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Min 02/18/1986 176 Wichita Falls, a s, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building February 18, 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 Edward Barrett Assistant City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk Fred L . Werner Chief Accounting Officer The invocation was given by Larry Nicholson, Wesley United Methodist Church. Item 3 Moved by Councilman Thomas that Minutes of the meetings held January 28, and February 4, 1986, be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Welburn, and carried unanimously. Items 4a-7a Item 4a was moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilman Palmer that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Item 5a RESOLUTION NO. 19-86 RESOLUTION CALLING REGULAR CITY ELECTION FOR APRIL 5, 1986, AND NAMING ELECTION OFFICIALS AND POLLING PLACES Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 5b RESOLUTION NO. 20-86 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF THOMAS AND CHAMBERS TO PERFORM A COMPRE- HENSIVE EVALUATION OF THE HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FACILITY Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 6a The bid for high pressure sodium lamps was awarded to People' s Electric, in the amount of $2,399.28, and to United Electric, in the amount of $6,745.50, for ballasts. 177 Item 6a, cont'd. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 7a Minutes of the meeting of the Mayor' s Commission on the Status of Women held January 9, 1986, were received. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 4a ORDINANCE NO. 13-86 ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV, SECTION 5-23 OF ORDINANCE 63-85 TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPOUNDMENT AND DISPOSAL OF VICIOUS ANIMALS Moved by Councilman Harper that Ordinance No. 13-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Councilman Harper asked about situations which exist in various parts of town where people let dogs loose in their own yards, and they dig up flower beds in other yards. He stated that three people have called him about this in the last two weeks. Dr. Cox stated that this has been a problem for quite a while, and that is the reason they were not in favor of verbal control . It is difficult to prove that it is the same animal unless the neighbor is willing to swear out a complaint. They also have to get a seizure warrant if the person won't give up the animal . Councilman Harper asked if the problem is in the verbal control provision? Dr. Cox explained the ordinance provisions. Councilman Thomas asked if the complainer would sign a complaint, would that be satisfactory? Dr. Cox stated that it would be if they also identified the animal . Councilman Harper asked if there is anything we need to do with the ordinance to make it simpler? He asked that the City Attorney and Dr. Cox look at it. He also asked what is meant by dangerous and vicious propensities? Dr. Cox stated that is means showing tendencies to be mean and vicious. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Mayor Cook noted that when the ordinance was passed, Councilman Walker was not on the Council , but most of them desired that the verbal control pro- vision be placed in it, and he does not think it would be worth their time to look at it. Councilman Harper requested that he take a look at it, and make a recommendation. Item 9a ORDINANCE NO. 14-86 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC MIXED BEVERAGES FOR ON-PREMISE CONSUMPTION Moved by Councilman Harper that Ordinance No. 14-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that the mechanics of handling this was brought to his attention. Our zoning ordinance is silent about mixed beverages. So was the old alcoholic beverage ordinance. The zoning ordinance will need to be amended to speak on it because it is now silent. To go through all the procedures of amending the zoning ordinance may take two months. If someone came in and demanded the right to sell mixed beverages, the ordinance is now silent on it. It was his suggestion to Planning that the City Council 178 Item 9a, cont'd. adopt an ordinance addressing mixed beverages. It could also create another sticky point if someone did not want to allow the sale of mixed beverages in certain areas. Roger McKinney stated that the requirements of separation from churches and schools will still have to be complied with. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 9b ORDINANCE NO. 15-86 ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 7-33 TO ARTICLE III OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, PROVIDING REGULATIONS FOR THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF STRUCTURES DECLARED TO BE HAZARDOUS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Moved by Councilman Harper that Ordinance No. 15-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Palmer. Councilman Harper asked if this will do everything we want it to do? City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that this ordinance was fashioned after one in Fort Worth, and it has worked well there. He feels it will take care of the problem. Councilman Wilson asked what the penalty is? Mr. Hodge stated that it is $200 a day fine, and each day is a separate offense. Councilman Thomas noted that the title companies cannot find wherek it has been red-flagged. Assistant City Manager Edward Barrett stated that the biggest problem we have is that a person buys property and takes possession before