Min 09/01/1992 113
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
September 1 , 1992
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 -
Harold Hawkins -
James Berzina - City Manager
Gregory Humbach - City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas - City Clerk
J. W. Martin Absent
The invocation was given by Troy Haggard, First Church of
God.
Mayor Pro tem Hughes called the meeting to order, stating
that Mayor Lam would be slightly delayed due to a ribbon
cutting.
Item 3
Grady LeRoy Chaddick, Fire Department, was honored as
Employee of the Month for September. Mayor Pro tem Hughes
presented him with a plaque, City of Wichita Falls pin, bus
tickets, a check, and tickets for a dinner.
Item 4
Moved by Councilor Thompson that minutes of the meeting
held August 18 , 1992, be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins, and carried
unanimously.
Items 5a-e
Moved by Councilor Farabee that the consent agenda be
approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried
unanimously.
Item 5
Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and
commissions were received.
a. Zoning Board of Adjustment - July 15 , 1992
b. Water Resources Commission - August 7, 1992
C. Planning and Zoning Commission - August 12, 1992
d. Board of Electrical Examiners - August 13 , 1992
e. Board of Directors, TIF Zone - August 17, 1992
114
Item 6a
A public hearing was opened on paving part of an alley
between Maplewood and Green Hollow, and lying North of Lake Park
Drive.
.Bob Seabury appeared, stating that when they build a home
they try to face the garage toward the rear instead of the
front. They are offering to pay for paving half of the alley.
Councilor Loughry had questions about paving only half of
the alley, stating that property owners have to sign a petition
for alley paving. William Parker stated that the purpose of
this public hearing is to determine if anyone is opposed to Mr.
Seabury paving only half of the alley. Jerry Gross stated that
all property owners were given written notification of this in
order to express their opinions. Councilor Hawkins stated that
he has a problem approving paving only half of it because of
traffic. (Mayor Lam arrived at this time. ) Mr. Berzina pointed
out that this is a public hearing, and not an item to be voted
on at this time.
'William C. Young, 1018 Widows Lane, had a question about
what the drainage runoff will do to the properties involved, and
Jimmy Moses asked about property boundaries and maintenance of
property between the sidewalk and the street.
'The public hearing was closed.
Item 7a
A proposed ordinance was presented amending Chapter 14 of
the Electrical Code at Section 14-36, Subsection (B) ( 3 ) . A
motion was made by Councilor Farabee, and seconded by Councilor
Thompson, for its passage.
Councilor Hawkins stated he had been contacted by about a
half dozen master electricians concerning changing of this
ordinance. He stated that he had to go along with the Board of
Electrical Examiners to not change the ordinance. He feels this
would weaken the position of the City with regard to electrical
contractors. Roger McKinney confirmed that the City is the
licensing authority, and the State does not regulate
electricians. Mr. Potts confirmed that the City does not have
an electrical contractor license, and that any master
electrician can become a contractor.
Mr. Berzina addressed the situation where the electrician
is employed by another business, stating this ordinance
addresses that situation. Councilor Thompson commented that it
seems this ordinance deals with restraint of commerce. Other
discussion continued with Mr. Humbach stating that this allows
the master electrician who does the work personally to become an
electrical contractor without being in the full time business of
an electrical contractor. Mayor Lam stated that it seems to
boil down to whether we are registering someone with technical
ability to operate in this community.
The motion failed by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee and Thompson
Nays: Councilors Loughry, Hughes, and Hawkins
Item 7b
ORDINANCE NO. 66-92
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS WAIVING SECTION 27-5 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE GOODYEAR
TIRE AND RUBBER COMPANY STORE AT 1108 INDIANA STREET
TO CONDUCT A SIDEWALK SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 15-21, 1992;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW
115
Item 7b, cont'd.
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 66-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the
jfollowing vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 7c
ORDINANCE NO. 67-92
AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATION FROM T.I .F. FUNDS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $11 , 354 FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE COSTS
OF IMPROVEMENTS CONSISTING OF FENCING AND LANDSCAPING
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE RAILROAD MUSEUM AND AUTHORIZING
PAYMENTS TO THE WICHITA COUNTY HERITAGE SOCIETY FOR
THE SAME
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 67-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Mayor Lam.
George Kelsey asked about the total amount in the TIF fund,
and Mr. McKinney noted that Mr. Werner had indicated around
$60, 000.
Ken Lowe, a board member of the Heritage Society, explained
to Councilor Hawkins that the Route Building is not part of the
Railroad Museum. Gayla Morris explained that the Route Building
would be a pivotal part of the development of the Depot Square
area. They still do not know what it will be used for, but it
is not a part of the Railroad Museum. She further stated that
the Heritage Society owns the fencing and track, but not the
cars. They do have the right of first refusal on the cars if at
some time the Railroad Museum requests them to purchase them.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 7d
ORDINANCE NO. 68-92
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 32-139 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO DETENTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
LOT 1 , BLOCK 37, CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL LAND
Moved by Councilor Farabee that Ordinance No. 68-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes.
William C. Young, 1018 Widows Lane, stated he did not want
this waived if it concerns water detention. William Parker
explained that this is five acres with one house, and it will be
used for farming. This was requested by the property owner, and
is located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. This waiver
will not allow them to subdivide or become commercial. Mr.
Berzina also noted ordinance provisions which require council
action or a waiver.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
116
Item 7e
ORDINANCE NO. 69-92
ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 32-139 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO DETENTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
I�OT 1, BLOCK 2, MARGARET RAMSEY SURVEY, A-471
Moved by Councilor Farabee that Ordinance No. 69-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hawkins.
Bill Parker noted the area of drainage.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Win,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item "7f
ORDINANCE NO. 70-92
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24, SECTION 24-21 (a) ,
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS CODE OF ORDINANCES, AND
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL IN THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 70-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item '7g
ORDINANCE NO. 71-92
ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISION SECTION 9
(B) ( 2) (a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTION
WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON THE NORTH
SIDE OF STATE HIGHWAY 258, ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH LINE
OF LOT 1, BLOCK 2, MARGARET RAMSEY SURVEY, A-471
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Ordinance No. 71-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
-
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 8a
RESOLUTION NO. 135-92
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MODIFICATION OF THE TAX
COLLECTION CONTRACT WITH THE WICHITA FALLS INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Moved by Councilor Hawkins that Resolution No. 135-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried by the
following vote.
117
i Item 8a, cont'd.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 8b
RESOLUTION NO. 136-92
RESOLUTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR 1991-92 BUDGET UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, PHASE II
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Resolution No. 136-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
Item 8c
RESOLUTION NO. 137-92
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS DETERMINING NECESSITY FOR ACQUISITION OF
PROPERTY FOR THE MULTI-PURPOSE EVENT CENTER 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. 137-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee.
George Kelsey, 213 Austin, asked if this property would be
purchased by the City and sold to another, and Mayor Lam stated
that it would not be sold to anyone else. He stated that a
committee is being formed to assist in relocation.
Mr. Berzina pointed out that it is important to understand
what this action does, stating a process is set up to establish
what a fair price is , and to make that offer. Appraisal is the
first step. It is the property owner' s right to show the
appraiser all improvements which they have made. They can
negotiate or go to court with three condemnation persons.
Either party has the right to take it to the next step, which is
to go to court in front of a judge and jury. The process
guarantees a fair hearing. The City will try everything
possible to make it as easy and fair as possible. Councilor
Hawkins commented they want to be fair to them and other
citizens, also. He stated that the real estate community will
also be involved. Mayor Lam noted that this ordinance was being
discussed because the City voted more than sixty percent in
favor of it.
Jimmy Moses, 305 Bluff, mentioned offers which had already
been made. It was stated that no offers had been made, and
cannot be made until this ordinance is passed. Mayor Lam stated
the property owners would be treated as fairly as they can, and
as the law allows. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday night to
explain the process to the homeowners.
The motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
118
Item 8d
A proposed resolution was presented authorizing the Mayor
to execute a consent to assignment to RWH Enterprises, Inc. ,
regarding the Sears Building.
A motion was made by Mayor Lam for passage of the
resolution, but died for lack of a second.
