Min 05/16/1995 888
Wichita Falls,Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
May 16 ,1995
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:
Michael Lam - Mayor
Don Johnston - Councilors
Dan Shine -
Angus Thompson -
Bill Daniel -
J. W. Martin -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina - City Manager
Gregory Humbach - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Mayor Lam called the meeting to order.
The invocation was given by Rev. Angus Thompson, New
Jerusalem Baptist Church.
Mayor Lam proclaimed May 22-28, 1995 as "Air Force Field
Training Mobileer Week" .
Mayor Lam proclaimed May 14-20, 1995 as "Emergency Medical
Services Week" .
Mayor Lam welcomed to the Council the two newly elected
City Councilors Don Johnston and Dan Shine.
Item 3
Moved by Councilor Thompson that the minutes of May 2 and
May 9, 1995 meetings be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Items 4a-6c
Moved by Councilor Shine that the consent agenda be
approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
889
Item 4a
RESOLUTION NO. 68-95
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE REVISED SECTION
8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN AND
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN
Item 5a
Bid was awarded to Casco Industries, Inc. in the amount of
$33,825. 00 for the purchase of fire retardant station wear.
Item 5b
Bid was awarded to Construction Agricultural Supply in the
amount of $46,793 . 00 for one (1) front end loader/backhoe.
Item 6a-6c
Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and
commissions were received.
a. Wichita Falls Traffic Safety Commission, April 5, 1995
b. Wichita Falls Park Board, April 27, 1995
c. Civil Service Commission, May 1, 1995
Item 7a
The First Public Hearing on the Consolidated Plan which
includes the proposed use of 1994-1995 Community Development
Block Grant Funds and Home Investment Partnership Funds was
held.
Mr. Clark informed that the community anticipates funding
for CDBG and Home Program in the approximate amount of
$2,607, 000. As part of the process one of the new regulations
of the Federal Government is the development of a Consolidated
Plan. A Consolidated Plan will be a five year plan that will
lay out the priorities and the needs for the community. This
morning' s public hearing will allow citizen input, however, no
decisions will be made today.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
Tim Thomas, 4809 Dickens, Director Small Business
Development Center at M.S.U. , handed out some information to the
Council. We have made application for some CDBG money, however,
I think it will be difficult to justify giving us money, but if
you can I would ask that you consider it. Mr. Thomas gave
information on the Small Business Development Center funding and
their impact on Wichita Falls ' economy. He asked that if CDBG
funding is not available that Council consider some way to fund
SBDC.
Councilor Martin commented that the Small Business
Development Center plays a vital role in establishing small
businesses and they do a great job.
Mayor called for other comments or input. No one else
wished to be heard. Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
Item 7b
A public hearing was held on hazardous structures.
Mayor stated the purpose of the hearing and declared the
public hearing open.
Mayor read the list of structures and the following were
addressed by citizens.
890
Item 7b, cont'd.
Everett A. Boone, 3105 Milby, addressed 1328 32nd St.
Requested that he be allowed to demolish structure himself. He
has obtained a demolition permit and requested additional time
to demolish. He was allowed a total of forty-five days to
complete.
Jimmy Foster, 1921 Hampton Rd. , addressed 1921 Hampton Rd.
Mr. King informed that it was a garage building and it was
endangering the adjacent house. Mr. Foster agreed to have it
demolished within thirty days and transport the material to the
landfill. Mayor directed him to work with Mr. King on details.
Edward R. Shaw, 2900 McNiel, addressed 302 Oriole. Mr. Shaw
said he was going to have the house moved and agreed to
demolition if it was not moved within thirty days.
Erica Chicano, 1327 35th Street, addressed 708 Eastside for
her mother Diann Escobedo. She requested an extension to repair
the structure. She was allowed sixty days to get her financing
and obtain her building permit, and if not she is to get it
demolished.
Gwen Evans Horn, granddaughter of Bennie Roy, Jr. addressed
120 1/2 Flood. Mrs. Horn informed that Mr. Roy is in a nursing
home and that Lloyd Williams was supposed to be on the deed but
was not. Mayor informed Mr. Williams that he had no ownership
interest now as far as Council knew and he could be spending his
time and effort on property he does not own. Mayor suggested
that he obtain some advise on how he can secure ownership. Mr.