a lien has been filed. Councilman Thomas wondered if we could put them on notice that something is working on that property? Mr. Barrett stated that he could provide a list of demolition notices to the Tax Department. Councilman Thomas also mentioned alley assessments. The City Attorney stated that we have been filing them with the County for several years. Councilman Harper mentioned buying a piece of property that he did not know that an assessment was owed for a year after he purchased it. Now he has to go back to the previous owner. Mr. Hodge stated that he believed that transaction took place before we started doing this. Councilman Thomas stated that the list he is providing is great for the City, but the problem is in the title company not being able to find it. Mr. Hodge stated that he overlooked the purchaser not knowing that something is pending on it. Councilman Wilson stated that constructive notice to the buyer, particularly, and the seller, is the problem. Councilman Thomas stated that surely we can tag that property to say that there are some other actions against that property so the title companies can go farther than the tax department. Assistant City Manager Edward Barrett stated that there is somewhat of a misunderstanding on the alley paving. It is not something that goes with the ownership of the property, but who is taking the service. Councilman Thomas noted that when someone else turns the water on, it is money out of their pocket. Mr. Barrett stated that no sanitation rates are charged if they are not taking water. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that the title company will see this on alley paving or refuse assessment. Mayor Cook stated that this ordinance places the burden on the seller. It is the desire of the Council to aid the buyer in being aware of these situations . The motion for passage of Ordinance No. 15-86 was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None 179 Item 9c ORDINANCE NO. 16-86 AN ORDINANCE REZONING 15 ACRES OUT OF A. R. COLLINS SURVEY, A-414, WICHITA COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, STANDARD LOT (SF-2) TO MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (MFR) ZONING DISTRICT Moved by Councilman Palmer that Ordinance No. 16-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Planning Director Roger McKinney stated that the restrictions would be filed in connection with this. The agreement is private between the developer and Sheppard Air Force Base. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item l0a RESOLUTION NO. 21-86 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REVISED APPRAISAL OF PARCEL #63 FOR THE HOLLIDAY CREEK CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, RE-SETTING JUST COMPENSA- TION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION Moved by Councilman Welburn that Resolution No. 21-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 10b was deleted. Item lla RESOLUTION NO. 22-86 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACTS FOR OPERATION OF CONCESSIONS IN SPUDDER PARK AND WILLIAMS PARK FOR THE 1986 SEASON Moved by Councilman Welburn, for discussion, that Resolution No. 22-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Councilman Walker noted that there is a difference between gross and net, and he wondered if the bidder was confused? Moved by Councilman Welburn that this matter be tabled to see if the bidder understands what she is proposing to do. Mayor Cook asked if that would be a problem in allowing a bidder to change a bid? City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that there are certain circumstances that someone can revoke their bid. We would contact the bidder, and ask if she understands that this is gross sales. If she does, it will be brought back to the Council for approval . If she does not understand, she can revoke her bid. She could not change it. If the Council passes it, subject to her understanding, then they could go ahead. Parks Director Jack Murphy stated that this is the same bid form that was used last year. The bidding procedure is always gross. Councilman Wilson noted that they pick and choose the times they want to operate there, so we may get 50 percent of nothing. Mr. Murphy stated that they require them to stay open during their games . She has operated this in the past. 180 Item Ila, cont'd. Councilman Walker stated that he had talked with her, and he did not get a very clear understanding that she understands the total ramifications of it. He further noted that she had the cleaning of the park last year, and this has now been given to someone else. Dorcas Chasteen stated that Mrs. Pope had run Williams Park concession stand prior to the maintenance contract, and it was always bid on a percentage of the gross. Councilman Welburn withdrew the motion to table. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item llb RESOLUTION NO. 23-86 AWARD OF BID FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL AT THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING Moved by Councilman Wilson that Resolution No. 23-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Palmer. Councilman Palmer expressed his concern about the wide variance in the bids. The Police Chief stated that a government document states that they should be able to get it done for from $4.00 to $6.00 a square foot. This bid is about $3.00. It is very close. Assistant City Manager Edward Barrett stated that the architect stated that bids normally come in between $3.00 and $9.00 a square foot. We have one on each end. All federal requirements have been included in this contract. They have done work in the past. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item llc I RESOLUTION NO. 24-86 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CERTAIN PARCELS OF EXCESS REAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF DEEDS Moved by Councilman Wilson that Resolution No. 24-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Harper, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item lld RESOLUTION NO. 25-86 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH WALLACE AND RAUB CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR REVISIONS TO THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS Moved by Councilman Harper that Resolution No. 25-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None 181 Item Ile Bids were considered for a hydraulic excavator for the Street Department. It was recommended that the bid be awarded to Plains Machinery Company in a total amount of $98,693. Councilman Harper asked if this Plains Machinery Company was from Lubbock? Mr. Arndt, Purchasing Agent, stated that it wasn't. This is a different type of equipment. Traffic Director Robert Parker stated that they did a lot of research and work on this. Mr. Parker noted that the number 6 bidder met specifications. Councilman Wilson stated that it appears from the commentary that only one in six met the specifications and that we have speced them out. Mr. Parker explained that they asked for gross horsepower. He also mentioned several specifications which other bidders did not meet. Councilman Walker asked if the specifications they put in are based on the equipment we are now using, and Mr. Parker stated that it is. They have had good experience with this machine. The bid was awarded to Plains Machinery Company, in the amount of $98,693, by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 12a RESOLUTION NO. 26-86 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 FOR CONTRACT B, CYPRESS TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION PROJECT, ACCEPT THE PROJECT AS COMPLETE, AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT Moved by Councilman Harper that Resolution No. 26-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 12b RESOLUTION NO. 27-86 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE BARNETT ROAD UTILITY RELOCATION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT Moved by Councilman Wilson that Resolution No. 27-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Palmer, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, Walker, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: None Item 8a G'Ann Martin appeared as Chairman of the Library Board. She explained that they have set up some goals for the library. She presented them to the Council , stating that their immediate goals are to establish a closer relation- ship with the MSU Library, including honoring each other' s library cards. They will try not to duplicate the computerized research services of MSU at a branch library, if one is built in the Southwest part of town. They also plan to stress media coverage of library services. They would also like to accept a donation of land from Robert Seabury for a library to be built on that land. He has offered an additional .69 acres, subject to his partner' s approval , if the City will build a library on this land within five years. The two to five year goals presented by Mrs. Martin include the development of other branch libraries in the city, using existing high school libraries as the physical locations. They include Rider, Hirschi , Wichita Falls, and Washington Schools. 182 Item 8a, cont'd. Councilman Wilson stated that staffing and inventory costs are needed by the Council . Mayor Cook asked if they have checked into this? Mrs. Martin stated that they are checking into it, and Mr. Harper also knows some people who can give us a step by step method of the next fifteen years in bringing it up to what we need in Wichita Falls, and at the same time put a price tag on it. Mayor Cook expressed appreciation to the Library Board for the many hours they spent on it. He noted that the staff can work with us in the computer area. Acceptance of land from Mr. Seabury would have to be on a contingency basis that we could finance such a construction. We cannot accept it without some other considerations. Assistant City Manager Edward Barrett stated that the contract would be between the City and the consultant. He would like the Library Board to be involved in working with the consultant in input needed. Councilman Harper felt that the Library Board, staff members , and Council members should meet with the consultants. Councilman Walker noted that they have no intention to duplicate the services of MSU, yet they propose to build another library in the same area. Mrs. Martin stated that MSU does not offer light, easy reading, etc. They are not oriented in that phase. You would go to MSU for research. With a branch library, they would appeal to the clientele of taking their children to the library. Moved by Councilman Palmer that the Council receive the goals of the Library Board, and authorize them to begin working with the staff to implement procedures to address specific targets on a computer, and donation of land by Mr. Seabury. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Mr. Barrett stated that the Legal Department would work up the documents, and come back to formally accept it. Councilman Harper stated that he feels we need both pieces of property, and both tracts should have the reverter on it. The motion was carried unanimously. Other Library Board members in attendance stood up. Mr. Barrett com- plimented them for their efforts. Item 13a Discussion of the proposed softball complex was held. Mayor Cook stated that the Council is aware of the various groups interested in these various parks, and this matter has been looked at and concentrated on by the Council . In the interest of time, they would like to hear only new information, and that remarks be brief. Betty Murphy, 101 Lakewood Drive, represented Lucy Park property owners, stating that they are opposed to it. A petition opposing the softball complex was presented to the Council on February 4, 1986, signed by 265 persons. She again mentioned that noise, traffic, and trash would decrease property values. She stated that the Patton and Englewood Additions do not want the softball park there. The quality of life would be decreased. Lucy Park was not there when they built their homes. They were told that it would remain a natural park. She stated that flooding is always a problem, and that bleachers will be placed in an area where flooding is the worst. After a flood it takes days and weeks before it is dry enough for children to be playing. Police would have difficulty moving traffic in and out. She stated that there are many senior citizens in their neighborhood. The overwhelming majority of them do not want a softball complex in Lucy Park under any circumstances. She presented other signatures to the Council of those who do not want the ball park in Lucy Park. Protestors stood up. Councilman Harper asked Mrs. Murphy if they know what is being proposed? She stated that she brought this up, and the residents were not interested in reviewing anything about the proposal . All they are interested in is that they do not want it. 183 Item 13a, cont'd. Councilman Harper stated that he had received calls from people in their neighborhood who did want it. Mayor Cook noted that he had received one call from someone in opposition to her position. Councilman Wilson asked how many days a year is the street access, not through the neighborhood, subject to closure, and what is the elevation of the proposed site for flooding? Jack Murphy stated that he thinks the road has been closed one time during the past eighteen months to two years. It was closed several days because of the road base. David Zelnok, City Engineer, stated that it could be closed two or three days a year. It was noted that a majority of the softball field would not be affected by the flooding. If it were closed to high water, Mr. Murphy feels that the water would need to be off two or three days before they could play on it. He stated that the seating area would be in the general area near the swimming pool and restrooms. Councilman Harper stated that what he knows about it is not near what Mrs. Murphy thinks it will be. Mrs. Murphy stated that she does not want it. Jerry Walker, 4703 Reginald, stated that he would like to emphasize the fact that there has not been a presentation made to the Lucy Park people. He feels the softball complex should be at a place where it will be satisfactory to participants of the softball program. He commented that some of the people stated that if they had known many of these factors, they probably would not have signed the petition. He noted that Councilman Thomas is working with the Highway Department in trying to get a bridge across the river near the Texas Tourist Bureau. He understands that the State and Federal would provide the funding for a bridge across the river. They have offered to meet with those people, and show them what they intend to do with the complex. They will not be any more inconvenienced than the people are at Jaycee Park by the programs there. We are talking about the same distance in both neighbor- hoods. It depends on what you are after as to what you can do with petitions. The fields are going to be a great distance from them. The bleachers will be in the center of the complex. Mayor Cook asked Mr. Walker to restrict his remarks. He has already spoken for ten minutes. Mr. Walker replied that he feels communication is important. He stated that the open and recreation mens ' group leagues favor Scotland or Lucy Park. He stated that it will be more expensive to build in Jaycee Park because it is in the flood plane. It is also a youth oriented activity. We would take some of the fields from them that they are now using. He feels the Jaycees ' request is selfish in the use of the park for the chili cookoff. Louis Esquibel , 1317 North 6th, stated that they have 150-200 people over there who would like to have the complex in Scotland Park, and a few that don't want it. He stated that he was involved in softball in the city several years ago. He stated that it is time for the city to progress. We should put it where it is needed. It would be better lighted in Scotland Park. It might create an incentive for people to fix up their homes. He presented a petition from persons in favor of the ball park at Scotland Park. He noted that debris is cleaned up the next day by the Park Department. They would like to see some recreation facilities in this town. Johnny Goodman, 1402 North Fourth Street, stated that 64 homeowners signed a petition that do not want a softball complex in Scotland Park. There are many renters in the area . Scotland Park is not large enough. It is a visible park from the various highways that go through town. It would no longer be a place for the people of the city to enjoy if a softball complex is there. They are not against a complex in the city, but they do not want it there. Syd Litteken presented a proposal of what they have in mind for Jaycee Park. If the complex is moved away from the road, it seems that it would solve everything they have talked about. There are plans now to clean up the banks of the lake, and build up the elevation of diamonds so that it will not flood. Dirt is on the site. He noted that Kiwanis Park could be updated for overflow. He feels Jaycee Park is the best site. They have 340 signatures which state that this is a good place to put it. They could provide fencing back in the park, and the area could be used by various groups. 