Min 04/06/1993 260
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
April 6 , 1993
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
David Farabee -
Terrance E. Loughry -
Angus Thompson - Councilors
Paul Hughes -
J. W. Martin -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina - City Manager
Gregory Humbach - City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas - City Clerk
The invocation was given by Roberto Ramirez , Scotland
United Methodist Church.
Item 3a
Tony Kitchen, Fleet Maintenance Division, was honored as
Employee of the Month for April. Mayor Lam presented him with a
plaque, City of Wichita Falls pin, bus tickets, a check, and
tickets to a dinner.
Hank Grieb, with Christmas in April, encouraged support of
the Council this Saturday to assist in their kickoff project.
Item 4
Moved by Councilor Thompson that minutes of the meeting
held March 16 , 1993 , be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried
unanimously.
Items 5a-7e
Moved by Councilor Hughes that the consent agenda be
approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 53-93
RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION 159-90 TO INCORPORATE
LABORATORY CHARGES FOR DISSOLVED OXYGEN TESTS
261
Item 5b
RESOLUTION NO. 54-93
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
SETTLEMENT A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM WITH FAYE K. SMITH;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Item 6a
RESOLUTION NO. 55-93
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AWARD OF BID AND A CONTRACT
FOR A REROOFING PROJECT AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Item 7
Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and
commissions were received.
a. Traffic Safety Commission - February 3 , 1993
b. Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health Board -
February 19, 1993
c. Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Adjustments and
Appeals - March 8, 1993
d. Planning and Zoning Commission - March 10, 1993
e. Park Board - March 25, 1993
Item 8a
A public hearing was opened on the use of federal revenue
sharing funds for replacement of the Memorial Auditorium roof.
No one asked to be heard, and the public hearing was closed.
Item 8b
A public hearing was opened on an application for
additional taxicab licenses for AAA Falls Cab Company.
Alfred S. Tucker, 4205 Northwest Freeway, appeared as owner
of the cab company. He stated they are experiencing an
increased use of their cabs on the weekends. He stated they
will have a vehicle for handicapped persons, along with other
cabs. Mr. Tucker stated he would have three vans, and the
seating would be in accordance with the ordinance.
Claudio Ramirez, Jr. , 302 Fillmore, stated he also does not
have enough cabs on the weekend. He also asked for ten
additional cabs. Mayor Lam pointed out that the hearing today
is on AAA Falls Cab Company.
Mr. Berzina pointed out that the number of cabs is based on ""W
need and necessity, and that we are under no obligation to
numbers. If the Council receives requests for other cabs, it is
their role to approve whatever they feel is needed in the
community. No equality of numbers is mentioned.
The public hearing was closed.
Item 8c
A public hearing was opened on hazardous structures.
Ronnie Silbeck, 1106 Alma, stated he had just taken over
this property, and needs more time. Jim King, Code Enforcement,
stated there was a fire in this structure in January 1990, and
only cosmetic work has been done. They have been unable to
secure plans, etc. ; there is no warranty deed on this property.
He noted they have had personal contact with Mr. Silbeck from
their office. Mr. Silbeck stated he wanted to get the
262
Item 8c, cont'd.
downstairs portion of the property completed by the fall school
term. It was noted that 80-90 percent of this structure is
charred, and it would have to be removed.
Elton Martin, 1326 32nd, stated this property was given to
bankruptcy court, and nothing can be done until it has been
released. Mr. King stated their attorneys have been notified.
The public hearing was closed.
ORDINANCE NO. 21-93
ORDINANCE CLOSING HEARING AND FINDING CERTAIN
BUILDINGS AND/OR STRUCTURES TO BE DANGEROUS:
COMMANDING PROPERTY OWNERS TO REPAIR OR DEMOLISH SAID
BUILDINGS AND/OR STRUCTURES WITHIN THIRTY ( 30) DAYS OF
THE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 21-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9a
ORDINANCE NO. 22-93
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 Thompson that Ordinance No. 22-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Tom Edmonson presented an overview of this grant on the
numbers of people who would be assisted in rent, mortgage, and
housing. The early intervention grant will be used for dental
and medical assistance, and physicians.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9b
ORDINANCE NO. 23-93
ORDINANCE MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN THE GENERAL FUND
FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH.