Williams was allowed thirty days to obtain a title of ownership
and then a permit to begin repairs.
Martha Blair, 1634 Harding, addressed 1018 Tulsa for her
father, Jack Blair. Due to Mr. Blair' s illness, Mrs. Blair said
that they did not have the money to make the repairs but all the
property is secure. Mrs. Blair informed that there were two
interested parties in purchasing the property. Mrs. Blair was
allowed 60 additional days to sell the property. The property is
to be kept clean and secure. The new owners are to obtain
permits to make necessary repairs.
Gene Buchanan, 106 N. Oriole, addressed 1013 Woods. Mr.
Buchanan said he had worked on the outside and needed to work on
the inside. Mr. King informed that extensions had been granted
on this property for four years and they have seen minimal
progress on it. There is no current building permit status on
it. Mr. Buchanan was instructed to make substantial progress by
rehabilitating inside of the house such as electrical, plumbing
and strengthening the walls and not just cosmetic signs on the
outside.
Councilor Thompson commented that in order to be fair to
everyone, he would like to see Council set a date and time for
repairs to be done and that if repairs are not done then it
should be taken care of in accordance with the Code Enforcement
Department.
Mayor instructed Mr. Buchanan to meet with Mr. King before
the first Council meeting in June, and discuss what needs to be
done and to work out a schedule. Mr. King will present that
schedule to the Council. Mayor told Mr. Buchanan that he is to
clearly understand what is expected of him and the time frame to
do this. Next time there will be no arbitrary discussion. Mr.
Buchanan agreed.
Jean Sherrill, 1309 21st, addressed 1305 Taylor, as an
interested purchaser. Mrs. Sherrill wanted to know what was
expected and the time frame on this property. Mayor stated that
Council had gone through a procedure which they would like to
establish. He asked her to meet with Mr. King to find out what
is required of that property and to work out a time frame. Mayor
stated that she could use that to make her purchase decision.
891
Item 7b, cont'd.
Lloyd E. Nelms, 3307 Seymour Rd. addressed 4723 Cape Cod.
He stated that structure is totally secure and cleaned up. The
rain has hindered him from completing the repairs of the rear
wall. He will complete what he had committed to within thirteen
days from May 19. Mayor stated that Mr. Nelms has a plan and
has made progress; therefore, he had no problem with allowing
him the additional thirteen days.
Gholamreza Vafaiyan, 2900 Kyle Cove, addressed 709 Burnett.
He said that he had made substantial progress on the house and
was trying to obtain a home owners electrical permit. He said he
wants to live in it himself. Mr. King stated that Mr. Vafaiyan
came to the Council and he was issued a permit in the amount of
$1000, however, he has made no progress on the repairs. Mr.
Vafaiyan stated that he has secured the property and has made
progress inside and has eleven months left to complete the
property. He requested that he be issued a home owners
electrical permit to complete the property.
Mr. King informed that this property had been brought
before the Council in December, 1988. Councilor Hawkins
commented that he had problems with the $1000 permit for repair
and he did not think that would begin to touch it.
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that this property be
demolished.
Motion seconded by Mayor Lam and carried by the following
vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Mayor ordered that the property at 709 Burnett be
demolished. Councilor Thompson asked that Mr. Abdoulamir
Nadizadeh be notified by registered mail return receipt
requested of this action.
No one else wished to be heard. Mayor declared the Public
Hearing closed.
ORDINANCE NO. 55-95
ORDINANCE CLOSING HEARING AND FINDING CERTAIN
BUILDINGS AND/OR STRUCTURES TO BE DANGEROUS;
COMMANDING PROPERTY OWNERS TO DEMOLISH SAID BUILDINGS
AND/OR STRUCTURES WITHIN THIRTY ( 30) DAYS OF THE DATE
OF THIS ORDINANCE AND DECLARING 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. 55-95 be
passed with the notations stated in the public hearing.
Motion seconded by Mayor Lam.
Councilor Thompson asked that when possible Mr. King work
with those who have problems in developing plans, in order to
save time during Council.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
892
Item 7c
A public hearing was held on an addendum to the Wichita
Falls Metropolitan Transportation Plan, 1995-2015 and the
Transportation Improvement Program FY 1996-1998 .
