Min 06/17/1997 558
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
June 17, 1997
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 a .m. , with the following
members present :
Kay Yeager - Mayor
Don Johnston - Councilors
Angus Thompson -
Bill Daniel -
J. W. Martin -
Harold Hawkins -
Jim Berzina - City Manager
Greg Humbach - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Dan Shine - Absent
Mayor Yeager called the meeting to order.
The invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Raymond Permar, Church
on the Rock.
Mayor Yeager welcomed Aaron May and Brad May, boy scouts
from Troop 261 who were working on their community and
citizenship badge .
Item 3
Brenda Downing, H.C. 51, Box 60, Henrietta, Texas, stated
that she lives at the lake and she was cited for having a
mosquito tent and wanted to know what they were supposed to do
about the mosquitoes out there . She was directed to discuss
this with Mr. Clark.
Rod Brennan, Interim Executive Director of the Helen
Farabee Center, informed that the proposed merger with the
Rolling Plains State Operated Community Services, which he
mentioned to the Council in March, is a step closer. The
concerned parties are in the process of obtaining information
from the various councils as to their approval or disapproval on
the merger. A formal agenda item on the merger will be presented
to the Council at their July 1 meeting for action. Merger
information has been provided to Council .
559
Item 3 cont ' d.
Tom Allensworth, Attorney representing Larry Laughlin and
Jerry Hodges, 1401 Holliday, Suite 316 , asked that Council
reconsider Mr. Laughlin' s waiver request on the single wide
trailer located on Seymour Highway. He said that his clients
were not notified that their request was on the agenda, and he
requested that this be placed on the July 1 Council agenda for
reconsideration. It was his understanding that three Council
members could place an item on the agenda for reconsideration.
He understood that Councilors Hawkins and Thompson voted to
approve the waiver request and Councilor Shine, who will be back '
on the 20t'', may be interested in the motion for the
reconsideration. If this item is reconsidered and his clients
have an opportunity to present their side, he asked that Council
approach it with an open mind. He asked for any questions .
Mayor informed that in accordance to Council procedure
under "Public Comments" Council does not get into a question and
answer or debating situation. We understand your concerns .
City Attorney explained that an item can be put on the
agenda for reconsideration by the City Manager when requested by
either the Mayor or three Councilors . Mr. Allensworth said that
he understood.
Items 4
Mayor pointed out that under Item 13b the word "that" was
deleted, the second sentence was changed slightly, and the third
sentence was deleted. Minutes were approved as corrected.
Items 5a-8b
Moved by Councilor Martin that the Consent Agenda be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 87-97
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR DESIGN AND
INSPECTION OF SANITARY LANDFILL CELL XI, FINAL COVER
PROJECT
560
Item 5b
RESOLUTION NO. 88-97
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH HNTB COMPANIES FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES AT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Item 6a
RESOLUTION NO, 89-97
RESOLUTION FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL OF MULTIPLE
LABORATORIES TO PROVIDE LABORATORY SERVICES FOR THE
FEDERAL INFORMATION COLLECTION RULE
Item 7a
RESOLUTION NO, 90-97
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER 2 FOR SOUTHWEST
LIFT STATION AND FORCE MAIN PROJECT
Item 7b
RESOLUTION NO. 91-97
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CDBG TRAVIS STREET DRAINAGE
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO DUKE
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Item 7c
RESOLUTION NO. 92-97
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE KEMP PUBLIC LIBRARY REROOF
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO ARMORED ROOFING
COMPANY
Item 8a-8b
Minutes of the following board and commission were
received.
a. Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission, May 7, 1997
b. Wichita Falls Park Board, May 22 , 1997
Item 9a
A public hearing was held considering approval of an
amendment of the Proposed Use of Funds in a previously approved
Consolidated Plan by increasing the funding level of the
Rehabilitation Project at the East Branch YMCA and approving
funding for a Housing initiative .
Mayor Yeager declared the public hearing open and allowed
for public comment .
Councilor Hawkins commented that this shows we are using
the money carefully and are being good stewards of the CDBG
funds . He mentioned that the Spudder Park Shelter and Fire
561
Item 9a cont ' d.
Station No. 3 Projects were complete . Canceled projects are
Child Care, Inc . renovations and Southside Girls Club re-
roofing. The new projects would be East Branch Y re-roofing
($53 , 000 . 00) and a housing feasibility study ($5, 000 . 00) ,
leaving $2, 780 . 06 unappropriated.
Mayor allowed for additional comments . There being none
the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
�w
Item 10a
A proposed ordinance was presented amending Article VII,
Storm Water Runoff, of Chapter 32 of the City Ordinances .
Moved by Councilor Thompson that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston.
Mayor stated that this item and item 10c were items which
were discussed at length at the Council retreat .
Councilor Johnston suggested that Council hold a
worksession on these items in order to have more exchange with
the people who will be impacted by this .
Moved by Councilor Martin that items 10a and 10c be tabled
and that a worksession be held Tuesday, June 24 , 1997 at 10 : 00
a.m. to discuss these items .
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
It was noted that this would be an open session and would
be televised.
Item 10b
ORDINANCE NO. 56-97
ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Moved by Councilor Johnston that Ordinance No. 56-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Mr. Bob Parker informed that there was an error in the
ordinance which reflected the budget year as 1997-1998 . He
requested that this be amended to read 1996-1997 budget year.
