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Min 10/04/1988 i 32 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building October 4, 1988 i 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. Perry Goolsby Mayor John Hirschi Charles Thomas Angus Thompson Councilors Robert Barenberg Ron Buffum Don Kirkham James Berzina City Manager H. P. Hodge City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk Fred L. Werner Finance Director The invocation was given by Larry Spradley, Park Place Christian Church. Item 3 Moved by Councilor Barenberg that minutes of the meeting held September 20, 1988, be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Thomas. Councilor Kirkham corrected the spelling of Dick Noe ' s name in the minutes, from Noey to Noe. A comment was made by Councilor Buffum regarding the Lynwood Lake discussion that they would not want to imply that the school would be responsible for eighty ( 80) percent of the cost. Other Council members commented that they had not read it that way. The motion for approval of the minutes, with the corrected spelling of the name, carried unanimously. Item 4a Personnel Officer Jan Stricklin introduced Donna McAnulty, of the Police Department, as Employee of the Month for October. Chief Harrelson presented information on the job which she performs for the Criminal Investigation Division. Mayor Goolsby presented her with a plaque, City of Wichita Falls pin, and two tickets each to a theater and dinner. Item 4b Pam Harvey and Karen Jacobsen of the Junior League, presented a check in the amount of $18 ,000 to Mayor Goolsby for the City' s part in Falls Fest. The City of Wichita Falls, Streams and Valleys, and the Junior League sponsored this event. 33 Item 4c Mayor Goolsby presented a proclamation to Nola Slack, President of Association for Children and Adults With Learning Disabilities, for Learning Disabilities Week. Mayor Goolsby also presented a proclamation on Crime Prevention Week to Bob Culver, Police Department. Items 5a-8e Item 6b was moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilor Buffum that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, and Buffum Nays: Councilor Kirkham Item 5a ORDINANCE NO. 110-88 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-4 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT THE POSSESSION AND CONSUMPTION OF BEER AT THE GOBLIN' S JOG TO BE HELD AT HAMILTON PARK ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1988 Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 6a The bids for annual office supplies were awarded as follows. a. West Wholesale (general office supplies) - $8,178. 69 b. L.O. Nelson (binders) - $1,129. 20 c. West Wholesale (envelopes) - $2,721. 75 d. Nationwide Paper (paper) - $9,686.75 Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 7a RESOLUTION NO. 193-88 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE LANDFILL SCALE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None 34 i Item 7b RESOLUTION NO. 194-88 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PROJECT TO REPAIR AND REPAINT CLARIFIERS AT WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 7c RESOLUTION NO. 195-88 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE LANDFILL FENCE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8 Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and commissions were received. a. Traffic Safety Commission - June 1, 1988 b. Reinvestment Zone No. 1, TIF - July 21, 1988 C. Kemp Public Library Advisory Board - August 31, 1988 d. Planning and Zoning Commission - September 14, 1988 e. Traffic Safety Commission - May 4, 1988 Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 6b Moved by Councilor Hirschi that vehicle bids be awarded as follows. a. George Davis Chevrolet (police cars) - $290, 373 . 45 b. Ron Roberts Ford (staff cars) - $55,490. 00 C. Patterson Auto Center ( 1/2 ton pickups) - $177,015. 04 d. George Davis Chevrolet ( 3/4 ton pickups) - $35 ,155 . 95 e. Ron Roberts Ford ( 3/4 ton van) - $13 , 230. 00 f. Ron Roberts Ford (1 ton pickups) - $36 , 198 . 75 g. George Davis Chevrolet (4 wheel drive) - $44, 961. 28 h. George Davis Chevrolet (mini vans) - $53 ,449. 28 Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. Mr. Parker explained the budgeted amounts for each type of vehicle, and the bids received. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Berzina explained that something was brought to his attention by a taxpayer which he would like to share with the Council. He requested that Joe Leonard, Don Hooper, and Francisco Aleman come forward. Mr. Berzina stated that Wayne Tarkington called and said that he observed a sanitation crew up the street from his pick-up location. There was a mess 35 before the crew arrived, and there may have been some spillage when the box was loaded. The crew picked up everything that was there, and made it much better than it was before. The sanitation crew is excellent, and he believes this is outstanding on their part. Mr. Leonard noted their staff meetings on Wednesday mornings. Mayor Goolsby stated that they appreciate this so much. This exemplifies that they are more representative of the City than we are. The Council would like to treat them and the department to a breakfast of coffee and