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Min 01/07/1986 130 i Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building January 7, 1986 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. Gary Cook Mayor Charles Harper Charles Thomas Lindsey Walker Councilmen Bill Palmer Craig Wilson James Welburn James Berzina City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk Fred L. Werner Chief Accounting Officer The invocation was given by John Muir, First Christian Church. Item 3 Moved by Councilman Welburn that minutes of the meetings held December 17 and 31 , 1985, be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper, and carried unanimously. Items 4.la-6h The City Manager noted that Bobby Bohanon, who was selected as Employee of the Month, is ill today. Item 5b was moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilman Wilson that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper. Item 4.2a ORDINANCE NO. 1-86 AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING, AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF A UTILITY EASEMENT IN LOT 11 , BLOCK 1 , SIKES ESTATES, UNIT 1 , SECTION G, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson and Welburn Nays: None Item 5a The low bid for chlorine scales for water treatment plants was awarded to Newman Engineered Equipment, Inc. , in the amount of $13,183. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 5c The bid for a 72-inch rotary mower was awarded to Goldthwaite' s of Texas, Inc. , in the amount of $7,819. Ayes: Ma or Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None 131 Items 6a-h Minutes of the meeting of the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals held November 21 , 1985, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission held December 11 , 1985 were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Electrical Examiners held December 12, 1985, were received. Ayes; Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment held December 18, 1985, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Employee Benefit Trust Committee held September 25, 1985, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Mayor' s Commission on the Status of Women held November 7, 1985, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Employee Benefit Trust Committee held December 5, 1985, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Minutes of the meeting of the Park Board held December 12, 1985, were received . Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 5b Moved by Councilman Palmer that the bid for pipe tapping saddles for Public Utilities be awarded to Bailey Meissner in the amount of $15,081 .37. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None 132 Councilman Wilson asked why the minutes of the Employee Benefit Trust Committee meeting held in September are so late? The City Manager stated that he did not have an answer. He would have to get it for him. Someone in Personnel office takes these minutes. Each department has their own representatives. Official council minutes come from the City Clerk' s office. Councilman Wilson would like someone to monitor this. Item 7a i A proposed ordinance was presented rezoning a 0.81 acre tract of land out of proposed Block 43, Fountain Park Addition, from single family, large ! lot (SF-1 ) to general commercial (GC) zoning district. A motion was made by Councilman Welburn, for discussion, that the proposed ordinance be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper, and failed by the following vote. Ayes: None Nays: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Item 7b ORDINANCE NO. 2-86 ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 79-83, WHICH PROVIDED THAT THE PERMIT PRIVILEGES OF A MASTER ELECTRICIAN SHALL BE SUSPENDED WHEN HE WORKS FOR A DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Moved by Councilman Harper that Ordinance No. 2-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Councilman Harper noted that this was discussed by the Electrical Board more than a year ago, but it had never reached the Council . Councilman Wilson noted that a couple of the board members did not remember discussing it because it had been so long. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 8a Jeanie Thompson, Assistant City Attorney, stated that David Tate had been retained by the Lakeview Assembly of God Church, and he asked that this matter to tabled until the next regular council meeting to give him time to study the request. The Council deleted and rescheduled it for the next meeting. Later in the agenda, City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that there had been a mix-up in communications, and that Item 7a was the matter that Mr. Tate was involved in, rather than the matter on the church. Mr. Jerrell Kuykendall stated that the second resolution with the two-inch water line would be the one they strongly recommend at this time. He stated that he has not received an estimate on what it would take to get a contractor to do the work. They have some members of the church who could do some of the work, if that would be satisfactory. Councilman Thomas asked if he thought he would have any problems in acquiring the right-of-way? Mr. Kuykendall stated that he has not talked to any of them. Councilman Thomas was of the opinion that this crossed some land owned by the cemetery. He also believes it would be very difficult to monitor that line. Councilman Harper remembered two or three years ago this church had a very bad structural problem. It appears from the outside that it may have been repaired. He asked how this relates to allowing them to have water? 