184 Item 13a, cont'd. Steve Walker, 5309 Montreal , stated that the city and the Council need to look at what this facility is for. It is for softball , and 3500 participants who play in this city. A majority of these people want the complex in Lucy or Scotland Park. He feels they should be considered very deeply when they make their decision. You can't please all the people all the time. We need to look at what is best for the people who participate in this activity. Barry McGovern, who came here from Minnesota, stated that he had been a manager and player for 18 years. He feels this town needs a softball complex i of some kind. Where you put it is the problem. He does not care for Lucy or Scotland because of traffic, floods, etc. He would vote for Jaycee Park, but wherever they put the park, he will play in it. Softball is a good physical activity, and involves a lot of people. Josie M. Pope, 103 Paradise, noted that it is very hard to get teams together because of the location. They do not have enough kids together in school zones to play in these parks. She requested that they consider Scotland Park. Parks Director Jack Murphy stated that he had already made a recommendation for Jaycee Park. He presented the advantages of Lucy Park, which would be his second recommendation. It could be developed to make better use of the open space. His third choice would be Scotland Park. It would be changed from open use to a specific use. Mr. Murphy looked at the proposal to put four complexes at both Lucy and Jaycee Parks. He feels that city use should be a higher priority than private use. It looks as though there is no need for expanded use of youth groups. The YMCA requested the use of ten fields for youths. He suggested that they use the ones they already have in Jaycee Park, rather than Lucy Park. The State will not give us money for a complex if they know we are already building one. He suggested that we redesignate 9 and 10 for adult softball , and drop youth use. He recommended a four field complex be built in Jaycee Park, and it will still give us two fields for the youth. Mr. Barrett noted that if softball fields are used by 3500 people, we may be overlooking the park use for other activities in the city. We may need to take a more balanced look at the use of the parks. He suggested that we look at the grant for Jaycee Park for a four-field complex, and that we be ready to go at the next meeting. Jack Murphy stated that he is much in favor of heavy landscaping, no matter where it is placed. Jaycee Park has one of the greatest resources for development, with water. It would not interfere with future plans for Jaycee Park. Councilman Harper asked what it would do to the plan when we get our money from the federal government to build Lake Wichita Dam? Mr. Murphy stated that it would make it less likely for flooding. City Engineer David Zelenok stated that the Corps of Engineers designates a portion of the park for borrow material . It would deepen the lake in that area, which would reduce the park area. Mr. Murphy does not think it will have an impact on the complex. Councilman Harper noted that he very strongly hears softball people plead for either Lucy or Scotland Park. He very strongly hears Lucy Park people plead not to have it there. He stated that he has a friend who had his back broken by a hit and run driver in Lucy Park two weeks ago. He hears that Lucy Park is a no man' s land, and he hopes that a softball diamond would cause these people to leave this area. He wonders if the bridge will be a reality. Councilman Welburn stated that in the original proposal , he feels compelled to make some comments about it. He might admit to being selfish in a good way. Based on his service on the Park Board, he feels a commitment to provide a first rate softball complex. A month ago we had an opportunity to proceed and achieve that in time for next spring 's season. He feels the City needs the complex. By continued delay, we are placing the idea of the complex itself in jeopardy. It has been a concern of his that we are magnificient starters, but we don't do all that great as finishers. We need to start, and make some conclusions. Having no desire at all to inflict anything without just cause on anyone in the community, he is going to stick by his decision to go ahead with their plans to construct the ballpark at Lucy Park. He has not heard anything in the last two meetings that he had not considered before. He is going to try to convince three people to support his conviction. 