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Min 05/07/1991 669 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building May 7, 1991 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 - Charles Thomas - Angus Thompson - Paul Hughes - Councilors J. W. Martin - Don Kirkham - James Berzina City Manager Gregory Humbach City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk The invocation was given by Harvey McMurry, City View Baptist Church. Item 2b, c Returns of the City election held May 4, 1991, were canvassed by Mayor Lam and City Clerk Wilma Thomas. RESOLUTION NO. 72-91 RESOLUTION CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, ON MAY 4, 1991 FOR COUNCILOR AT LARGE, COUNCILOR FOR DISTRICT 1 , AND COUNCILOR FOR DISTRICT 2 Moved by Councilor Thomas that Resolution No. 72-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Thomas, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham i Nays: None Mayor Lam presented a proclamation to Charles Thomas in honor of his many contributions to the City. He was also presented a plaque, and a coffee mug representing the City' s seal. Item 2d The newly elected officials were administered the oath of office by City Clerk Wilma Thomas. Mayor Lam recognized the family of Councilor Loughry, and presented City pins to Mrs. Loughry and the son and daughter. 670 Item 3a Jo McDonald, of the Health Department, was honored as Employee of the Month for May. Mayor Lam presented her with a plaque, City of Wichita Falls pin, spending money, and tickets to a theatre and dinner. Mayor Lam also presented proclamations for National Nurses Week and National Drinking Water Week. Item 4 m Moved by Councilor Kirkham that minutes of the meeting held April 16, 1991, be approved. Motion Seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried unanimously. Items 5a-6h Moved by Councilor Hughes that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 5a RESOLUTION NO. 73-91 RESOLUTION DECLARING A STRIP OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ON EAST SCOTT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY Item 5b RESOLUTION NO. 74-91 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXERCISE OPTION TO CONTRACT FOR CONCESSIONAIRE AT THE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM LOBBY Item 6 Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and commissions were received. a. Commission on Disability - April 1, 1991 b. Commission on Aging - April 3 , 1991 c. Water Resources Commission - April 5, 1991 d. Planning and Zoning Commission - April 10, 1991 e. Area Government Relations Committee - April 11 , 1991 f. Board of Electrical Examiners - April 11, 1991 g. Human Relations Commission - April 23 , 1991 h. Wichita Falls Park Board - April 25 , 1991 671 Item 7a A public hearing was opened on a tax reinvestment zone. Mr. Humbach explained this is a new economic development tool which will contribute to expansion and retention of existing jobs. Ron Mertens, BCI , explained that the property is located to the Southeast of the City. It is a 10-acre site on the expressway. Mr. Berzina noted there are no limitations on the numbers of zones. The public hearing was closed. Item 7b A public hearing was opened on the Lone Star Gas rate increase. Willard Townsend appeared as Regional Director of Lone Star Gas Company. He stated there has been no rate increase since 1983 . Mayor Lam noted that a study has been made by an outside independent firm, and a representative of that firm is here to state those findings. Keith Reed, of the firm of Reed, Stowe, and Company in Dallas, explained that the firm of Mathis, West, and Huffines was also a partner in this study. They have met with Lone Star Gas Company. He recommended that the Company' s request for residential and commercial rates be denied. Documents were handed out to Council members. Vernal Huffines, of Mathis, West, and Huffines, noted their role in this study, explaining that Mr. Reed is the expert in this field. Mayor Lam noted that the Council will be having another meeting on this on May 14. It will be for the purpose of deciding the rate increase. The public hearing was closed. Item 7c A public hearing was opened and consideration of an ordinance was given nominating two areas as enterprise zones. Councilor Hughes stated that he would not enter into this discussion, nor vote on the matter. Mr. McKinney explained that this program will complement the previous program on which a public hearing was held. They believe this will provide another marketing tool for BCI to attract industry to the City of Wichita Falls. There are state and local incentives involved to those who locate here. There are North and East Enterprise Zones, which includes the Scotland and Lynwood areas. Willard Townsend also spoke in favor of the enterprise zones. It provides jobs, which makes a better business community for Wichita Falls. It also helps to keep the gas rates low. Mr. McKinney explained that there is a maximum of three enterprise zones, which can be in effect for seven years. They have tried to include as much area as possible in these two zones. 