Min 03/07/1995 821
Wichita Falls,Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
March 7, 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
Leon Mallonee - Councilors
Terrance E. Loughry -
Angus Thompson -
Bill Daniel -
J. W. Martin -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina City Manager
Greg Humbach - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Mayor Lam called the meeting to order.
Invocation was given by Rev. Jim Goodwin, St. Marks United
Methodist Church.
Item 3a
Jerry Wayne Harris, Fire Lieutenant Fire Department, was
honored as Employee of the Month. Mayor Lam presented him with a
plaque, City pin, theatre and transit tickets, dinner for two,
and spending money.
Mayor Lam proclaimed the month of March as "Professional
Social Workers Month" and also as "Literacy Month" .
Item 4
Moved by Councilor Martin that the minutes of the February
21, 1995 meeting be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Items 5a-7c
Moved by Councilor Thompson that the consent agenda be
approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
822
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 33-95
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OF STREAM FLOW AND RESERVOIR CONTENT GAUGING STATIONS
Item 6a
RESOLUTION NO. 34-95
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT AS COMPLETE THE PROJECT TO
INSTALL A 42" WATER TREATMENT LINE AT THE JASPER PLANT
Item 6b
RESOLUTION NO. 35-95
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CDBG COUNTRY CLUB PHASE III
PROJECT, CHANGE ORDERS NO. ONE AND TWO AND AUTHORIZE
FINAL PAYMENT TO BOBBIE D. HAYNES CONSTRUCTION CO.
Item 7a
Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and
commissions were received.
a. Wichita Falls Park Board, February 23 , 1995
b. Planning and Zoning Commission, February 8, 1995
c. Traffic Safety Commission, February 1, 1995
Item 10e was moved up in order to facilitate a flight
schedule.
Item 10e
RESOLUTION NO. 40-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
A TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES,
INC. ; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS DISCUSSED WAS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Mayor welcomed Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. to our city and
Mr. Morrie Antrim, Human Resources Manager for Fleetwood
Enterprises, Inc.
Mr. Antrim expressed, on behalf of their company, pleasure
in becoming one of our city' s industrial families. Fleetwood
Enterprises is one of the nation' s largest home builders, and is
going to locate one of their factories in our city. They look
forward to a long and lasting relationship with us and hope to
be good industrial neighbors to everybody here. They plan to
open for business about mid-summer and within a two year period
plan to employ about 200-250 persons. He expressed his
appreciation to everyone for their help in bringing them here.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 40-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
823
Item 8a
A public hearing was held to determine whether the public
convenience and necessity requires the operation of five
additional taxicabs under the franchise of All American Cab
Company.
Mayor informed that there had been an application filed for
five additional cabs and that requires a Public Hearing. Mayor
declared the public hearing open.
Claudio Ramirez, Jr. 302 Fillmore, Manager of All American
Cab Company, stated that their business had increased with the
City' s growth and the growth at Sheppard Air Force Base. With
the number of permits we have we cannot handle both sides of the
town. Our necessity is not to keep in competition with anyone
else, but to serve the public and Sheppard Air Force Base and
that is the reason we applied for five more. We are in need of
these extra permits in order to put those vehicles out there.
Councilor Martin commented that it is an unusual situation
not to have any opposition from the other cab company and
everybody is working in harmony. How could we disagree
otherwise.
There being no one else who wished to be heard, Mayor
declared the public hearing closed.
Item 8b
Mayor informed that we have had an application from a
Limousine Service franchise for four additional vehicles under
that arrangement. Mayor declared the Public Hearing open.
Jody Wade, 1606 Mesquite, stated that they are expanding
and are putting in a service in Lubbock and also in Denton, and
would like to be able to utilize vehicles from one town to
another during peak periods. That is their reason for requesting
additional vehicles.
There being no one else who wished to be heard, Mayor
declared the Public Hearing closed.
Item 9a
ORDINANCE NO. 17-95
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1(a) ( 9) OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO PERMIT SIGNS AND RESERVATION OF LAND IN
HAMILTON PARK MARCH 25, 1995 FOR AMERICAN CANCER
SOCIETY.
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 17-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9b
ORDINANCE NO. 18-95
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1 (a) ( 2) TO PERMIT DRIVING
UPON THE GRASS FOR SPUDDER PARK INFIELD MAINTENANCE
MARCH 1 - OCTOBER 31 , 1995.
824
Item 9b, cont'd.
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 18-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9c
ORDINANCE NO. 19-95
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-91 (H) OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO PERMIT CONCESSION OPEN AND RENTER SALES :.
DURING TOURNAMENT APRIL 7-9, 1995 AT THE SOFTBALL
COMPLEX.
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 19-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9d
ORDINANCE NO. 20-95
AN ORDINANCE REZONING 2113 KELL BOULEVARD, 0. 51 ACRES
OUT OF THE S.P.R.R. SURVEY, ABSTRACT 281, WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, FROM MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL TO LIMITED
OFFICE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 20-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9e
A proposed ordinance to rezone 2803 Montgomery, Lot 2,
Block 75, Faith Village III , Wichita Falls, Texas, from Single
Family-2 to Limited Commercial (Case R95-03 ) was presented.
Moved by Councilor Martin that proposed ordinance be
passed.
Motion seconded by Mayor Lam.
Steve Catlin, applicant for the proposed rezoning of this
vacant lot, addressed his request, and passed out a packet he
had prepared for the Council. He mentioned that he had been
able to meet with Councilors Loughry, Daniel and Martin
previously, to discuss this matter. He said that included in
the packet was a brief sketch of his proposed building. The map
indicates that this building faces the southwest back corner of
the current Pier One Imports business on Kemp Blvd. I am
825
Item 9e, cont'd.
proposing to build a private insurance office on this site
providing rezoning to limited commercial status today is
approved. He gave the composition of the building which he
stated would very much resemble many of the neighboring homes.
This lot has approximately 10,400 sq. ft. and will more than
accommodate his 2, 100 sq. ft. office, and will comply with all
set back requirements.
Also, for your information, this lot currently borders
existing limited commercial zones to the east and to the north.
A Single Family zone borders this property to the west and to
the south. When rezoning is approved, this property will be an
extension of existing Limited Commercial Zone. On February 8,
the Planning and Zoning Commission raised basically three
concerns for this property.
1) A potential traffic concern could exist if there is no
entrance from Kemp Blvd.
2) Results of letter to property owners in a two hundred
foot radius with response of 33% opposed, 31% approved, 36% no
response.
3 ) This property could be sold in the future and a less
desirable business could locate on the property. Also, if
businesses had a Kemp Street entrance the neighbors would feel
they had a buffer between the business and the residences.
Based on above concerns Planning & Zoning voted to
disapprove rezoning of this lot. Objections were not brought up
until after discussion to the audience had been closed,
therefore, these items were not addressed at that time.
Mr. Catlin assured Council that at the most he would have a
total of six customers per day and even if that doubled, it
would not pose a traffic problem. In regards to the buffer,
this has already been eliminated because already in that
neighborhood exists a barber shop, pawn shop, car wash, etc. and
all within a five block area. One half block south of this
proposed rezoning at the intersection of Kemp and Quill an
existing business named Computerland borders residential
property to the north and west and has no entrance from Kemp,
and as a retail business probably has more customers come and go
than my own agency. Three blocks north of proposed rezoning
there is another business, Management Consulting, located
directly behind Discount Tire at intersection of Wolf and
Elliott. This business has no paved parking area, resulting in
customers parking in the street. Also there is no privacy fence
to distinguish between the business and residential areas. He
addressed a question Councilor Daniel had put to him in regards
to how Mr. Catlin would feel if he was one of the property
owners and someone else was making the proposal. Mr. Catlin
replied that he would want progress to happen. He said that
with a six foot privacy fence and landscaping requirements, he
would feel his property would have greater value after this
office was built than before, since it is presently a vacant
lot. In regards to there being a less desirable business going
in there in the future, Mr. Catlin stated that he had been
operating his business at the same location for the past six
years. Any good insurance carrier and its representatives need
to reflect stability and trust in order to attract and keep
customers. I can not be moving from place to place and keep my
clientele.
My final concern was the owner ' s concern, Mr. R. E. Gatlin.
He has tried for many years to sell this property as private
residential use and has had no success in doing so. He has
hired a real estate firm to sell it. A client of mine has sold
a 2000 sq. ft. brick veneer home located one and three quarters
block to the west and one block north for $59,000 . This house
in any other area of the city would sell for a lot more based on
square footage. Based on this, this lot currently is a
liability and not an asset.
out of twenty letters sent out by the Planning & Zoning, I
contacted five people and they had no objections. As a matter
826
Item 9e, cont 'd.
of fact two of those five told me they thought a no response
meant no objection to the proposed building.
Councilor Hawkins commented that Planning & Zoning did not
take it lightly to vote it down. In regards to the computer
business bordering on the north and east of the Single Family
Residence, there are streets that separate that business from
Single Family Residence and the computer store, and that is the
example Planning & Zoning is looking at. Planning & Zoning
recommended to disapprove this request and I will support their
recommendation.
Councilor Loughry did not feel he could overlook the four
or five people who objected even though he agreed with Mr.
Catlin that all that was there was a concrete slab. It may
never develop into a house being built there, but I just hate to
have these people blind sighted with putting in commercial
property next to them.
Councilor Martin said he had looked at the property and
could not see any traffic congestion and if anything it would be
an improvement to the neighborhood. That whole area is destined
to become commercial somewhere down the line.
Councilor Daniel mentioned that we were not discussing code
enforcement at this point, but rezoning a tract, and maybe we
should raise the issue of rezoning an entire area instead of lot
by lot.
Mr. Clark stated that because of the objections of the
neighborhood, a 3/4 single majority vote by Council was required
to pass this.
Mayor said he was in favor of rezoning the area. He felt
that an insurance office built in a residential manner would
only improve the property.
Councilor Thompson stated that it had been the trend of the
Council to support the home owners and to support the value of
their property and he had always voted in that fashion and he
would probably do that today.
Mr. Catlin clarified to Councilor Mallonee that he was not
the owner of the property at this time but Mr. Gatlin was the
owner.
Motion failed by following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, and Martin
Nays: Councilors Loughry, Thompson, Daniel, and Hawkins
Item 9f
ORDINANCE NO. 21-95
AN ORDINANCE REZONING 1901 TURTLE CREEK ROAD, 12. 168
ACRES OUT OF THE ROBERT EVANS SURVEY, ABSTRACT 74, r .
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, FROM PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO
SINGLE FAMILY-1; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO
THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Councilor Thompson stepped out of the Council chambers.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 21-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
827
Item 9f, cont'd.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays : None
Item 9g
ORDINANCE NO. 22-95
ORDINANCE APPROVING AN INCREASE TO THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED TAXICABS FOR ALL AMERICAN CAB COMPANY
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 22-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9h
ORDINANCE NO. 23-95
ORDINANCE APPROVING AN INCREASE TO THE NUMBER OF
AUTHORIZED SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLES FOR PRESIDENTIAL
LIMOUSINE
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 23-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Daniel,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Councilor Thompson returned to the Council chambers.
Item 9i
ORDINANCE NO. 24-95
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AMENDING SECTION 29-29 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REWORD THE AGE REQUIREMENT FOR
VEHICLES WHICH ARE LEFT INOPERABLE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
THAT NEED TO BE REMOVED OR IMPOUNDED BY THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS DISCUSSED WAS OPEN
TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 24-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Councilor Loughry commented that a five year old car is
just a 1990 model and if it would be sitting on the street for
more than 48 hours it would be impounded and hauled off whether
inoperable or not. I cannot go with that. It puts someone in
the situation where if they went out of town for two days on a
weekend and left their car on the street it would not be there
when they returned. I would like to leave the ordinance like it
is. Why would three years make a difference. Chief Harrelson
828
Item 9i, cont'd.
responded that this needed to be changed in order to bring this
ordinance in compliance with State law.
Councilor Hawkins asked if it was possible to put some
wording in there so that this would change along with the State
without having to do this again. City Attorney responded that
this is just one section of the ordinance and the only thing we
are changing is one word, the 8 to a 5. I do not recommend that
you automatically put the language in each of your ordinances
that would always comply with State law because there are many
instances when City law could be more stringent than State law
and you want flexibility.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins.
Nays: None
Item 9j
ORDINANCE NO. 25-95
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND
COLLECTION OF A HOTEL AND MOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX;
PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION AND
REPORTS CONCERNING THE TAX; PROVIDING FOR THE MAKING
OF RULES AND REGULATIONS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 25-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10a
RESOLUTION NO. 36-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO
A CONTRACT WITH JOHN DORSEY AND ASSOCIATES TO CONDUCT
A MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM STRATEGIC PLAN
Jim Dockery informed that Staff had gone through a very
thorough search and unanimously recommended John Dorsey and
Associates.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 36-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10b
RESOLUTION NO. 37-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO
A CONTRACT WITH MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUREAU FOR THE
COLLECTION OF OUTSTANDING MUNICIPAL COURT FINES
829
Item 10b, cont'd.
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 37-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee.
Councilor Hawkins asked if another person was added on
staff at the Municipal Court, would there still be as much of a
need for this; could that one person have helped us collect more
money? City Manager responded that several different things
have been tried. A history review shows that we have hired
marshalls to do this and had mixed results. We have staffed up
and staffing gets absorbed with the expanded number of the
police as the work load of the court picks up. The staffing
which was hired to do this gets soaked into the normal
operation. We will not utilize this service until every local
effort has been made to collect, which means about a 60 day
period. The local staff is best utilized during that first 30-
60 day period, then we can turn it over to the collection
agency.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10c
RESOLUTION NO. 38-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, DECLARING THE PROPERTY AT 1225
MIDWESTERN PARKWAY AS EXCESS AND DIRECTING THE LAND TO
BE SOLD BY SEALED BIDS; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT
THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS DISCUSSED WAS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 38-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10d
RESOLUTION NO. 39-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, DETERMINING THE NECESSITY FOR
ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR UTILITY RELOCATION FOR THE
MCGRATH CREEK PROJECT, APPROVING THE APPRAISALS,
SETTING JUST COMPENSATION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR
CONDEMNATION; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING
AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS DISCUSSED WAS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 39-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
830
Item lla
RESOLUTION NO. 41-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO A
CONTRACT WITH ELECTRA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR
THE NORTH SITE GRADING AND PARKING PROJECT FOR THE
MULTI-PURPOSE EVENTS CENTER COMPLEX
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 41-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item llb
RESOLUTION NO. 42-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO A
CONTRACT WITH PALCO MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR
THE PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL WORK AT THE EXHIBIT HALL
OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE EVENTS CENTER COMPLEX
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 42-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item llc
RESOLUTION NO. 43-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO A
CONTRACT WITH WICHITA RESTAURANT SUPPLY, INC. FOR FOOD
SERVICE EQUIPMENT AT THE AGRICULTURAL CENTER OF THE
MULTI-PURPOSE EVENTS CENTER COMPLEX
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 44-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Daniel and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item lld
RESOLUTION NO. 44-95
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO THE
CONTRACT WITH THE BUCHANAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE AGRICULTURAL COMPLEX OF THE MULTI-
PURPOSE EVENTS CENTER
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 44-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Mayor Lam and carried by the following
vote.
831
Item 11d, cont'd._
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 11e
RESOLUTION NO. 45-95
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO A
CONTRACT WITH JALYN CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR A STORM
SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT FOR THE MULTI-PURPOSE EVENTS
CENTER COMPLEX
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 45-95 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
City Council recessed for ten minutes at 9: 35 a.m. and
then went into Executive Session to discuss a pending lawsuit
(Jaco, et el, vs. City of Wichita Falls) in accordance with
Section 551. 071 of the Texas Government Code.
City Council reconvened at 10: 30 a.m.
Item 12a
A discussion of the City' s Smoking Ordinance was held.
Mayor stated that the Restaurant Association had requested
to present an alternate petition and he allowed their
representative to make the presentation.
Greg Stockton, 2614 San Simeon, President of North Texas
Restaurant Association, stated that this was a highly emotional
ordinance and has had a lot of publicity. It has been a
difficult issue for Wichita Falls. You have the current
ordinance with changes stricken out and our proposed changes
underlined. This basically mirrors the 1993 Corpus Christi
Smoking Ordinance. The North Texas Restaurant Association
supports the amended ordinance. We feel it better meets the
needs of our city in tourism and in convention business. He
mentioned Backstage Restaurant and the catering it loses because
it is non-smoking. That comes back to convention and tourism
which could be hurting, and he hopes this is looked into. He
asked that Council consider rescinding the current ordinance and
possibly setting up a commission made up of both sides and
others such as from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, from
restaurants, hotels, etc. , to work up a compromise that will
work for the whole City.
Councilor Loughry asked why he had waited until now to come
forward. Mr. Stockton replied that it was an error on the
Restaurant Association' s part that possibly they did not look at
it diligently enough when contacted by the non-smoking coalition
and they possibly did not feel that it would pass. He explained
that November and December are busy months in the restaurant
business and the Restaurant Association does not meet,
therefore, it was difficult to organize at that time and we made
a mistake. After that, we realized something needed to be done,
and we tried working at it from the angle of amending the
ordinance. We are not against it but we are trying to find a
compromise and take care of the majority and of our patrons.
832
Item 12a, cont'd.
Councilor Mallonee asked if the changes they had made were
in existence in the Corpus Christi Ordinance. Mr. Stockton
stated that they were very close to this and it is also very
close to what the State Restaurant Association is trying to pass
now.
Councilor Thompson reminded Mr. Stockton that when the
Ordinance was passed the Mayor had mentioned it would be brought
back, reviewed and amended to take into consideration bowling
alleys, pool halls, bars and places of that nature. That was
our intent and we intend to do that. I hope that we can all
come together and do what is best for Wichita Falls to amend
this and make it palatable and make it something we can live
with. I am sure in the end that those who have the common
interest at heart will come together. I wish the Restaurant
Association had been in a little earlier, but we will come
together and try to amend it so we can live together.
Councilor Martin commented that Council did mention when
the Ordinance was passed that they were willing to look for
modifications to fine-tune the Ordinance. However, he was not
in favor of rescinding the Ordinance. He was of the opinion
that the current Ordinance could be worked towards modifications
to the acceptance of all parties. All interested groups could
work together to come up with a compatible solution. He was in
agreement with some of the proposed amendments with some
changes, however, he was against rescinding the current
Ordinance. He mentioned a possible ninety day delay on the
Ordinance until an acceptable solution was agreed to.
Mayor asked for comments from the Council on the amended
ordinance presented today. Councilor Martin suggested putting a
ninety day delay and work on it and then make a presentation to
the Council on proposed amendments.
Councilor Hawkins commented that the Federal Court was
going to put a delay on it for us. He does not endorse smoking
or smokers; he is here for the City. He would hate to see this
problem go to the U.S. Supreme Court to find out we are wrong.
We have a group of zealots who would like to outlaw smoking and
that is within their rights. We have a group of citizens who
smoke and that is within their right. We have created the most
comprehensive, stringent smoking ordinance in the state of Texas
with the least enforceability. We are probably becoming the
laughing stock of the cities that do have decent and
comprehensive smoking ordinances. We could go back where the
Ordinance was first presented and embrace the Restaurant
Association, and the smokers and try to work a program that the
majority can live with. What we have here is a very sad case of
government intervention. I would not be for enacting this
change and am not supporting taking it to a vote. I am asking
to repeal this Ordinance and go back to set it so we can get
something we can live with.
Mayor allowed both sides to select two spokespersons from
each group.
Larry Brumbelow, 5127 Deer Creek, clarified his group' s
position. He is the duly appointed spokesman for the Citizens
Rights Support Group of Wichita Falls. They are an association
of citizens organized for the purpose of securing democratic
freedoms for its members and citizens of Wichita Falls thru the
promotion of governmental accountability and citizens '
participation. We come with a mandate from some 4200 registered
qualified legal voters. This is not a smoking issue. Our
petition and our stand has been the right to vote on this issue
and it will remain so. The first item I would like to discuss
today is how can discussion be going on matters of amendments or
any other motions in this matter when litigation has begun that
calls into question at the federal level this ruling' s very
constitutionality. There have been personal interpretations
made of the city charter law that have questions of validity yet
833
Item 12a, cont'd._
to be determined under state and federal standards. Such as
combining two separate paragraphs under Sections 48 and 49 of
the City Charter to give powers to the City Clerk' s office that
exceed powers allowed under situated statutes at state and
federal level.
Mr. Brumbelow mentioned statements which had been made
recently by Mr. Stockton and the Restaurant Association calling
the Ordinance "economically suicidal, restrictive, and
detrimental to business without severe changes" . He questioned
where they were when this Ordinance was first passed. Next, in
regards to their amendments, where is their petitions and their
signatures for such moves. Mr. Stockton speaks for the
Restaurant Association, is that 50 or 100 individuals? We are
the only group with the numbers on the table here. What gives
100 restaurant owners a larger voice than 4200 registered
qualified voters. If there are amendments for those people to
accommodate, we want to know where are the amendments for the
beauty shop owners, the garage owners, the photo studios and
other multiple businesses within Wichita Falls. Amend for
everyone and it brings you back to the original Ordinance. Fair
is fair, equality under the law. We feel this Ordinance is a
bad thing. Amending with the intent to modify is still a
question. What makes just a little bit less of a bad thing
good. We made a commitment to carry 4200 voices to the polls,
and this group and its leaders will not relinquish until they
are heard loud and clear.
He mentioned that there were allegations by the Tobacco
Awareness Coalition directed at the Citizens Rights Support
Group. These allegations in a campaign with threats of legal
reprisals and actions received extensive media coverage.
He stated that there are no legal actions against the
Council individually, nor requests for damages incurred, only
fees and costs are party to the action. There are thousands of
legally registered voters who will have a voice in this matter.
This matter now stands in litigation, accounting will proceed,
motions on this matter will cease, the Charter will comply to
federal standards; choice will be given back to the people and
voters on this petition will remember quite well how they were
handled on this matter, on that you can rely.
Mayor asked if their group' s position was still that they
wanted to call for a vote on the Ordinance passed.
Mr. Brumbelow replied that when their people signed this
petition it was to either rescind this or take it to a vote.
Because of the concreted position stated that this would not be
rescinded, we see the compromise on this as the vote and we
stand firmly on the vote in this matter.
Councilor Hawkins asked Mr. Brumbelow if it was rescinded
would they still want it to go to a vote. Mr. Brumbelow
responded that that was something they would have to go to
council for. He is only the spokesman, but if it were rescinded
it would find major favor with a lot of people.
Councilor Hawkins stated that he had been told time and
time again that they did not want a rescission, they wanted a
vote on it. It is my understanding from those I have talked to
out there that they want it rescinded. Vote is the alternative.
Mr. Brumbelow said that this was their original position to
rescind it or a vote. After point after point that there was
made that there was no intent and no possibility of rescinding,
we called for the next best measure and we really feel from the
very beginning that this should have gone to the people.
Sherry Cannedy, 1481 Wranglers Retreat, is representing
Tobacco Awareness Coalition, who originally made the proposal to
City Council to ask them to pass a smoking ordinance in the
interest of public health. She too questioned where the
834
Item 12a cont'd.
Restaurant Association had been the past three and a half
months. She said they had been told by the Restaurant
Association that they had decided not to take a stand on this
issue because they could not come to a general consensus among
their members. They stood on the sidelines and said and did
nothing. Where were they when the Council was taking the heat
from the opposition. Where were they when the Coalition was
being crucified in the media and being called such names as do-
gooders, fanatics, zealots, and Ulrich' s cult. Where were they
when the Mayor was being subjected to a recall election because
of his stand on this issue. While the participants were all
working hard and taking all the heat, the Restaurant Association
was sitting back watching, avoiding all confrontation. Now,
three and a half months later, they come asking for the whole
ordinance to be changed. The ordinance they proposed today does
not represent an amendment and it does not represent a fine
tuning. Instead, it represents a whole new ordinance which puts
us back to where we were before the Ordinance was passed in
December. That Ordinance had two major tenets; one was
protection of workers at their worksite from second hand smoke
and second was protection of the public in public places. In
their ordinance today they are asking for elimination of
restaurants from participating in the second tenet of the
ordinance and to go back to doing smoking areas, which does not
provide protection from second hand smoke. The smoke still
diffuses to fill uncontained spaces in restaurants. The
reason they selected the Corpus Christi ordinance is because it
is the weakest ordinance in the state.
The Restaurant Association has been a very positive force
in our city for a long time. We applaud their efforts to
continually improve their industry in the many fine restaurants
in Wichita Falls which we all support. We are not challenging
the organization, we are challenging their tactics on this
issue. The Coalition feels that the Restaurant Association had
their chance to present their case and they chose not to. We
followed the established process, fought hard for the ordinance
and took the heat along with the Council that comes with any
change. They did not. The ordinance was passed. The petition
has evidently failed. The process is complete. We ask you not
to allow this hard fought health ordinance to be amended into
ineffectiveness and its enactment delayed by political
maneuvering. We ask the Council to take action and do something
to get us off the fence and get about the business of the City
in a healthier environment.
Dr. Kent Ulrich, 2209 Berkely, spokesperson for the Tobacco
Awareness Coalition. We have heard several aspects of the
smoking ordinance this morning. We need to re-focus on the
crucial issue here which is the second hand smoke represents a
health hazard to the community. That was the paramount
principle that the Coalition kept in mind in the development of
this Ordinance and its presentation to you. We do not have to
belabor the deleterious effects of tobacco use. Those are well
known, well established scientific facts in terms of any cancer,
emphysema, cervical cancer, etc. That data is irrefutable and
there was no discussion this morning counteracting the
scientific evidence indicating that second hand smoke was
deleterious. Dr. Ulrich gave figures and data on the risks and
hazards and effects of second hand smoke. He mentioned cases
against the tobacco companies for the deleterious effects of
tobacco use. We need to keep in mind that there are deleterious
effects of second hand smoke. I feel compelled to respond to
other issues such as the reference made by the Citizens Rights
Group about our complaint given to the District Attorney. That
is not malicious in nature and we are not asking anyone to go to
jail. The State does set definite Election Code requirements
and we are asking that the Citizens Rights Group comply with
those requirements.
One additional issue is that the Tobacco Awareness
Coalition does not support the Citizens Rights Group' s lawsuit,
835
Item 12a, cont'd.
but we believe the injunction attached to that lawsuit
prohibiting enforcement is not in the best interest of the
health of our community. We offer for Council consideration as
an option that the Ordinance passed in December be placed on the
ballot in May for a vote. However, we suggest that the Citizens
Rights Group' s injunction prohibiting enforcement of the
Ordinance be dropped, allowing enforcement after that election.
What is done in the interim as far as enforcement, some
practicality would have to be done there. Certainly if a task
force was created by the Council for additional input in any
manner, we would gladly participate in that matter.
Mayor restated that the Tobacco Awareness Coalition is
agreeable to placing this issue on the May ballot. Dr. Ulrich
replied affirmatively and clarified that it was the ordinance
which was passed in December.
Councilor Thompson asked Dr. Ulrich if they would be
opposed to the amendments in the Ordinance of bars and bowling
alleys. Dr. Ulrich replied that they would have to look at
those and discuss them. He said they would not want to end up
with a Corpus Christi Ordinance, but they would be willing to
look at the amendments and discuss them.
Mayor asked Dr. Ulrich what their position would be on a
120 day moratorium on the Ordinance passed in December with a
task force of their group, the Restaurant Association and others
to see if there is any common ground that can be arrived at or
to explore the possibilities. Mayor asked Dr. Ulrich if they
would be amenable to that. Dr. Ulrich said they would not have
a problem with that and would be in support of it.
City Attorney mentioned that if the Ordinance was put on
the ballot, according to our Charter it would automatically be
put in abeyance.
Paul Jaco, 2921 Featherston, stated that the Citizens Right
Group did not have anything to do with the recall on the mayor.
He did that personally. He wanted to know since the Tobacco
Awareness Coalition brought this Ordinance to the Council, where
was their initiative petition. Mayor clarified that law does
not require a petition to bring an ordinance forward.
Mr. Jaco stated that the Tobacco Awareness Coalition had
said their petition drive of the last signatures turned in was
bad and he had not been notified of that. Mayor stated that it
had just been turned in and the process was not complete yet.
Mr. Jaco stated that it had been brought to his attention
that someone had intentions of serving papers on him for
starting a political pack, but he has not started one. However,
he can be served at 2921 Featherston. He said he had started
this for the right to vote and he believes in the right to vote.
In regards to the Restaurant Association' s amendments, they
should wait until the Citizens Rights Group' s drive is over
before they mention any of it. We have it filed in court at the
present time and we ought to go from that point.
Mayor asked Mr. Jaco that assuming an ordinance could be
arrived at on some basis, what would his group' s position be.
Would your group want to vote on it? Mr. Jaco replied that he
believed the people who signed the petition spoke for
themselves. They either wanted it rescinded or put to a vote,
and everybody said it is not going to be rescinded so I think we
should vote on it. I also think we should go on with the
lawsuit of the constitutionality of the Charter and validity of
the signatures turned in.
Mayor stated that basically both groups are saying they are
willing to submit this to the population for a vote. There is
agreement on both sides of that issue.
836
Item 12a, cont'd.
Councilor Martin asked if this were put to a vote and the
Ordinance was upheld would the Council then have authority to
make any amendments. City Attorney said he did not know and
would have to research that. From a practical stand point, once
an issue is voted on it makes it very difficult, politically, to
make any changes because people have expressed their opinion.
Mayor asked the Council if they would want to direct staff
to place this item on the next Council agenda as an action item
in order to vote whether to put it on the May ballot or to table
it. It was the consensus of the Council that this item be
placed on their next agenda for action.
Mayor stated that in the meantime we would continue
processing the supplement petition and would continue defending
our position in the courthouse.
Item 12b
William C. Young, 1018 Widows Lane said if the Charter were
amended all this would be avoided. He charged Councilor
Thompson, as leader representing the minority community, to
sponsor amending the Charter in the May election. You would
avoid a lot of heartache and a lot less lawsuits. He said that
the U.S. Attorney General ' s office had informed him that should
he file this they will proceed with it and the City, of course,
is subject to compensatory damages and attorney fees as well as
court costs. I would rather see the Council do it; I don' t want
to see Washington get involved in it, but if it is the only
recourse. I am asking, Councilor Thompson, that you sponsor this
change, and you will find out that this would stop a lot of your
trouble.
Mayor asked for the avenue of proof that someone is
disabled; is it an affidavit or what? Mr. Young replied that
they have to have proof in order to get disability license tags.
He said a medical doctor determines disability. Also, there are
physical signs, such as missing or crippled limbs. Mayor
commented that that was a good example, but he still did not
know whether that was a criteria under the law that someone is
disabled.
Mr. Young replied that criteria under the law as far as he
could understand was not being able to perform everyday
activities the same as someone who is totally able. Mayor
commented that then you are someway declared disabled.
Councilor Martin asked the City Attorney if the Charter
could be amended to include assistance for a disabled person for
filing a petition just as is done during the election process.
City Attorney stated that under the Americans With Disabilities
Act, a person has to disclose the fact they have a disability;
that they need assistance. Then you have to provide what is
known as reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may
be someone else filling in what is required by the Charter, but
they need to identify themselves as being disabled and ask for
assistance. The City has not circulated this petition, the
petitioners have. If someone is disabled and cannot fill out
the petition, it is the petitioners ' responsibility to tell the
signer if they are unable to fill out all the information in
their own handwriting, then the petitioners can provide
reasonable accommodation, and come to the City Clerk' s office
and let the Clerk know why the person needs assistance. Then we
would have the responsibility to accept that signature.
