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Min 11/19/1991 811 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building November 19, 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 - Terrance E. Loughry - Angus Thompson - Councilors J. W. Martin - Don Kirkham - Paul Hughes - Absent (ill) James Berzina - City Manager Gregory Humbach - City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas - City Clerk The invocation was given by David Walker, Highland Church of God. Mayor Lam presented a proclamation for Women' s Bowling Week. Item 3 Moved by Councilor Kirkham that minutes of the meetings held November 4 and 5 , 1991 , be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried unanimously. Items 4a - 6f Item 6c was moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilor Martin that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 4a RESOLUTION NO. 180-91 RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION 159-90 TO INCORPORATE LABORATORY CHARGES FOR AMMONIA NITROGEN TESTS 812 Item 5a RESOLUTION NO. 181-91 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE SOUTHWEST PARKWAY DRAINAGE PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO DUKE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Item 6 Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and commissions were received. a. Traffic Safety Commission - October 2 , 1991 ; b. Zoning Board of Adjustment - October 16 , 1991 d. Library Advisory Board - October 22 , 1991 ...✓ e. Human Relations Commission - October 22 , 1991 f. Commission on Disability - November 4, 1991 Item 6c Moved by Councilor Thompson that minutes of the meeting of the Landmark Commission held October 17, 1991 , be received. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin. Councilor Thompson commended the Heritage Society for their efforts in the development of the Railroad Museum. The motion carried unanimously. Item 7a A public hearing was opened on the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy under the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. Mr. Berzina introduced the purpose of this plan, and the need for a public hearing. Robert Henderson explained the difference in this plan and the former housing assistance plan. It is comprehensive in that they try to tie banks, etc. into this public-private partnership. Any funds received under this plan will have to be matched. They expect to purchase single family units with these funds, and bring them up to city codes to make them available to the public for housing. Other similar programs were discussed, such as one in Amarillo, and the Habitat for Humanity. Control of the property was also , discussed, and what would eventually happen to it. The public hearing was closed. Item 8a RESOLUTION NO. 182-91 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM Moved by Councilor Kirkham that Resolution No. 182-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson. 813 Item 8a, cont 'd. Mr. Berzina stated this is an opportunity to join a statewide purchasing system. The state will take bids, and the city will have the option to avail themselves of obtaining this product at the same price. Mr. Dockery explained it could eliminate the bidding costs we would have, but we would continue to ask for prices. Councilor Kirkham noted that the merchandise could be purchased locally if they are able to buy it here. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8b RESOLUTION NO. 183-91 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXERCISE OPTION TO EXTEND CONTRACT WITH SOUTHWESTERN TELECOM, INC. FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE OF THE CITY' S TELEPHONE SYSTEM Moved by Councilor Thompson that Resolution No. 183-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 9a RESOLUTION NO. 184-91 AWARD OF BID TO ARMORED ROOFING CO. , INC. FOR REROOFING FIRE STATION #2 Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 184-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee. Councilor Loughry asked if this project went above the CDBG funds, and Mr. Bonnett explained that it went over $2000, but there is money in the fund to handle it. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 9b RESOLUTION NO. 185-91 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID TO CASCO INDUSTRIES FOR FIRE FIGHTING HELMETS 814 Item 9b, cont'd. Moved by Councilor Martin that Resolution No. 185-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Farabee, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None - - Aw Item l 0 a ;. RESOLUTION NO. 186-91 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE ROTARY PARK SIDEWALKS PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO DECATUR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Moved by Councilor Farabee that Resolution No. 186-91 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilor Kirkham. Councilor Farabee noted the work of Councilor Hughes in putting this project together. The motion carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Lam, Councilors Farabee, Loughry, Thompson, Martin, and Kirkham Nays: None The City Council recessed at 9 : 30, and reconvened at 9: 50 . Item 10b Mr. Berzina noted that last week when Mr. Bonnett was acting as City Manager a pipeline permit was executed with Burlington Northern Railroad for an easement under the railroad bridge located just South of Eastside Drive. A motion is needed to ratify this action. Moved by Councilor Martin that execution of the pipeline permit by the acting City Manager be ratified. Motions seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried �i unanimously. Item lla Discussion was held on the Lake Wichita Feasibility Study. Mr. Bonnett reviewed the work which has gone on since the 1970 ' s to address the work on Holliday Creek and the lake. 815 Item lla, cont'd. Kerry Maroney, Engineer with Biggs and Mathews, presented the results of the study, stating that the spillway level of 976 was established in the 1970 ' s. Silt disposal was addressed in the study. They mapped the existing lake bottom, and established some average depths. They found that the silt can be used as fill in public areas. The study presented options on where to place the silt brought out of the lake. Building islands or jetties is not one of the best options. Permits will be tough to get. Private land could be purchased or use park land for disposal. Dredging the entire lake would be the most expensive. Several options were presented, as follows; take no action whatsoever. Hold the 976 capacity as close as we can, for a cost of $25 , 300 . 