Min 07/01/1997 580
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
July 1, 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 o' clock a.m. , with the
following members present :
Kay Yeager - Mayor
Dan Shine - Councilors
Angus Thompson -
Bill Daniel -
J. W. Martin -
James Berzina - City Manager
Greg Humbach - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Don Johnston - Absent
Harold Hawkins - Absent
Mayor Yeager called the meeting to order.
Invocation was given by Rev. Wade Hood, West Side Baptist
Church.
Item 3
Jose Caballero, Street Department Automotive Equipment
Operator I , was honored as Employee of the Month for the month
of July. Mayor presented him with a plaque, City pin, transit
tickets, dinner tickets and a check.
Item 4
No one signed up to speak.
Mayor Yeager congratulated and recognized the newly
promoted police majors, Major Manuel Borrego and Major Derek
Knowles .
Mayor Yeager allowed Councilor Martin to introduce the
newly promoted police captain. Councilor Martin congratulated
and recognized his son Captain Greg Martin.
Mayor Yeager recognized Montay Riley as a youth playing a
positive role in our community. Mayor enumerated Mr. Riley' s
numerous activities and accomplishments, some of which include
being a nine year member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wichita
581
Item 4 cont 'd.
Falls, a Hirschi High School Senior and Ambassador, Big Brother
Mentoring Programs, and Crime Stoppers . Also, he is an officer
of the Key Club, Business Club, and Spanish Club. He is on the
varsity basketball team, and member of the Student Council and
St . Paul Missionary Baptist Church. In addition, he is North
West Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club President, and North
Texas Representative for Youth of the Year.
Montay Riley was recognized for outstanding contributions
to our community.
Item 5
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
As a point of information, Mayor Yeager announced that at
the July 15, 1997 meeting, Council will convene at 8 : 30 a.m. and
will recess to appear in Federal Court . Council will reconvene
after that hearing. Time is unknown.
Items 6a-7d
City Manager requested that Item 6a be tabled for further
study.
Moved by Councilor Martin that the consent agenda be
approved with the exception of Item 6a.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 6a
Moved by Councilor Daniel that Item 6a be tabled.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 6b
Bid was awarded to Southwestern Bell Telephone in the
amount of $16 , 736 . 80 for providing equipment and installation of
telephone communications system at the Wichita Falls Public
Library.
582
Items 7a-7d
Minutes of the following boards and commissions were
received.
a. Board of Electrical Examiners, June 12 , 1997
b. Water Resources Commission, June 6, 1997
c . 4A Sales Tax Corporation, June 5, 1997
d. 4B Sales Tax Corporation, June 24 , 1997
Item 8a
City Manager corrected this proposed ordinance by deleting
Lot 2-A.
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 27-30 of
the Code of Ordinances with respect to placing sidewalk on the
north side of Production Blvd. adjacent to the south line of Lot
2-B, Tract 2 , Unit 1, Expressway East Industrial District .
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine .
Mayor informed that these waivers were presented and
discussed at length at the June 17 Council meeting.
Motion failed by the following vote .
Ayes : None
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Item 8b
ORDINANCE NO, 58-97
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION 9 (B) (2) (a)
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB
AND GUTTER ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF SEYMOUR HWY. (U.S.
277) ADJACENT TO THE SOUTHEAST LINE OF LOT 2 , BLOCK 1,
PARKHILL ROAD ADDITION
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 58-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
583
Item 8c
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 27-30 of
the Code of Ordinances with respect to placing sidewalk on the
east side of Parkhill Road adjacent to the west line of Lots 1 &
2 , Block 1, Parkhill Road Addition.
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and failed by the
following vote .