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 23-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried by the
following vote.
263
Item 9b, cont'd.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9c
ORDINANCE NO. 24-93
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS PROVIDING THAT CHAPTER 4 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, BE
AMENDED TO ADOPT SECTION 4-9 , PROHIBITING THE
POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE KEMP PUBLIC
LIBRARY AND GROUNDS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SAVING
CLAUSE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
AS REQUIRED BY LAW; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 24-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9d
ORDINANCE NO. 25-93
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISIONS SECTION 9
(B) (2 ) (a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO
PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF KOVARIK
ROAD, ADJACENT TO THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 1, BLOCK 40A
OF MESA IRRIGATED FARMS
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 25-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
Mayor Lam stated he will refrain from voting due to a
conflict of interest.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes,
Martin, and Hawkins.
Nays: None
Item 9e
ORDINANCE NO. 26-93
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 32-139 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO DETENTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE FOR LOT 1,
BLOCK 40A, MESA IRRIGATED FARMS
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 26-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
264
Item 9e, cont'd.
Councilor Martin stated he would like to see proper
landscape designing to ease the storm water. Mayor Lam again
announced he would refrain from voting.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes,
Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None - - - - - - -
Item 9f
ORDINANCE NO. 27-93
AN ORDINANCE REZONING LOTS 15-22, BLOCK 1, TAYLOR
SUBDIVISION, ( 1426 SIBLEY STREET) , WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) TO HEAVY
COMMERCIAL (HC) ZONE (CASE R-93-02 ) .
Moved by Councilor Farabee that Ordinance No. 27-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9g
ORDINANCE NO. 28-93
ORDINANCE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES FOR HIRE
AUTHORIZED TO AAA FALLS CAB COMPANY
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 28-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
Councilor Loughry commented that it seems we are limiting
this man, and Mayor Lam stated it is regulated by the City
because it is a service provided to the city. Service and
operating methods need to be evaluated.
Claudio Ramirez, Sr. , owner of All American Cab, stated
that the demand for cabs is not limited to the other cab
company. Each has its own customers.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9h
ORDINANCE NO. 29-93
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 25-69 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A TRANSIENT SHOW
AT THE NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL 17TH ANNUAL SPRING
FESTIVAL ON APRIL 30, MAY .1 & 2, 1993 .
Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 29-93 be
passed.
265
Item 9h, cont'd.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9i
ORDINANCE NO. 30-93
ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM HOTEL/MOTEL EQUITY
TO REPLACE THE ROOF AT THE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 30-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 9j
ORDINANCE NO. 31-93
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 Martin that Ordinance No. 31-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10a
RESOLUTION NO. 56-93
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN
ASSIGNMENT OF TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF FEE TITLE AND TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FROM
NORTHWEST TEXAS REHAB, L.P. (A PARTNERSHIP) TO REHAB
CONCEPTS CORPORATION; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN
TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED B Y LAW.
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Resolution No. 56-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Councilor Martin asked if we could require them in the tax
abatement agreement to do business with local firms, or at least
have an opportunity to bid, and Mr. Humbach stated he did not
see any problem in including some language that they would give
a good faith effort to allow everyone to bid, but we cannot tell
them how to run their business.
266
Item 10a, cont'd.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10b
RESOLUTION NO. 57-93
RESOLUTION NAMING POLLING PLACES AND OFFICIALS FOR
REGULAR CITY ELECTION ON MAY 1, 1993
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 57-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes.