Mr. Clark informed that the Metropolitan Transportation
Plan is a plan which has been worked out with much citizen input
to establish a format for that plan. It was further refined
with that input by the Committee of the Metropolitan Planning
Organization to refine the dollar value. This is something in
this plan that requires a dollar commitment using federal, state
and local dollars for the development of these projects. If they
are not able to be funded or even conceived in funding they go
to a part of the Plan called "Unmet Needs" which is something
that can be decided on at some time to change the priorities to
bring those up.
The second element of this is the Transportation
Improvement Plan which is such an implementation element that
brings more forward the more immediate projects that are
scheduled for the use of federal and state funds. This has
received a good bit of exposure. After this public hearing, the
Metropolitan Planning Organization will be in a position to
adopt it or take some other action.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
The Mayor allowed time for public input and for Council
input.
No one who wished to be heard. The Mayor declared the
public hearing closed.
Item 8a
ORDINANCE NO. 56-95
ORDINANCE MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE HOTEL/MOTEL
FUND TO ASSIST IN SUPPORTING A WELCOME FOR
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NATO NATIONS PARTICIPATING IN
THE EURO-NATO JOINT TRAINING PROGRAM AT SHEPPARD AIR
FORCE BASE
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 56-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, and Martin
Nays: Councilor Hawkins
Item 8b
ORDINANCE NO. 57-95
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1 (a) ( 9) OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO PERMIT SIGNS DURING AN EVENT AT JAYCEE
PARK JUNE 3 , 1995
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 57-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
893
Item 8c
ORDINANCE NO. 58-95
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1 (a) ( 9) OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO PERMIT SIGNS DURING AN EVENT MAY 26 AND
27, 1995 IN HAMILTON TENNIS CENTER
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 58-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 8d
ORDINANCE NO. 59-95
ORDINANCE MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN THE GENERAL FUND
FOR ADDITIONAL GRANT REVENUE FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
CONTRACT ACCEPTING SAME
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 59-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9a
RESOLUTION NO. 69-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING A CONFLICT OF
INTEREST WAIVER FOR A CITY EMPLOYEE QUALIFYING FOR
VARIOUS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT FUNDED PROGRAMS; 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. 69-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, and Martin
Nays: None
Item 9b
RESOLUTION NO. 70-95
RESOLUTION DEMONSTRATING SUPPORT OF EFFORTS TO KEEP
THE WICHITA FALLS WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE OPEN AND THE
UPGRADING OF THAT OFFICE TO A WARNING OFFICE FOR
WICHITA COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 70-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the
following vote.
894
Item 9b, cont'd.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin and Hawkins
Nays: None
Councilor Hawkins suggested as part of the budget process
to consider assisting the federal government in funding the
weather service office.
Item 9c
RESOLUTION NO. 71-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, DETERMINING NECESSITY FOR
ACQUISITION OF FLOWAGE EASEMENTS FOR THE DIVERSION OF
IRRIGATION WATER TO LAKE WICHITA AND AUTHORIZING
PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION; 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. 71-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Mayor noted that this Ordinance commences the progress of
bringing more water into Lake Wichita which was an action item
recommended by the Lake Wichita Study Committee. This was a
budgeted item and the City is fulfilling its commitment.
Item 9d
RESOLUTION NO. 72-95
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A CONTRACT WITH JERUSALEM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION. AN ELIGIBLE COMMUNITY HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (CHDO) AS DEFINED BY FEDERAL
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM, FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMITTING THE 15% SET-
ASIDE OF $55, 350 FROM THE 1993 FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR
HOME FUNDING AUTHORIZATION TO JERUSALEM COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR USE IN ELIGIBLE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES; 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. 72-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
It was noted that Councilor Thompson did not participate in
the discussion or the vote of this item.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Abstention: Councilor Thompson
895
Item 9e
RESOLUTION NO. 73-95
RESOLUTION APPROVING A TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BELL
STREET BETWEEN AVENUE H AND AVENUE I
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 73-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Shine and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10a
RESOLUTION NO. 74-95
RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID TO ANDRITZ-RUTHNER, INC. FOR
SEWAGE SLUDGE BELT FILTER PRESS EQUIPMENT
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 74-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Johnston and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Johnston, Shine, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
City Council recessed at 10: 15 a.m. and reconvened at 10: 30
a.m.