Ayes : None
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Item 8d
ORDINANCE NO 59- 7
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION 9 (B) (2) (a)
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB
AND GUTTER ON THE EAST SIDE OF PARKHILL ROAD ADJACENT
TO THE WEST LINE OF LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 1, PARKHILL ROAD
ADDITION
Moved by Councilor Shine that Ordinance No . 59-97 be
passed. r
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 8e
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 27-30 of
the Code of Ordinances with respect to placing sidewalk on the
northwest side of Seymour Hwy. (U. S . 277) adjacent to the
southeast line of Lot 2, Block 1, Parkhill Road Addition.
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and failed by the
following vote .
Ayes : None
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
584
Item 8f
ORDINANCE NO, 60-97
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION 9 (B) (2) (a)
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB
AND GUTTER ON THE WEST SIDE OF BARNETT ROAD, ADJACENT
TO THE EAST LINE OF BLOCK 5, KEMP SUBDIVISION OF W.M.
MAYER SURVEY A-193
Moved by Councilor Daniel that Ordinance No. 60-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote :
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 8a
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Appendix A,
Subdivision 9 (B) (2) (a) of the Code of Ordinances with respect to
placing curb and gutter on the southeast side of Seymour Hwy.
(U. S . Hwy. 277) adjacent to the northwest line of Block 1,
Norman Nelson Addition.
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and failed by the
following vote .
Ayes : None
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Item 8h
City Manager corrected this proposed ordinance by deleting
Lot 2-A.
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 27-30 of
the Code of Ordinances with respect to placing sidewalk on the
south side of U. S . Expressway 287 adjacent to the north line of
Lot 2-B, Tract 2 , Unit 1, Expressway East Industrial District .
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and failed by the
following vote .
Ayes : None
585
Item 8h cont ' d.
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Item 8i
ORDINANCE NO, 61-97
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION 9 (B) (2) (a)
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB
AND GUTTER ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MORGAN LANE, ADJACENT
TO THE NORTH LINE OF BLOCK 1, EDEN HOUSING ADDITION
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 61-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 8j
ORDINANCE NO 62- 7 w
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION 9 (B) (2) (a)
OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB
AND GUTTER ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF KOVARIK ROAD, ADJACENT
TO THE NORTH LINE OF BLOCK 5, KEMP SUBDIVISION OF W.M.
MAYER SURVEY A-193
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 62-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 8k
ORDINANCE NO 6 -97
AN ORDINANCE REZONING 519 SULLIVAN STREET, LOT 6-A,
BLK. 13-A, BATESON ADDITION, WICHITA FALLS, WICHITA
COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM LIMITED COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL
MIXED USE ZONING; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO
THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
586
Item 8k cont ' ..
Moved by Councilor Daniel that Ordinance No. 62-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Councilor Thompson asked if this was a unanimous vote by
Planing and Zoning. Mr. Clark was uncertain but believed it was .
Councilor Daniel informed that he was at that meeting and to the
best of his recollection it was a unanimous vote .
Tom Allensworth, 1401 Holliday, Suite 316, was representing
Mr. J. R. Wilbourn, property owner. Mr. Allensworth stated that
he was told it was a unanimous vote after considerable
discussion.
Councilor Thompson asked if that pertained only to the lot
in question. Mr. Clark confirmed that it did.
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 81
ORDINANCE NO, 64-97
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6100, NONCONFORMING
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Daniel that Ordinance No. 64-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote :
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin
Nays : None
Item 8m
ORDINANCE NO. 65-97
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING VARIOUS STANDARD CODES RELATING
TO INSPECTION ACTIVITIES OF THE CITY AND ENFORCEMENT
OF BUILDING PROVISIONS AS PROVIDED IN SUCH CODES BY
AMENDING ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 7-14 , 7-15, 7-16 , 7-17
AND 7-18 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS AND BY REPEALING EXISTING ORDINANCES
CONTRARY TO SUCH CODES
587
Item 8m cont 'd.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 65-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin .-,„,
Nays : None
Item 8n
A proposed ordinance was presented waiving Section 5620 of
the Zoning Ordinance and allowing a single-wide mobile home as a
residence in a General Commercial Zoning District .
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Mr. Dave Clark provided background on this request and
informed that two City Ordinances had been violated and Staff
feels that that their ability to enforce potential future and
existing ordinances is based on Council ' s action on this waiver.
He stated that if Council chooses to approve this waiver Staff
would like direction on how it is to treat the enforcement of
City Ordinances .
Mr. Clark explained the conditional use provision for a
double-wide mobile home and the use of double-wide mobile homes
in a General Commercial Zoning District . You cannot obtain a
conditional use permit for a single-wide . The concern is a
single-wide trailer becoming a permanent office use with a
commercial application.
Tom Allensworth, 1401 Holliday, Suite 316, Attorney for Mr.
Larry Lofland, property owner, stated that they would prefer to
have the entire Council present to discuss this matter if
possible . It was Council' s opinion that this item be considered
at this time since it had been discussed previously. Also, Mr.
Allensworth had desired that Councilor Shine be present for this
discussion and he is present .
Mr. Allensworth informed that the property owner was trying
to improve and protect his property and his assets . We have an
auto dealership where persons have tried to break in. His
clients want an opportunity to occupy this property for security ."
purposes . From his clients perspective it has not had an adverse
affect upon adjoining property owners; if anything, it has
served as an enhancement . He mentioned that Council has the
ability to pass waivers when it is thought to be in the best
interest of the City and the property. There are times when
strict rigid applications of a zoning ordinance neither promotes
the needs or requirements of the City or an individual property
owner. He suggested that this was one of those cases . It will
not promote long term interest of the City because it will
588
Item 8n cont ' d.
result in my clients being victimized more by criminal element,
and also it will not promote the interests of my clients . They
have had three different occasions where criminals have made
onto his property or attempted it . My clients have put a
considerable amount of money to enhance the property.
Councilor Shine asked if building permits were issued. Mr.
Allensworth stated that building permits were issued for the
rehabilitation of the existing structure . It was his
understanding that at the time the building permits were issued,
there was a travel trailer there and that "passed mustard" with
the City. My clients removed the travel trailer and put in a
single-wide mobile home .
Councilor Shine asked if inspection missed the mobile home
during the inspection. It was Mr. Clark' s understanding that
permits were issued for the improvement of the existing
structure and when the trailer was brought in there were no
permits, that was later.
Councilor Shine mentioned to Mr. Allensworth that there was
a problem of law with the fact that you cannot make a special
use permit out of a single-wide under any circumstances . Mr.
Clark stated that there were several problems here . First, I
would argue that there is no hardship here, and this is not a
case for the Board of Appeals . I feel passionately about the
aspect of a waiver for a waiver' s sake . I do not feel that there
is a case here for granting a waiver. Councilor Shine agreed,
however, we have to be just in our actions and if we proved this
to be acceptable and then come back later and put a hardship on
someone, that is a different situation. Mr. Clark said that his
reference to a hardship is the basis when cases can be heard by
the Board of Appeals, generally, that hardship refers to a quirk
in the property rather than a financial hardship or just waiving
what the ordinances say.
The issue of vagrants was discussed. Mr. Clark stated that
there had been one incident in three years which was a traffic
accident . Mr. Allensworth said that the police report was not
accurate in that there was a burglary in progress at the time .
Mr. Larry Lofland, 3701 Seymour, co-owner of Triple T
Sales, informed that he had called 9-1-1 on fires which could
have damaged his property if he had not been there to make the
call . The accident which was reported was an incident . I caught
him trying to break into my building and as he backed out he hit
one of my trucks, and it was reported as an accident . After
that I did not call the police on other incidents . He also
mentioned that there had always been a travel trailer there
since they started remodeling until they replaced it with the
mobile home in October. Surrounding property owners have no
objection to this single-wide mobile home .
Councilor Thompson understood the law but was concerned
that the law ought to work in the interest of our citizens . We
as Councilors have a right to look at each individual case if
that be our desire and make amendments or changes where we feel
would be in the best interest of the citizens and of our City.