Councilor Loughry asked why some of the voting precincts
are shown in parts, and Mrs. Thomas explained that it is because
the County has not re-drawn our precincts, and many of them do
not have definitive lines. She further explained the problems
we would be encountering in this election because of that.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10c
RESOLUTION NO. 58-93
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS DETERMINING NECESSITY FOR ACQUISITION OF
A UTILITY EASEMENT IN BLOCK 2 OF SPICER ADDITION,
APPROVING THE APPRAISAL, SETTING JUST COMPENSATION,
AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION
WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Resolution No. 58-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Martin.
Mr. Bonnett stated that he believes these buildings were
permitted when built, but they were built over water lines.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 10d
RESOLUTION NO. 59-93
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO RE-NEW A
CONTRACT WITH THE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY THAT WILL
DESIGNATE EACH CITY FIRE STATION AS A "SAFE PLACE"
Moved by Councilor Farabee that Resolution No. 59-93 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes.
267
Item 10d, cont'd.
Councilor Martin asked if this resolution is being utilized
very much, and Chief James stated most of the time it is once a
month, but last month, they had three. He stated that the
Children' s Aid Society responds within ten minutes.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, Martin, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item lla
Moved by Councilor Martin that the bid for the City' s
annual supply of lubrication products be awarded to Grozier Mann
Oil Company in the amount of $44, 650. 50.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes.
Buddy Henderson, Wichita Oil Company, and Mike Price, with
Texaco, appeared. Mr. Henderson stated they do not have a
dedicated truck for oil delivery. He stated he would not do
anything to contaminate, and would like the opportunity to
provide this truck. He stated they had intended to do this.
Mr. Berzina stated it is his understanding that at the time bids
were opened they had to have something in writing. Mr.
Henderson stated he could provide a dedicated truck; it is just
a matter of cleaning it.
Robert Parker noted that the bid specifications require
that oil products be delivered by oil truck. He checked
Conoco' s and Sun Oil ' s requirements, and they both said they
would not load oil in a truck that carried gasoline. The bid
said it would be delivered by tank truck. They would not accept
a gasoline truck for loading lubricant. He expressed concern
about contamination in our underground storage tank and delivery
lines. Mr. Berzina explained that he hopes they understand our
concern about contamination. Mr. Henderson stated they would
have a truck by the end of the week that is not contaminated.
Mr. Price stated he is a Texaco engineer, and they do not
let a distributor put oil in a gasoline tank. They wash it out
and wait until it is completely dry. He did not think it
necessarily stated they would have to state it would be washed
out. They have strict guidelines if they use a gasoline truck
for oil. Robert Parker stated it would have to be a dedicated
lubricating tank; hoses included.
Councilor Hawkins asked about insurance coverage by the
company. Mr. Berzina stated contaminated tanks would be a major
expenditure. He asked that the staff be given the opportunity
to bring it back if it is not satisfactory.
An amended motion was made by Mayor Lam that the low bidder
be given an opportunity to provide satisfaction to the City by
April 9 that they can deliver products so that tanks will not be
contaminated, then it be put back on the agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson.
Councilor Martin expressed that he has a problem with
bringing it back at this time.
Mr. Henderson stated they have a co-mingling contract and
insurance.
The amended motion carried by the following vote.
268
Item lla, cont'd.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: Councilor Martin
Item 12a
Moved by Councilor Hughes that authority be granted for the
City to participate with other taxing entities to appeal the
case of Sklan vs Wichita Appraisal District.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins, and carried
unanimously.
The Council recessed at 10: 00 a.m. , and reconvened at 10: 14
a.m.
Item 12b
Vernal L. Huffines, with Mathis, West, and Huffines,
presented the annual audit report. He noted that a Certificate
of Achievement was issued to the City last year. He noted that
total assets increased by 8. 4 million. Expenditures in the
general fund went down $400,000. Liabilities increased by 4. 2
million. Mayor Lam expressed appreciation for their work and
the confidence they have in the validity of their answers.
Item 12c
A discussion was held on smoking policies in City
buildings. Mr. Berzina explained that an in-house committee had
been appointed, and they are still in the process. He reported
that most of the work has been reduced to a minimum. A request
had been made that we go ahead and take action on banning
smoking in the Health Department building. The Health Board' has
recommended this, and the committee is ready to make a
recommendation that smoking be banned at the Health Department.