562
Item 10b cont ' d.
Moved by Councilor Hawkins to amend the motion to read
1996-1997 budget year.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the
following vote .
The vote was on the motion as amended.
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item 10c
This item was tabled under Item 10a.
Item 10d
ORDINANCE NO 57-97
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS; CONSENTING TO THE ANNEXATION OF
A CERTAIN 296 . 88 ACRE TRACT OF LAND BY THE TOWN OF
DEAN, ALL OR A PORTION OF WHICH LIES WITHIN THE
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS; 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. 57-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston.
Kerry Roach, Attorney representing the town of Dean, stated
that the town of Dean has an opportunity for growth. There is a
land developer who has interest in developing some ranchettes on
a 300 acre tract around the town of Dean. We ask for favorable
consideration of this ordinance .
Councilor Johnston stepped out of the Council Chambers .
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Thompson, Daniel, Martin,
and Hawkins
Nays : None
563
Item lla
RESOLUTION NO. 93-97
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDMENT OF THE PROPOSED USE
OF FUNDS IN A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CONSOLIDATED PLAN,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND THE CURRENT
CONTRACT, FINDING AND -DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Resolution No. 93-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Thompson, Daniel, Martin,
and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item llb
RESOLUTION NO. 94-97
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDMENT OF THE PROPOSED USE
OF FUNDS IN A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CONSOLIDATED PLAN, row
ALLOCATING FUNDING TO A NEW PROJECT, FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Resolution No. 94-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Councilor Johnston returned to the Council Chambers .
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item llc
A proposed resolution was presented amending Resolution No. N" `
151-96 at Section 6 . 4 , "Other Business" , concerning Rules of
Procedure for the City Council
Moved by Councilor Daniel that proposed resolution be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
564
Item llc cont ' d.
Mayor called a point of order. She said that the original
Resolution adopting the Rules of Procedure states that you have
to have two readings before a change can be adopted, and she
asked if this needed to be put off until the next Council
meeting. City Attorney replied that it requires two votes and
it will be on the agenda again at next Council meeting.
Mayor commented that this amendment clarifies rules of
procedure on how items can be placed on the Council agenda.
Councilor Daniel felt that discussion was needed on this .
His understanding is that people have approached this Council
with matters of concern to them, and people were surprised that
Council did not act on their requests at that time . People are
not familiar on how a matter can be brought to a vote by the
Council . In fact, there has been confusion by some Council
members on that . What we are trying to do in this resolution is
to streamline this procedure . He asked that the City Attorney
explain the process .
City Attorney stated that this specifies how an item gets
on the agenda, procedurally, either through the request of the
Mayor or three Councilors . As far as action items are
concerned, they are covered by the Open Meetings Act . The
reason action cannot be taken when someone comes before the
Council seeking Council action, is that the item has to be
placed on the agenda and posted 72 hours before Council can take
action in accordance with the Open Meetings Act . The Open
Meetings Act is not addressed by this Resolution, it is a
separate piece of Statute . This Resolution formalizes a
procedure for the Council getting items on the agenda.
Obviously, a routine matter as a required Council action is
placed on the agenda through the City Manager' s office .
Councilor Daniel stated that if a person signs up to speak
about an item, Council is not going to act on it at that time .
We are taking it under advisement and we may ask Staff to
address and bring it to the Council . City Attorney replied that
he was correct and at that time Council also has the option if
three Councilors feel strongly about an item and feel it needs
some action on behalf of the Council, City Manager can be
directed to put it on a future agenda for action. Councilor
Daniel understood that it would not be done at the beginning of
the meeting, but might be done during the closing Council
comments . At that time, we could get a consensus and ask that
it be put on the agenda. City Attorney concurred.
Councilor Hawkins was concerned that the amendment says
that if a person wants something on the agenda that they come to
the City Manager before 10 : 00 a.m. Tuesday before the next
Tuesday Council meeting. Councilor Hawkins felt it should be
broadened to read: "any person who wishes to address the
Council on the regular portion of the agenda. " Our agenda is
broken down into more than one section. We are discussing
having an item in the regular agenda, which has to be there the
Tuesday before the Council meeting. To me, it needs to be
broadened to the regular agenda because to everybody else this
is a regular agenda, and what we are discussing is the action
portion of the agenda. For instance, Mr. Allensworth' s request
to place Mr. Laughlin' s waiver regarding the mobile home back on
the agenda. If they had gone before the City Manager before
565
Item llc cont ' d.
last Tuesday requesting another hearing on this, and he chose to
place it on the agenda, we could have heard and acted on it
today.
Mayor said she understood Councilor Hawkins' point that to
most people the regular agenda means the whole thing. I think
we need to exceed to the legal point . City Attorney stated that
he did not see a problem with the wording. The City Manager has
the discretion of whether he is going to put an item on the
agenda. All this is saying is that if you want to put an item
on the agenda you have to contact the City Manager' s Office by
that time .
Councilor Hawkins said that this does not say the City
Manager' s discretion. This says that if someone wants an item
on the agenda in that regular meeting portion of it, all they
have to do is to go to the City Manager' s Office . Mayor
commented that what Councilor Hawkins is trying to do is provide
some defense for the City Manager so that he is not inundated
with requests to put on the agenda. City Manager stated it does
read that way and I think it should be clarified that it is
still discretionary. Persons can always come to me and if I do
not put it on the agenda, they can ask Council to put it on the
agenda.
Councilor Thompson asked if a citizen in the audience could
ask that an item on the consent agenda be brought down to the
regular agenda for discussion. City Manager assumed that
Council would bring an item down for discussion if requested by
someone in the audience . Mayor commented that she had not been
asking the public only the Council if they wanted to move an
item down from the Consent Agenda . Councilor Martin commented
that citizens have the right to question, whether it is on the
consent agenda or the regular agenda .
Councilor Daniel said that the mechanism is there for
someone to approach Council to have something put on the agenda,
but it is confusing. They may sign up on Tuesday morning, the
day of the meeting, thinking that they are going to get action
from the Council, however, we cannot act on it unless it is on
the agenda. The mechanism is there we just need to better
explain.
Councilor Hawkins stated that the City Manager sets the
agenda and we as elected officials should be able to direct him
to put something on the agenda. The Mayor has the right to
direct him to put something on, but, how do the citizens get
something on the agenda. They think they need to go to the City
Manager' s Office and expect him to do it .
Councilor Daniel said that we do not want to put the City
Manager in a position of having to decide what should or should
not be put on the agenda because it could be a matter for
revising an ordinance . He has to be able to turn to the citizen
and say if it is of sufficient concern to the Mayor or three
Councilors they will ask to put it on the agenda.
Councilor Hawkins said that under Section 6 .4 . 1 (a) where it
says "to be considered" it should say "to be discussed" because
if you consider it you act on it . City Attorney stated that was
implied. Councilor Hawkins commented that if we discuss it we
566
Item llc cont ' d.
don' t have to act on it, we can direct Staff at that point to
bring us back an item to be voted on. Councilor Daniel
commented that Sec . 6 .4 . 1 (a) is talking specifically about
action agenda items . Councilor Hawkins concurred and he added
that any person who wishes to address the Council on a regular
agenda item needs only to advise the City Manager' s Office of
that fact on a specific subject matter and it goes on the
agenda. People in the audience have more say than I do.
Councilor Hawkins said that Sec . 6 .4 . 1 (a) can be changed by
adding the following: the City Manager, Mayor, or three Council
members may direct that an item be put on the agenda as a
consideration item. Mayor clarified that what Councilor Hawkins
was trying to change is the permissive language of Section (a)
which needs some further restriction, and I concur.
Moved by Councilor Daniel to table this item for
consideration at the July 1, 1997 Council meeting.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item lld
RESOLUTION NO, 95-97
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A CONSENT TO ASSIGNMENT OF THE FIXED BASE OPERATOR' S
LEASE AGREEMENT FROM BEST AVIATION SERVICES, INC. TO
BLACKBIRD AVIATION, INC. ; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT
THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS DISCUSSED WAS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 95-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston.
William D. Orcutt, 938 Kiowa, Burkburnett, Texas, stated
that his focus would be to continue the improvements which he
has jointly made with the City' s help. An additional focus is
that most new business which comes to Wichita Falls comes
through his facility, and their first impression is formed by
Blackbird Aviation or Best Aviation. Working together on that
focus is good not only for my new company but for the City as
well .
Councilor Hawkins questioned if the lease should be
reviewed for any problem areas which needed to be addressed at
this time . Mr. Robert Parker did not feel there was anything
which needed to be addressed in this lease assignment .
Motion carried by the following vote .
567
Item lid cont ' d.
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item 12a
Moved by Councilor Martin to reject all bids for fuel
containment facility at the Wichita Falls Municipal Airport and
to re-bid.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Councilor Hawkins stated that the rules were being changed
by voting in the negative instead of the positive . The motion
should be made to accept the bid.
Councilor Martin withdrew his motion and Councilor Thompson
withdrew his second.
Moved by Councilor Martin to accept the bid from Jim
Marshall Construction, Inc . for fuel containment facility at the
Wichita Falls Municipal Airport in the amount of $198 , 684 . 00 .
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and failed by the
following vote .
Ayes : None
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Johnston, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Item 13a
Discussion of waivers on curb and gutter requirements of
Appendix A, Subdivision 9 (B) (2) (a) of the Code of Ordinances was
held.
City Manager explained that at the Council retreat it was
decided that waivers would be discussed at one Council meeting
and voted on at the following meeting.
Mr. Bill Parker, City Engineer provided information on the
waiver requests .
1) Norman Nelson Addition, Block 1
This is on the south side of Seymour Highway and there is °
no curb and gutter in that vicinity. The nearest curb and
gutter is at Lakey' s, west of this site . Also, there is curb
and gutter on the northwest side of Seymour Highway going into
Tanglewood, and curb and gutter at Berend Brothers . It is
feasible to construct curb and gutter at this site and staff
recommends disapproval of waiver.
Councilor Hawkins asked if this property owner was required
to put in curb and gutter, how are we going to get curb and
gutter next to it? Mr. Bonnett replied that curbs and gutters
568
Item 13a cont ' d.
are a function of the Subdivision Ordinance and a property being
vacant would not be a part of the Subdivision Ordinance; there
would be no requirement . The only opportunity to get curb and
gutter under the current Ordinance is at the time a property is
platted. If it is platted it can sit fallow for one or two
years and someone else can build on it, as long as the property
limits are not changed, without being exposed to the curb and
gutter requirement .
2) Eden Housing Addition, Block 1
Waiver request is for curb and gutter adjacent to the
property on the south side of Morgan Lane . Morgan Lane is 22
ft . wide within a thirty foot wide right-of-way. There is not
sufficient right-of-way at this point even with the addition of
10 ft . of right-of-way being required by Planning. Lots are not
contiguous and construction of curb and gutter would require
reconstruction of the street within limited right-of-way. Staff
recommends approval of waiver request .
Councilor Daniel asked if they did not want to ask for curb
and gutter because the City would be required to put in the
street . Mr. Parker replied in the affirmative . Councilor
Daniel questioned if the City was backing away from its
responsibility. Mr. Bonnett replied that we do not have the
availability of dollars to address, under the current Ordinance,
what is now or would be the City' s responsibility. The curb and
gutter in a rural cross section cannot, generally, be installed
without the full street . We are in a catch 22 environment, but,
there is an option to create a corpus of funds so that we can
build the street with curb and gutter. Curb and gutter is only
about $15/lineal ft . , but half a street would run approximately
$80/lineal ft . Curbs and gutters are a minor portion of the
issue .
Councilor Daniel asked what the City' s goal was in regards
to the streets and curbs and gutters and are we being consistent
in meeting that goal? Mr. Bonnett replied that, in his opinion,
City' s goal should always be curbs and gutters and streets in
every urbanized environment .
Councilor Daniel commented that Council is in a quandary
because we require citizens to put in curb and gutter, however,
the City waits to put in streets . Mr. Bonnett said that the
issue is do we assign those costs to the abutting property owner
or to the property owners at large? There is nothing wrong with
doing it either way, but, we have to be prepared to do it .
Councilor Daniel posed a question to City Manager. If we
had a revised ordinance which required the developer to build
the street, and we were facing the same waiver, what would our
stance be? City Manager replied that he would be required to
build the street . Councilor Daniel commented that our intent is
to have the developer build the street but the City is not
willing to do that now. He added, that he understood it was
because of a lack of funds . City Manager said that there was a
further dimension we needed to look at . We can keep going as we
are now, continue with the waivers and continue to not get the
streets or we can get the streets and it is a matter of how to
pay for it .
569
Item 13a cont ' d.
Councilor Hawkins asked if there was some other way. Will
Bill 366 allow us to put the money up for later development?
City Attorney agreed that it could be set up for later
development . There is an Attorney General' s opinion which came
out last month which would allow a city to require the cost of
the curb and gutter and roadway to be placed in escrow for
future development .
Councilor Hawkins was concerned that we were going to end
up with a "hodge podge" . City Manager agreed that is what could
happen and that is why it would be better to waive these things
and not put in the streets than to construct a "hodge podge" .
He has asked the City Attorney to check to see if money once
deposited could be used elsewhere satisfying the City' s most
urgent priorities .
Councilor Hawkins mentioned that when alleys and sidewalks
were put in years ago, the abutting property owners were taxed.
He asked if that was illegal now. Mr. Bonnett explained that
those were put in as a part of a utility. It was not a formal
assessment, but was driven by the garbage fee and if the
assessment was not paid, water was terminated to the property.
Under a normal assessment you can put a second lien to the
property and sell assessment bonds to pay for the improvement .
However, in Texas for personal property that second lien cannot
be established, rather it is a personal debt with the property
owner of record at time of assessment . That has been done here
and our collection rate is dismal, and it is not an economically
viable way to install the improvement .
Councilor Hawkins asked if it was possible that we could
fit under the Homestead Law changes . City Attorney replied no,
it only changed for second mortgage, for improvements, and that
kind of thing. It is not going to affect the ability of us to
create a lien on the homestead and foreclose it for a paving
project . Practical matter is the only time you collect that
amount is when the property owner voluntarily pays it when the
house is up for sale or sold. Councilor Hawkins felt that was
better than all the waivers .
(3) Kemp Subdivision, Lots 1-4 , Block 5
This is outside City limits on Barnett Road and Kovarik
Road. There is no curb and gutter on west side of Barnett Road,
and TXDOT has recommended for maintenance purposes that curb and
gutter not be required, therefore, Staff recommends approval of
this waiver.
Councilor Hawkins asked if the County Commissioners had
been asked their opinion on this . He suggested inviting the
County Judge and the County Commissioners to attend Council' s
worksession next Tuesday. Mr. Bonnett informed that he had
talked to several of them on this issue . It is his opinion that
we would have to coordinate the specific improvement with each
and every commissioner for their respective district in order
not to exacerbate their maintenance problems . I have a hard
time envisioning a commissioner refusing a new road with proper
drainage .
Councilor Thompson wondered which direction we were going.
Mayor commented that the question is are we going to draw the
line, and when and where . Mr. Bonnett suggested that Council
570
Item 13a cont 'd.
move deliberately and insure that the community is supportive in
the long term of what you choose to do. You should get input
from the broadest field of the community to insure whatever
standard you establish is one with which the community will
stay. It is not an economically viable environment to start and
stop because it creates too many inequities to property
interest . We are affecting property values significantly as
well as options and we need to be cognizant of those folks . I
can' t tell you where we are going; I can give you suggestions
and options, but, ultimately the community needs to speak, and
they can speak through this body. Councilor Daniel commented
that it is not a matter of us standing still, it is whether or
not we are going to change roads .