Item 11a
A discussion was held on the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation
Study Proposed Construction Program.
Mr. Bonnett stated that today they would review with
Council the preliminary results of the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation
Study survey and work with council to prepare a plan of action.
Mr. Bonnett gave a brief history and current status of the
process. Council is aware that we hold a national pollutant
discharge elimination permit from EPA Region VI under the Clean
Water Act 33 USC 1342 . Discharge, under this Act, is permitted
only from sanitary sewer treatment plant outfalls, and we have
two outfalls. It is EPA' s position that any other discharge is
presumed to be intentional if it re-occurs. We are required to
report any discharge which occurs from the sanitary sewer
system. In 1988 due to chronic overflows from the southwest
quadrant of the City, namely the intersection of Hampstead and
Midwestern, we had repeated sanitary sewer overflows during
inclement weather. In 1988 EPA issued an Administrative Order
and as a result you built a $4,000, 000 trunk sewer in the bottom
of Holliday Creek that is in and functioning and has stopped
those overflows. In 1993 EPA issued a Show Cause Order
requiring the City to show cause why EPA should not assess
administrative penalties. The show cause order required the
City to cease any discharges in wet weather within thirty days
or submit a report detailing specific action to be taken to
achieve compliance in as short a time as possible. In 1994
representatives of the Council met with EPA and we developed
the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study and a time line. The City
entered into a contract with Biggs and Matthews in 1994 and we
are now well into the study and looking towards the end of the
study and are prepared to develop a strategy to deal with EPA in
terms of a "get well" program.
896
Item 11a, cont'd.
Under the time line developed we must submit a program to
EPA in September, 1995. We are also required to move into a four
year cleaning program where every sanitary sewer will be cleaned
once every four years. That program is alive and functioning.
There will be a new budget line item 704 which identifies that
activity. Under the tentative program worked out with EPA we
are required to rehabilitate and modify our sanitary sewers from
January 1996 to December 1999. That is what the current order
says, however EPA did signal that they are prepared to enter
into a dialogue with us after we complete our study. The costs
that we have delved out are tentative; we do not have specific
construction drawings yet, however, they are good in order of
magnitude costs. We think we are in the ball park, but they are
not hard figures.
Councilor Daniel asked if EPA was backing off to some
extent on their requirements. Mr. Bonnett replied that according
to a memo from EPA they have said they would absolutely not
move. However, at an EPA sponsored conference in April, he and
Mr. Maroney detected some flexibility on EPA' s part. Their
written format states that they will hold the line and there
will be no adjustment, but verbally and in discussing the issue
with other cities we are seeing some willingness to enter into a
dialogue as to what is reasonable.
Mr. Maroney said that over the last 16 to 18 months they
have been involved in a detailed and exhaustive investigation of
the sanitary sewer system and Council has the summary report.
The field investigation has all been driving to today' s meeting,
the modeling of the system. Mr. Maroney referred to the charts
and explained the dry weather flow hydraulic model of the
existing City of Wichita Falls sewer system. These are 10" and
larger mains; nothing below 10" was modeled. Mr. Maroney
explained the dry weather flow. He said that there are some
existing dry weather capacity problems in the southwest portion
of the area and also in the northeast area. Even though you can
convey the dry weather f low you do have some lines that are at
or approaching capacity during dry weather flow. There are
defects in the system which show up in wet weather. The model
is set up assuming that the system is pristine.
Next, they looked at the kind of storm the existing system
could take. The prime objective of the SSES is to stop the
inflow. They depicted at a two year 24 hour storm, which says
that you have a fifty percent chance of that storm occurring in
any one given year. The five year storm has a twenty percent
chance of occurring in any given year. They think a reasonable
storm is more like a two year storm, however, we are talking
about 3 1/2" to 3 . 6" of rain in a 24 hour period. On a two year
storm, without any rehab and with the existing lines you will
peak at the plant at about 56mgd. That is the amount of inflow
you will have coming into the existing system. Your plant is
permitted for about 40mgd. In order to fix the system, you will
be looking at a two-fold solution. They have designed on a two
year system and have established on known over flows. You will
need to do some improvements in the southwest area, known as the
Arizona Trunk Main.
Mr. Maroney stated that they will need some political
support to convince EPA that this is "reasonable" . However, they
have left some flexibility to do some other things as a fall
back position.
He explained that the only thing that should be going into
the system is wastewater from industrial and residential.
Anything coming from the curb should not go into the system. He
said as a part of the rehab program some of the problem is
grades and a lot of what they are going to do is pipe bursting
or in fact direct line replacement.
If we can convince EPA on a two year storm, we are
basically saying that if we get a two year storm with the
897
Item lla, cont'd.
existing system as it is, we are going to have numerous
overflows at 3 . 6" of rain if we do not do any rehab work.
The next thing we did was try to develop a program where
flows can be conveyed and where we can convince EPA to accept
our plan of action. The approach was to go to a repair
rehabilitation program and the assumption is that by our repair
and our rehab we are going to reduce inflow by 40% on a two year
storm. In doing so we are going to spend approximately $10
million. It is a cost effective analysis. The 40% will be the
easiest sell to EPA. The rehab program will not eliminate all
overflows, strictly going rehab. With the rehab program we are
projecting a 40% reduction in the storm inflow on a two year
storm. If you get rid of the 40%, some of the major lines are R
still full but not at capacity. What we look at is an ultimate
design, we simply want to keep it in the ground on a two year
storm after rehab and after expansion. EPA just does not want
you to discharge. If you get rid of 40% of the inflow and you
make system expansions you are going to be sitting at that 40
million which is the plant capacity. That is what was driving
the rehab and expansion program. We are going to make enough
improvements to hold the plant capacity and at the same time
reduce the inflow and upgrade the system so that water can be
conveyed without overflows.
The prison and Sheppard flow are plugged into the system.
Our rehab and our line upgrade are going to be addressing the
confines of the Wichita Falls system and we have tried to make
sure that our system is such that if it overflows, in Sheppard' s
case it is going to be back behind our metering point.
The approach we are going to try to take is that we are
going to try to design for no overflows in the system on a two
year storm. But if we get something larger than that or if
there are some other constrictions not directly related to
inflow, you will probably get an overflow, but I do not think it
will drive you to another administrative order or a fine as long
as you make a diligent effort and as long as you rehab your
system and as long as you have a plan and a design that is
reasonable to EPA.
Future growth will be built into the line expansion. The
cost has not been driven up or the lines oversized based on
future development as far as the rehab program.
You will probably run these programs concurrent for a
period of time, making some system expansions along with the
rehab program.
We are projecting addressing some of our dry weather
capacity problems and in doing so we are looking at the
possibility of relieving the southwest relief line, along
Southwest Parkway. We need to relieve that area and in order to
do that we can build a lift station in the southwest area and
move the flow out of the southwest area onto the Arizona Trunk ,,
Main. Even with the 40% reduction we still need to relieve that
line. Another problem area is around Melody Lane and again, we
can build a lift station and move those flows to the southeast
part of town. The major problem is deteriorated infrastructure.
The fourth project is 6th and Broad overflow. I do not think
that EPA is going to allow overflows in public places. 6th and
Broad is a very public area and the only solution is to extend
the line to the plant. The next area is the Old Iowa Park Road,
around the Red Bud area, and we propose that area for expansion
to handle additional flow. The Collins Street area is going to
be addressed through the rehab program in what is called pipe
burst. Another priority area is in the northeast, along Old Burk
Road and we would like to divert the flow from up stream to the
north side trunk main.
898
Item 11a, cont'd.
In a nutshell you are looking at about $10 million for the
rehabilitation program and about $15 million for the system
expansion for a total of $25 million.
Mr. Gross stated that the cost of cleaning of the sewer
lines was not mentioned and is now being financed at $250,000 a
year. About three additional years of that would bring the
total cost up to $25,750,000. The source of funds will have to
be bonding and the most economic route is the state revolving
fund, which we have previously used, and is administered by the
Texas Water Development Board. It gives us a rate which is
generally lower than the rate we can receive on the open bond
market. We have had preliminary discussions with the Texas Water
Development Board and they see no problem with our being able to
work with them.
There are several options available to us. Ranging from
issuing all the bonds at one time or issuing bonds on an
incremental basis, year by year as the construction is designed
and constructed. Staff believes the second option is better for
several reasons. First, it permits an incremental effect on the
rates to our customers rather than a single large rate increase.
Second, we avoid some legal restrictions and arbitrage rules
that have to do with our investment of bonds and drawing
interest on them.
Assuming that EPA agrees with the two year storm and that
the $15 million expansion is extended to ten years instead of
four years, and that funds are spent evenly over the time period
of each of the three programs, the City would be looking at the
following. We would be looking at a bond issue of $4. 5 million
for each of the first three years and about $4 million for the
fourth year and about $1. 5 million for the additional six years
which would go out to the year 2005 . I am speaking only on the
impact of this SSES program on the rates not on any other
ancillary issues, such as future projects or future inflation,
etc. First, the impact on sewer rates there will be a 4-5% for
each of the first four years per year. For each of the
succeeding six years there will be a 1-2o increase of the sewer
bill. At the end of the 10 year period you are looking at 30-350
increase. EPA does not believe there is a significant economic
impact on the community until the effect on the community is 1
1/20 of the median income. Assuming $30,000 to be the median
income for our City, 1 1/2a would be $450 and that means about
$37.50/month. Assuming the median income person is our average
customer, he is now paying $12. 53/month for the sewer bill. EPA
is saying, effectively, when you have tripled your sewer bill
then you can begin to talk about economic impact. Computing the
change in the combined water and sewer bill, it is about 20 for
each of the first four years and a little less than to each year
thereafter. The effect on the total water and sewer bill is,
obviously, less. We are proposing that once we have a firm
program established that we fund it through incremental issues
of bonds through the state revolving fund with those approximate
impacts on our citizens.
Mr. Bonnett proposed that a committee of Council accompany
Staff to negotiate with EPA. We would like to get EPA to agree
to a two year storm with a 40% inflow reduction and to try to
extend the current four year construction program to a ten year.
The reasons for this are the rate of increase of the sewer bill
and the degree of construction in the approximate amount of $25
million. This is a significant amount of construction and
there is going to be a great amount of disruption. We feel we
are prepared and have the information ready to negotiate with
EPA, and we need to do that very soon.
Mayor suggested that in order for the Council to have a
comfort level on this, the next step would be to meet with Staff
in order to obtain more detail at how the figures and time frame
were derived and decide where we are going from here. Councilor
Thompson suggested that Staff share information with the media
899
Item lla, cont'd.
on this proposed project regarding cost, ramifications and
implications, in order to keep the citizens informed.
Item llb
Bettie Murphy, 101 Lakewood Drive, addressed the flooding
situation on Avenue E and wanted to know the procedure to
include this in the budgeting process in order to solve this
problem. Mr. Bonnett informed that was a $2 million project.
Mayor suggested that Mrs. Murphy attend budget hearings in
August and present it. He stated that had fallen into what is
known as Capital Expenditures and we do not have the funds at
this time to do that. Mayor suggested that be looked at during
the budget.
Brenda Jarrett, 1815 Hayes, representing Revitalization
Committee, gave a verbal update on the committee. She asked
support from the Council as a whole and specifically Councilor
Thompson.
William Tisdale, 4404 Prince Edward, brought up the pond
for the 14th green at Weeks Golf Course. Mayor directed that
this be discussed during the budget process with some definite
costs and that interested parties attend.
Giola Ozuna, 2938 Elliott, asked if the rate on the SSES
project would be a fixed rate. She complained that the ditch by
Putt Putt had stagnant water sitting in it.
Kenya Mitchum, 6614 Webb, said vending machines should have
been addressed in the smoking ordinance.
Robert Wright, 1000 Cedar, urged Council to repeal
Ordinance 152-95 today. Councilor Daniel reminded Mr. Wright
that they wanted an election, confident that the ordinance would
be repealed, but now it is after the fact of an election that
did not repeal the ordinance. We had that opportunity as a city
to negotiate, and you decided not to take that opportunity;
through the election it has been taken out of our hands. Mr.
Wright commented and asked questions on several sections of the
City Charter.
Marty Sparks, 306 Polk, commented on the smoking ordinance
and questioned Councilor Daniel on several points dealing with
smoking.