185 Item 13a, cont'd. Moved by Councilman Welburn that we build the softball complex in Lucy Park, and that we bypass the state grant as we had intended to do, primarily. Motion seconded by Councilman Wilson. Councilman Harper stated that he feels these people need to have a look at what we have proposed out there. He moved that the matter be tabled for two weeks until they have the time to look at what is proposed. The motion died for lack of a second. The motion to build the softball complex in Lucy Park failed by the following vote. Ayes: Councilmen Walker, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Harper, Thomas, and Palmer Moved by Councilman Palmer that we consider building the softball complex in Jaycee Park, using the state grant. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas. Councilman Walker expresed his concern about the Council 's discussion on the park situation. He is also concerned about the vacilation which is occuring in the Council , and the haves and have nots. He plans to be on the Council two years, and make sure that the voices will be heard who have not been heard before. He stated that he is opposed to Jaycee Park because there has been a decline in interest in the North and East of the town. Some day the poeple in the Northeast and central part of town will be heard. He stated that he was asked if he would be a maverick on the Council , and he stated that he will be if he has to be. He stated that there is an underswell of current rising out there, and cautioned that they had better take a good, hard look at the people who are being turned down. Councilman Welburn stated that we need to consider if Jaycee Park can provide the best complete family-type environment which we have. Another thing we need to consider in our deliberations is that members of the community that are being deprived in this development are the people who proposed that we reconsider. We would have been four to six weeks farther into this if we had not delayed. Mayor Cook stated that he believes the "little people" and "big people" have all spoken, and their voices have been heard. Finances have to be considered. That money will come right out of the taxpayers ' pocket. To turn our back on that type of financial assistance would be a problem which we would have. It is too substantial to not consider. Councilman Welburn noted that the Jaycees have been more progressive and ready to take advantage of opportunities which are presented to them. Councilman Walker stated that we talked about money and economic impact. That is not the thing that caused the reconsideration of the vote. He was addressing the signatures of 200 people that caused them to reconsider. Mayor Cook stated that he did not mean that Mr. Walker was not concerned with economics, but that was his consideration. Councilman Wilson stated that if the Scotland site is not acceptable, then we should go with the Lucy site. This community has needed a softball complex for several years. We have funds set aside in equity now that we can spend on this complex. We cannot tell them any more that funding is not a reason. There is no assurance that we will get that grant money. It is not the only thing that it can be spent on. We have other needs which can be addressed with the grant. There are other capital improvements needed in our parks, and they can be addressed in our grant application. We can linger and find every excuse not to proceed, but we need to move ahead and get on with it. Mr. Barrett stated that this particular grant can only be used for a softball complex. The motion for a softball complex at Jaycee Park, using the state grant, failed by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Thomas and Palmer Nays: Councilmen Harper, Walker, Wilson, and Welburn 186 Item 13a, cont'd. Councilman Thomas stated that he has tried hard to present it to the Lucy Park area, and they are still against the project being put in Lucy Park. He does not know that we would convince them in any other manner. i Jerry Walker suggested that they were opposed to the Chili Cook-off. Mayor Cook stated it was because they could not get in and out of their homes, and for safety. Mrs. Murphy stated that in no way does the chili cook-off affect their decision on the ballpark. Councilman Wilson asked if access through residential areas is denied, would that not answer their questions? Mrs. Murphy stated no. Jerry Walker stated that there will not be a need to play softball when the area is flooding. That argument does not make sense. Moved by Councilman Welburn that Jaycee Park be selected as soon as it can be determined that we get the state grant. Jack Murphy thinks that the Parks and Wildlife will meet in June. Applica- tions will be submitted for approval . Bids will be advertised, and construction of the project begun. It is very tight for next year' s tournament phase. Councilman Walker asked if bringing in dirt in advance would assist in site preparation, and what would this do to the time frame? Jack Murphy stated that it would be done as part of the contract after they get the grant. Mr. Murphy does not see this as a major obstacle. Motion seconded by Councilman Palmer. Lynn Dozier, 1612 Bert, asked the Council to consider the number of people opposed to the other two sites. Councilman Harper stated that he feels they were going to build a ballpark in Lucy Park, no matter where we put the other one. Mr. Murphy stated that his survey shows that we don't need eight additional complexes. Use can be shifted to other locations. Bridwell would be downgraded to a neighborhood park, and lights removed. Users don't like to play there. Councilman Harper feels that we need 8 ballparks. He strongly prefers Lucy Park, but he will not vote for it until these people have had it explained to them. The