Mayor said that in this light, she would like to request
that Staff send notices to those people, such as developers,
Planning and Zoning Commission members, etc . , who need to be
included in next Tuesday' s discussion. She urged any citizen
who feels strongly about this subject to be present next Tuesday
or call any Council member to express their concerns and
interest on these two issues .
Mr. Bill Parker resumed to the same tract on Kovarik Road.
There is no curb and gutter on south side of Kovarik Road and in
order to install curb and gutter, reconstruction of a portion of
Kovarik Road would be needed and installation of storm sewer
facilities . Therefore, Staff recommends approval of this waiver.
(4) Parkhill Road Addition, Lots 1 & 2, Block 1 .
Parkhill Road and Seymour Highway. Parkhill Road is 20 . 5
feet wide and it is not technically feasible to construct curb
and gutter at this site, therefore, Staff recommends approval of
this waiver.
Tract on Seymour Highway is technically feasible to
construct curb and gutter, although it would require drainage
improvements and reconstruction of Parkhill Road. Staff
recommends approval of waiver.
Councilor Hawkins asked if the proposal to be discussed on
Tuesday were passed, would it require that person to put the
culvert in and everything else in the road. Mr. Bonnett replied
that it would and that would establish the full urban cross
section in order to get a reasonable transition for drainage and
traffic .
Item 13b. Discussion was held of waivers on sidewalk
requirements under Section 27-30 of the Code of Ordinances .
(1) Expressway East Addition, Lot 2-B, Tract 2 .
U.S . 287 service road east of Hammond Road and Production
Blvd. Tract is 100 ft wide and would require sidewalk on
Production Blvd. and along Central Freeway. It is technically
feasible to construct sidewalks and Staff recommends disapproval
of waiver.
Councilor Hawkins asked if Lot 1 is vacant . Mr. Parker
replied that it was and we are spinning off Lot 2-B. He said
that there are curbs and gutters on both Production and on the
frontage road. They can build a sidewalk adjacent to the curb.
This request came from purchaser of Lot 2-B and the plat was
571
Item 13a cont ' d.
required in order to spin off of that lot . This is a building
permit issue not a platting issue .
Mayor stated that this is an opportunity to require the
curb and gutter on the west side of Lot 2-A. Mr. Parker stated
that it is going to affect the purchaser of Lot 2-B and that
will be discussed on Tuesday.
(2) Parkhill Road Addition
Parkhill Road and Seymour Highway is technically feasible
to construct a sidewalk, therefore, Staff recommends disapproval
of this waiver.
Councilor Thompson said that for a long time the low
income communities have not had the benefit available of
sidewalks and paved streets until revenue sharing. I wonder if
we are going to retreat to yesterday, since we do not have a
corpus of funds . Also, we are talking from the engineering
point if this is feasible or not . Mr. Bonnett did not say how
this would come together and how it would impact the City.
This, along with housing, needs to be discussed next week.
Mr. Bonnett provided information on the two ordinances
which Council will discuss next Tuesday. He informed that one
relates to storm water and storm water management and the second
relates to boundary streets .
Mr. Bill Parker said they were given the task of storm PW
water management to maximize downstream protection and minimize
developer cost, and the ordinance you are going to discuss on N
Tuesday has done that . We have stayed with the original
ordinance and volume of detention facility will stay the same,
and no additional land area needed. Emphasis is on outlet
structure which will require a little more engineering scale .
It will provide the downstream protection which citizens have
been asking for. This is not to say that we will not have
hydraulically challenged sites with which to deal . This is a
straightforward ordinance .
Councilor Daniel commented that the reason we are looking
at this is that there are areas of town that have experienced
flooding for years and areas which are experiencing new
flooding, and we want to make sure that is minimized or
eliminated if possible .
Mr. Bonnett provided information on boundary streets,
waivers and sprawling developments . He urged Council to move
cautiously and with community support . He did not feel it made
sense to pass an ordinance then either rescind or waive it .
City Council recessed at 10 : 20 a .m. and reconvened at 10 :40
a.m.
Item 14a
Discussion on lake lot leasing policy.
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Item 14a cont ' d.
Mr. Dave Clark stated that when we talk about lakes we are
talking about our principal water supply and this is with that
in mind. We consider the use of living environment and
recreational facility as secondary.
Mr. Clark presented their proposal .
1) Do not re-lease lots which have become vacant . He
reported that there is a sanitation issue, especially at
Kickapoo, and the size of lots is also an issue . At both
lakes, if more is built out there more services will be
required. The City has taken a loss on the lake lot
leases .
2) Advance payments - People are given the opportunity to
pay in advance but in one year. We need to have knowledge
of the property and this provides that opportunity.
3) Lake Arrowhead does not have crappie houses and they
should not .
4) We believe docks should be inspected and permitted so
that we can have record of that and the quality.
5) Docks should be principally attached to residential
lease properties that back up to the lake .