Councilor Hawkins stated that it would be morally right if
we put on the May ballot to bring our City Charter in accordance
to State law in that respect. Mayor commented that Mr. Young
said he was going to sue us to get it on there.
837
Item 12b, cont'd.
Councilor Hawkins said he would like to have an ordinance
or whatever is needed at the next meeting to discuss whether or
not to put that as a vote item on the May election. Councilor
Thompson stated that the City Attorney would take all the
information and prepare a memo to Council as to what can be
included and if it should go on the ballot.
City Manager suggested that if Council is looking at
changing that Charter requirement, that they also think about a
number of petition names they may want to put in there. Mayor
and several Councilors mentioned that today they were only
discussing the Charter to make sure it complied with Americans
With Disabilities Act. City Attorney brought up the argument
that State law also requires signer' s signature in their own
handwriting, therefore, it also would violate Americans With
Disabilities Act.
Councilor Hawkins said he thought there was also a
provision for assistance there and he asked the City Attorney to
look into that.
Councilor Daniel told Mr. Young that at the opening of his
conversation he had essentially threatened the Council with a
lawsuit, and that implies an unwillingness on the part of the
Council not to deal with this issue. I would like to point out
that this Council has already discussed, individually, a need
for this and I want the people to know that there is a desire
and willingness on behalf of the Council to address this and
make whatever changes there are. There is no need for a threat.
Mr. Young said he was not going to do it unless it was
absolutely necessary.
Josie Rose, 102 Paradise, had been asked to return in two
weeks on a contract she had bid at that time and that is why she
is here today. Mayor said the City Manager would report on that
matter. City Manager said the analysis had been done of whether
to do it in-house or go out with the bid. At this point it is
more advantageous to the City do to it in-house. He apologized
to Mrs. Rose for putting her through a bid process.
Mrs. Rose said she felt it was poor business that this was
published in the paper for several weeks and then to extend the
present contract for a month. If you were so organized wherein
you could keep this job in-house, why aren' t you prepared to do
the job. I was discriminated on. She mentioned several
incidents dealing with the City beginning in 1981. She said she
had the concession contract with the City until someone decided
they wanted the Lions Club to have it. One of the Councilors
put in a complaint regarding the bad conditions the concession
stand was in. I have been discriminated and have not been
treated fair. I have had three attorneys tell me they will
accept my case. I have not been treated fair and am unable to
get a job in Wichita Falls that I applied for and am qualified
for.
Mayor stated that based on the information Mrs. Rose has
presented, it would be inappropriate to respond to any of that
today. He thanked her for being here.
Kevin Green, 107 Fillmore, representing Lucy Park Area
Neighborhood Watch Association, complained about a vacant home
which had been moved to 316 Fillmore about a year ago and
nothing much had been done on it. He requested that at least it
be cleaned up to make a better appearance in the neighborhood.
Mayor directed City Manager to have this looked into.
Scott Askins, 4819 Alamo, representing Eagle Mart and
several other convenience stores, stated that they are not
aligned with either side on the smoking issue. They feel like
they are in the middle of this battle. One issue which their
industry is concerned with and doesn' t understand why it is
contained in the ordinance is Sec. 18-103. This section
838
Item 12b, cont'd.
prohibits retail establishments from placing tobacco products in
self serving areas. This section of the Ordinance would further
damage our ability to sell this product. We are asking you to
look at our right to sell a product. We ask that the Council
review the amendments presented by the Restaurant Association
and consider it. Councilor Daniel said that he and Councilor
Martin had discussed that and it would be one of the items to be
discussed in amending the Ordinance as it now sits.
Mayor said that the Council would take that into
consideration.
Larry Sanner, 5007 Lake Shore, lives on Lake Wichita. He
said that there is no way to access Lake Wichita for boating
ramp capability. The only boat ramps are private ones. He
suggested that a boat ramp be built at Jaycee Park and that it
be done before the level is at 976 and before the summer. He
also stated that they need to consider emergency situations.
City Manager informed that this had been covered by the Lake
Study Committee and the feeling has been not to do anything
until the whole Jaycee Park issue could be looked at.
Mayor directed the City Manager and Engineering Department
to look into this and see if there is anything which can be done
ahead of time, which they feel would be safe to accomplish.
Gene Newton, 3603 Glenwood, Chair for Commission on Human
Needs, mentioned the Folk Life Festival which will be held May
20 and informed on the purpose and results of their festival
last year. He informed that they were in need of some funding
and requested $7500, and suggested hotel/motel tax funds.
Councilor Hawkins directed Mr. Dockery to provide Council with
information on what was available and the possibilities. He
asked that this be put on the next Council meeting as an agenda
item.
Larry Thompkins, 925 Lamar, reiterated a statement which
was in the newspaper about City employees being rude. He said
that he generally agreed with that, but a subset of that rude
staff are very rude and a smaller subset of that are thugs.
Mayor asked if he was saying that some of the City Staff are
thugs. Mr. Thompkins answered that he specifically meant a
small number in the Police Department. He informed of the
numerous times he had been arrested and given citations for
sundry charges and reasons. He said that no one on the Council
had called him to inquire about his arrest on fraudulent
charges. He stated that City Staff are rude and that seems
thugy.
Ken Phillis, 2605 N. Leighton, reiterated what he had
written in a letter to the Council. He said that the Smoking
Ordinance is an issue about health and a privilege, not a right.
