Min 07/18/1994 602
Wichita Falls,Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
July 18 , 1994
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 -
J. W. Martin -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina - City Manager
Gregory Humbach - City Attorney
Lydia Torres - City Clerk
Bill Daniel - Absent
Mayor Lam called the meeting to order.
The invocation was given by Les McGalliard, Minister of
Faith Village Church of Christ.
Item 3
Moved by Councilor Martin that the minutes of the July 5 ,
1994 meeting be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Items 4a-7a
Councilor Loughry requested that Item 6b be moved down to
the regular agenda.
Moved by Councilor Martin that the consent agenda be
approved with the deletion of Item 6b.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 4a
RESOLUTION NO. 105-94
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, GRANTING EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY TO TU
ELECTRIC COMPANY TO SERVE BOYS CLUB FACILITY AT LAKE
KICKAPOO; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS DISCUSSED WAS OPEN TO THE
PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
603
Item 4b
RESOLUTION NO. 106-94
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 98-94 PERTAINING TO
EXHIBIT A, APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES AND ALTERNATES FOR
THE SPECIAL CITY ELECTION TO BE HELD AUGUST 13 , 1994
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 107-94
RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID TO VARIOUS VENDORS FOR ANNUAL
SUPPLY OF CHEMICALS FOR WATER TREATMENT
Item 6a
RESOLUTION NO. 108-94
4
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE LAKE ARROWHEAD SEAL COAT
PROGRAM, PHASE II (FINAL) AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT
TO ZACK BURKETT COMPANY
Item 6c
RESOLUTION NO. 109-94
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CDBG 1994 MILL & OVERLAY
PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO ZACK BURKETT
COMPANY
Item 7a
Minutes of the meeting of the following commission were
received.
a. Civil Service Commission, June 27, 1994
Item 6b
RESOLUTION NO. 110-94
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PRISON SEWER SYSTEM PROJECT AS
COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 110-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Councilor Loughry asked if the sewer line was in operation
on this particular project and who was using it. Mr. Bonnett
replied that it was and that the prison was on it and it was
available for operation. He thought they had a temporary
connection on it. Councilor Loughry questioned why the City was
charging the contractor an additional $240 a day for six days.
Mr. Bonnett explained that it was a statutory requirement that
was set up and once it is placed in the specifications, we have
to adhere to it.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry, Martin
and Hawkins
Nays: None
Councilor Thompson arrived at the Council table at this
time.
604
Item 8a
A public hearing was held on hazardous structures.
Mr. Jim King informed that they had three structures to be
considered today.
Mayor Lam opened the public hearing.
A citizen asked if this included the Old Town and Country
in District 2 and he was informed that it did not. He had
mentioned at a meeting in Sunnyside the other day that it might
be an appropriate structure for fire and police training. Mayor
Lam stated that the structure had been a continual problem. Mr.
King informed that we had a problem with that structure because
it was in bankruptcy and could not be used for those purposes.
No one else wished to be heard. Mayor Lam closed the public
hearing.
ORDINANCE NO. 92-94
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 AN EMERGENCY
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 92-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9a
ORDINANCE NO. 93-94
ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS RECEIVED FROM THE
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FOR PLANNING ASSISTANCE
FOR THE TRANSIT FUND
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 93-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9b
A proposed ordinance was presented amending Chapter 27 of
the Code of Ordinances by providing standards as to location of
sidewalks where required.
City Manager informed that it was brought to his attention
that a clause may be wrong in the ordinance and the legal
question is if it could be amended or if it should be tabled.
Councilor Hawkins moved that this item be tabled to insure
that it is legal. He informed that Planning & Zoning was
against it because of the way it was written.
605
Item 9b, cont 'd.
Mr. Steve Seese informed that there was discussion at the
Planning & Zoning Commission by Mr. Wachsman and Mr. Koen about
a contractor placing a sidewalk anywhere he wants to within
City' s right-of-way. Mr. Seese stated that there seems to be a
problem with the location of sidewalks, and that has created
some bad circumstances in some of the subdivisions. The concern
by Planning & Zoning was that we allow developers to put
sidewalks in City right-of-way being variable to where sidewalks
would locate depending upon existing conditions. The clause in
the resolution talks about the Director of Public Works being
able to authorize changes in location, however, if a new
subdivision is being started with nothing there the ordinance
does require they be placed 1 ft. off property line. There was
discussion regarding locating sidewalks to the back of the curb
but Staff had a problem with this because many times the
utilities are located in that area. Therefore, it would be
costly to repair the area.