6) There are squatters at both lakes, some who have
constructed crappie houses with no permission, and they
should be removed. We have provided a phase schedule for
that type of removal .
4) Shoreline management - Everything should be handled by a
lease with continual management .
Councilor Daniel asked if we were building Lake Arrowhead
today instead of thirty years ago, would we say that it is water
supply and we are not going to lease any land? Mr. Clark felt
that was a policy question that would need to be established at
that time . I think what happened is that decision was not made
at that time . The regulations and standards were not put in
place to the degree that they should have been. In today' s
environment I do not know if it is worth it . Councilor Daniel
asked if the recommendation would be not to lease lots . City
Manager replied that the recommendation would be not to lease
lots . If you look at what the City has put in as far as costs
you will never recover that in a lease . Looking back, I would
not do it, but I would set up recreation facilities to use at
the lake but not as a residence . Mayor stated that coming into
play would be preservation of the lake as a water supply and the
control of it .
Councilor Johnston said that you would not lease it at that
price but could consider it . Councilor Hawkins mentioned that
that issue had been addressed in the past and have, hopefully,
put in some safeguards . The lease is no longer 25 years; they
are renewed on a 5 year basis .
Glenda Newcomb, Lake Lot Coordinator informed that there
are no new leases, except at Lake Kickapoo, which terminate in
the year 2019 . They have a 25 year renewal option and have a 5
year review clause .
Councilor Hawkins asked if we decide to build Lake Ringold,
are we going to say no or are we going to try to put in place
changes that we have done recently to try to bring sufficient
income to help off-set this and pay for this? Are we going to
573
Item 14a cont ' d.
stop because the property was poorly maintained in the past? I
do not agree . If we need to increase the size of the lots,
let' s do it . City Manager explained that Lake Kickapoo was
without benefit of a survey. Councilor Hawkins clarified that
he was referring to Lake Arrowhead on re-letting of the lots and
if lots are too small they should be increased. Mr. Clark
stated that if Council considers increasing development at Lake
Arrowhead you need to consider the long term development of the
roads, sewers, increase in clean water supply, garbage service,
etc . That is where we have real reservations - the costs of
doing that . Mr. Clark stated that this recommendation is from
Staff and we believe in it .
Councilor Thompson stated that you have to anticipate EPA
regulations 5 to 10 years from now and it could be astronomical .
City Manager said that Councilor Hawkins' question was
based on why not and I question why. What is the City' s
advantage to lease those lots if you are striving for a break
even, at best . Councilor Johnston said that we have talked
about the quality of life here, and the lakes are a beautiful
asset out there . If we are not going to use money to support
leases out there we surely are not going to spend money to
support more parks and areas out there . In any lake development
there are only so many parks you can put around them. Leasing
those lots where they pay for themselves speaks to the quality
of life . We need to let the leases pay for themselves . Lakes
and water recreation in this area are a premium. People want to ,
use those lakes . Being able to rent a lot out there is a plus
for this community.
City Manager clarified that what we are saying is that we
do not have enough lots out there to rent and you are not going
to get enough money to put in the improvements you want . What
you are doing is upping the risks of at some point having high
costs, not to mention if EPA gets involved in this . It is not
worth the gamble . You will not get enough revenue, but, if you
do you will need to improve the facility. Councilor Johnston
commented that you do not think there would be enough people to
develop those lots, but I think if you turn those lots over to a
developer you would see all kinds of houses developed out there
and within a cost effective method.
City Manager said that they need to remember there is a
judge who sits in Clay County that talks about the quality and
condition of the roads, and that is going to fall back on us .
If our concern is the quality of life, I suggest that you will
not get enough revenue from that resource to do it without the
cost factor. If that is where we want to go then improve those
facilities, but, I would not do it at the expense of upping the
residence numbers at those lakes . Councilor Johnston felt it
was an asset we can develop and use .
Councilor Thompson asked if we could look at development
from another fashion rather than becoming a residential area.
He felt that moving in a direction which is going to encourage
the building of houses, permanent structures, is going to be a
risk on behalf of the City. Not everyone in Wichita Falls feels
you should build houses . A lot of people feel it should be
recreational; not everyone can take advantage of building
houses . There are a lot of people who would rather see the
574
Item 14a cont ' d.
parks improved than to see houses put out there . A lot of
people resent the way it was put together and that only a select
few are able to live out there . Councilor Hawkins questioned if
we were going to live in the past forever.
Mr. Clark commented that when you are talking about re-
leasing you are actually talking about 40 leasable lots at Lake
Arrowhead and 15 at Lake Kickapoo. Those are the numbers you
are really talking about re-leasing, and potential new income .
Councilor Daniel asked if he was proposing to terminate
existing leases . Mr. Clark said that those who have a current
lease and maintain their property, and if they want to transfer
it, they can do that . That is done constantly.
Mrs . Newcomb informed that leases at Lake Arrowhead expire
between 2017 and 2022 . A few will go beyond that . The new $480
leases at Lake Arrowhead expire in 2019, and are for those who
failed to make their payment . We still have another 25-30 years
left under the old rates at Lake Arrowhead.
Councilor Hawkins commented that persons who want to lease
available lots next to theirs should be allowed to do so with a
building restriction. Maybe we need to work with the other
counties involved in regards to Lake Kickapoo.