I do not understand why a double wide was acceptable and a
single-wide was not . That was a concern to him. Also, if this
is valid and if the trailer is removed, will these
589
Item 8n con ' d.
conditions reoccur, and if they do and his building is
burglarized or burned, what will our response be . We would have
complied with the law.
City Attorney clarified that this actually was an
individual exemption from the law. The Zoning Ordinance is an
Ordinance that this Council and community have adopted to
protect the public safety and welfare . There are criminal
sanctions attached to violating a Zoning Ordinance and what you
have before you is a request to be exempt from this Zoning 7 '
Ordinance . That is a dangerous precedent . There is an important
distinction; you are not just waiving a building requirement or
a curb and gutter requirement ; you are waiving an Ordinance that
was adopted for the public health, safety and welfare .
Mr. Allensworth disagreed with the statement of waiving a
criminal statute . This is just an applicant coming before you,
the lawmakers, for relief . Councilor Daniel commented that
Council had been asked for relief from an Ordinance, however, it
has been prior to the Ordinance being violated. This is after
the Ordinance has been violated. Also, we all have a concern to
enable businesses to protect themselves, but, there is a
difference between hardship and convenience, and I believe in
this case it is a convenience . We are at a place of how best to
protect business . The Ordinance has been written and this is
not the chosen avenue; there are other ways to go.
Councilor Thompson was interested in how an ordinance cans,
be passed that cannot be changed or waived. He was interested in
the argument that we have become the captives of those things
that we have passed. Health and safety is thrown out but never
defined or addressed specifically. The point of discussion is
larger than this item. Even if this fails I think it is very
chilling that something that has been put into motion cannot be
reversed. Councilor Daniel informed that it could be reversed
by granting the waiver or the Ordinance can be revisited and
modified. I believe the staff would indicate to us that it
would be their desire to have an ordinance not only regarding
this case but building codes, etc . , that allows them some
flexibility to address different situations in different areas
of the City. However, this is not the issue at hand. Councilor
Thompson felt that maybe Council should revisit that issue .
Mr. Clark said that Mr. Lofland had the option to
accomplish his task within the bounds of the law if he had
chosen to do that . He could have complied with the Zoning
Ordinance and establish a residence at the site . Mr.
Allensworth asked what he meant when he said establishing a
residence . Mr. Clark stated that he had the opportunity to
request a double-wide with conditional use permit, etc . , to
accomplish that and request it, and he did not . Mr. '
Allensworth said that they were citizens of limited means and
perhaps not wise to the ways of the City. There is a significant
difference in the cost of single-wide and a double-wide, and it
would be expensive to put in a double-wide or detached
structure . This alternative would be a financial hardship on my
clients . He asked that Council consider the absence of neighbor
opposition to the single-wide .
Motion failed by the following vote .
590
Item 8n cont ' d.
Ayes : Councilor Thompson
Nays : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Daniel, Martin
Item 8o
ORDINANCE N0, 66-97
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE RATE OF DISCHARGE OF STORM
WATER RUNOFF: SPECIFYING CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING
RUNOFF RATES : ESTABLISHING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF RUNOFF CONTROL FACILITIES : AND
SETTING FORTH PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
THEREOF
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 66-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote :
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin
Nays : None
Item 9a
RESOLUTION NO 96-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS; CONSENTING TO THE MERGER OF THE
HELEN FARABEE CENTER AND THE ROLLING PLAINS STATE
OPERATED COMMUNITY SERVICES; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
VOTE IN FAVOR OF SAID MERGER; FINDING AND DETERMINING
THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED
WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 96-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine .
Councilor Thompson stepped out of the Council Chambers .
Dr. Tom Curran, Chairman of the Helen Farabee Board, was
present to answer questions on this resolution and spoke in
favor of the merger.
