Min 03/04/1977337
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
March 4, 1977
Items 1 & 2
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in called session
on the above date in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 3:00
o'clock P.M. , with the following members present:
J. C. Boyd, Jr. Mayor
Hardy McAlister X
Dr. Guillermo Garcia
Ray Ashbrook X Aldermen
W. E. Ryle
Jerry 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 Earl Mann, Police Chaplain.
Item 3
Mayor Boyd announced that this meeting was called to confirm the appointment of a
police chief to replace C. C. Daniel, who is retiring after more than 27 years as
police chief.
City Manager Gerald Fox highly recommended the appointment of Lieutenant Curtis
Harrelson as Police Chief to be effective April 1, 1977. He explained that thirty
applications were presented. These were screened to ten applicants, and they were
interviewed by the screening board. From these ten, three candidates were chosen and
again interviewed, and from these three he recommended the appointment of Lieutenant
Harrelson. Lieutenant Harrelson holds the BA degree in Criminal Justice from Midwestern
State University, and is working toward the Masters degree in Public Administration.
He is a graduate of the FBI Academy, and other law enforcement training centers. The
City Manager stated that he considers him now, and even more so in the future, one
of the top law enforcement administrators in the State. He requested confirmation of
his appointment as Police Chief.
Alderman Garcia stated that he had been very closely associated with the police
department here for many years. He had an opportunity to see almost all of the officers
in action. Many have attended his classes. He stated that he is very happy with the
choice made by Mr. Fox. He will make one of the top law enforcement Chiefs in the
State of Texas, and is capable of performing these duties. He is the top man from
a list of thirty applicants.
V RESOLUTION NO. 1938
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF CURTIS R. HARRELSON AS POLICE CHIEF
FOR THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS.
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 8 of Article 1269m, Revised Civil Statutes of
Texas, City Manager Gerald G. Fox has appointed Curtis R. Harrelson as Police Chief
for the City of Wichita Falls, effective April 1, 1977.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
The appointment of Curtis R. Harrelson as Police Chief for the City of Wichita
Falls, Texas, effective April 1, 1977, is hereby confirmed.
Moved by Alderman Garcia that Resolution No. 1938 be passed, approving Curtis
Harrelson as Police Chief in Wichita Falls.
Motion seconded by Alderman Ashbrook.
Alderman Ashbrook stated that he is particularly happy with the selection made by
Mr. Fox. He is also happy that we promoted one of the men from our organization.
Citizens had expressed a desire that we pick and promote a man from our ranks. He
stated that Mr. Fox made a good decision.
338
Item 3, cont'd.
Alderman Mathis stated that he also had received many comments from the citizens of
Wichita Falls about promoting within the organizational structure, and he is happy to
see that this has been done.
Mayor Boyd stated that he did not know Lieutenant Harrelson very well, but he
approves of the screening method which was used. He sincerely appreciates more than
he can say the type of service C. C. Daniel has rendered this city. It is the ultimate
compliment that we have no trouble with our police department. Alderman Ryle also
voiced his approval.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Boyd, Aldermen McAlister, Garcia, Ashbrook, Ryle, and Mathis
Nays: None
Curtis Harrelson thanked Mr. Fox and members of the Council for the demonstration
of faith which they have in him. He noted that the screening process on the receiving
end was very grueling. He stated that he will do his best to fill the job of Chief
Daniel. He would certainly want to continue the progress made in our police department,
and make our city proud.
Chief Daniel stated that he is very grateful to have served as Police Chief for
27 years.
Item 4
City Attorney H. P. Hodge, Jr. reported on Lone Star Gas matters. Lone Star
Gas had stated that if Wichita Falls would approve the four cent surcharge they would
dismiss their appeal. As a second proposal they would recommend that the only issue
to be submitted was whether they were entitled to a four cent surcharge, and they
would go ahead with the rate schedule the Council had approved.
The City Manager stated that there is a hearing scheduled on March 16 before the
Railroad Commission regarding an appeal previously filed by Lone Star. Lone Star
will drop the appeal on the rate ordinance if the Council will allow the four cent
surcharge, or drop the basic rates and continue the appeal on the four cent surcharge.
He feels the Board of Aldermen should drop the appeal on the rate ordinance and continue
arguing the four cent surcharge. Lone Star had appealed on both rates and surcharge.
Mayor Boyd stated that the decertification process is moving along nicely, and it
seems that the over all community would be best served if we can get on the intrastate
system. We should decide whether we want to give them the four cents or fight for it.
Alderman McAlister stated that he is still very adamant about protesting the surcharge.
Alderman Ryle stated that Lone Star did not need to appeal the rates because they are
making it up on the industrial customer. He feels we are spinning our wheels in trying
to get Lone Star to go to court on the Lo Vaca contract. It will not be Lone Star
going against the Railroad Commission, but the citizens of Wichita Falls.
Alderman McAlister stated that it is a long drawn out process, but it seems that
we would have a vehicle to get back to Lone Star going to court with Lo Vaca. Alderman
Ryle stated that we might be well to drop it at this point and pay the surcharge
because it costs so much to appeal. Alderman McAlister stated that he would agree
if we were the only city, but there are 16 or 17 others involved.
City Attorney H. P. Hodge Jr. , recommended that we drop the rates and appeal the
surcharge. The Council agreed to drop the appeal of the basic rates, but continue the
appeal of the four cent surcharge.
Alderman Mathis stated that he feels the Railroad Commission is good for the State
of Texas, but he does not agree with this ruling.
The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 4:00 P.M.
PASSED AND APPROVED this Glti day of 1977.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK