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Min 09/03/1996 309 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building September 3 , 199G Items 1 & 2 The City Council 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 : Kay Yeager - Mayor Don Johnston - Councilors Dan Shine - Angus Thompson - Bill Daniel - J. W. Martin - Harold Hawkins - James Berzina - City Manager Greg Humbach - City Attorney Lydia Torres - City Clerk Mayor Yeager called the meeting to order. Invocation was given by Rev. Charles Paulson, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Item 3 Col . Louise A. Marshall asked about the annexation schedule for public hearings . City Manager informed that they would be published in the newspaper two weeks before the public hearings will be held, and that will probably be in October. Item 4a Mr. Jeff Hausler, Wichita General Hospital CEO, made a presentation on the possible unification of Wichita General Hospital and Bethania Hospital . He said that discussions on this had started two years ago and a study was done earlier this year on the possibility of combining both hospitals . Both hospitals have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding between Wichita General Services Corporation Board and City County Hospital Board and Bethania Regional Hospital Board. The City/County Hospital Board passed a resolution to establish an affiliation between both hospitals . The nature of the proposed affiliation is to have Bethania' s facility leased to the City County Hospital Board, which owns Wichita General Hospital . Each of those entities would be re-leased to a new corporation, yet to be named, to operate both facilities under one single operating entity. In summary, that is our proposal . 310 Item 4a cont' d. Councilor Johnston asked how this was going to benefit the citizens and our community. Mr. Hausler replied that they would have a stronger health care provider, lower costs, increased access, and additional services . They could provide better decisions on capital items at less cost by purchasing for one facility instead of duplicating efforts . Councilor Thompson referred to the Catholic issues, continuation of services to the poor, and City/County Board issues and services to the indigent . He asked if, in listing these services, were there concerns about reducing, increasing, or maintaining services . Mr. Hausler stated that these are historical concerns of both institutions and we are identifying those as we proceed to pursue this affiliation and making sure we are keeping those principles at the forefront as we do enter in a new venture with both hospitals . Councilor Thompson asked if they anticipated that these services that are traditionally given by these hospitals would be reduced. Mr. Hausler replied that that they would not . We will maintain the posture of the two respective institutions as we go forth in this situation. Indigent care will be provided and one of the proposed portions of this proposal is to assure that we do take care of the indigents in the way we have had the responsibility in the past . Councilor Thompson asked if the patients of Wichita County would receive a reduction in our costs . Mr. Hausler responded that that is clearly a potential . What we are trying to do is to establish a strong institution where we will have the benefits of the volume of purchasing of both hospitals, or at least slow down the increase in cost . That is one of the prime intentions of this endeavor. Councilor Martin asked if this was a trend throughout the country, and Mr. Hausler replied that it was . In our industry you are seeing collaborations of all sorts . People in the metropolitan areas that were distinct competitors in the past are now converging. Councilor Martin wanted to know how this would affect patients with Medicare and champus supplements, that have certain hospitals with which they are affiliated. He asked if patients would go to the hospital of their choice . Mr. Hausler responded that this would give them more of a choice of where to go. Initially, we plan to operate both hospitals under one management, but, there will still be two distinct facilities for some time to come . We can provide more flexibility for patients who might have a preference to go to the hospital that is not the present contractor. Councilor Johnston said that this would reduce duplication of services in high tech areas, but it will also stifle competition between both hospitals, and you are going to have a hard time balancing those . Mr. Hausler stated that he did not think there would be an absence of competition in the market . The benefits far outweigh the down side that might exist . Councilor Hawkins asked if this governing board would be purchasing real estate and if so, in whose name; and would the City/County Board be able to intervene in this . Mr. Hausler replied that the City/County Board will retain ownership; both current ownership structures will retain their ownership. They will lease their assets into the City/County Board, who will in turn lease those to Newco, the proposed corporation, for operational purposes . However, I