133 Item 8a, cont'd. The City Attorney stated that he does not see how the courts could go that far and say that we would be responsible for the structure if we furnish them water. He does not feel that we have exposure there. Mr. Kuykendall stated that the trusses began to give way. The minister, at that time, was the contractor on the church. They jacked the ceiling up and pulled the building back together. There is still a little sag, but he does not believe there is a serious problem of it falling in. They put it back together with heavy plywood. Moved by Councilman Harper that we approve Option 2, with the 2-inch water line. Motion seconded by Councilman Walker. City Attorney H. P. Hodge cautioned that this resolution is granting an exception, and they are setting a precedent. Others would have a strong case in asking for an exception. The City Manager stated that it appears that we are in a position to approve something here that we don't know where it will be located. Councilman Palmer stated that he would hate to pass this before he sees what problems they are going to have. Mayor Cook doubts that the State will give him right-of- way. It would have to be located on private property. Moved by Councilman Palmer that this matter be tabled until he finds if they can obtain easements with proper mapping, etc. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn, and carried unanimously. Item 8b — — — — RESOLUTION NO. 1-86 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPRAISAL OF PARCELS #70, #71 , AND #72 FOR THE HOLLIDAY CREEK CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, SETTING JUST COMPENSATION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION Moved by Councilman Palmer that Resolution No. 1-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, and Welburn Nays: None (Councilman Wilson abstained because of a possible conflict of interest. ) Item 9a RESOLUTION NO. 2-86 RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID THROUGH THE STATE OF TEXAS CONTRACT NUMBER 1646 TO THE IBM CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN IBM PC-AT BASED COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES STORES Moved by Councilman Palmer that Resolution No. 2-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn. Councilman Palmer asked if there is a time frame on this or a cost estimate? Mr. Bonnett stated that they will take this software program and mimeograph it in house. It will take three to four weeks. This will allow someone to operate it, even though they are not a computer specialist. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 9b Discussion was held on award of bid for pipe repair clamps. Mayor Cook asked the staff to address the bid procedures, and then hear from those who may want to discuss the bid award. 134 Item 9b cont'd. Purchasing Agent Richard Arndt stated that they have spot bid these items in the past, but this time they asked for a combination bid. Firms were sent bid invitations. Rockwell chose to bid direct, instead of going through a distributor. One of the requirements is that they receive 24-hour delivery. { The second was a specification that it be equal to a Vega quality, or better. Atlas did not bid, as specified. It is their conclusion that the Rockwell Company met the time frame, and also the quality. Councilman Welburn asked if they have determined that the bidding technique will not impact us? Mr. Arndt stated that he checked, and found that it was usual for a firm like Rockwell to bid on their own, rather than going through m a distributor. I Ed Powers appeared as President and new owner of Powerseal Pipeline Products Corporation. He noted that the specifications required equal or better than. He stated that the Rockwell is not equal to the product manufactured in Wichita Falls. Doug Beck, Engineer, and Felix Ozuna, Plant Manager, were also in attendance. Mr. Beck presented seal gasket and clamps from their company, and also Rockwell . Mr. Powers noted that the competitive gasket does not have the o-ring. Their gasket is also thicker. The speed of repair is a most important aspect in a water leak repair, as far as safety and comfort are concerned. He also showed the lugs, stating that the powerseal lugs are heavier and stronger than the Rockwell . The Rockwell corporate headquarters is in Pittsburgh, and they are manufactured in Arkansas. He stated that the sections of their metal clamp are thicker, and quite a bit heavier than the competition. The fingers are longer, making it easier and faster to install . Their bolts are 72 inches long. The competition is 62 inches long. He stated that all clamps are not the same. The second part of the specifications address the delivery time. He pre- sented a signed and notarized statement that they will provide 24-hour service. He stated that a distributor is the only one who can provide emergency service. It is