Designated smoking areas were previously made for various
buildings. It should be brought back to the Council on other
buildings. other information will be brought to the Council as
it is available. Mayor Lam confirmed that the City Manager' s
direction will go forward.
Item 12d
Discussion was held on possible implementation of change in
personal appearance ballot application procedures. Mr. Berzina
pointed out that some discussions about proper procedure to deal
with a voter when they come in have taken place, and there is
also some disagreement as to what the state law says.
Councilor Martin read from a memo from Mr. Humbach to the
Council in which it was stated that the person he talked to (in
the office of the Secretary of State) commented to him that in
his personal opinion we should assist the voter by making it as
easy as possible to vote, and, that means that particularly the
elderly people coming in we should do all the necessary
paperwork for them. Councilor Martin also cited Section
85. 031(b) of the Texas Election Code that states a signature
roster is not required to be maintained at the early voting
polling place, and he thinks we should be uniform with the
voting throughout the County in this. He recommends the City
follow the same procedure as the County in filling out the
entire voter' s application, except for signature.
Mayor Lam commented that we ' re saying that the State really
doesn' t give direction on which way you go, that it is kinda up
to us. Mr. Humbach agreed, stating that the language is that
269
Item 12d, cont'd.
the voter shall make application for a ballot, and what does
that mean? In his opinion, it means that it is optional that we
can certainly provide the assistance in the application process.
Mayor Lam agreed with Councilor Martin that we are looking
at making it easy for a person to vote, but we also need to look
at the possibility of speeding up the process. He asked Mrs.
Thomas if she had any comments.
Mrs. Thomas asked for permission to read some of the Texas
Election Law regarding this matter into the record, along with a
letter from the Office of the Secretary of State. Permission
was granted by the Mayor. Mrs. Thomas quoted from Section
84. 001(a) , (b) , and (e) , which provides that to be entitled to
vote an early voting ballot, a person who is eligible for early
voting must make an application for an early voting ballot as
provided by this title. An application must be in writing and
signed by the applicant. A person who has not made an
application as provided by this title is not entitled to receive
an early voting ballot. Section 84. 006, making application for
ballot voted by personal appearance, states that an applicant
for a ballot to be voted by personal appearance must make an
application at the early voting place when the applicant desires
to vote. In Section 85. 031(b) , (c) , on the polling place
procedure, Accepting the Voter, Mr. Martin mentioned that it
says a signature roster is not required to be maintained at an
early polling place, and that is correct. We do not keep a
signature roster at the polling place, but the only thing it
says in the Texas Election Law, unless you are assisting someone
to vote, about the Clerk writing anything on the application is
this: If an applicant does not enter the applicant ' s voter
registration number or County election precinct of residence on
the application, or enters an incorrect number or precinct, the
Clerk shall enter the appropriate information on the application
before permitting the applicant to vote.
Mrs. Thomas also read from the letter from the Office of
the Secretary of State, which states that a voter is responsible
for completing the application required by the Texas Election
Code for either voting by personal appearance (Sec. 84 . 006 ) or
by mail (Sec. 84. 001) . If a voter is entitled to assistance
under the Code (Sec. 85. 035 for personal appearance or Section
86. 010 for mail) a single election official may render such
assistance. To be eligible for assistance, the voter must be
unable to prepare the ballot (or his application, of course) due
to a physical disability that renders the voter unable to write
or see; or an inability to read the language in which the ballot
is written (Sec. 64 . 031) . He goes on to say that the voter is,
therefore, responsible for completing the information on the
Combination Form unless entitled to assistance. The letter is
signed by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.
Mayor Lam asked Mrs. Thomas if all this means that it is
her position that we would not be allowed to fill in his name on
that signature page, and she responded by saying she believes
this is what it says, unless we are assisting them if they have
a handicap or something. She also confirmed that she was
reading from the Texas Election laws.