motion for Jaycee Park, with a state grant, was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Mayor Cook, Councilmen Thomas, Palmer, Wilson, and Welburn Nays: Councilmen Harper and Walker Steve Walker suggested that people might vote on this issue. Mayor Cook noted that if people are not pleased with it, they have an avenue to proceed. Mayor Cook stated that they delayed for additional facts. It is not Ia change in that position. It was an opportunity to allow those people to be heard. Councilman Welburn stated that his position was grabbing at straws to get a softball complex. Councilman Thomas stated that was also why he seconded it. It was a last ditch effort to get civilization North of Fort Worth. Item l3b Josie Pope came forward concerning maintenance of Williams Park. She stated that she had previously charged the City $160 per week for upkeep of that park. When she had the contract she had to submit a bid, and now it has been given to the handicapped. Jack Murphy stated that the contract has expired, and he made the choice not to go with a contract on that park, or any other. He emphasized that it is his job to train his staff to be as productive as possible, but until he can get a feel for that, he does not have all the data needed to go with a contract. Mrs. Pope stated that she had the $160 to support the bid for the Parks. Mr. Murphy stated that they do not have a contract. It is just how they use those people. Councilman Walker wondered if the program had been dropped without any consultation. Mrs. Pope stated that it is a community effort by the kids she coaches. Mayor Cook suggested that she talk with Mr. Murphy. 187 Item 13 b, cont'd. Councilman Wilson noted that there is a point of replacing one contract with another one. Mr. Murphy stated that in the past it was done because nobody wanted to work in it. He thinks that is a bunch of bunk. He intends to use most of their people. There are very few IDC crews. Mr. Murphy is addressing consistency in how we use our manpower. Councilman Wilson stated that it is a different situation when we use our park people to replace contract work. He feels we should have maintenance on a consistent basis. Mayor Cook noted that this is an administrative question that Mr. Murphy needs to address, but he suggests that she discuss it with him. Councilman Welburn noted that she had another contract, with 50 percent of gross sales. He asked if she would want to back out of the concession bid if she did not have the maintenance contract? She might want to discuss the overall picture with Mr. Murphy. She stated that she was concerned for the children of the community. If she only had one thing, twenty five percent might be more equitable than fifty percent. Councilman Welburn asked about the work session on financial policies, stating that we haven't had a session for a while. Mayor Cook noted that it may have been buried in other projects. Getting it done well in advance of considering it for an election also has to be taken into account. Councilman Welburn mentioned a proposal for combining the City and County Tax offices. Mayor Cook noted that the Tax Assessor/Collector has been assigned to talk to the County Tax Assessor/Collector to work it out with them. He has just now begun review of this. The City, County, and School are all in favor of it, but some considerations need to be addressed, such as who would move quickly on tax seizures. Councilman Wilson stated that the taxpayers will definitely benefit, and there is no question that we should not go ahead with it. Councilman Harper asked if the motion voted on was to only have one four- field complex? Mayor Cook stated that Jack Murphy has indicated that he will continue to look at a second four-field complex, and bring something back to the Council . Councilman Welburn requested that while Mr. Murphy is looking at this , it won't take much time to look at expansion of Williams Park into some type of playing field, possibly a four-field complex. There is plenty of room. Councilman Harper confirmed that we are going to continue to find a location for four other diamonds. Councilman Walker inquired about getting some office space to work in when people in his district need to discuss something with him. He stated that there is an office in the Martin Luther King Building on Smith Street, which is not being utilized at this time. He wonders if he could use it? None of the Council had any objections . Assistant City Manager Edward Barrett mentioned the Emergency 911 System. He stated that when you dial 911 , it will automatically pick the appropriate place for that call to be received. It will display the phone number and address of that person calling. It has other desirable features and advantages to us. The County can call a county-wide election, and the voters can authorize this system to be paid for by a monthly charge on their telephone bill . The County is apparently interested in pursuing that option. It would be governed by an appointed board of the County and cities. The maximum charge in our situation would be 27 cents per month for this kind of service. He would think after a period of time it would drop. Every county where it has been presented for a vote has been very positive. Item 13 The City Council adjourned into executive session at 12:35 P.M. , according to Article 6252-17, Section 2, Paragraph (e) of the Revised Civil Statutes. Final adjournment was at 1 :30 P.M. 188 PASSED AND APPROVED this day of � 1986. G Coomayor ATTEST: Wilma--J. Thomas, CMC, City Clerk