cannot say that there will not 311 Item 4a on ' d. be ventures as you have seen in the southwest part of town. I think the mode of operating health care facilities is changing and we will need to take those steps as appropriate, but there are certain safeguards . The City/County Board does retain a role in controlling the institution the way we have it . Councilor Hawkins asked if any real property purchase will require their approval . Mr. Hausler replied that at this time that is not determined absolutely because that will come in some of the agreements between the City/County Board and Newco, the proposed corporation. However, that is certainly the prerogative of the City/County Board. Mr. Hausler stated that they were looking at a 180 day window to arrive at the transaction described, and he would keep all parties informed. Item 4b Bruce Urban, Fire Department Equipment Operator, was honored as Employee of the Month. Mayor Yeager presented him with a plaque, City pin, theater and transit tickets, dinner for two, and a check. Mayor proclaimed September 7-15, 1996 as "Fiestas Patrias Celebracion" in Wichita Falls . The Council and citizens were invited to attend the parade this Saturday, September 7, in celebration of the Fiestas Patrias . Mayor proclaimed September 2-6, 1996 as "Kiwanette Awareness Week" in Wichita Falls . Mayor proclaimed September 18, 1996 as Church' s Chicken Day of Habitat of Dreams" in Wichita Falls . Item 5 The minutes were approved as read. Items 6a-9b Councilor Hawkins asked that Items 6a and 7d be brought down to the Regular Agenda. Moved by Councilor Shine that the consent agenda be approved with the deletion of Items 6a and 7d. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins 312 Items 6a-9b cont' d. Nays : None Item 7a RESOLUTION NO, 133-96 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID AND CONTRACT TO BOWLES CONSTRUCTION FOR PB LANE SEWER REPLACEMENT PROJECT Item 7b RESOLUTION NO, 134-96 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID AND CONTRACT OF FIRE STATION NO. 3 REROOFING PROJECT Item 7c RESOLUTION NO, 135-96 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID AND CONTRACT TO ASSOCIATED PAINTING FOR 1995/96 UTILITY PAINTING PROJECT Item 8a RESOLUTION NO, 137-96 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PROJECT TO ABANDON 48-INCH DRAIN t VALVES AT LAKE DIVERSION AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR * Item 9a-9b Minutes of the meetings of the following boards were received. a. Wichita Falls Park Board, August 22, 1996 b. Board of Electrical Examiners, August 8 , 1996 Item 6a RESOLUTION NO 132-96 REQUEST FOR EXCEPTION TO RESOLUTION NO. 126-84 REGARDING A WATER CONNECTION TO THE RAW WATER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM Moved by Councilor Shine that Resolution No. 132-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. Councilor Hawkins wanted to know for what price the City was selling raw water, and was it the same cost as for a municipality. Mr. Bonnett replied that he believed there were no other municipalities on this rate . This is raw water rate plus energy charge rate . The only other customers we have are about 15-20 that are on the pipelines between the lakes and City plus the Country Club, and this will be an additional customer. Councilor Hawkins was concerned that we are operating an 313 Item 6a cont'd . enterprise fund that should be run at a profit . Mr. Bonnett commented that the rate structure has to be in accordance with criteria established by TNRCC. Councilor Hawkins was concerned that we were selling raw water to a golf course for the same basic charges that we would for a municipality or anyone along the way. Mr. Bonnett informed that the point of the establishment of various categories of customers is to ensure that we can document and prove, first, to TNRCC and ultimately in court, if required, that the cost is distributed fairly and equitably, and in accordance with the regulations . If one unbalances the charge then you are opening yourself up to being taken to TNRCC and to court to prove why you have unbalanced it because under the regulations you can only charge what it actually cost . Motion carried by the following vote. Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item 7d RESOLUTION NO 136- 6 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID AND CONTRACT FOR 1996 ALLEY REHABILITATION PROJECT Moved by Councilor Johnston that Resolution No. 136-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. Councilor Hawkins asked if the concrete would have re-bar and reinforcements . Mr. Bonnett replied that our standard requires stabilization plus reinforcement . Councilor Hawkins asked if additional alleys would be able to be done because of the favorable price received. Mr. Bonnett replied that up to 2596 could be added according to state statute, and Council determines that . City Manager stated that Staff would look into that to see where the need was the greatest, and will bring that information back to the Council . Motion carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin and Hawkins Nays : None Item 10a A public hearing was held on the City' s tax rate for fiscal year 1996-97 . Mayor declared the public hearing open. 314 Item 10a cont' d. Mayor stated that Council had met in budget and it was a consensus of the Council that the tax rate reflect a 3 . 