Councilor Daniel asked Councilor Thompson what the point of
resentment was? Councilor Thompson replied that it was the low
rates and that people can live dirt cheap out there, and also to
some degree are subsidized by all the citizens with only a few
benefiting. In addition, we all have to pay for the roads to be
maintained but only a few have the use of it .
Councilor Martin believes that this Council is trying to
correct something that a council did at Lake Arrowhead years
ago. We were supposed to have a building committee with a
building code out there, but that has not been followed. Over
the years, we, the Council, are the ones responsible for the
condition that lake is in now. I think we should look at moving
forward in some leases with an adequate rate . Let' s quit living
in the past . We should develop a building code to make sure
that junk does not go up out there . Mr. Clark assured the
Council that the Building Code is being applied out there and
there has been a complete change out there .
Councilor Martin said that with development of the Lake, if
we decide to go into leasing the lots, we should adopt other
cities ' requirements, such as building so many feet from the
water edge before they can have a septic tank. If they build
close, within 500 feet, from the shoreline require a holding
tank, which is not as contaminating to the soil as a septic
tank. Mr. Clark said that current standards for septic systems
are applied, and with lease transfers there is still some new
construction that goes on out there .
Councilor Martin stated that we do not have one good park
out there, only a State park. The only park is Shoshonee and it
is not maintained. Councilor Thompson said that if that is the
case, it needs to be corrected. Councilor Martin questioned why
575
Item 14a cont ' d.
that Park was not being developed. City Manager said that we do
clean up and some roads have been resurfaced. He saw the Park
in the spring and it looked pretty good.
Councilor Martin asked why other lakes were not included in
this discussion. Mr. Clark said that they had only been charged
with the management of Lake Arrowhead and Kickapoo.
Councilor Johnston asked if boat docks and crappie houses
were permitted in current leases at Lake Arrowhead. Mr. Clark
replied that they are not mentioned at all . We believe an
inspection and permitting process should be established for the
docks . We believe crappie houses are a compromise to the water
supply because they apparently have a potential contamination
ability, and we believe they should be removed. There are some
that are not related to residential leases, they are just put
there . Councilor Johnston agreed that any dock attached to a
lease should be up to standards . However, he has a problem with
private docks because it cuts off the shoreline from public
access . Nevertheless, they should be permitted and inspected.
Mr. Clark informed that Possum Kingdom Lake has removed all
their crappie houses . Councilor Johnston asked what, besides
the cost, was stopping us from removing those non-permitted
crappie houses and docks that are on non-leased lots . Mr. Clark
replied that there was not anything. We have identified at Lake
Kickapoo a number of crappie houses that have no benefit of
leases . That is a part of the presentation to your policy
making as to where to go from here . If you support the premises
of what we have submitted to you we will proceed forward.
Councilor Johnston asked about the surveys at the lakes . Mr.
Clark informed that Lake Arrowhead has been surveyed and the
lots are identified. Lake Kickapoo was never surveyed and we
cannot identify the lots by metes and bounds, only by lot and
block. Councilor Hawkins suggested that when there was a change
of ownership that a survey be required along existing fence
lines . Councilor Johnston said that if you do not have metes
and bounds you have to start somewhere with some boundary. Mr.
Clark said that at some point it may not be necessary to do a
survey.
Councilor Hawkins suggested using the boundary from one
fence to another fence to establish a reference point . He said
he did not accept the idea of no new leases . I think we need to
look at continuing to lease properties . We need to take
advantage of those that are not leased to produce revenue to
help pay for the streets and other improvements .
Councilor Johnston asked if on transfer of leases, the City
had an option of whether to approve or not approve . Mrs .
Newcomb replied no, unless there is a situation which would
prohibit the re-leasing of a lot, it is automatic .
Mr. Clark said that Staff made proposals on crappie houses
and docks, and we would like some direction. Councilor Hawkins
said he agreed with the docks and crappie houses ; but they
should be registered. He asked that the City Attorney have
someone who specializes in real estate law to look into this to
determine what we are able to do on lease renewal and lease
transfers at Lake Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo. City Attorney
576
Item 14a cont ' d.
stated that Lake Kickapoo had already been addressed. Councilor
Hawkins said that we need to tighten it up even more at both
lakes; let more leases, but tighten it up more . Councilor
Johnston asked if there was any legal problem with removing
existing crappie houses and docks . City Attorney replied that
there was not because to begin with they were not authorized.
Mr. Clark asked Council what direction they wanted him to
take .
Councilor Martin said he agreed with the recommendation of
the docks and crappie houses; they need to be addressed. He
would like the Lake Lot Coordinator to continue with the clean
up out there and to clamp down on the Building Code . Regarding
payment of leases, he could not see why people cannot pay two or
three years in advance since we inspect out there, and the
inspector can tell if anyone has moved in or out .
Councilor Hawkins said he agreed because the lease can be
canceled if it is being violated. Mrs . Newcomb said that it is
very difficult to tell whether they are moving in and out and it
is difficult, on a transfer, to keep up with the payments if
they pay in advance . It is more efficient to say it is due each
year. The point of contact with these people has been
tremendous . Councilor Hawkins said that a person cannot sublet
without our approval and the money could be earning interest if
paid in advance . City Manager mentioned that Councilor Hawkins
was talking about one incident, but, we are talking about 400
leases . We would be getting interest from only a few people who
paid in advance .
Councilor Johnston said that he did not have a problem with
one year annual payments . Councilor Martin said they could mail
it in, but, what is to prevent them from paying for it and
letting someone else live there . Councilor Johnston said how
the funds were administered whether one or five years was fine;
the main thing is to get the lots cleared up and decide what we
were going to do about the leases .
Mayor asked if Council was in agreement with the Mr.
Clark' s memo with the exception of the lease/re-leasing of the
lots . Council concurred. Mayor asked if Council wanted to open
up additional land to be leased or restrict it to what is
currently available for leasing. Councilor Johnston and Hawkins
felt they needed to look at a map before they could answer that .
Councilor Johnston thought there is a value of open areas,
unoccupied. They did not think opening up new areas should be
addressed at this time .
Councilor Hawkins referred to new developments . If a
developer came in with a plan to develop in an unplatted or
undeveloped area he would agree with that, but, not for the City
to do that . Councilor Johnston said that should be left up to
Mr. Clark but not to aggressively going after a bunch of lots .
Councilor Thompson said that if that were done the City would
find itself in a class action law suit . He added that Mr. Clark
needs to discuss EPA regulations and clean water supply.
Mayor added that water supply is an important issue, and at
what point of development do you say that a septic system is not
going to be a viable alternative . Mr. Clark deferred septic
577
Item 14a cont ' d.
systems to Health Department Director B.J. Clements . Mrs .
Clements, said she was not prepared to talk about that issue
since Mr. Rueben Warren was not present .
Mr. Bonnett informed that part of the Information
Collection Rule requirement approved today was a virus study and
protozoa study. Where we go depends on what type of information
we get back from the Information Collection Rule . Do not be
surprised if down the road you see a septic system requirement
at the lake . Councilor Johnston asked if we are required to put
in a sanitation sewer, how does that affect the leases . City
Attorney replied that it is not addressed in the lease .
Mr. Clark asked for Council direction. He stated that
three Council members had implied their interest in re-leasing.
Mayor said that there was a suggestion from Councilor Hawkins
that this be continued in a worksession. She said there was a
consensus of Council on everything in Mr. Clark' s memo except on
re-leasing.
Mrs . Dorcas Chasteen, Property Management, stated that in
their recommendation they had requested that if Council decides
to re-lease that it be done by a lottery-type drawing with a
certain amount being put up to be in the drawing. Councilor
Johnston suggested that the bidding process would be a good way
to do that .
Councilor Hawkins suggested Council consider buying back
some of the leases and move towards the removal of leases on
isolated lots . We can give them an opportunity to turn back the
leases . City Manager clarified that we are not saying we want
everyone off of the lake lots . We do not know what EPA is going
to do, but if you re-develop that asset, triggers will start to
be pulled. Councilor Martin stated that as long as the people
are there, we are going to renew but not do any new leases .
Mayor said that this will be taken up again in a
worksession at a later date . If any council member wishes
additional information they can contact Mr. Clark and request it
from him. Councilor Thompson asked that Mr. Jack Murphy provide
suggestions on parks out there .
Mr. Clark informed that he has scheduled for Council to
tour the edges of the community on July 8 at 10 : 00 a.m. unless
Council wants to change that . This remained as scheduled.
Item 14b
Councilor Hawkins asked what the policy was on dirtbikes in °
the parks . Mr. Murphy replied that motor vehicles in parks were
prohibited.
Councilor Hawkins asked what the plans were to clean up the
limbs that were down after the storm. Mr. Bonnett replied that
it was the property owner' s responsibility.
578
Item 14b cont ' d.
Councilor Hawkins said that extra dirt was being dumped in
a storm retention area in Sheppard Heights . Mr. Bonnett will
look into this .
Councilor Martin suggested that the City of Wichita Falls
work on economic development along with other cities which have
adopted the half cent sales tax. Also, that our 4A Committee
work with surrounding cities' 4A Committees .
Councilor Thompson advised that mowing is needed in
District 2 . He asked that Mr. Murphy check Shoshoney Park and
get it cleaned up and see if there is land that can be used as a
park and provide recommendations to the Council .
Councilor Thompson expressed condolences to Mrs . Jan
Stricklin in the loss of her father.
Councilor Johnston suggested that on items of some
magnitude, like the ones which were tabled today, that they be
put on as a public hearing.
Mayor invited anyone interested in these two development
issues to attend next Tuesday' s worksession.
Item 14c
City Manager informed Council of the tour July 8 at 10 : 00
a.m. of the outlying community under waivers and potential
annexation. He informed Council that Staff was developing the
3 , 5, and 10 year capital improvement plan for Council
consideration.
City Manager informed he is in the process of writing a
letter to request the radar and once it is received it becomes
the City' s asset and cannot be given away. Council concurred
with this action.
David Briggs, 3700 Onaway expressed his appreciation to the
Council for their decision on the radar issue and felt that this
was a positive move .
Item 14d
City Council went into executive session as authorized by
Section 551 . 071 of the Texas Government Code at 12 : 05 p.m. and
reconvened at 1 : 20 p.m.
The City Council adjourned at 1 : 21 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 1997 .
i
579
KATHRY ' A. YEAG R
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Lydia Torres
City Clerk