Brian Ballard, 1410 Deville, does not represent either
group on the smoking ordinance, but rather the citizens who
believe that the ordinance was good public policy. He stated
that the citizens had voted and that election is over with and
Council should stand its ground.
Donald Duran, 2610 Inglewood, General Manager of Denny' s
Restaurant, asked that the smoking ordinance be repealed. Mayor
asked Council if they wanted to place this on the agenda as an
action item. Council decided that they were bound by the
election and were not interested in reviewing that process
again.
Item llc
Councilor Thompson asked the citizens to try to live with
the law as it has been passed. The citizens have spoken and we
need to be supportive of the view that is predominate in the
public ' s eye. Secondly, Councilor Thompson encouraged the
pastors to be supportive of the revitalization effort in the
eastside. He presented his stance on making recommendations and
funding organizations, and said that if people desire to make
donations to any organization they should investigate first and
then decide if they want to make any contributions.
900
Item llc, cont'd.
Councilor Hawkins was pleased that Covington Street was
going to be worked on. He asked for information on the meter
valve. City Manager replied they would provide that to him.
Councilor Daniel asked Staff to see if the Small Business
Development Center could be budgeted.
Councilor Martin said that the Small Business Development
Center does an outstanding job in helping people get started in
business and they have added a lot to our economy here.
Councilor Martin stated that there was a request to remove
our Mayor from office. He said that he was not in favor of this
on any grounds whatsoever, if anything, the Mayor is to be
commended. He asked the Councilors for a show of hands from
those who wanted to place on the next agenda to discuss removing
the Mayor from office. There were none. Councilor Hawkins
stated that impeachment was a very serious act and simply
because you disagree with his beliefs or leadership is no reason
for this, he has to have committed a heinous act. Despite their
differences, Councilor Hawkins said that he backed the Mayor.
Councilor Thompson felt that to discuss removal was out of order
because of a vote or different views. This would send the
message to the public that if they did not like or agree with
someone that they could have them impeached. He said that would
be a frightful scenario. He hoped that this was the last time
they would hear something like this.
Councilor Shine said that all citizens should be allowed to
bring their reports and concerns to the Council, however, he
felt it was inappropriate for citizens to interrogate Councilors
in an attempt to put them on the spot. We should be considerate
of each other.
Councilor Martin commended the gentleman for calling the
point of order.
Mayor said that as Chair of the Council he would be more
alert to these type of situations. He said that Council should
not be subjected to a question and answer trial situation.
Item lld
City Manager informed Council that Murphy Davis would
address the refinancing of the water sewer revenue bond series
at the June 6, 1995 Council meeting.
City Manager said that Council had approved in the present
City budget $180,000 for preservation of the Memorial Auditorium
Building, and Staff had a report on that project.
Mr. Bill Parker stated that after getting into the project
they realized it was highly specialized. Mr. Parker informed
they had it looked into by David Potter. He introduced David
Potter of Bundy, Young, Sims & Potter, Inc. architect firm.
Mr. Potter reported that the existing building is going
through some substantial damage. He handed out photographs and
pointed out that the building has loose mortar, cracks, and
material which is coming apart and falling off. He said that
this building is a landmark and will be here for a long time,
however, it needs to be repaired. He recommended it be repaired
before it gets worse thereby increasing the cost.
Mr. Potter said that the City needs to go out for bids. He
informed Council that they have the following three options. You
can remove all the mortar from the brick, which is very
expensive, approximately $480, 000. You can take out every crack
but they will be back within a year because of shrinkage; cost
is approximately $365,000. You can repair only what needs to be
repaired and use the best method to put the building back into a
901
Item 11d, cont'd.
water tight condition; approximate cost is $180,000. Mr. Potter
recommended the last option. He suggested that Council look at
the building before and after repairs and that someone from the
City be involved in the process from the beginning to the final.
payment approval.
Mr. Parker clarified that this project involved only the
walls, areas where the metal meets the brick, and caulking the
windows.
Mr. Bonnett commented that no action needs to be taken
today, that they needed a consensus to move forward and that had
been obtained.
The City Council adjourned at 1: 10 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of ,
1995.
Michael Lam, Ayor
ATTEST:
Lydi Torres
City lerk