Councilor Mallonee asked the City Attorney if this could be
amended today or if it should be tabled. City Attorney replied
that the amendment was rather insignificant and could be amended
today.
Councilor Hawkins stated that if the City Attorney says
that we can legally make this change and not be subject to it,
we have to depend on his legal expertise.
Councilor Hawkins withdrew his motion to table this item.
Additional discussion was had regarding this amendment.
Councilor Thompson moved to table this item for
clarification.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins.
Nays: None
Item 9c
ORDINANCE NO. 94-94
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, ARTICLE VI OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES PROVIDING FOR WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
PERMIT FEES; ESTABLISHING ABNORMAL SEWAGE SURCHARGES;
PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Mallonee that Ordinance No. 94-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin and carried by the
following vote.
=
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9d
ORDINANCE NO. 95-94
ORDINANCE ANNEXING APPROXIMATELY 36 ACRES OUT OF THE
ROBERT EVANS SURVEY (A-74) ON PETITION OF THE
LANDOWNER; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
AS REQUIRED BY LAW
606
Item 9d, cont'd.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 95-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10a
RESOLUTION NO. 111-94
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, APPROVING TEXAS UTILITIES ELECTRIC
COMPANY'S PROPOSED RIDER ED - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE; RATE GC - GENERAL SERVICE COMPETITIVE
PRICING; RATE WPC - WHOLESALE POWER COMPETITIVE
PRICING; AND RIDER ET - ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
SERVICE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING
CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SUCH RATE SCHEDULES AND SERVICE
REGULATIONS MAY BE CHANGED; MODIFIED, AMENDED OR
WITHDRAWN; AND FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS DISCUSSED WAS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Resolution No. 111-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10b
RESOLUTION NO. 112-94
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
JOINT CERTIFICATION PACKAGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE REQUIRED
CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, AND CERTIFICATIONS; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 112-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 11a
RESOLUTION NO. 113-94
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CERTAIN PARCELS OF
EXCESS REAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF
DEEDS TO CONVEY TITLE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT
THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS DISCUSSED WAS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
607
Item lla, cont'd.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 113-94 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Councilor Thompson requested that Staff establish a base
line for bidding based upon the tax assessed value. He felt that
we needed to have something in place for future reference and
for the protection of the citizens as well as the City' s assets.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: Councilor Thompson
Item llb
RESOLUTION NO. 114-94
RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID FOR ESTIMATED ANNUAL
REQUIREMENTS OF READY MIX CONCRETE AND FLOWABLE FILL
Moved by Councilor Thompson that the Resolution No. 114-94
be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Mallonee and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Mallonee, Loughry,
Thompson, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 12a
City Manager stated that there had been a request from
Southwestern Bell representatives to look into changing the
downtown parking in a certain area. There were other ideas and
suggestions which resulted in looking at more than one block in
the downtown area. Mr. Bob Parker has prepared a study
regarding the downtown parking situation.
Mr. Parker detailed his study as follows. There were
several things that were looked into, two of which will be
recommended to you. Both of these were presented to the Traffic
Commission and Division of Wichita Falls Executive Board. We
looked at what goes back to 1984 when the parking meters were
taken out. We took a square area from the south side of 6th St. ,
starting at Travis St. then went to the east side of Indiana,
south to the south side of llth Street, back north to the
intersection of Travis and 6th Streets. We counted all the
available parking spots and found there are 550 controlled
parking spaces (refers to 1/2 hr. , 1 hr. , 2 hr. parking meters)
within that square area. Next, they counted number of parking
spaces utilized. At no one time were more than 590 of those
spaces occupied.
There is an area between Travis, Scott, and Lamar Streets
between 7th and 9th Streets that is 1000 occupied. The
unoccupied spaces were basically on Indiana St. where we have
diagonal parking. We also looked at inactive loading zones and
inactive red curbed areas. We looked at streets with small
businesses, such as Scott and loth Streets, to see what we could
do, if anything, about their parking needs.
608
Item 12a, cont'd.
As a result of this study, Mr. Parker made the following
recommendations.
1. ) Time control the following areas with signs:
south side of 6th St. and east side of Indiana to
south side of llth St. and back up Travis with one
block on 8th St. , both sides going from Travis to
Austin St. , and south side of 7th St. between Indiana
and Ohio St. The meters would remain where they are
located.
2. ) Retain the 1 hr. parking south of the Post
Office and slightly north of Post Office, and the 1/2
hr. parking at the Courthouse Annex.
3 . ) Mark everything else with 2 hr. signs, 1 hr.
or 1/2 hr, as they are currently marked.
4. ) Take out parallel parking and replace with
diagonal parking on south side of loth St. between
Scott and Indiana Streets. This would add seven
parking spots.
5 . ) Add diagonal parking on north side of 9th
St. between Scott and Indiana Streets. We would gain
seven parking spaces. These locations were selected
because beginning east of Lamar to Ohio St. there are
three travel lanes with parallel parking and one lane
could be taken out to add the diagonal, parking and
still have two travel lanes for traffic.
Mr. Parker informed that they will begin work on 8th St.
after the Park Project is done. He said that the Division of
Wichita Falls Executive Board had been briefed and their
consensus was favorable. The Traffic Commission voted
unanimously to accept Mr. Parker ' s proposal.
The second part of this is to control the signals at each
intersection from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. All signals would be put on
flashing yellow for major streets and red flashing for minor
streets. All signals will go flashing at a given time and be
brought back up into normal operation.
He informed that they were working on new ideas for
downtown one-way streets.
City Manager informed that legally Mr. Parker had the
authority to implement this, however, Staff wanted to present it
to the Council. There being no opposition, the Mayor instructed
Mr. Parker to proceed.
Item 12b
Julius Ross, 309 Jalonic, requested an extension of time in
order to be able to bring his property into compliance with Code
Enforcement requirements. 309 Jalonic was one of the structures
listed for demolition under Item 8a. Councilor Thompson
suggested that Mr. Ross be given the extension he requested and
an opportunity to comply. Councilor Hawkins added that Mr. Ross
clear up the ownership of the property.
Mr. Steve Seese informed Council that there were no water
and sewer services at the location, and that it was unsafe and
had very unsanitary conditions.
Mr. Ross stated that in thirty days he could have it
cleaned and in pretty good shape. Mayor instructed that Mr.
Ross be given a thirty day extension to make repairs and asked
him to meet with Mr. Seese regarding necessary repairs and clean
up.
Roger Hill, 4506 Bermuda, suggested that properties which
were being bid and sold at below appraised value be
reconstructed using available resources for small businesses. He
told Council that there were many federal funds available to
609
Item 12b, cont'd.
declining neighborhoods such as in District 2. He suggested
that the City use an information data base and get the resources
available to put this land to use. We need to have more
efficient City services. Make a concerted effort and meet with
taxpayers to see what can be done now before federal dollars are
gone. Don' t be short-sighted.
Councilor Martin suggested that Mr. Hill be appointed as
the Chair to get those funds available for the City. Mayor
addressed Councilor Martin by stating that the City had Staff
who are in charge of that duty. Mayor commented to Mr. Hill that
City and Council were cognizant of these things and are doing
our best to look at funds that apply to this City. We
appreciate your input.
Mr. Hill expressed to the Mayor that the problem with 'we
have somebody else in the City that can do the job' is that it
never gets done. The City is myself, these people, the
employees, not the Council; the Council represents us. He said
his health prevented him from being a leader. He told the
Council that the perception was that Council does not need any
input from the citizens and that is being short-sighted.
Councilor Hawkins suggested that Lynda Hillery get with Mr.
Hill and obtain the information he has to see if there are funds
available that the City can go after.
Item 12c
Councilor Thompson expressed his appreciation to Mr. Hill
for his comments and felt they were right on key.
Councilor Thompson referred to the accident during the
training exercise held for the SWAT Team on the Eastside, Juarez
St. , last Tuesday. He said if people had been socially astute
and closely aware of what was going on, they would have known
that there was a family in mourning, and that there was a church
behind the house where explosion took place, and they would have
seen that there were children, women, and babies in that area.
Instead, they saw nothing, they were blinded to the fact that
there were human beings and people of worth in that area. My
view is that this was done by people who are aware and
culturally able to work with people of diverse backgrounds and
able to train people in law enforcement. I do not blame those
who were being trained, they were told to be there for the
training. I feel it is strange that we would have selected a
house and I do blame our people for selecting a house in that
area where there are children and people to hold such a
dangerous training. Some of the people in our community feel it
should have been held on the South or West side. My feeling is
that dangerous training should not be held anywhere where there
are people that could be harmed or could be hurt. I think it is
a derelict of duty to select a place and if you did not know
what they were going to do with the building you should have
asked. I do not think we should blindly give property to anybody
just because they come and ask for it. I think that whenever we
have this type of training we should have, if it is going to be
a joint training, the Chief or a senior officer present in case
if the training appears to be hazardous or injurious to life.