Councilor Martin also noted that coming right back from the
election division they say they have no opinion on it, and that
we can do that if we desire, and he thinks it is desirable that
we do that. He stated he thinks we have that authority; that
this body right here has the authority to make that decision,
and he is for making our voting as simple and as easy as
possible, and we are not violating any laws that he reads in the
election code as presented to him.
Councilor Hawkins supported Councilor Martin on this,
stating you can' t read their writing half the time even when
they are printing their name. He stated he believes it is very
important for the City' s record keeping that we have the clerks
270
Item 12d, cont'd.
enter everything on the combined form with the exception of the
place where they sign, and initial if they do not have their
cards with them.
Councilor Hughes asked if we actually have a contradiction
on the State level of what they're saying the law is, and Mr.
Humbach stated that' s exactly right. He further stated they
have received the opinion of two attorneys in that department.
There is no case law, obviously, but his opinion is that it is a
permissive procedure.
Mrs. Thomas had just one more question, stating certainly
she would do whatever their direction is, but with this election
coming up, and the difficulties we are going to have anyway, and
it taking a lot more time, she asked if they might want to
consider starting this procedure this time or next time, and
Councilor Hawkins felt we should start it this time because the
County is also doing it; Councilor Hughes favored going forward
with it until we ' re told not to.
Mayor Lam gave the direction of the Council to the City
Clerk to do the filling in on the applications, except the
signature of the voter, and his initials where they don't bring
their voter registration card, and change our procedures on this
election.
Mrs. Thomas acknowledged that she had their direction.
Item 12e
The resident at 1807 Speedway stated there is no parking on
the South side of the street. He requested that speed limits be
posted. Additional police patrol was also requested.
Ben Shirey, 1201 Shoreline, Lakeside City, stated he is
representing the Committee to Save Lake Wichita. They have a
petition signed by persons wanting to save the lake. He stated
that a depth of three and one-half feet is not sufficient to
keep from destroying growth. He stated that most people do not
know that the lake will be drained, and most do not know that
when it is filled it will only be three and one-half feet deep.
He stated they are committed to saving the lake, and will go to
whatever lengths necessary to do this.
Mayor Lam emphasized that obviously the City had a
tremendous flooding problem, and we asked the federal government
for assistance. It has saved many million dollars in property
damage. He believes the City of Wichita Falls has acted wisely.
The future of the configuration of Lake Wichita is a concern of
the Council and citizens of Wichita Falls. He noted the
monetary constraints. He stated they are committed to making
Lake Wichita the best lake possible after the flood control is
completed. Their priority is to have a Lake Wichita of some
kind. It will not be the same lake we have known in the past.
He stated they want to join with him in looking at all
possibilities for this lake. They will have to ask the citizens
of this community if they want to commit tax dollars. Mr.
Berzina stated we could not have done this ourselves
financially, and they had some dictatory requirements on the
channel and dam. The cost benefit ratio had to be considered.
Mr. Bonnett applauded Mr. Shirey' s interest, stating they
stand ready to work with whatever group the Council deems
appropriate. Mr. Shirey stated this committee is going forward
with their plans. They are not against flood control, but are
willing to work with the City in making the lake a better
facility. Mayor Lam offered input from the City as needed. He
stated he would get a committee formed, and suggested that Mr.
Shirey provide him with five names, and he would name six.
271
Item 12e, cont'd.
Councilor Farabee noted it will cost 1. 6 cents if it is just
handled by a tax increase, stating it is very difficult to
justify a tax increase of more than 1. 5 cents.
Bill Hagler, Lakeside City, stated their interest is for
the lake, and not on a personal basis. He does not think it
will cost millions of dollars of the taxpayers ' money to make a
good lake and still provide flood protection. He suggested they
give Lake Wichita a chance.
Leon Sanner, 5007 Lakeshore Drive, stated he would like to
see the lake hold a couple of feet of water before it goes over
the spillway.