00; drain Lake Wichita. The only time it would fill up would be during periods of heavy rain. There would be no large capital expenditures; dredge the North portion of the lake to the 976 level, for a cost of 17 million; dredge the North part of Lake Wichita to a contour level of 978 , at a cost of 19 to 20 million; and dredge the entire lake to an average depth of ten feet, at a cost of 54 million. Further discussion continued on the depth of the lake and recreational possibilities for shoreline development. Mr. Berzina commented that this is a decision the council can make, but it would be second guessed for many years . It has to be understood why we had to go with the 976 feet. He feels we need to have input in public meetings. It was estimated by Mr. Bonnett that the shoreline is probably 75 to 85 percent privately owned. Mr. Berzina noted a $20 , 000 ,000 project would be eighty ( 8) cents on the tax rate. William C. Young, 1018 Widows Lane, noted the high cost of this on the tax rate, clarifying that Lakeside City residents do not contribute to taxes in Wichita Falls. Mayor Lam suggested meetings in a couple of areas for presentations, and an opportunity for questions. Councilor Kirkham asked about a meeting with Lakeside City, and Mayor Lam noted that only individuals have made suggestions - not the Corporate city. He explained they would be glad to meet with them, but they have made no contact with him. Item llb Bobbie Walker, 1520 Trout, appeared as president of the tenants committee in the Holliday Creek Gardens Apartments. She stated that a lot of the drug problem from Flood Street has been driven to their area, and if they fight the way they know how to fight they need to know that the City Council will be there with them. She presented plans for a pantry, clothes closet, and a basketball team in that area. She noted that she was finally glad to meet Councilor Thompson. After a lengthy presentation she stated she would be giving the Council notification of their meetings. She presented letters for the Council to read. Item llc Councilor Loughry again mentioned a traffic problem at Kitchens and 9th, stating something else is needed more than putting up signs. He also asked, and Jack Murphy explained why the lights have been on at night in Weeks Park Tennis Center. 816 Item llc, cont'd. Councilor Martin commended the representatives of the Italian Air Force and the two pianists who performed recently at Midwestern State University. He also asked for a monthly report on profits and losses at the Weeks Park Golf Course. Councilor Kirkham asked Mr. Werner to explain the senior citizen tax exemptions. Mr. Werner stated that at age 65 the appraised value is frozen, and remains constant after that. The tax rate and tax dollar are not frozen - only the appraised value. Councilor Kirkham requested that Mr. Edmondson find out if the Health Department could be a referral agency for drug rehabilitation and treatment. He also asked about the nurse shortage. Mr. Edmondson explained the authorized positions for RN' s and LVN' s, stating we are paying our RN' s what a lot of local groups pay LVN' s. He stated we need to be paying $14 . 00 to $15. 00 an hour for RN' s to keep what we have, and attract new nurses. Jan Stricklin presented a survey, explaining that in the budget process they looked at positions that were from seventy (70 ) to thirty ( 30) percent behind median. They also upgraded positions of twenty-five (25 ) percent or more in turnover rate. Nurses are 23 . 4 percent behind median. Their turnover rate is 21. 9 percent. They found there is a RN shortage across Texas and the United States. RN' s are paid from $11. 00 to $34. 00 an hour in our local area. All 28 facilities utilize LVN' s because they can provide basic care. They still have difficulty hiring nurses even though they may pay more per hour. They have been looking at some alternatives to hire LVN' s, or job sharing with hospitals. She further stated that our nursing staff does not want to hire LVN' s because of the care they can provide. LVN' s can work with standing orders, but they cannot start IV' s without additional training. They have not been able to determine they would be in violation of any law by utilizing LVN' s. Most of the facilities surveyed used RN' s in a supervising capacity. We will need to look at our contract with the school for nurses working in the school program. They require RN' s. With us being five and one-half positions short we need to take some temporary measures. Dr. Dimitri supported the use of RN' s, stating that in sexually transmitted diseases the RN' s act almost like nurse practioners without the two years training. He does not think we would have the same expertise with LVN' s. He stated he was not aware of the shortage. He stated he is a teacher with the residency program. Councilor Thompson agreed with Dr. Dimitri, stating the STD nurses could be exposed to AIDS, hepatitis, etc. He feels it would do a lot for morale if we raise salaries to $11. 00 to $14. 00 to become and stay competitive. Dr. Dimitri noted an explosion of home health agencies, stating some of the nurses are attracted to them. Mayor Lam noted this was not addressed as a crying need in the budget process. We will have all city employee groups coming forward. He expressed fears about this process. Councilor Thompson felt it was good for the public to know the situation, since they do not want taxes raised. Councilor Kirkham noted that this matter came about by a question which was asked about programs in the Health Department. 817 Item llc, cont'd. Mr. Berzina pointed out that we have a Health Department to run. He does not plan to drop this questions of LVN' s if there is a place for them to be used. They will keep the Health Department functioning. There is a price tag of $208 ,000 to increase the salaries where they feel they should be. There are other departments who can make the same case. He noted that the shortage has not always been as prevalent as it is now. Councilor Thompson stated that we need to be competitive, but we still have a bottom line budget. Councilor Martin stated he feels we need to stay within this budget, and look at it in the next budget year. Councilor Kirkham expressed that we need to do this in all departments because of the budget crunch. Councilor Thompson commended the police for a good job in the drug raids. Councilor Martin asked for verification of the money we pay the Humane Society. Mr. Edmondson stated they have honored the City' s contract with them, and we have not had any problems. Our facility is completely separate from them. Councilor Kirkham clarified that the Clean Community Commission is making a survey on recycling. Item lld Mr. Berzina handed out various memos to the Council on information requested. Item lle The City council recessed into executive session at 11 : 52 a.m. , and reconvened at 12: 42 p.m. , with Mayor Pro tem Kirkham presiding. Item llf Moved by Councilor Farabee that Brenda Aldrich be appointed to the Cable Advisory Commission. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried unanimously. Item llg Moved by Councilor Farabee that Curtis Smith be appointed to the Multi-Purpose Events Committee. Motion seconded by Councilor Martin, and carried unanimously. Item llh Moved by Councilor Martin that Nick Holloway be removed from the Commission on Disability for lack of attendance at the last six consecutive meetings. 818 Item llh, cont'd. Motion seconded by Councilor Thompson, and carried unanimously. The City Council adjourned at 12 : 45 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this the -� day of 1991. Michael Lam, ayor ATTEST: Wilma J. Thomas, CMC/AAE City Clerk '�M