It is unwise to allow our people to be involved in something
that can cause loss of life and limb. I have respect for the
people that were on the scene but they were not qualified. We
need to have someone who is qualified and can say this is not
what we thought we were going to be a part of. I realize that
accident happened after the training closed down. The citizens
who were there saw the City, not A&M nor NorTex, as the main
culprits. We have to be more careful and give more thought to
things that we are involved in.
Finally, we need to train our officers and we need to move
a facility out on our police training grounds where this can be
610
Item 12c, cont'd.
conducted. If we do not have a space that is large enough
perhaps we should build one that will accommodate that. We
cannot afford ever again to conduct such training where people
might be hurt. Because God had mercy on us, we should not ever
do this again, where people might be injured. I believe that the
majority of the people would agree that this should never have
happened and should never happen again.
Councilor Hawkins asked if the City had checked into the
annexation of the area along 287 toward the prison. City
Manager responded that a portion of that area has been under
study for quite some time, and the delay is dealing with water
lines that are already in place. We are trying to work with
Water Utility Company in trying to identify a way that we would
be able to take those systems over. It is in an area that is
fast developing and some areas are being serviced by other
utility companies. City Manager will provide maps for the
Council and will get back with the Council when study is put
together.
Councilor Hawkins mentioned the car washes being conducted
at various business such as the 7-Eleven and Chief Auto Parts.
He requested that this be looked into for violations of
ordinances. He also asked about animal control hours and a phone
number to call. He asked that this number be advertised on the
City Channel. He addressed the sale of access property being
disposed of by the City and requested that a policy be set to
limit the acceptance of a bid to $100 and that no bid below a
certain dollar amount be accepted. This needs to be done for all
property and it needs to be publicized at the time the property
is put out for bid.
Councilor Martin echoed a portion of Councilor Thompson' s
comments regarding the training accident. He stated that he has
been researching trying to find funds to build a training
facility for the police and fire departments, which is
desperately needed. He solicited Mr. Hill' s help in finding
these funds. Mr. Hill commented that there are some justice
funds available.
Councilor Martin invited the citizens who were unable to
attend the half-cent sales tax public hearings to call their
Councilor as soon as possible and give their input as to what
they want done in the City.
Councilor Loughry asked Mr. Bob Parker to inspect York
Street for the need of a possible Dip sign. He mentioned the
need for a fire station in the Tanglewood area.
Mayor Lam asked the City Manager to set up a meeting
regarding wrecker service.
Item 12d
City Manager reminded Council that three meetings had been
scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8: 30 a.m. to
formulate a list for the half-cent sales tax.
Regarding the fire station and annexation, City Manager
informed that one thing that has been studied over the years is
a fire station consolidation plan. We will share that with you
as you discuss prioritization of projects.
There were no Staff reports.
Item 12e
City Council recessed into executive session at 10 : 20 a.m.
in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code. The
meeting reconvened at 10: 28 a.m.
611
Item 12e, cont'd.
In the absence of Mayor Lam, Mayor Pro-Tem Angus Thompson
presided over the meeting.
Councilor Thompson asked Mrs. Stricklin to introduce the
Texas A & M guests.
Mrs. Stricklin stated that the Texas A&M group present
today had been working with the City at the onset of the
unfortunate accident and also the two individuals from Nor Tex.
Dr. Kimble Bennett is the Director of the Agency and would like
to make the response for Texas A&M. As you know the City of
Wichita Falls responded to the incident immediately and began to
take as much care of the citizens as we could and began to do
the clean up. This is what they wish to talk about as well as
training with the City from this day forward.
Dr. Kimble Bennett, Director of Texas Engineering Extension
Service and Associate Vice Chancellor for Engineering at Texas
A&M System, responded to Councilor Thompson' s remarks. Dr.
Bennett totally agreed with Councilor Thompson. It was an
unfortunate accident and he assured him that this type of
training will no longer be done in urban areas. He informed that
he had already put this policy in place. The accident will be
investigated fully by the Texas Engineering Extension Service as
well as by outside explosives experts to determine exactly what
happened out there. Also, all safety procedures and practices
will be reviewed to make sure this never happens again. Dr.
Bennett assured Councilor Thompson and the Council that they
were going to do their best to act in a responsible manner.
Dr. Bennett thanked the City for its quick response. He
said that the assistance from the Wichita Falls Risk Management,
Chief Harrelson and his department was of tremendous help in
assisting with the citizens of District 2. We are handling
their claims and should have things pretty well wrapped up soon.
He informed that Mr. Tieken was hired locally to handle the
claims and is working with the citizens and their concerns and
to take care of any damage that took place.
Dr. Bennett enumerated the three points as follows.
1. ) They were going to do anything they could to
make sure this type of situation does not occur again.
He informed that the instructors were very qualified
and came highly recommended. They will investigate
fully and take whatever action is necessary.
2. ) They tried to respond as responsively as they
could and work with the City and citizens.
3 . ) Thank the City and Texas Engineering
Extension Service for responding quickly in working
with them to resolve this unfortunate situation.
Councilor Loughry asked if this training was done before in
residential areas. Dr. Bennett replied that this was an
advanced tactical training SWAT course and the only one in which
they use explosives. He stated that using residential properties
is not normal practice, but it had been done before. Their
number one criteria will be that this type of training is not in
any kind of neighborhood whatsoever.
Councilor Martin commented that Wichita Falls citizens
cannot fault people in your agency considering the compassion
and rapid response you have shown and the attitude you have
taken in this situation. You are to be commended for this. Dr.
Bennett again apologized to the citizens of District 2 and said
that they regretted this had happened. He said they certainly
regretted all the hurt, suffering and pain or problems caused to
that community, and any sensitiveness that may have arisen.
612
Item 12e cont'd.
Councilor Hawkins said they appreciated Dr. Bennett taking
time out of his busy schedule and would like to say that this is
unfortunate but we should be thankful that no life was lost.
The citizens can rest assured that their Councilor and the
entire Council is interested in looking out for their benefits.
City Manager asked if the procedure, that resulted in the
house being blown up, was actually outside the definition of the
training exercise. When that was being considered for a
location to have this exercise it envisioned far less
explosives, that resulted in the house being blown up. Dr.
Bennett replied that it was a practice to always destroy the
explosives that are checked out at the property where they have
permission to detonate explosives. They are made up on the site
and for safety purposes are not transported but destroyed on the
site. He said he could not comment any further until the
investigation was completed. Dr. Bennett said that if he had
been aware that the training was being done in a neighborhood he
would have put a stop to it immediately.
Councilor Thompson expressed the citizens of District 2,
the Council, and his appreciation for Dr. Bennett' s comments for
being forth rightly in this. Like many other things, this also
will be overcome. Dr. Bennett said that he could not say enough
for the City' s response in this. This is a very responsible
Council and City Government to the citizens. The City was on the
scene and did what we could not do merely because of distance.
Mrs. Stricklin introduced Mr. Wilde of Nor Tex Regional
Planning Commission.
Mr. Dennis Wilde, Executive Director of Nor Tex Regional
Planning Commission, said he would like to send their regrets to
the citizens of that area. It is very unfortunate that it
happened and I assure you that in future training exercises we
will assess exactly how to conduct and will have the safety of
citizens in high regard. Also, we will do a thorough check on
our system. We will continue, as we always have, in regional
law enforcement training, which has been one of our prime
objectives. Also, we will continue with Texas A&M because they
are very good. Mr. Wilde commended the City' s Risk Management
team and the Police Department for their efforts. He said
without their help the situation could have been very volatile
out there. He thanked them for their efforts and complimented
the City Staff.
Councilor Thompson expressed his appreciation to Mr. Wilde
for his statements. The City will continue working with Nor Tex
in providing training for our officers in this area and
hopefully in other parts of the country, like Oklahoma. We
understand that things do happen and we all have to share the
responsibilities and we are doing that now. Thank you.
Item 12f
Moved by Councilor Martin that Martha Fulmer be appointed
to the Commission on Human Needs with term to expire 12/31/97.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Pro-Tem Thompson, Councilors Mallonee,
Loughry, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
613
Item 12g
Moved by Councilor Martin that Erion Simpson be appointed
to complete Ann Kisor ' s unexpired term on the Mayors Commission
on the Status of Women. Term expiration is 9/30/94.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Pro-Tem Thompson, Councilors Mallonee,
Loughry, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
The City Council adjourned at 10: 45 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this CD., day of , 1994.
Michael Lam, ayor
ATTEST:
(� AO ) �"
L d a Torres
Ci Clerk