Item 12f
Councilor Thompson applauded the citizens who have come
forward about Lake Wichita.
Councilor Thompson suggested that Troy Jensen and Wilma
Thomas put together some public service announcements to
eliminate some confusion about the voting precincts where people
will vote in the City election.
Councilor Thompson mentioned a lack of enforcement and
beautification in cleaning up the community. He noted there is
a continuous sale of drugs in East Lynwood Park. He would
appreciate anything the police department can do. He also
mentioned loitering, asking if we had arrested anyone for
loitering.
Councilor Hawkins favored the public service announcements.
He also commented that the National Guard is going to take on a
larger role with downsizing the military. He mentioned a longer
military leave time for police and fire employees. He stated
this is not the same type of job as building a house, etc.
Councilor Hawkins also asked about the State ' s plans on
improving Highway 890. He also mentioned breakaway light poles
on Seymour Highway, and trees being planted behind them.
Mr. Berzina addressed the City and the National Guard,
stating that we provide up to fifteen days per year for guard
duty. In a lot of places they deduct the difference in their
salary. We do not do that. We allow them to keep both monies.
We have to have the flexibility to move these people from place
to place. He requested that the staff be allowed to assign and
schedule their people. Some of these guard duties are more than
fifteen days. First and foremost, they are a police officer.
He stated he is aware of some of the problems, and they are
trying to work them out. Councilor Hawkins suggested this is an
area we need to be more cognizant of on Saturday and Sunday duty
in the Guards.
Councilor Martin joined the citizens in Wichita Falls in
saving Lake Wichita. He still favors supporting it for
recreational purposes.
He also commented on the gang problem, stating we should
use whatever necessary to correct it.
Councilor Martin commented on the Reserve situation,
stating it is not a secondary job, but something we entered into
an agreement with the Department of Defense. He does not want
to see any changes made, and wants to leave it in force like it
is.
272
Item 12f, cont'd.
He also mentioned an SBA subcontractors marketing
conference on May 3 in Dallas, if anyone wants to attend from
this area.
Councilor Loughry commented that he is still looking for
the information on the 4-10 Plan. Mr. Berzina stated they would
have it in a couple of days. He also asked about dispensing
machines in the dispatcher area for breaks. Chief Harrelson
stated they have the necessary equipment for them to cook their
own food.
Councilor Loughry stated that there are trees blocking the
turning view from Seymour Highway to Polk. Also on Bluebonnet
at Seymour Highway and Kemp, he suggested markers for right
turns. He also noted a ditch at 4400 Prince Edward, and also
asked about a bus from the RV Park to the mall. Councilor
Loughry also asked how we went to the third low bid to PA
Chevrolet on police cars.
Mayor Lam requested that each council member contact
someone in their district to represent the lake committee. He
and Councilor Farabee will select the other member.
Mayor Lam noted that he visited with a representative from
Mexico on a future Sister City. He was willing to do this,
stating there are several cities of similar size near him.
Item 12g
Mr. Berzina handed out the wage scale reports. He also
introduced David Clark as the new Director of Community
Development, from Decatur, Illinois. He has extensive
experience in Planning, Community Development, and Inspection.
Mr. Clark stated he is looking forward to working with this
City, and introduced Steve Seese and Catherine Fitsch as new
staff members in Planning and Housing.
Mayor Lam commented that Mr. Humbach noted that an
executive session is not necessary today, and asked him to
report on the outcome of the case of Smith vs City of Wichita
Falls in the suit of three police officers over promotions. The
Court found as a matter of law that the City Council did not
violate any of the provisions of the Civil Service law. Their
motion for back pay was also denied. They did not find that the
City had illegally filled a classified position. They did
enjoin the City to not allow a civilian to supervise classified
personnel, and they found the City is not liable for attorney' s
fees. The City Council has been vindicated.
The City Council adjourned aft/ 11 : 40 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this A`l day of 1993 .
A
Mic'liael Lam, Mayor
ATTEST:
i
Wilma J. tfiomas, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
�.�s.: