of the Alamo PTA.
She requested that they revalue their priorities, and reconsider elimination of
adult school crossing guards. She mentioned a seven-year old child which had been
struck by a car recently, and urged the Board of Aldermen to find the funds to re-
tain the crossing guards. Alderman Gowan later expressed that he feels there is a
better method of providing safety than what we now have. Mrs. Kaufhold concurred
with this, but the problem is finding it at the risk of safety of our children.
There is no way to institute any other type of program before January 1 when the
crossing guards are to be eliminated. She requested that they consider that one
child who does not think; that they not take away the crossing guards until they
have a better system to replace it with.
Mrs. David Powers, 1545 Malcolm, appeared as president of McGaha PTA. She
stated that we need our crossing guards. She mentioned trucks going by McGaha
School at a high rate of speed, even though signs have been erected in front of
the school. She stated they have been told it is illegal for parents to serve as
crossing guards because they are not authorized personnel. She requested that
they please put back the $10,000 in the budget for our children.
Mrs. J. K. Shamblin, Jr. , 2309 Hayes, appeared as a teacher and a parent. She
stated that the classroom is used to reinforce good safety habits. There is no
priority higher than human life. She requested the Board of Aldermen to reconsider,
and change their decision to abolish the school crossing guards.
Mrs. Donald Terry, 4500 Nassau, appeared as president of Barwise PTA. She
stated that they are opposed to a reduction of school crossing guards at elementary
schools. Signs are no substitute for school crossing guards. The concept of trans-
fer of this responsibility to the schools is invalid. Voluntary traffic control will
not work. She asked what is the advantage of a decreased tax rate if the community
suffers? If there must be a reduction in the budget, there must be better ways in
which to cut. If there are no other expenses which can be cut, then they believe
the budget has been cut excessively. Barwise has no adult crossing guards. She
urged that school crossing guards be left in elementary schools, and adequate protec-
tion be given the older children.
Mrs. Lazenby noted that something is needed at Garfield and Avenue K.
Mayor Pro tem Boyd thanked the citizens for coming, and for the manner in which
their presentation was made.
Alderman McAlister noted that the Texas open meetings law would prohibit them
from taking any action today. City Attorney H. P. Hodge, Jr. explained the provisions
of this law, stating that the Board of Aldermen can take no valid action unless
notice of that item is posted 72 hours in advance.
42
Item 9d, cont'd.
Moved by Alderman Prothro that an ordinance be prepared for their consideration
on December 2 to amend the budget of the City of Wichita Falls to include the $10,000
in the budget for school crossing guards.
Motion seconded by Alderman Gowan.
Alderman Gowan stated that it is not the $10,00. It is available. The staff
did not push them into this. The $10,000 is not the crux of the issue. It is more
a philosophical matter. Who supplies the crossing guards? Is there a better system
than we have today?
Mrs. Lazenby asked what is the crux of the matter? Alderman Gowan stated it
is the safety of the children. Perhaps there should be a cooperative effort. There
needs to be a better system. What are the available alternatives to what we have
today? Mrs. Lazenby did not feel that school children should be permitted off the
school grounds to direct crossing. She mentioned various safety programs which are
taught in the schools. She stated that safety on the streets is the responsibility
of the City. She stated that, if necessary, they would use emotional blackmail to
get their way.
Mayor Pro tem Boyd stated that he feels that in an organization of 20,000 and
all its programs, there should be some kind of way to provide safety without the
expenditure of any funds. Spending $30,000 per year on guards is not any big deal,
but this and other such items is what makes a seventeen million dollar budget. The
accumulated intelligence in our schools should be able to work out a method of getting
the children across the street safely. We should keep in mind that there is a way
to get kids across the street without paid guards. He noted the demands of the
Board of Aldermen for a reduced budget, and this is one of the items which was re-
duced. He commented that the ladies here today have called their attention to an
item which they feel was in error, and that is commendable.
Mrs. Tomlinson stated that she did not see any of them down here complaining
when they cut the taxes. She stated that this program belongs to the school. She
believes the Board of Aldermen is right and they are wrong. She stated that if they
want more services, taxes cannot be cut.
Jack Ballard stated that this cut was not necessary. It was a brainchild of
Mr. Fox. They do not have to do what Mr. Fox says. Alderman Gowan stated that
they have admitted that they have the money. Alderman McAlister stated that these
ladies have made a good case and he is impressed, and now Mr. Ballard is trying
to destroy what they have said.
Mrs. Lazenby stated that even though Mrs. Tomlinson walks her child across
the street, there are more working mothers now than ever before. She also noted
that they had previously petitioned for a crossing guard at the location where the
child was recently hit. Mayor Pro tem Boyd asked if a committee of the PTA would
be available to work with the Traffic Safety Council to assist that group in an
effort to find a solution to this problem? Mrs. Lazenby stated that as-a group
they would be willing to work with them, but reminded the Board of Aldermen that
they are also volunteers in various other activities, and are awfully burdened
down with these volunteer duties.
Alderman Gowan noted that if they had never cut this amount out of the budget,
they would have the same school crossing guards, and they would also have the
same accident which was mentioned. They are trying to say that there are some
other solutions; a better system. They do not feel enough input has been made
into this matter. There are more solutions that are workable than the school
crossing guards as they now exist. In areas of high traffic, perhaps they should
pay a crossing guard. Perhaps children could be used in low traffic areas. Let 's
look for a solution.
Ed Ilschner commended the City Council PTA for their presentation. He offered
the services of his office to work toward a solution, and assisting such plan.
Mrs. Pauline Childs, president of Austin PTA, requested Alderman Prothro to
restate his motion, which he did.
Mayor Pro tem Boyd read the results of a survey conducted on adult school
crossing guards in Texas.
43
Item 9d, cont'd
Carol Thompson wondered how long it would take to get signs on the state high-
ways. She stated that it took three years in Denton.
The motion to consider an ordinance at the December 2 meeting was carried
unanimously.
Alderman McAlister requested the City Attorney to look into the matter of off
school grounds crossing guards.
The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 12:30 P.M.
PASSED AND APPROVED this AKr4e,day of z.z 1975.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Qy2 J921 y
Deputy City Clerk