672 Item 7c cont'd. Councilor Thompson requested that Mr. McKinney look at some of the incentives for the City to use. Mr. Berzina noted additional incentives available to the community. Mr. McKinney stated this action establishes the zone. Once a project comes in they can apply for a rebate of sales tax. It will come to the City on a case by case basis. The public hearing was closed. ORDINANCE NO. 38-91 AN ORDINANCE NOMINATING TWO AREAS AS ENTERPRISE ZONES PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT (TEXAS CIVIL STATUES, ARTICLE 5190.7) ; PROVIDING TAX INCENTIVES; DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE TO ACT IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE NOMINATION AND DESIGNATION OF THE AREAS DESCRIBED HEREIN AS ENTERPRISE ZONES; AND FURTHER DESIGNATING A LIAISON TO ACT ON ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT ONCE DESIGNATED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 38-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham None: (Councilor Hughes abstained. ) Item 8a ORDINANCE NO. 39-91 ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISIONS SECTION 9 (B) (2) (A) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON CURB AND GUTTER ON NORTH BEVERLY DRIVE ADJACENT TO THE WEST LINE OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1 , ROBERT DODGEN SUBDIVISION Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 39-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee. Mr. McKinney explained this is currently zoned single family. He stated there is a hearing before Planning and Zoning concerning sand and gravel hauling not being allowed in a conditional use zone. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None 673 Item 8b ORDINANCE NO. 40-91 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, DESIGNATING A CERTAIN AREA AS AN INDUSTRIAL REINVESTMENT ZONE, CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGREEMENTS WITHIN THE ZONE, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO; PROVIDING FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE REINVESTMENT ZONE AND THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING AN OPEN MEETINGS CLAUSE Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 40-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham. Ron Mertens introduced Steve Marcus, who stated he is pleased to be here to discuss location of a 60 bed hospital here in Wichita Falls. Continental Medical Systems requested tax abatement to make it easier to build the project here. It will be a hospital for patients that need rehabilitation services. Mr. Mertens stated the construction project is 8 million dollars. The economic impact in the fifth year should total 15 million dollars a year. This construction project, along with Sheppard Air Force Base, will certainly set the tone in the community in the construction area. Mr. Marcus stated that they have a meeting with both the County and School on May 20, concerning tax abatement. They believe they can take possession of the property and begin construction no later than the end of June. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8c ORDINANCE NO. 41-91 AN ORDINANCE ZONING LOTS 2A, 3 , 4, & 5A CERTAIN-TEED PRODUCTS ADDITION, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, TO A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT TO BE KNOWN AS "VITEK INDUSTRIAL PARK" , AND ZONING THE PROPERTY AT 6226 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS AND THE ADJACENT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY, TO A GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE (R-91-01) Moved by Councilor Farabee that Ordinance No. 41-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None 674 Item 8d ORDINANCE NO. 42-91 AN ORDINANCE ZONING A 5.74 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE SOUTHEAST PORTION OF BLOCK 14, KEMP & NEWBY SUBDIVISION OF CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL LAND, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (SF-1) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE (REZONING R-91-04 ) Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 42-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee. Mrs. Hobby, a resident on Old Windthorst Road, stated that she lives right next to this. She would like them to provide a fence and limited hours on the use of this property. Mr. Humbach explained there is no way to regulate hours. Mr. McKinney stated that their records indicate he has been operating some type of heavy equipment business there since 1977. The staff recommended a general commercial zone. The fencing requirement is only for the new operation. James Lane, 4825 Rhea Road, stated that shop hours are 7: 30 to 5: 30 or 6: 00. If a customer has a tractor down, however, they will try to help them. There is not much activity going on there at the present time. His property entrance is located on Windthorst Road. Their location has been moved, and this area will now be used for storage. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8e ORDINANCE NO. 43-91 AN ORDINANCE REZONING LOTS 9-11, BLOCK 5 , FLORAL HEIGHTS ADDITION AND LOTS 6-8 , BLOCK 1, LILLY SUBDIVSSION, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (SF-2 ) TO LIMITED COMMERCIAL (LC) ZONE (R-91-05 ) Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 43-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, F . Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8f ORDINANCE NO. 44-91 AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, BY ANNEXING A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND ADJACENT TO THE TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, WHICH TRACT OF LAND AND SERVICE PLAN FOR SUCH TRACT OF LAND ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE 675 Item 8f cont'd. Moved by Councilor Thompson that Ordinance No. 44-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8g ORDINANCE NO. 45-91 ORDINANCE WAIVING APPENDIX A, SUBDIVISIONS SECTION 9 (B) (2) (A) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES WITH RESPECT TO PLACING CURB AND GUTTER ON WRANGLER RETREAT ADJACENT TO THE EAST LINE OF LOTS E-1 & E-2, WRANGLER RETREAT ADDITION Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 45-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8h ORDINANCE NO. 46-91 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 , ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE REGULATION OF WEEDS, RUBBISH AND UNSANITARY MATTER Moved by Councilor Martin that Ordinance No. 46-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham. Mayor Lam responded to Mrs. Ozuna' s questions concerning a this matter. Mr. McKinney explained the three amendments to the present ordinance addressed in this item. Councilor Kirkham noted that the large areas that cause these fire problems are open spaces, and exempt from the ordinance. The amount of the fee and fine was discussed. Mr. Humbach noted that if the ordinance is silent, the fine would automatically be $500 under state law. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None 676 Item 8i ORDINANCE NO. 47-91 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED "BUILDINGS" , AT SECTIONS 7-28 AND 7-29 SO AS TO DELETE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AND FIRE MARSHAL UNDER SAID SECTIONS, AND SUBSTITUTING SUCH RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BUILDING AND CODE ADMINISTRATOR OR HIS DESIGNEE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, AND FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE IS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW �r Moved by Councilor Loughry that Ordinance No. 47-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Mayor Lam. Mayor Lam noted that the Code Administrator has been very aggressive in making these inspections. The change is made to reflect actual practices and responsibilities. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8j ORDINANCE NO. 48-91 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS CREATING A CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE; SPECIFYING ITS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Hughes that Ordinance No. 48-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin. The cable company requested a franchise renewal before it expires in April, 1994. This committee would evaluate their services to the community. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8k ORDINANCE NO. 49-91 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 BASES 677 Item 8k cont'd. Moved by Councilor Kirkham that Ordinance No. 49-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None The City Council recessed at 10: 10 a.m. , and reconvened at 10: 30 a.m. Item 9a RESOLUTION NO. 75-91 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ENGINEERING CONSULTING FIRM FOR PREPARATION OF CONTRACT DRAWINGS ON THE CDBG RED FOX EXTENSION FROM EXISTING RED FOX SOUTHWARD TO MAURINE STREET Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 75-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes. Councilor Loughry asked questions about running the access road to Maurine Street. Mr. Bonnett noted there is a state prohibition regarding two, two-way access roads. Bill Parker also explained that a bridge is involved, and noted the workload of the Engineering Department. They have been working with the Water District about a bridge across the aqueduct. Mr. Berzina noted that they favor the City doing the work when they can. The two projects are scheduled to be completed at about the same time (Maurine and Red Fox) . Mayor Lam favored using outside firms, and believes it can be done cheaper. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham j Nays: Councilor Loughry Item 9b A proposed resolution was presented approving the eleventh amendment to the water purchase contract with Dean Dale Water Supply Corporation to enlarge their service area. A motion was made by Councilor Martin, and seconded by Councilor Farabee, for its passage. j Martin Litteken, with Biggs and Mathews, represented Dean Dale Water Supply Corporation, and their request for a new service area. Councilor Martin asked the effect this would have on Sheppard Air Force Base. Mr. Litteken state this does not contemplate developing this area near Sheppard, but for transmission lines. Controlled development and infringement upon Sheppard was discussed. Councilor Kirkham noted three runways and the prospect for another one. With a transmission line, there is a very real possibility of future development. 678 Item 9b cont'd. Mr. McKinney stated the present contract has a provision that they will not service anyone in conflict with federal agencies without the City' s permission. The water supply corporation will have to monitor this. Councilor Kirkham expressed concern that the presence of a water line will entice an individual to develop it. Mr. Berzina suggested putting a transmission line in an easement, if possible, rather than an extension of territory. Moved by Councilor Farabee that this matter be tabled for further information. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham, and carried unanimously. Item 9c RESOLUTION NO. 76-91 RESOLUTION DETERMINING NECESSITY FOR ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY FOR DAM AND SPILLWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKE DIVERSION, APPROVING THE APPRAISALS, SETTING JUST COMPENSATION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION Moved by Councilor Farabee that Resolution No. 76-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 9d RESOLUTION NO. 77-91 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT WITH NORTHWEST TEXAS REHAB, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION IS PASSED IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 77-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None 679 Item 10a Moved by Councilor Hughes that the bid for a one-half ton pickup be awarded to Ron Roberts Ford in the amount of $11 ,265. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried unanimously. Item 10b Moved by Councilor Hughes that the bid for a four-door staff car be awarded to P.A. Chevrolet in the amount of $10,561. 91 . Motion seconded by Councilor Martin. Councilor Loughry questioned the need for this car. The motion carried unanimously. Item 10c Moved by Councilor Martin that the bid for a power rescue tool (Jaws of Life) be awarded to Casco Industries in the amount of $17,161. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried unanimously. Item 10d A proposed resolution was presented to award bid to Kent Meters, Inc. , and Master Meter, Inc. , for annual supply of water meters. A motion was made by Councilor Thompson, and seconded by Councilor Martin, for its passage. Councilor Hughes raised a question about a one-year bid, as opposed to two years. Mr. Bonnett explained that the bids were structured with a two-year bidding requirement, and the low bidder failed to include it. He stated that the council had previously requested him to bid a two-year requirement. Discussion followed concerning this matter. Mr. Humbach explained they cannot accept the low bid because they did not meet bid requirements. Moved by Mayor Lam that the bids be rejected, and re-bid for a one-year supply. Motion seconded by Councilor Hughes, and carried unanimously. The vote on this item as originally presented failed by the following vote. Ayes: None Nays: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham 680 Item 10e RESOLUTION NO. 78-91 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID TO MARTA COMPANY FOR METER BOXES AND METER BOX LIDS Moved by Councilor Hughes that Resolution No. 78-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson,., Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item lla RESOLUTION NO. 79-91 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 ON CDBG AMBER, BORTON, LEE AND REDBUD STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 79-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin. Councilor Loughry asked about the Change Order, and City Engineer Bill Parker explained the federal wage determination requirement changes. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Hughes, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 12a A special council meeting was called for Tuesday, May 14, 1991, at 8: 30 a.m. , for the purpose of determination of the Lone Star Gas rate case. Item 12b Jan Stricklin, Personnel Officer, presented the Affirmative f, Action Report for the periods ending December 31 , 1991, and March 31 , 1991. Councilor Thompson commented that he does not feel the report shows much progress made. We have not gone forward, but are standing still. We are at point zero in administrative jobs in the City. He suggested holding workshops with employees in hiring people. 681 Item 12b cont'd. Mrs. Stricklin reported on a recent EEOC office case in Washington, D.C. This involved a racial discrimination case by a person who had applied for several jobs in the City. The EEOC concluded that discrimination had not occurred, and there was no discrimination in the hiring of black persons. The report showed that the number of skilled blacks in Wichita Falls is very low. The City hires blacks at a much higher percentage than is available in the local population. Councilor Thompson commented on opportunities for blacks to become skilled. Mr. Berzina noted that he does not believe the next report will be much different than what we have now. We seek to hire the most qualified person available. Administrative jobs do not come open very often. We do not do much at that level of administrative hiring. If they are looking at the City as the only place to advance, they may be looking at the wrong place. Civil Service opportunities are not going to change unless state law changes. Councilor Martin noted that if persons do not possess entry level skills, they will not be hired. Councilor Hughes noted that headway has been made in hiring procedures. Councilor Loughry commented on an unfilled engineering position. Mrs. Stricklin pointed out that they are holding it open in consideration of the need for it. Item 12c Giola Ozuna commented on the American Indian report. Steve Goen, 901 North Brook, presented a plan to the Council for the lease of the proposed Railroad Museum. It was noted that May 15, 1991, is the deadline for hotel/motel tax funding. Mayor Lam suggested that he give this report to Miss Houseworth. Mr. Geon stated they would not be asking for money from the City to get a train started to Burkburnett and Grandfield. � Item 12d - - - - - - - Council members expressed appreciation to Charles Thomas for his service on the Council, and welcomed Terry Loughry as a new member. The newly elected Councilors expressed appreciation to the voters. Councilor Kirkham applauded the reinvestment zone and tax III abatement as a positive action for the City. He also asked for '!I a status report concerning the highway coming into town. Councilor Farabee directed the Planning Department to start the process with Otto' s Grocery on Harrison Street for an off- premise license. i 682 Item 12d cont'd. Councilor Hughes commented on the involvement of those who went to Austin for Wichita Falls Day. Mayor Lam also stated this was well worth their time and effort. Mayor Lam reported that they are prepared to purchase right-of-way, and proceed with plans for Midwestern Parkway. Mr. Bonnett expected this job to be on the State ' s August letting. He also asked about the status of the ordinance on Brook Street, and Mr. McKinney stated it will be presented to the Council at the first meeting in June. Item 12e Ivic. Berzina noted they plan to soon execute the check exchange with the owners of the Sears Building. R Mr. Berzina also stated that the air conditioning in the auditorium is being looked at. A report will also be coming on the use of the pond at the softball complex. He also hopes to finalize the easement at the Country Club at the May 14 Council meeting. A report will also be coming on the sidewalk project around Cunningham School. Mr. Berzina commented on a bridge closing across McGrath Creek. Mr. Bonnett explained that the westerly bridge in the westbound traffic lane has a serious structural problem, and traffic is expected to be closed on it for three to four month. The City Council adjourned at 12: 10 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of 1991. Michael Lam, Mayor ATTEST: r Wilma J. Thomas, CMC/AAE