not the manufacturer. He questions whether Rockwell can meet the time frame. He also questioned the Marta Company being allowed two shots at the bid. He knew of no one else who did. This does not seem right to him. He stated that the weights used for evaluation are inaccurate. He stated that if he had not located here, there was a distinct possibility that the Clow Corporation would have been sold, and moved somewhere else. He feels they have the lowest, best, and most responsive bid, and hopes the Council will consider it. Councilman Walker noted that his bid is ten percent more than the contract last year. If the local people keep the percentage up, they may price themselves out of the market. He asked for the reason for this increase. Mr. Powers stated that it is inflation, and he also has no control of how someone prices their bid. If he had to bid it again, however, he would not change it one iota. He believes the bid is very fair. Joe Bailey Meissner stated that they are very proud to be a distributor for Powerseal . He stated that there is a stipulation that emergency purchases can be made on a local basis. If they do not receive the bid, then the price of those emergency purchases would necessarily be higher. He knows that if the Council can do so, they would like to keep the business in Wichita Falls. Mr. Powershas made an effective presentation on the quality of the Powerseal . The increase in price of emergency purchases will also make a difference in price. The stock of clamps will not satisfy the needs of the City of Wichita Falls. They supply emergency purchases frequently. He stated that the low bidder could not give 24-hour service, and neither can Rockwell . The bidder who did not get his bid in on time, and was rejected, is somehow back into the picture. He stated that fifty (50) percent of the City' s purchases will be emergency purchases, and the City will pay more for them. He questions the idea of having the Marta Company being a party to awarding the contract when they did not get their bid in on time. Quality, service, and cost is the reason for keeping the business local . Councilman Wilson stated that they would like to keep the business local , but the environment we have to operate in is different than what they would do as a private company. If they meet those specifications it is very difficult for them to justify taking that product, even though the other product may be better. 135 Item 9b, cont'd. Public Works Director George Bonnett stated that they believe this bid will handle their needs, but once or twice a month they may have to go outside of what they have speced for an extraordinary need. He stated that they have had outstanding support from Bailey Meissner. The catalog quotes came from Clow and Rockwell ' s catalogs. If they are not right, then they should be corrected. Sometimes a heavier clamp is harder to put on. They believe that either of these will fulfill their needs. Both are excellent products, and he does not see a nickle' s worth difference in the two products. Councilman Thomas stated that the o-ring configuration has been very satisfactory when there is a leak in the pipe. Mr. Bonnett stated that he had not seen any problem with Rockwell 's product. They believe they are equal in terms of use. Mr. Bonnett stated that the Marta Company is stocking Rockwell at this time. Mr. Arndt stated that they are also a Vega distributor. Councilman Walker asked Mr. Bonnett about the 24-hour response time, and if Rockwell will meet all their needs here with this distributor? Mr. Bonnett stated that he has no reason to not think that they can meet it. If it should happen more than once he would suggest that we cancel the bid, and go back out for bids. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that they would be in breach of contract, and would be liable for the additional cost to us. Article 2368a, of Texas State Statutes, requires that an expenditure be made on the basis of competitive bids to the lowest and most responsible bidder. The local bid, on that basis alone, is not a matter that can be taken into consideration. If service or repair or something like that would be a matter that would affect the cost of the product, the cases allow them to take that into account. Other than some particular circumstance that the highest bidder would be acceptable, you have to go with the lowest bidder. He further stated that state law says that if the bid is awarded to one other than the lowest bidder, it is voidable, and could be challenged and set aside. There is a penal provision in the 1985 legislative session. It is a Class C misdemeanor if it is not followed. Councilman Thomas asked when it was decided that Marta would distribute the product? Mr. Arndt stated that it was after the bids were opened. He questioned Rockwell as to how they intended to meet that requirement, and this is what they told him. He did not know what their plans were for meeting the 24-hour requirement from Texarkana. Councilman Harper stated that in dealing with this every day, he knows the problem we have. Mr. Powers stated that their weights were wrong. Mr. Arndt used the weights given for each style of clamp. He took from the manufacturer's catalog for the style of weight that they bid. Doug Beck stated that Vega ' s weights are understated, and are actually heavier. They are 6, 13, and 21 pounds, and the stainless is 11 pounds. Mr. Powers stated that the difference in weight is primarily in the lugs and gasket. Councilman Harper asked Mr. Bonnett if he would still recommend the lighter weight? Mr. Bonnett stated that he cannot tell that there is a nickle' s difference. He does not believe there is a significant difference in the product. Councilman Harper noted that when we specify equal or better, then we get into these kinds of things. Knowing that the Powerseal clamp weighs con- siderably more than that of the low bidder. , would the Rockwell be considered equal ? The City Attorney stated that he cannot tell them what a court would say, but it has always been his impression that when we specify equal or better, it is more of a performance specification rather than a product specification. The question is whether both are equally capable of doing the job. Councilman Harper asked Mr. Arndt to read exactly what was asked for in the bid. Mr. Arndt stated that the products proposed must be equal to or of better quality than the products produced by Vega Manufacturing Company. Councilman Harper does not feel you can compare performance, but you would have to go with the weights, etc. Councilman Thomas noted that when we need something of an odd size, it is important that we have it immediately. He wonders how much difference there would be on the bid in a year' s time? What are we actually paying for in the long run? Councilman Harper noted that they have stated that they can provide the service, and we will have to accept that they can until they 136 Item 9b, cont'd. prove different. It is a misdemeanor and fine if we break state law, but yet we have to award it on the specifications. How do we determine it unless it is by weights, etc. ? How do you compare performance? If these weights are correct, he wants to know if our weights are wrong in the bid specifications and agenda. Mr. Arndt and Mr. Beck left to check the weights. Councilman Welburn mentioned a bus last summer that we exercised our option on, and someone else did, too. He asked if there are available supplies j to cover the interim period? { The City Attorney stated that with a bus the cost is way over $10,000. If this were tied up in litigation, and we needed clamps which are under $10,000, you do not have to go through the bidding process. Mr. Bonnett stated that this is an estimated quantity. You can argue a long time at what level you should take bids. This was combined to save costs. He stated that it is very convenient to go out and buy things without a bid. Mr. Arndt returned, stating that the Vega product is heavier in seven of eight instances . Moved by Councilman Thomas that the bid be awarded to Bailey Meissner, in the amount of $37,873.94. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn. Councilman Palmer asked if the heavier weight is enough to say it is better? City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that he did not know. He thinks the Council will have to just use their best judgment. He further noted that courts tend to uphold the body if they exercise their best judgment when there is nothing legal to guide them. The question they are talking about is whether the Rockwell product meets the specifications, and is the lowest responsible bidder. The decision they are now making is whether or not the Rockwell is equal or better. Councilman Harper stated that if he specified that something would have this or better then he knows what he would do. Councilman Wilson asked if the weights were reversed, what would their decision be? Councilman Walker stated that his concern is being able to serve our needs. The low bidder should get it if everything else is equal . If both bidders meet the specifications outlined, and can provide reasonable service, then he thinks that we need to follow what the law or courts have dictated to them. Councilman Harper stated that we specified that they would be equal to Vega, or better, and how do we compare them? Is it weight or something else? Mr. Meissner stated that they previously handled the Rockwell clamp, but changed to Vega because he thought they were better. The motion to award the bid to Bailey Meissner was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, and Palmer Nays: Councilmen Walker, Wilson, and Welburn Item 9c Moved by Councilman Thomas that bids for automobiles be awarded, as follows. 1 . Ralph Morgan Dodge - $12,794.31 (K-9 vehicle) 2. Ron Roberts Ford - $226,286.94 (12 police patrol cars, 5 police detective cars, Larson investigation vehicle, and 2 compact vehicles. ) Motion seconded by Councilma Palmer, and carried unanimously. Item 9d Moved by Councilman Thomas, for discussion, that the bid be awarded to Aztec Trailer, in the amount of $20,176, for a 35-ton lowboy trailer. 137 Item 9d, cont'd. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn. Councilman Thomas asked what this is for? Mr. Bonnett stated that it is used with a dragline, and is very specialized. Councilman Thomas asked what was wrong with the trailer? Mr. Bonnett stated that it is pretty well gone. Mr. Robert Parker stated that this is lower than some sampling they did. The motion was carried unanimously. Item 9e Moved by Councilman Thomas that the bid for four 2-man packer trucks be awarded to Davis Truck and Equipment in the amount of $257,916. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn. Councilman Wilson asked about the expected life of this equipment. Mr. Parker stated that they are trying to get eight years out of the new ones. They got six years from the old ones. The motion was carried unanimously. The City Council recessed at 10:25, and reconvened at 10:35 A.M. Item l0a Larry Steele, with Aufleger/Garrett, stated that he does not consider himself to be a convention center manager, but he does have some experience in trade shows, other than hotel business, and an exhibit manager. He stated that Wendell Locke is also here as an architect. He stated that the purpose of the convention center is extracted from the Haralson report. Requirements for this specific facility should be directed only to certain specific activities. The facility proposed is an arena, exhibit hall , meeting, and banquet rooms. It would provide facilities that are not currently available in Wichita Falls. They proposed a 177,000 square feet facility which would occupy 42 acres. He presented a layout of the building. He addressed a site selection in a location in the riverwalk area, stating that exhibitors, board of directors, and officers, want to have first class hotel facilities nearby. Building costs cannot be projected until a site is selected, and architectural plans are prepared. They estimate 10.5 to 11 .5 million for this facility, land at 3 million, and parking at 2.5 million. He estimated it would attract 125,000 visitors, with 7 million spent in Wichita Falls. Additional tax revenues would also be generated. Mr. Aufleger addressed financing, endorsing the idea of a public/private partnership. He believes the only way you can go is with the riverwalk in the downtown area. This is the edge that Wichita Falls has. They are interested in joining in with the city. Land should be purchased by the city, and leased back to this facility. The building should be constructed and managed by the developer. The quality we are talking about is the same quality you see in the Sheraton. Councilman Wilson asked about the interest rate. Mr. Aufleger is looking at a major insurance company. They have projects now with a 62 percent interest rate in the past two years. Also, 8 percent. He suggested that the project be set up on a 20-25 year amoritization. Time is not on our side. Mayor Cook asked Mr. Aufleger if he is talking about general obligation bonds or industrial revenue bonds? Mr. Aufleger was not sure, stating that it is the strength of the credit rating of Wichita Falls that provides the good financing. They would need to spend a good deal of time with the city in making financing arrangements, if they are selected. He proposes a 20-25 year walk away. The lender would make the loan, and they would be an instrument of getting the building back to them. They are willing to take the management of the building. Mayor Cook asked if he had a lender that would commit financially to the 13-14 million on a year to year lease? Mr. Aufleger stated that he did not. He feels it should go back into some kind of Authority. Mr. Aufleger stated that three assumptions were made: obtain ingress and egress; available acreage; one-third donation of property. They have not addressed land. 138 Item 10a, cont'd. Judy Patterson, commercial realtor, stated that they have more than 26 1 acres, and about 33 percent of it is already under control of the city by the land owned, and by streets and alleys, which may be closed within these perimeters. Councilman Wilson asked if there is a suggested site to consider these three assumptions? Mr. Aufleger stated that they have stayed out of the land up to this time. If that became a charge, they would grab it and go with it pretty quick. If the city will be competitive, you need to build the riverwalk and convention center adjacent to each other. Mayor Cook asked if he would be interested in building on land we own? Mr. Aufleger did not think he would be interested in doing it if he thought it was the wrong spot. He does not know where the city owns land, so he is at a disadvantage on that. Councilman Palmer asked if they modified the floor area would that affect the seating capacity? Mr. Steele stated not necessarily. It would be the number of exhibit booths. Mr. Aufleger stated that the exhibit hall would be as large as a football field. Councilman Harper asked if he could give us an estimate on the time involved if the go ahead were given? Mr. Aufleger stated that he believed they could be under construction within one year after land is acquired. It would require about two years from start to finish. Mayor Cook expressed appreciation for their presentation, and the time and thought they put into it. Jim Onstott appeared, asking if the Council has made up its mind that they will build the convention -enter in the riverwalk area? Mayor Cook replied that they haven't; that other sites will be considered. Mr. Onstott mentioned the General Mills building location. They still intend to develop a nice hotel in that area. He stated that there are about 35 acres available in