doughnuts on Wednesday morning. Councilor Buffum applauded this extra effort on their part. Item 9a Bids were considered in a public hearing on oil, gas, and mineral leases on two tracts of land near Lake Arrowhead. RESOLUTION NO. 196-88 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR OIL, GAS AND MINERAL LEASES ON TWO TRACTS OF LAND OUT OF LOTS NO. 4, NO. 3 AND NO. 20 IN BLOCK 3 OF THE CLARK AND PLUMB SUBDIVISION, ARCHER COUNTY, TEXAS, NEAR LAKE ARROWHEAD Moved by Councilor Buffum that Resolution No. 196-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham. Bids were opened and read aloud by City Attorney H.P. Hodge. He explained what it means to communitize a lease. Councilor Buffum reviewed the bids, stating that three- sixteenths royalty is good. Moved by Councilor Thomas that the bids be accepted. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. It was noted that some of this acreage lies below the 926 foot elevation, but it is spelled out in the contract that no operation will be allowed below the 926 elevation contour. The motion for passage of the resolution and acceptance of the bids carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 10a ORDINANCE NO. 111-88 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT FEE ORDINANCE 85-87 BY CHANGING SECTION 2. , SUBSECTION 1. BUILDING PERMITS, SUBSECTION 2. ELECTRICAL PERMITS, SUBSECTION 3 . PLUMBING PERMITS AND SUBSECTION 4. MECHANICAL PERMITS Moved by Councilor Thomas that Ordinance No. 111-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hirschi. 36 Item 10a (Cont'd) Councilor Thomas noted that he had talked with several people who work in these areas, and they were satisfied. He believes they are working in the right direction. Councilor Hirschi stated that the Homebuilders only received this document last Friday, but they did not voice any objections. Mr. McKinney confirmed that this is a revenue neutral document for the most part. Mr. Potts stated that the City has received $175,000 revenue from roofing. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 10b ORDINANCE NO. 112-88 AN ORDINANCE REZONING LOT 1, BLOCK 1, AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, FROM A GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE TO A HEAVY COMMERCIAL ZONE Moved by Councilor Buffum that Ordinance No. 112-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. Councilor Thompson commented that this is a rezoning request that everyone favored. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 10d A proposed ordinance was presented waiving the penalty and interest for delinquent taxes due to City on tax account number 1141-033-0000. A motion was made by Councilor Hirschi, and seconded by Councilor Kirkham, for its passage. Rosemary Harmon, Realtor, appeared on behalf of Mr. Klaus Schmueser, who resides in Germany. She stated that the property was owner financed by Mr. Schmueser to Mr. and Mrs. Graef. He is requesting reimbursement of penalty and interest. Mrs. Harmon discussed a series of events leading up to this request. Mr. Schmueser wanted the Tax Department to follow up on Mrs. Graef for collection, after Mr. Graef ' s death. Mr. DeWitt stated that the whole situation is highly confusing because Mr. Schmueser requested that all bills be sent to the Graefs. When he came in on a personal visit he did not object to paying the tax, but felt they should go after the Graefs for penalty and interest. He explained that he could not take the tax money without penalty and interest. Mr. Schmueser made payments to First Mercantile for a loan, which was more than enough to pay his taxes. It was noted that he did not pay insurance and taxes to First Mercantile; it was only principal and interest. 37 Item 10d (Cont'd) Councilor Hirschi confirmed that he took a lien against the property, and was forced to step in and pay taxes, penalty, and interest to protect his note. Councilor Thomas noted that the first lienholder is responsible for the taxes on the property if they are not paid. Mr. DeWitt explained that they did not know of the death of Mr. Graef until Mr. Schmueser got into it. Mrs. Harmon stated they had called the tax office about it. Mr. Hodge noted that he is also confused by the complexity of this matter. It boils down to whether they decide if there was an error on the part of our tax department. Councilor Hirschi commented that it almost seems like they are trying to put the City in a position of being the collection agency for a lien. The City cannot become involved in this. Councilor Thompson stated that Mr. Schmueser should collect the penalty and interest from the estate of Mr. Graef. Councilors Kirkham and Buffum agreed. It was pointed out by Mr. DeWitt that Mr. Schmueser was not the owner of the property when he requested that statements be sent to him. From the information given his office, they had no information that Mr. Schmueser was the lienholder. They normally receive a list of lienholders from the financial institutions, according to Councilor Thomas, who also stated that most financial institutions pay the taxes in their payments through the principal and interest. Mr. DeWitt explained that some of the penalty and interest accrued after Mr. Schmueser obtained the property. The question was called by Councilor Barenberg, seconded by Councilor Buffum, and carried unanimously. The motion for passage of the ordinance failed by the following vote. Ayes: None Nays: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Item l0e ORDINANCE NO. 113-88 AN ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 181 ACRES OUT OF G. REYNOLDS SURVEY, WICHITA COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 2100 & 2101 ARCHER CITY HIGHWAY, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (SF-1) ZONE TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE Moved by Councilor Buffum that Ordinance No. 113-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. Ray Ashbrook, President of Crestview Service Corporation, stated that he seconded the motion on recognizing good city employees, stating that he also believes that city employees are proud of the Council. He commended Roger McKinney, H.P. Hodge, Louise Houseworth, and Wilma Thomas for their willingness to assist him. Mr. Ashbrook addressed the rezoning request, stating that Woody Featherston and Raby Hampton were founding fathers of Crestview, and that the whole acreage was dedicated as a i 38 Item 10e (Cont'd) cemetery. They are in the process of filing the last plats with the County Clerk' s office. Mr. Ashbrook noted that one of the two houses built by Joe Best has been sold. They are not adjacent to his property. The apartments North of them are low income government housing. He believes that opposition has been withdrawn. Mr. Ashbrook noted that he will need a permit to build on to the mausoleum. They have plans drawn, and money set aside to build a funeral home there at some time. The area North of Rathgeber Road is already zoned general commercial. Mr. Ashbrook introduced his employees at Crestview. Councilor Buffum noted that once a tract of land has been dedicated as a cemetery, it cannot be changed except by going through the courts. i Mr. Ashbrook explained that other expansion is planned, and asked if he would have to come to the City, or can he go ahead with it? Mr. McKinney explained that if all the property is zoned general commercial, all he needs to do is file it with the County Clerk and get a building permit. Mr. Hodge agreed. �II The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item lla RESOLUTION NO. 197-88 RESOLUTION REQUESTING TO BE INCLUDED ON THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD FISCAL YEAR 1989 INTENDED USE PLAN Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 197-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. Councilor Thomas asked about state participation on the sale of bonds, and Mr. Bonnett explained that the state totally sells them, and we get our money from them. The motion carried by the following vote. i Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None The City Council recessed at 10 : 05 , and reconvened at 10: 15 . Item llb i RESOLUTION NO. 198-88 RESOLUTION APPROVING ANNUAL CONTRACT WITH JOHN C. SIMMONS AS TENNIS PROFESSIONAL AT THE HAMILTON PARK TENNIS CENTER 39 Item 11b (Cont'd) RESOLUTION NO. 199-88 RESOLUTION APPROVING ANNUAL CONTRACT WITH JODY ANN WHITE LYONS AS TENNIS PROFESSIONAL AT THE WEEKS PARK TENNIS CENTER Moved by Councilor Kirkham that Resolution Numbers 198-88 and 199-88 be passed. (Council Bill 363 ) Motion seconded by Councilor Buffum. Mr. Murphy explained the revenue they have received the past three years. Councilor Hirschi also requested that five places need to be changed in the contract for Jody Ann White- Lyons to correctly reflect the proper gender. Mr. Hodge stated he will work with Mr. Murphy to make those corrections. Councilor Buffum noted the liability insurance clause in both contracts for $1,000, 000 combined single limit coverage. Mr. Murphy stated that he will make sure that they provide this coverage. Councilor Thompson asked whether tennis will continue at Weeks Park Tennis Center, as previously discussed in relation to Holliday Creek? Mr. Bonnett stated that one of the key factors was access to the tennis facility. As part of the Holliday Creek project, they have required construction of a combination vehicular and pedestrian bridge to serve the golf course and tennis facility, also. It is expected to be built in the next year and one-half. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 11c RESOLUTION NO. 200-88 RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 188-88 TO CHANGE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LIBRARY PLANNING COMMITTEE Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 200-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Buffum. Councilor Thompson feels the change in representation gives us a more diversified cross-section of the City of Wichita Falls. Mr. Berzina explained the changes made from the previous resolution. Councilor Buffum also felt this would be a more workable committee, and better represent the citizens of Wichita Falls. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None 40 Item lld RESOLUTION NO. 201-88 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PROPOSITION 1: THE GOOD ROADS AMENDMENT Moved by Councilor Thomas that Resolution No. 201-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. Councilor Thomas noted that this is Proposition No. One on the ballot in November, and it is very important for the City of Wichita Falls. Mr. Berzina explained that he feels we would run the risk of losing dollars if this proposition fails. Councilor Thomas stated that the purpose of this proposition is to make sure it is used only for roads. It is a fuel tax. Mayor Goolsby suggested that the Public Information Office make a statement concerning the Council ' s approval of this. The question was called by Councilor Thompson, seconded by Councilor Kirkham, and carried unanimously. The motion for passage of the resolution carried unanimously. Item 11e RESOLUTION NO. 202-88 RESOLUTION DETERMINING NECESSITY FOR ACQUISITION OF TRACTS II AND III OF PARCEL #69-A FOR THE HOLLIDAY CREEK PROJECT, APPROVING THE APPRAISAL, SETTING JUST COMPENSATION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 202-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thomas. Mrs. Chasteen noted that Tract One has already been approved by the Council. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 12a RESOLUTION NO. 203-88 A RESOLUTION AWARDING BID FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF TLETS II TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT IN CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH CENTER Moved by Councilor Hirschi that Resolution No. 203-88 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg. Councilor Thomas asked about the benefits of this equipment. Police Chief Harrelson explained that this ties us 41 Item 12a (Cont'd) into all other police and law enforcement related groups. The Texas Department of Public Safety is changing their system. All police departments will have to change their format in order to stay on line with this communication system. It will take about a year to have this in complete service. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Goolsby, Councilors Hirschi, Thomas, Thompson, Barenberg, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 13a Moved by Councilor Thompson that a contribution of $2,500 be approved for the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation. Motion seconded by Councilor Buffum. Lindsey Walker, 1411 Trout, explained that he asked for this amount in order to give them additional time to work out some unanswered questions. Councilor Buffum stated that he favors this, and endorses this program. , He would hope that within the next 60 days they will have it worked out with Midwestern State University because he sees this as the end of the funding. Louise Houseworth confirmed that this is community development money. Councilor Kirkham hopes that he and Dr. Noe can get something settled within the next sixty days. His call will be eagerly awaited. The motion carried unanimously. Nothing was presented under Item 13b. Item 13c Councilor Thompson noted that voters of Wichita Falls voted to use money for economic development. He believes the Council should establish a clear policy on this. Action should also be taken on the Enterprise Zone, and requested that it be placed on the next agenda. Councilor Thompson also feels it is time for us to meet again with Lawton city officials, as well as area cities. Councilor Kirkham endorses advertising signs for our city as the home of MSU and Sheppard Air Force Base, requesting that it be done. Councilor Kirkham asked if we are going to do anything about the Selma Street drainage in Expressway Village? Mr. Berzina explained that we can' t do anything about it until there is a capital program. Councilor Kirkham also noted the problem of private ownership in this case. Councilor Kirkham commented that Puckett Road is private property, and not a public road. He wonders what action needs to be taken to get a barricade up, and the highway department sign taken down? Mayor Goolsby feels we should let people know that it is not our property, nor our responsibility. 42 Item 13c (Cont'd) Councilor Hirschi asked about the next step to pursue cemetery perpetual care. He noted that the Park Board voted to have the police close the gates. Mr. Berzina explained that it would take Council action for the City to set up funds for perpetual care. He will make further study. As far as the gate closing, he will not ask the Police department to assume this responsibility. We are down to the automatic openers, or leaving it as it is. Councilor Thomas noted that for years we had a person to shut those gates. He wonders if the damages we are having in the parks and cemeteries would be offset by a ranger. Mr. Berzina noted that our parks system is greatly different than it was several years ago. One person could not handle it now. Another problem is that we are not sure when the damage is being done. He will get some information for the Council. Councilor Kirkham believes that when the survey is done, the cost of repairing the vandalism will show that it will exceed the cost of two park rangers. Mayor Goolsby believed the gate is the cheapest way to go. Mr. Berzina received a concensus of the Council to put the gate in. Councilor Hirschi mentioned the mission statement and economic development policy. Jim Dockery stated that most cities recognize the need for a mission statement, but they are in various stages of development. He has not been able to get a copy of one. He is getting