No one is trying to take away the smokers right to smoke, they
have that right, but when their smoking makes someone smoke who
does not want to then you are stepping on someone else' s rights.
There is a delicate balance there. There are a lot of laws,
regulations and ordinances. For instance, if I buy a beer and
put it in my vehicle which I paid for, I can' t consume that beer
in my vehicle and I can' t drive that vehicle at any speed I want
or park it where I want. I don' t know of any Constitutional
wording that says a person can go smoke whenever and wherever
they want. If there is some wording in there that says you have
the right to do that then you can utilize and waffle that
wording around. Then you can go argue about all these other
things such as being able to dump your used oil whenever and
wherever you want, because it is my constitutional right. A
letter in the newspaper stated that smokers generally try to
adhere to social restrictions. Baloney, if they cared that much
they would not be fighting so hard to smoke in restaurants. The
non-smokers have been the silent majority. 72% of the population
are non-smokers and many are children.
839
Item 12b, cont'd.
We have no choice in smoking if a smoker lights up next to
us or in the back of a room. Studies have shown that there has
not been an economic impact in cities adopting a no smoking
ordinance. I would like to see this go to a vote. As you vote
on this issue keep in mind that these things are established for
the overall health and welfare of the public.
Item 12c
Councilor Loughry asked that the City Clerk look into the
possibility of using Lamar School as a polling place.
Councilor Martin received complaints on the lack of
enforcing the Ordinance on parking on the grass, and he asked
Staff to look into this. Councilor Hawkins asked Councilor
Martin to have persons complaining about this ordinance to
contact him since it is being enforced on the north side of the
City. He will personally contact Mr. King.
Councilor Daniel said that we have heard from two extremes
on one issue. This Council operates under a handicap, in that
unlike some of the groups we have heard from today, we are not
omniscient but to some extent we are omnipotent in that we have
a lot of power. It puts the Council in a difficult position
because we do have the power to do a lot to things. We must
decide what is desirable and what is actually right. He gave
examples of the many differences which exist, such as the
difference between what any governing entity can do and what is
public desire, rights and privileges, public institutions and
private businesses, etc. There is a difference between
government and control, and it is when the City Council or any
other entity crosses or begins to cross that line that we move
from true government to tyranny. I know that is a strong word.
We have a situation here where a goal is laudable and I think a
goal of having a smoke free society is laudable and desirable,
personally it is for me. From a business standpoint it is
desirable, but does this Council have the right to decide what a
private business does when individuals enter a business such as
a restaurant. People enter restaurants by choice. I caution
that the goal is laudable, but the method is wrong. We put the
burden on private businesses to enforce something society
desires, and that is a mistake. We need to re-address the issue
and re-think what government can do legally and what it should
do.
Councilor Thompson made an observation and stated that this
had been an emotional day in that we have had citizens who have
come from different sides on an issue which should not germinate
as much excitement as it has. I agree with Councilor Daniel
that this non-smoking issue is a laudable goal and we should
strive for it. I also agree that we should think on things that
are laudable and good. We would not want to retreat from that
goal. Today we have heard terms that to me have a bad
connotation, such as tyranny, zealots, do-gooders, etc. I don't
think that those terms add anything that is good to our City. I
think if anything we would want to use terms to uplift people to
cause people to work together. After all, whether this passes
or not, we all still have to live in the same City and eat at
the same restaurants and still be the same neighbors. Wichita
Falls is going to go on whether this ordinance passes or fails.
I hope that our people can work together and come to a
compromise.
Mayor Lam welcomed Elizabeth Charlsie Lam into the world.
She is the Mayor' s first grandchild.
840
Item 12d
City Manager passed out a memo from Mr. Clark regarding
figures on the Travis Street drainage project and informed we
were ready to begin. He asked if Council had any concerns or
questions to contact him.
City Manager passed out a memo from Mr. Bonnett regarding
landfill liners.
City Manager informed Council of a short term agreement
with Lone Star Gas to accommodate their vehicles at the City
Service Center. If Council has questions or concerns contact
the City Manager.
City Manager informed that there would be a Lake Study
Committee meeting this week to discuss re-leasing of lots at
Lake Kickapoo and other matters. Staff will report to Council
on results of meeting.
City Attorney informed Council that unless they were -
opposed, he was going to contact Senator Haywood and
Representative Hirschi to voice opposition to pending H.B. 176,
which would allow Public Utilities to pass on estimated income
taxes to the rate payer rather than the actual tax in a rate
case as law currently allows.
Item 12e
No executive session was held on appointments.
Item 12f
No appointments made to the Wichita Falls Park Board.
Item 12g
Moved by Councilor Thompson to appoint to the Clean
Community Commission Francess Haughney with term to expire
December 31, 1996 and Sunny Davidson with term to expire
December 31, 1995.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 12h
Moved by Councilor Thompson to appoint to the Wichita Falls
Housing Authority John Buchan with term to expire July 1, 1996 .
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 12i
Moved by Councilor Thompson to appoint to the Plumbing and
Mechanical Board of Adjustment and Appeal David Dorough with
term to expire December 31, 1996. This appointment was made in
accordance with City Ordinance No. 15-89.
841
Item 12i, cont'd.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Thompson,
Daniel, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
The City Council adjourned at"12: 35 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this c2:L day of 1995.
4f4ichael Lam, Mayor
ATTEST:
LydiA Torres
CityAJClerk