that area. It would involve the Taylor Foundry property, also. He thinks there is a possibility that the City could acquire it without purchasing the land. A developer could develop a whole package. Mayor Cook stated that it would not be precluded from the City Council looking at it, even though it was not one of the proposed sites in the Haralson report. The City Council does not have authority to bind future Councils on a lease basis without some things being done first. He mentioned a not-for-profit corporation, but it has to be tagged back to the City with the developer. Other figures that are available are still being looked at. Mr. Williams commented that if the gentleman who just spoke can do what he says he can do, then they would provide the land to him. If he cannot do it, then his proposal still stands. Dr. Hoffman stated that he is a real estate broker, as well as a college professor, but he is speaking mostly as a citizen. He favors a river walk and a convention center. Mr. Frase and Mr. Williams have offered to donate land amounting to 3 million dollars. They have offered to build it. On a conservative estimate it would create more jobs. He is hoping that we have the foresight to bring a large payroll to the City. They were recently approached by a national motel chain. Two of the sites they want are on I-44. The State Highway Department, in Austin, has projections for building I-44 through Wichita Falls to Abilene. He does not believe you can acquire land downtown at $3.00 per square foot. He does not see how it can be built in the downtown area without increasing our taxes. We have an opportunity to have a convention center without increasing our taxes. Mr. Berzina stated that Al Groves and a Houston developer plan to be here on January 21 . Jim Onstott was also invited to make his proposal on that same date. Mayor Cook noted that he saw a lot of innovative and floor concept designs from the presentation this morning. He asked if we needed to obtain other building proposals of an architectural nature? Councilman Harper stated that we need to come up with another report to see what we want in it. The developer would develop it. The City Manager suggested a work committee of the Council and staff to look at other convention centers, and those who operate them. This project will have to have that kind of research. The City has to preserve for itself the role of what the center would look like. 139 Item 10a, cont'd. Councilman Wilson wondered if there is a way that we can better define Mr. Williams ' proposal , or if he can better define it? That part that would be much more concrete would be the property tax that would be generated. Would it be possible to look at the structure as a tax abatement structure? Mr. Williams stated that they are willing to explore this, and have already begun. It could be up to the mall ' s developer to do this. They would have to explain to their lender where they will generate enough revenue to make mortgage payments. It would be a fascinating concept if the mall developer would participate. They would be borrowing the money to build the convention center. Councilman Wilson stated that what he is talking about is no money from us to him. Property tax revenue would be generated by the size of the development. This would be new taxes. He is talking about abating the taxes. There is no exchange of money. Mr. Williams stated that he is not here trying to build a convention center. They will give the land to the City with no questions asked, or they can try to work out something, and they will build it. Mayor Cook stated that Herbert R. Smith has provided the Council with some information on financing. The City would have to come up with additional dollars. The Chief Accounting Officer stated that we would have from 7-8 cents tax increase, which would mean more than 10 percent increase in property tax. Mayor Cook noted that registered voters are the ultimate decider. There was no other business to come before the City Council . Items lOc,d 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 4:55 P.M. Moved by Councilman Wilson that appointments be made, as follows. 1 . Human Relations Commission - James Irl Montgomery, Charlye 0. Farris, Mary I . Quinlan, John Gavin, Jr. , and Barry B. Davis 2. Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Imma Jean Alexander and Bill Rowland 3. Landmark Commission - Joseph Johnson, Douglas Paul , Tom Young, and Jo Alice Davis 4. Aviation Advisory Board - Kay Yeager (1-year term) , Ewell Cason, and James Hull 5. Park Board - Roby Christie and William A. Harriman 6. Plumbing Advisory Board - Calvin P. Dipprey and Denzil Homer Ingram 7. Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals and Mechanical Board of Adjustments and Appeals - Lindsey Walker, Council Representative Motion seconded by Councilman Palmer, and carried unanimously. Councilman Harper noted that Al Groves will be here to make a presentation, along with Mr. Onstott, on January 21 , 1986. These proposals will be evaluated, and a called Council meeting will be held on January 28, 1986, in this regard. The City Council adjourned at 5:00 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this - day of 1986. r 9. C Mayor ATTEST: Wilma J. Thonf6s, CM , City Clerk