some information back from other cities on economic development policies. Councilor Hirschi mentioned a proliferation of billboards going up, stating that the billboard ordinance does not seem to be protecting the citizens in residential areas. Mr. McKinney stated that they have had about twelve requests this year, and some are going up in areas where they are receiving complaints. Councilor Hirschi would like to see something that would grandfather the existing signs, but prohibit others. It was noted that when the signs are checked out, most are in compliance with the ordinance. Councilor Buffum would endorse citizen input from affected areas. A lengthy discussion was held on the request of Councilor Hirschi to bring back the rezoning request on Windthorst Road, which was acted upon at the September 6, 1988, council meeting. Councilor Hirschi felt there was some confusion in the way the vote was taken and recorded. Even though it would not change the outcome of the action taken, he believed it appropriate to bring it back for action. Councilor Kirkham commented on the first and second votes taken in that meeting. Councilor Thompson was not in favor of bringing it back. He feels you don' t go back over every issue if we don' t get what we want. Mayor Goolsby stated that he cannot support bringing it back. Councilor Buffum agreed with Councilor Thompson, stating that if one council member wants to change his mind, that does not reflect the overall council. He does not endorse bringing it back. Mr. Hodge stated the situation here is different when a Councilor ' s vote does not correctly reflect what he wanted to do. Councilor Hirschi stated that he does not think he would ever accuse anyone of changing his vote to get his way, but there was obvious confusion on the records of Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Hodge. Councilor Thompson pointed out that someone should have called for a point of order at that time. Councilor Barenberg suggested that the previous action of the Council be sustained. 43 Item 13c (Cont'd) Mayor Goolsby, in his position as Chair, ruled the discussion out of order. No council member opposed it. Councilor Hirschi conceded that it will not do any good to bring it back, but feels it is an injustice, and we are not man enough to correct it. Mayor Goolsby felt that he was questioning a man' s honor. Councilor Hirschi would like a status report on the economic budget committee of the Council. Mayor Goolsby requested that Councilor Thomas set a date for this committee to meet. Councilor Hirschi mentioned a 3-minute tape on Keep Texas Beautiful. He requested that it be put on the broadcast system on a regular basis. It was shown to the Council before adjournment. Councilor Barenberg expressed some concerns on city commissions, and their authority, other than advisory only. He noted that the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Civil Service Commission have independent authority. He expressed concern that several of the commissions may be way out of step in their charge. Mr. Hodge explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission has authority to approve plats. The Board of Electrical Examiners has quasi-judicial authority in examinations, licensing and granting waivers. He further stated that in receiving minutes of various boards, it does not mean that they are approving anything that the board did. Mayor Goolsby confirmed that on any action taken in an advisory board meeting, if it desires approval of the Council, that chairman should come to the Council, and request them to consider it. Councilor Barenberg commented on the recent fire academy and method of recruitment, stating that the fact that we graduated no minority groups is deceptive because we had two minority members to drop out for reasons not having anything to do with discrimination or inability. Councilor Buffum thanked General David Forgan and his staff for the very fine open house last Saturday. This shows what a great asset Sheppard Air Force Base is to the City. Councilor Thomas commented that in the five years he has been on the Council, he believes we could have just recycled the paper this year and come out well on salary. He stated that he has never seen the like of reports and actions and less done than anytime he has been on the council. He is not directing this to anybody indirectly or directly. It is just that we are going to have to get something and hang our hat on, and try to accomplish it. We have talked about a convention area or a controlled environment for having functions in the city. Last weekend was a good example of the amount of people who attended functions in the city, and it is putting a tremendous burden on many city departments, and a lot of expense to the City of Wichita Falls. If we are going to do anything, right now would be a good time. This is the oldest issue in front of the Council to date. Bids are coming in less than they have ever come in since he has been on the Council, and interest rates are at the lowest for this same period. He believes now would be the time for the Council to act. 44 Item 13c (Cont'd) Mayor Goolsby noted complaints and negativism, stating that he believes we are doing a lot of things, and are on the right track. A lot of