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Daniel, and Martin
Nays : None
591
Item 9b
RESOLUTION NO, 97-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS; AMENDING RESOLUTION 151-96 AT
SECTION 6 .4 , "OTHER BUSINESS, " CONCERNING RULES OF
PROCEDURE FOR THE CITY COUNCIL; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Daniel that Resolution No. 97-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
Councilor Thompson returned to the Council Chambers .
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 9c
RESOLUTION N0, 98-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS ADOPTING CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1997-98
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 98-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Councilor Daniel expressed appreciation to the Mayor for
leadership when she began her term of office in May 1996 . She
led the Council in adopting goals . These are the actual goals
which are guiding the City and the Staff in their work, and
goals by which this Council and Staff will be judged. These
goals are the driving force behind the budgets of this coming
year and future years . He felt this was an achievement .
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
592
Item 9d
RESOLUTION NO. 99-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS; APPROVING THE BYLAWS OF THE
WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Shine that Resolution No. 99-97 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
City Attorney informed that at the next Council meeting he
would be presenting a waiver on the budget submission
requirement for both the 4A and 4B Sales Tax Corporations . The
budget is required to be submitted to Council 60 days before the
end of the fiscal year, and that is not going to be possible .
The resolution will be to waive that requirement until mid
December.
Motion carried by the following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
Martin
Nays : None
City Council recessed at 10 : 15 and reconvened at 10 : 30 a.m.
Item 10
Moved by Councilor Shine that bid be awarded to Ameritech
Library Services in the amount of $193 , 074 for computer
hardware, software, and related services for the new library and
authorizing the purchase of related computer equipment in the
amount of $81, 000 on the Texas General Services Purchasing
Agreement .
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 10b
Moved by Councilor Thompson that bid be awarded to Dailey
Electric, Inc . , in the amount of $13 , 991 for the installation of
wiring for the computer system at the new library facility and
authorizing the purchase of related materials in the amount of
$9, 891 on the Texas General Services Purchasing Agreement .
593
Item 10b con ' d.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 10c
Moved by Councilor Martin that bid be awarded to Lone Star
EnviroSystems in the amount of $159, 000 . 00 for the purchase of a
Mobile Grinder.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 11
Council held a discussion of waivers on the following
items .
2. Curb and gutter requirements of Appendix A, Subdivision
9 (B) (2) (a) of the Code of Ordinances for:
(1) Mesa Irrigated Farms, Lot 1, Block 35
Mr. Bill Parker informed that location is west of Parkhill
and south of Kovarik and it is out of the City limits . Staff
recommends approval of waiver.
(2) East side of Hammon Road adjacent to the west line of
Lot 2-A, Tract 2 , Unit 1, Expressway East Industrial District .
Mr. Parker informed that location is on Hammond and
Production. Staff recommends approval of waiver.
h. Waiver for paving all interior streets requirements of
Appendix A, Subdivision 9 (B) (2) (a) of the Code of Ordinances for
the Lots 8-A and 8-B, County Farm Addition.
Mr. Parker informed that the current Wichita Falls
Metropolitan Area Thoroughfare Plan shows Midwestern Parkway
east of Henry S . Grace Freeway as a major arterial street with
two eastbound and two westbound lanes divided by a median. A 50-
foot right-of-way was dedicated and the south portion of
Midwestern Parkway was constructed in 1972 . The developer is
required to dedicate an additional 60-foot right-of-way on the
south side of this tract and pave the additional two lane
roadway according to the Plan. Legal has ruled this be
considered as an internal street . The paving of the street would
only be for the lot being platted. He added that the requirement
is to pave the street and the only relief would be a waiver from
Council .
594
Item 11 cont ' d.
Mr. Dave Clark stated that the ultimate Thoroughfare Plan
is that Midwestern Parkway would go all the way to Hammon Road.
Mr. Parker commented that the thought process was that the
property would develop in the future .
Councilor Daniel wanted to know when the City pays and when
a developer pays for the street . Mr. Bill Parker informed that
the Subdivision Ordinance stipulates that interior streets shall
be paved by the developer, and exterior streets are paved by the
City. In this case, all the paving will be on the property that
was formally owned by the developer and that makes it an
interior street .