Item 9a
RESOLUTION NO. 138-92
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS 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 PASSED WAS
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW
Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 138-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins `
Nays: None
Item 9b
RESOLUTION NO. 139-92
RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID TO POTEET, INC. OF WICHITA
FALLS FOR 1991-92 BUDGET UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT,
PHASE I
Moved by Councilor Hughes that Resolution No. 139-92 be
passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,
Hughes, and Hawkins
Nays: None
The City Council recessed at 10: 10 a.m. , and reconvened at
10: 25 a.m.
Item 10a
Chuck Dennis, Chairman of the Storm Water Detention Task
Force, presented the report to the Council on storm water
detention. He stated that the task force made previous '°
recommendations which were not adopted by the Council, and which
are not a part of the present ordinance. During this period of
time there was no development going on in the city. Plats did
not come forward because of storm water detention. In March of
this year the requirement for storm water detention was
suspended for 120 days. It was the unanimous decision of this
Council to suspend this ordinance for this period of time. He
explained that detention is one of the means to control storm
water runoff. You are trying to retain rain water on site for a
period of time in some type of facility. Lynwood lake is one,
and there is one near the Food Lion on Fairway. It will not
solve any existing flooding conditions in Wichita Falls.
Retention is only going to help reduce sizes of channels. The
current ordinance requires a more stringent runoff rate than
what happens on raw land. It was felt that liability for this
119
Item 10a, cont'd.
should be with the public sector. The current ordinance does
not make this requirement. Holliday Creek and McGrath Creek
should be pursued with all diligence, which has been done. The
reconvened task force looked at all these issues. They looked
first at the ordinance itself. Developers would not be held
accountable for this liability. Economics was more of an issue
this time than last time. They grappled with the issues of who
pays for this storm water detention control. He stated they
need to focus on the end user. They will be paying for these
for the benefit of the entire citizens of Wichita Falls. They
also wrestled with the commercial purchaser, and the fairness of
him paying for this public improvement control. As a result of
federal legislation some questions were raised. With EPA and
the endangered species act he saw many cases come forward of
projects that were shut down because of regulations that
continued to come down on endangered species and the wetlands.
These things have potential costs which we do not know. He also
noted that the clean water act protection control may be an
economic burden. Everyone was in agreement that no one wants to
pay for flood control.
They recommend that we continue commercial detention with
private maintenance, and exclude sites of one acre or less. The
major concern that the commercial has is liability. The second
recommendation is that they not require detention in the
subdivisions. The reasons are safety factors of families, and
maintenance. It will create health problems if they are not
maintained. The cost benefit ratio in a residential setting is
not the same in a commercial setting, such as a parking lot.
The third recommendation of the task force is a comprehensive
drainage and channelization study for the entire city. This
will not be inexpensive. There is no quick fix to flooding in
Wichita Falls. Cost has to be balanced with the detention
setting. The task force opted for channelization in a
residential setting. Development will continue if you have
detention, but development of certain types of property will not
be cost effective. No development was done from 1988 to 1991.
The General at Sheppard is continuing to ask if the developers
will be able to provide housing for those coming into Sheppard.
Mr. Dennis stated that his company is 54 years old and
third generation builder/developer. A lot of development in
Wichita Falls will cease if this ordinance is left as it is. He
stated that none of his subdivisions flood, and none have
detention. The task force voted on what is best for the City of
Wichita Falls. They believe the channelization study is a
necessity.
Mayor Lam thanked Mr. Dennis for this report on behalf of
the Council, stating that the Council will take no action today
except to receive this report.
Alex Warschaw, 4517 Shady Lane, addressed concerns of
Tanglewood home owners. He stated that he had a discussion with
FEMA yesterday morning, stating that his flood insurance would
not be affected by a new subdivision. He feels the final report
of the committee does not reflect many of the feelings of those
who appeared before them. He stated that the report is not much
different than what was submitted in 1988 . He left letters from
Lee Williamson, President of Tanglewood Home Owners, for each
council member. He stated that since 1985, the City has spent
more than eleven million dollars for corrective measures. He
stated that detention will not solve problems in Wichita Falls,
but it will prevent them in the future. They are concerned
about quality of life of future generations, and they would be
willing to pay.
Mayor Lam suggested that the Council be ready to give staff
direction on this matter at the next Council meeting. Councilor
Thompson also requested that Mr. Bonnett review this ordinance
before the next meeting. He suggested a possible study on this.
Councilor Loughry stated he was not contacted about this
meeting, but was contacted about another meeting. Mr. Warschaw
120
Item 10a, cont'd.
indicated he had tried, but found him not at home.
Mr. Berzina commented on Holliday Creek, McGrath Creek, and
Plum Creek, stating one of the first things we have to do is
improve the streams which this water goes into. These are on-
going studies.
Item 10b
John Adams appeared regarding his previous request of Hayes
Street access. He would like to see this made a full city
street. He stated he is willing to pay for curb to curb and
asphalt for this street at no cost to the City.
William Parker, City Engineer, stated it would cost
approximately $21,000 if the Council chose to approve this
request. Mayor Lam noted that a petition is needed from the
property owners in this area, and then a public hearing on the
advisability of paving. The Council needs to hear from other
property owners on the street. It was noted that Mark Wilson
has a drapery shop at the end of this street, and there is also
a home to the West. Mayor Lam suggested that Mr. Adams check
with Mr. McKinney and Mr. Parker for proper procedures.
Bobby Schmitz, 2914 9th Street, objected to widening the
street, stating that 98 percent of the traffic that goes down
this street is either himself or Mr. Wilson to the drapery shop.
Martha Wilson, wife of Mark Wilson, stated they are neutral
in this situation, and requested the Council to look at it. She
stated the traffic flow has changed, along with construction and
visibility.
Councilor Hawkins asked about encroachments on city
property, and Mr. Parker stated they have not checked it for a
structure in the right-of-way.
Item 10c
Councilor Loughry mentioned trash on Lawrence Road,
inquiring about an ordinance that controls tie downs.
Councilor Loughry requested discussion of the merits of the
First Responder program. Mayor Lam requested information from
the Fire Chief, stating he feels this should be an action item
on the next agenda.
Councilor Hughes confirmed that we will not be voting on
storm water detention at the next meeting. It will only be to
give direction following discussion.
Councilor Farabee asked about Fallsfest waivers, and Mr.
Dockery explained it will be on the next council meeting.
Councilor Hawkins thanked the city for their support on the
Shriner 's barbecue cook-out.
Councilor Thompson commented on the multi-purpose events
center and storm water detention.
Mayor Lam pointed out that it is time for the Council to
step aside, and let the staff proceed with their work on the
events center. He stated that the Council does not need to be
121
Item 10c, cont'd.
involved. A committee will soon be formed to assist the
homeowners with relocation. The Council does not need to be
interfering with the staff ' s process, and let them get this land
acquired. He encouraged the Council to be active, but urged
caution in becoming involved in the staff ' s work.
Item 10d
Mr. Berzina handed out a memo on Hayes Street.
Roger McKinney announced a flood plain committee meeting on
September 9, following the meeting of the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Representatives will be here to go over the new
flood plain maps. A public meeting will be held, and after that
the City will be required to adopt an ordinance.
Jim Dockery reported on a golf course audit, stating they
will have a contract renewal on December 31, 1992. They have
received a proposal from Mathis, West, Huffines to do this audit
for $5000, from current year funds. They will take the 1991
financial statements the City has received, and verify that they
are accurate. Mayor Lam and Councilor Hughes agreed on the need
for it.
Jack Murphy reported on the proposed nature center at Lucy
Park, stating the Junior League is coordinating this project.
Charles Harper has volunteered his services to this project,
along with twelve students from Texas Tech. The City is
committed to the dining portion. The Junior League will promote
fund raising. The price for the whole facility is still
$300,000 to $500, 000.
Mr. Berzina handed out a report on drug enforcement. He
noted a document which Barry Macha had left with him. He noted
that Mr. Macha plans to give high priority to drug cases. He
also handed out a seatbelt report.
The City Council adjourned at 12: 10 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS ��Gt/ DAY OF
1992 .
ram:
Michael Lam, Mayor
ATTEST:
Wilma J. Thomas, CMC/AAE
City Clerk