progress has been made, and we have been trying to get the council committee to meet and come up with some recommendations in terms of what we need to do with a bond issue. Mayor Goolsby asked about the riverwalk expansion from the Falls to O'Reilly Park. The City Manager stated they have cut the initial trails, and have addressed ownership of some of the land in question. They expect to let bids this fall to construct the trails, and a facility similar to that which goes West of the Falls. The O'Reilly Park trail should be open by next spring. Jack Murphy stated the state grant for a two mile Lucy Park trail had been approved in the amount of $100 ,000. Construction should be completed by the first of the year. Councilor Hirschi requested that Mr. Murphy contact Art Beyer to look at native vegetation on the O'Reilly Park trail. Mayor Goolsby requested that a traffic study be made on the speed limit on Taft Street, between Midwestern Parkway and Southwest Parkway. Councilor Kirkham stated that his honor, integrity, and intelligence was questioned concerning the issue they talked about a few minutes ago, and he takes exception to it. He has always been considered to be an honorable person, and to be of high integrity. If he made a mistake on the vote the other day, which he feels he may have done, he does not feel it needs to be brought back up or changed. He has probably made many votes in the past two years that are just as bad as that one, and he apologizes to the people that are concerned with this, but he certainly does not intend to allow it to affect his vote in any way, and he is kind of upset over what went on. If he votes wrong, or is confused, he is sorry, but when his vote goes down it stays down. Mayor Goolsby stated that he certainly would not ever question the integrity of Councilor Kirkham or anyone else, stating there have been many times that he voted, and ten minutes later someone said something that shed a new light on it. He knows we can work together, and stay above those kind of accusations. Councilor Thompson stated that on occasions he has voted when things were confusing, and he did not understand, but he felt the vote was official. He is only part of the Council, and they should work together. He has learned that when the vote is taken, that is the end of it. Councilor Barenberg stated that he has heard comments from the public that every man on this Council comes here with independent judgment and thoughts. There has been no trace of cronyism or hidden agendas, and the public has sensed this. He is proud to work with a council that can do this. Councilor Buffum commented that we look at the issues, and make the best decision they can. Once a decision is made, you go on to other issues and challenges. He is proud of serving fellow council members as a unit making decisions a matter of record. Councilor Thomas echoed these comments, and stated we need to go forward as a council. His remarks were not directed to anyone in particular on the Council. 45 Item 13c (Cont'd) Mayor Goolsby feels everyone ' s intent is good. If any member of the Council feels a matter should be addressed, let' s try to come forward with something on a positive note. Item 13d Mr. Berzina commented on the Enterprise Zone, stating there is a need for further discussion on it. On the Lawton situation, he will give them a call. It is their time to host US. He also asked for direction on what Councilor Hirschi wants them to do with billboards at this time. Mayor Goolsby noted frustration on some of these things because they don' t know what the problems are. Mr. McKinney explained that there are a couple of areas that need to be looked at, such as signs close to residences, and portable signs. An amendment to the Zoning Ordinance would be needed. Mr. Berzina asked Mrs. Stricklin to present the first quarter report on the affirmative action program. Mrs. Stricklin handed out the prepared report to the Council members. She explained that Wichita Falls has a 5. 4 percent unemployment rate. We had less applicants this time for fire recruitment than we have had in our history. We have a total work force of 1057 at this time, as opposed to 1060 on May 28, 1988. Information was presented on job categories, temporary employees, numbers of applicants, and numbers hired, along with promotions. She pointed out that numbers of openings are not always the same. Councilor Thompson commented that we can talk about affirmative action. Mr. Berzina stated that he had no problems with it before this report. Items 13e,f The City Council recessed into executive session at 12: 15 P.M. , according to Article 6252-17, Section 2, Paragraphs (e) and (g) of the Revised Civil Statutes. The meeting reconvened at 2: 20 P.M. Moved by Councilor Hirschi that the following be appointed to the Library Planning Committee. a. Ellen Masters h. GAnn Martin b. Tommy Pipes i. Ray Clymer C. James Snowden j . Pat Welch d. Gracie Gregg k. Ruth Ann Allred e. Carole Davis 1. Ernie Dover f. Merrill Johnson M. Ben Valadez g. Leo Watts r Motion seconded by Councilor Barenberg, and carried unanimously. i 46 The City Council adjourned at 2: 25 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of 1988. Perry G ols�by, Mayor ATTEST: Wilma J. Thomas, CMC/AAE City Clerk