Councilor Shine asked what if it was dedicated. Mr. Parker
replied that you would have to waive the requirement of paving
the street . Planning is requesting a 60-foot right-of-way to be
dedicated. Mr. Clark stated that in the platting process, Staff
follows the adopted Thoroughfare Plan which designates rights-
of-way regulations, etc . Since this is a plat the right-of-way
would be required as a part of that platting process . Also, the
construction of the street would be required, but you do have
the authority to waive that even though the right-of-way is
obtained. Councilor Shine commented that if we wanted an
internal street we would have to pay for the right-of-way, is
that correct? Mr. Clark said that if there were no developing or
platting occurring on this property, that is correct .
Mr. Parker said that waiver request is prior to this . That
is an existing street adjacent to a proposed platted piece of
property. That is a border street and all we can ask for is curb
and gutter. My understanding is that if that street is
constructed within what was the property boundary of the
developer it is considered an internal street .
Councilor Daniel asked what would be the scenario if the
City decided that we needed the Maplewood extension to through
to connect with Lawrence Road. Mr. Clark gave an example . There
is consideration of a platting process going on now for the area
off of Lawrence Road in the Keith Street realm. If Keith Street
were extended to the west through the tract of property behind
WalMart, the developer would be required to construct that
street because it is an internal street for them within their
property. They are proceeding with a platting process there,
but if there were no platting process and nothing going on and
the City decided they wanted to build a street through there,
City would have to buy the right-of-way and build the street . He
added that the internal street is what provides access to their
lot for their development .
Councilor Daniel commented that basically we take advantage
of development to put in streets . Mr. Clark explained that this
is authorized under the State and local laws and is a part of
the development process . It is very common for developers to
build those streets completely. The planning process is a
method for communities at large to accomplish a street system
and its construction through the development processes .
Councilor Daniel stepped out of the Council Chambers .
595
Item 11 cont 'd.
Councilor Martin stated that if we grant the waiver and
future development goes up and then we require a street we would
be responsible for the expense . Mr. Parker concurred and added
that they would have good reason to come in for a waiver. Also,
the City would have to address what happens to Midwestern
Parkway when the other tract that abuts Midwestern Parkway is
final platted. Councilor Thompson asked if there would be any
safety problems in that section. Mr. Parker replied that there
would not be, but there would be a perception that we put in a
portion of a street that is not being used.
Councilor Daniel returned to the Council Chambers .
Doug Burns, 5719 Moss Court, Dallas, Texas, informed that
the property was owned by Bluff' s Development Corporation, a
family land company. He stated that they had owned that tract
for 24 years . Property is in contract for one lot,
approximately five acres of the 23 acres . The sale will depend
on the outcome of this waiver. We do not feel that in 24 years
there has been a need to build a freeway in that area, and
cannot see that possibly there would be a need in the next 25 or
50 years . Total traffic count has gone down out there and we do
not see a large volume of increase requiring a boulevard. We
want to make several improvements at our expense out there such
as on the drainage ditch, and construct a new street, which
would be an interior street . We have been requested to do the
curb and gutter, the entire street, and a median. This would
make the project totally uneconomic and we feel that is too much
of a burden that has been put on this property.
David Tate, Attorney, 2309 Brookhollow, gave reasons why
the waiver should be granted. He was unaware that interior
streets would be a consideration. It was a boundary street when
it was purchased and this is just a part of it . We believe
Midwestern Parkway East is adequate right now because it has
been used for the same purpose for 15 years and there has been
no need for a 4-lane thoroughfare . He mentioned a similar
issue which occurred last year. Preston submitted a plat for
Keith Street and he was not required to widen Keith Street . Even
though the Thoroughfare Plan for Keith Street showed it as a
part of the extension of Maplewood which provided for a 4-lane
with a median or left-turn lane for Keith Street . Preston' s plat
was approved and it had land on both sides . We are not
criticizing that action, but, we feel that the same kinds of
reasons and maybe more so apply to our situation. We feel that
the future projected need for the expansion and extension of
Maplewood is more critical and much more eminent than the
extension of Midwestern Parkway East onto Hammon Road or
Windthorst Road. He asked that Council carefully read the letter
he sent them.
Councilor Martin asked why we were requesting a median. Mr.
Clark informed that the Thoroughfare Plan indicates on it,
depending on the nature of the street, the cross section of that
street as it would ultimately be developed. It is up to Council
if you feel that this is too strong a cross section requirement .
Councilor Martin suggested that if this waiver is changed or
granted that the median be taken out . Mr. Clark said they would
take another look at that . He added that part of the
596
Item 11 contd.
reasons for medians is to provide left turn abilities and a safe
environment .
Councilor Daniel asked if the Keith Street comparison was a
good one . Mr. Clark did not think it was . It is true that the
extension of Midwestern Parkway East is a longer term project .
The Preston right-of-way or what you might call Keith Street or
Maplewood Extension is less known, and when it came to the
question of Preston, right-of-way is not established. There is
a railroad at the end of Keith Street and a park on the other
side . The maintenance or obtaining of right-of-way through
Preston Dairy land, we thought, was prudent to keep that option
open, but, the construction of the street did not have logic at
that point and time .
Item 12a
Council held a discussion on the request from Archer County
MUD #1 for an additional water connection.
Mr. Jerry Gross provided background information on this
issue . The City of Wichita Falls has had a water purchase
contract with Archer County MUD since 1970 with this entity.
The initial contract authorized sufficient water to serve up to
150 family dwellings, however, growth has been occurring. The
district has found themselves with a problem of being able to
provide sufficient pressures throughout their distribution
system. That is one of the problems that they are attempting to
solve by requesting a second connection which would be on the
west end of their distribution system near what is Sisk Road.
Their current connection with the City of Wichita Falls is near
the old spillway of Lake Wichita on F.M. 2380 . This would be an
additional connection on the west end. He mentioned that there
were several ways to solve this problem. One is by their
requested second connection, and the other is through making
some improvements internally within their system.
Councilor Martin mentioned that this may have some effect
on Holliday. We have an agreement with Holliday and I understand
we are having some problems supplying them with authorized water
allowance . Mr. Gross stated that they are having some pressure
problems and it may lie within their system downstream. However,
any additional flow from our system to the west can have an
impact on Holliday in a worse problem than what they already
have, no matter if it lies within our system or theirs .
Councilor Thompson stated that we have two alternatives and
one will cause a problem to Holliday and the other one will not .
Mr. Gross concurred, and added that they are speaking only of
treated water.
Mayor informed that it is the recommendation of the Council
Committee that we go with option two, which would be for Archer
County MUD to construct a ground storage tank close to the
exiting metering point . The system would be pressurized with
Archer County MUD pumps with an elevated storage tank located on
the west end of the system.
597
Item 12a con ' d.
Mayor introduced Al Hargrove, President of Archer County
MUD, Neil Hull, Secretary, and Dean Hinton, Engineer.
Al Hargrove, Rt . 3 , Box 512B, Wichita Falls, explained that
when he wrote the request asking for this line he did not
realize that the line would interfere with any other customer.
We are the smallest water district with the fewest customers,
most of whom are farmers . For us option two would result in
increasing personnel and equipment costs, and would put us in a
bind. We have not had a chance to discuss this option. He
requested that Council not make a final decision right now. He
said they did not want to place a burden on any of our
customers .
Councilor Martin asked how many customers they serviced.
Mr. Hargrove replied that they had approximately 285 . We are
trying to find a way to best serve these people . I am asking
for your consideration before a final decision is made .
Mayor suggested that Mr. Hargrove meet with the Council
Committee, Mr. Gross and Mr. Bonnett to discuss these options
and try to work out an agreement that would be acceptable to
all .
Item 12b
Council considered the appeal by William Gene Melton, Jr.
ww-
of denial of taxi chauffeur' s permit .
Billy Melton, 2010 Buchanan, informed that he had been
driving a taxi for four years and that is all he knew to be able
to take care of my family. He said that he had done everything
to get this done the right way. The main objective is the
service of the cabs . My main objective is to obtain a permit to
where I can drive and work with the City of Wichita Falls . That
way I can make a difference in what happens in my community. In
my case, anything worth keeping is worth fighting for.
Councilor Daniel explained that citizens would be concerned
if his restaurant did not pass health inspection, and he would
be out of business . Regarding your profession, the Council has
adopted certain guidelines to protect the health, safety and
welfare of our citizens . One of those is that you should not
have over a certain number of traffic violations .
Mr. Melton stated that some of the citations are over three
years old.
Mr. Robert Powers, Assistant City Manager, explained the
section of the Vehicles for Hire Ordinance referring to the
three hazardous events in a 12 month period. He stated that
according to the Ordinance Mr. Melton will be eligible to apply
for a permit in July of 1998 . He informed that Mr. Melton
received three citations in 1995 and one in 1996 , one was for
speeding and two were failure to obey traffic devices .
Mr. Melton stated that one was for not yielding. He
explained that there was an accident at that location and he
thought the officer had waived him on and he explained that to
598
Item 12b cont ' d.
the officer. However, he was given a citation. Councilor Daniel
stated that Council cannot override what a Court has decided.
Councilor Martin mentioned the May 2 , 1997 incident at
S .A. F.B. where several cab drivers were stopped for not having a
valid City of Wichita Falls chauffeur' s permit . Mr. Powers
explained that Mr. Melton was one among others who were
operating without a valid permit . Mr. Melton stated that he
has stopped driving since that incident . Councilor Martin
commented that he was aware of the rules and the regulations and
he should have been working to protect not to have these
violations . Mr. Melton stated that he had tried to do numerous
things but you can only take defensive driving once or twice a
year. He realized that his past had caught up with him and he
was here to face the music .
Several questions were asked by Council regarding the
ordinance requirements for chauffeur permits . City Clerk
provided information on this procedure and the requirements .
Moved by Councilor Martin that Mr. Melton' s appeal be
denied.
Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, Daniel,
and Martin
Nays : None
Item 12c
Councilor Thompson asked that the noise made by the Preston
trucks at their location be checked.
Mayor asked everyone to be very careful with fireworks as
we approach July 4 . She encouraged everyone to enjoy and
participate in all the community events in celebrating our
independence .
Item 12d
City Manager reminded Council of the tour scheduled for
July 8, 1997 at 10 : 00 a.m.
Item 12e
The City Council went into Executive Session at 12 : 05 p.m.
as authorized by Section 551 . 071 of the Texas Government Code
and Section 551 . 074 of the Government Code .
The City Council reconvened at 12 :43 p.m.
Councilor Daniel was not in attendance .
599
Item 12f
Mayor informed that under the advise of the City Attorney,
on a ruling by the Attorney General, no Library Advisory Board
appointees were discussed in Executive Session.
Item 12g
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Dr. Joseph Miller be re-
appointed to the Wichita Falls Housing Authority Board with term
to expire July 1, 1999, and that the following persons be
appointed:
Ruby Gatewood with term to expire July 1, 1998, replaces
Charles Averhart;
Dan Blue with term to expire July 1, 1999, replaces Buddie
Vise;
Pat Nelson with term to expire July 1, 1999, replaces
Marguerita Payne .
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote .
Ayes : Mayor Yeager, Councilors Shine, Thompson, and Martin
Nays : None
boo
The City Council adjourned at 12 :46 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this _day of 1997 .
, THRYN A. YEAG R
MAYOR
ATTEST:
o ('��
Lydia Torres
City Clerk ,. <