040 increase . This is retaining the same tax rate of 67 . 675 cents that has been in effect for this year. This does not mean that as we move forward to adopt the budget, that we will necessarily take this increase, but we had to have the hearing to that effect at this time . Mayor allowed for comment . There being no one who wished to be heard, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Item lla ORDINANCE NO, 121-96 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1 (a) (9) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT SIGNS DURING A WICHITA FALLS RADIO CONTROL CLUB EVENT OCTOBER 5TH AND 6TH, 1996 IN JAYCEE PARK Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 121-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . passed Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item llb ORDINANCE NO 122-96 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 27-30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING A SIDEWALK ON THE NORTH SIDE F.M. 1954 ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH LINE OF LOTS 1-6 , BLOCK 1, MONAGHAN RANCH ESTATES Moved by Councilor Shine that Ordinance No. 122-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None 315 Item 11c ORDINANCE NO 12 6 ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION SECTION 9 (B) (2) (a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON THE NORTH SIDE F.M. 1954 ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH LINE OF LOTS 1-6, BLOCK 1, *MONAGHAN RANCH ESTATES Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 123-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item lid ORDINAN E NO 124-96 ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION SECTION 9 (B) (2) (a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON THE WEST SIDE OF WRANGLERS RETREAT ADJACENT TO THE EAST LINE OF LOT 69-A, SECTION FIVE AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF WRANGLERS RETREAT ADJACENT TO THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 80, SECTION FIVE, LANDRUM & HENDERSON SUBDIVISION Moved by Councilor Shine that Ordinance No. 124-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item 11e ORDINANCE NO 12 - 6 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 27-30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING A SIDEWALK ON THE EAST SIDE OF HUNTINGTON LANE ADJACENT TO THE WEST LINE OF LOT 1, BLOCK 24, WICHITA VALLEY FARMS SUBDIVISION Moved by Councilor Johnston that Ordinance No. 125-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the following vote . 316 Item lle cont' d. Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item llf ORDINANCE NO 126-96 ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION SECTION 9 (B) (2) (a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON THE EAST SIDE OF HUNTINGTON LANE ADJACENT TO THE WEST LINE OF LOT 1, BLOCK 24 , WICHITA VALLEY FARMS SUBDIVISION Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No . 126-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item llg A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 27-29 of the Code of Ordinances with respect to placing a sidewalk on the south side of Terral Street adjacent to the north line of Lots 10 and 8A, Block 1, Holliday Park Addition. Moved by Councilor Shine that proposed ordinance be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston. Mr. Bonnett recommended that this item be tabled because of possible re-platting of these two lots . He has a concern that as a part of the re-platting process we will probably require draining adjustments which will enable the sidewalk and curb and gutter to be installed. Moved by Councilor Johnston that this ordinance be tabled until a decision on re-platting is made . Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None 317 Item 11h A proposed ordinance was presented making it unlawful for any person to skateboard, roller blade or roller skate on MPEC grounds . Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be passed. Motion seconded by Mayor Yeager. Mayor informed that this request came from MPEC staff because of the danger to young people in-line skating on MPEC grounds . Councilor Johnston asked if other activities such as bicycles and go-carts were addressed. Mayor stated that the ordinance could be amended to include that, however, the main problem now is in-line skating. Moved by Councilor Johnston that the ordinance be amended to include go-carts and bicycles . Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. Several of the Council members objected to restricting bicycles . Councilor Johnston suggested that we offer some alternative . Mayor suggested that this be tabled until the next Council meeting. Moved by Councilor Shine that this ordinance be tabled. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item lli ORDINANCE NO 127- 6 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A TREE BOARD; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 127-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins . Nays : None 318 Item 11� ORDINANCE NO 128-96 ORDINANCE REZONING LOTS 12 & 13 , BLOCK 11, HOMEWOOD HEIGHTS ADDITION (607 & 609 FLOOD STREET) , WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS FROM SINGLE FAMILY-2 RESIDENTIAL TO MULTIFAMILY ZONING (CASE R 96-10) ; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW � y Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No . 128-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Shine . Councilor Hawkins asked if both lots were owned by the same people . Ms . Rosa Hall stated that she owned 609 Flood and was trying to purchase 607 Flood. She plans to open a day care center on these lots . She informed that 607 Flood had delinquent taxes and she has contacted the appropriate authorities in order to purchase this lot . She said that even if she does not get that lot, she will proceed with the day care center on the other lot . Councilor Hawkins was concerned that a person who does not own the property was asking for rezoning. Mr. Dave Clark stated that that happens many times when a property is subject to rezoning. The scale of the rezone is for two lots and it is unlikely that they would be used for anything else other than for the use the applicant has mentioned. Motion carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins . Nays : None Item llk A proposed ordinance was presented rezoning Lot 7-A, Block 107A, Highland Addition (2208 Avenue 0) , Wichita Falls, Texas from Limited Commercial to General Commercial Conditioned Zoning (Case R 96-11) . Mayor Yeager informed that she had received a request to table this item until next meeting. Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be tabled. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins 319 Nays : None Item l� l ORDINANC NO 12 96 ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 55 ACRES OUT OF BLOCKS 26 AND 27, DENTON CO. SCHOOL LAND LEAGUE 1, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS FROM SINGLE FAMILY-2 RESIDENTIAL TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL CONDITIONED ZONING; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 129-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item llm A proposed ordinance was presented designating a certain area as an industrial reinvestment zone . Moved by Councilor Johnston that proposed ordinance be tabled. Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item lln ORDINANCE NO 1 0 6 ORDINANCE REZONING 401, 403 AND 405 SWARTZ AVENUE, LOTS 5, 6 AND 7, BLOCK 6, SOUTH PARK ADDITION, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, FROM RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE TO HEAVY COMMERCIAL ZONING (CASE R 96-09) ; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 130-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the following vote. 320 Item lln cont' d. Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item llo ORDINANCE NO--131-96 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 11 OF ORDINANCE 2491 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO ALCOHOL SALES WITHIN 300 FEET OF A STATE SUPPORTED PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND GRANTING THIS WAIVER FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4105 MAPLEWOOD AVENUE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Shine that Ordinance No. 131-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins . Several Council members expressed a concern about the situations which could be created in that specific area because of the different facilities located there, in particular Vernon Regional Junior College . Mayor stated that the agenda information reflected that Vernon Regional Junior College was taking a neutral stance on this . Mr. Clark informed that there was one objection which was received after the deadline . Councilor Thompson did not understand why VRJC did not take a stand when there are children in a building who are trying to learn. He wondered if having a night club in the building was conducive to learning and to what did this contribute . He was not opposed to young people having fun and having a place to go, but, how does something like that at that particular time of night help to enhance learning and to improve our City. Ben Woody, Century City Representative, 2111 Miramar, introduced his partner Clarence Muehlberger and Steve Muehlberger, Steve Gooch from VRJC in Vernon and Rick Arnold, VRJC Wichita Falls location. Mr. Woody stated that they had discussed this at length. He gave a brief history of their tenants . He said that there are two licenses in place at Century City and they are just wanting to replace one for another, which will still leave them with two licenses, if Council approves this . Motion carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Daniel, and Hawkins Nays : Councilors Thompson and Martin 321 Item 12a RESOLUTION NO 1 8- 6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH INTER SPACE SERVICES, INC. , FOR AN AIRPORT ADVERTISING CONCESSION Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 138-96 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. Mark Leberman, Vice President of Inter Space Airport Advertising, commented that Exhibit A, which refers to specific advertising locations, is subject to the City' s approval, therefore, it can change . If we take a location and use it for two years and you would want to bring in another concession in there at that time, that location could be changed or deleted. The contract gives the City complete control over that issue . The basis for a ten year contract is that in order for us to make a substantial investment in a community like this and make it viable to both us and the City, is to depreciate the assets over a ten year period. Ten year contracts are now the standard in the industry. Motion carried by the following vote. Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None Item 12b A proposed resolution was presented authorizing the Mayor to execute a tax abatement agreement between the City of Wichita Falls and Preston Products, Inc. Moved by Councilor Hawkins that proposed resolution be tabled until next Council meeting. Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the following vote . Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Shine Thompson, Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins Nays : None City Council recessed at 10 : 05 a.m. and reconvened at 10 :20 a.m. Item 13a Councilor Daniel expressed appreciation to Mr. Bob Parker' s Department in working with the School Board on the 322 Item 13a cont' d. reconsideration of Kemp Street; its designation regarding the issue of buses making runs to Barwise . Councilor Daniel asked Mr . Parker to inform the citizens about the intersection of Hampstead and Midwestern Parkway and Hamilton. Mr. Parker informed that there is now a stop sign when you get off Midwestern Parkway west bound on to Hampstead. With this he hopes to limit the number of accidents at Hamilton and Hampstead. Councilor Thompson asked that areas on Flood Street and Scurry Street be checked for weed problems . Councilor Thompson congratulated Mr. Dave Clark for putting together the project on the Holt Hotel . Councilor Thompson requested that traffic counts be done again on 13th and 14th Streets, and report back to Council . Councilor Thompson reminded Council to be mindful of each other' s feelings and to respect each other, in particular the one who is in the leadership position. He asked the Mayor to continue to include the Council members as full-fledged partners and keep them informed. Mayor Yeager thanked Councilor Thompson for his support in this endeavor, and she stated that Council needs to show the same respect and trust to each other, to the staff and to the citizens of this City whether in a formal meeting or an informal worksession. Item 13b There were no staff reports . Item 13c Mr. Jack Murphy introduced Mrs . Beverly Williamson who gave a briefing on the River Bend Nature Works . Mr. Murphy said that they had started this project in 1991 and are about to finish Phase I . It will be operated by a board appointed by the Junior League and the City Manager. Mrs . Williamson gave the following update on the River Bend Nature Works . She went over the information packet, which is given to persons who are interested in funding this project . This site is located on Sunset at the entrance of Lucy Park. Phase I includes the program pavilion and the breezeway as well as the trail . There will be outdoor learning centers to facilitate our teaching efforts . The whole center will be approximately 10 , 000 square feet with Phase I having 4 , 000 square feet, which is currently being completed. We try to focus on the facility as well as the programming, and are raising and soliciting funds for both. They have a Texas Rivers Project, which is a third year program, and is done in collaboration with the Red River Authority. This project is being considered as a pilot project for the State of Texas as a guide for like projects in the State . They had a summer camp, funded by the Junior League . Next year they will sponsor a camp "Across the Americas" with the National Arbor Day Foundation. There are 323 Item 13c cont'd. four sites, in Canada, Mexico, California and here in Wichita Falls . Also, they will have an Ecology Education Institute for North Texas teachers, which includes a residential camp for children. They participate in March for Parks, a fund raising effort for our parks nation wide. When they complete Phase I they will begin funding for Phase II . She informed that cash donations are at $854, 320 and the challenge matching grant is almost at the $100, 000 level . Mayor expressed appreciation for the many hours of work that have been given, and to the City Staff who serve on the board and have contributed their efforts in this project . Item 14 City Council recessed to the conference room for a worksession to discuss local sales tax options and wording of proposition (s) to submit to the voters in January, 1997, relative to same . The City Council adjourned at 11 : 50 a.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 1___1__ day of 1996 . M A Y O R 1 ATTEST: City Clerk r�r