Loading...
Min 05/20/1986 245 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building May 20, 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. Charles Harper Mayor Sandy Goff Charles Thomas Lindsey Walker Councilmen Ruth Ann Allred Ronald Buffum Don Kirkham James Berzina City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Brenda Cary Acting City Clerk Fred L. Werner Chief Accounting Officer The invocation was given by Councilman Thomas. Charles Harper, Mayor, read a Greek poem from the 7th Century. Item 3 Councilman Goff noted a correction to be made in the May 6, 1986, minutes as follows. In Item 13 c,d, paragraph 2, Mr. Roosevelt Flanigan' s appointment to the Park Board will expire December 31 , 1987. Moved by Councilman Allred that minutes of the May 6, 1986, meei,;g be approved with the above correction. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried unanimously. Charles Harper, Mayor, recognized Jan Clasen, a 17 year old exchange student from Lubbeck, Germany. He is a Junior at Wichita Falls High School , and is sponsored by the Wichita Falls Rotary Club North. Charles Harper, Mayor, presented Mr. Clasen with an Honorary Citizenship of the City of Wichita Falls, an Honorary Citizenship of the State of Texas signed by Governor Mark White, and a City of Wichita Falls pin. Mr. George Acton, his counselor, was also present for the presentation. Councilman Thomas recognized Charles Harper, Mayor, as one of seven to receive the AIA Fellows award in San Antonio for the disaster work he has done all over the nation. Items 4a-6e Item 5c was moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilman Goff that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Walker. Item 4a ORDINANCE NO. 38-86 ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 22-1 (a) (9) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALLOW THE POSTING OF ADVERTISING DEVICES AT THE 'WEEKS AND HAMILTON TENNIS CENTERS FOR THE SOUTHWEST TENNIS TOURNAMENT ON JUNE 4 THROUGH JUNE 7, 1986, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum 246 Item 4a, cont'd. Nays: None (Councilman Kirkham arrived late and did not vote on Items 4a through 7f. ) Item 5a RESOLUTION NO. 64-86 RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PAVING OF AN ALLEY FROM VAN BUREN AVENUE TO DENVER AVENUE AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PREPARE PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 5b RESOLUTION NO. 65-86 RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A LEASE CONTRACT WITH WICHITA FALLS BOAT CLUB FOR LOT ON NORTH SIDE OF LAKE WICHITA, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH LEASE CONTRACT Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Items 6a-e Minutes of the meetings of the following boards and commissions were received. a. Aviation Advisory Board - February 27, 1986 Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None b. Board of Electrical Examiners - April 10, 1986 Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None c. Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health Board - April 25, 1986 Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None d. Youth Activities Advisory Council - May 5, 1986 Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None e. Board of Electrical Examiners - May 8, 1986 Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 5c RESOLUTION NO. 66-85 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ENGINEERING FIRM FOR 9TH STREET WATER TOWER REPAIRS Moved by Councilman Thomas, for discussion, that Resolution No. 66-86 be passed. 247 Item 5c, cont'd. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum. Councilman Walker asked if Biggs and Mathews is the same company that made the original analysis on the water tower, and what repairs need to be made? George Bonnett, Director of Public Works, stated that another firm from Dallas made the original evaluation on the water tower. Mr. Bonnett noted that the repairs are minor; such as, at the anchor points some deterioration of concrete has taken place. Since the tower was built around 1927, some of the rivets are missing, and need to be replaced. He added that there were two studies done. One addresses the structure; the other addresses the foundation. This resolution requests a contract for the design of the structural repair. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 7a Discussion was held on a proposed ordinance amending Section 14-83, Chapter 14, of the Code of Ordinances, by deleting the existing section, and substituting a new section specifying exemptions from the provisions of Chapter 14. Councilman Walker asked what this means? City Manager James Berzina stated that Chapter 14 addresses exemptions from the electrical code, but specifics need to be clarified such as what the city forces can do as opposed to a licensed electrical contractor. Mr. Berzina further stated that the Electrical Board decided to omit parks from the ordinance, but he recommends that the Council include parks. Bob Morath, member of the Electrical Examiners Board, stated that the matter of parks was discussed, but it was removed because it would negate the ordinance. He questioned whether the city should be allowed to operate without a license, while others are subject to the ordinance. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked how is parks different from street lighting? Mr. Morath stated that Texas Electric Service Company (TESCO) owned the street lights until recently, and there were very few meters . Councilman Thomas stated the reason was that TESCO owned the street lights until about a year ago. This gave the authority to the city to do the work. If Parks installs lights in the park, it might be a safety hazard. The Highway Department and TESCO each have engineers to check their work. This is a way for the city to check city work, with the help of the Electrical Examiners Board. This is a weight and balance for safety. City Manager James Berzina asked Bob Parker how we put street lights in? Mr. Parker stated that we use the TESCO manual . The city owns approximately 2,000 street lights, and we install the same as TESCO does by using the service manual . Councilman Buffum asked about the number of certified people the city has? Bob Parker stated that we can meet the requirements. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked if we will have the authority to maintain the ball field lights in the parks? Roger McKinney, Director of Planning, stated that there is a provision in the Code of Ordinances allowing maintenance. Moved by Councilman Goff to table this ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas, and carried unanimously. Item 7b ORDINANCE NO. 39-86 AN ORDINANCE MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE HOTEL/MOTEL TAX FUND TO THE ACCOUNT NUMBER LISTED BELOW AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY Moved by Councilman Walker that Ordinance No. 39-86 be passed. 248 Item 7b, cont'd. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 7c ORDINANCE NO. 40-86 ORDINANCE GRANTING AUTHORITY TO THE BETHANIA REGIONAL HEALTH CARE CENTER TO LAY AN UNDERGROUND CONDUIT IN AN ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY Moved by Councilman Goff that Ordinance No. 40-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 7d ORDINANCE NO. 41-86 ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL VEHICLES IN EXCESS OF 4,000 POUNDS GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT CARRYING ROCK, FIRE RESIDUE AND DEMOLITION DISPOSAL OR CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS TO UTILIZE THE WICHITA FALLS SANITARY LANDFILL Moved by Councilman Goff that Ordinance No. 41 -86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas. Councilman Walker asked how we control the debris from falling on the streets when taking debris from hazardous structures to the landfill ? City Manager James Berzina stated that strong enforcement of covered trucks would have to be used. Councilman Buffum asked if there was too much weight on the transfer trailers? Bob Parker stated that the transfer trailers were originally expected to last for five years, but these are worn out after only two years, due to hauling concrete, metal poles, etc. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Councilman Thomas suggested that we notify the people who regularly use the transfer trailers to haul debris, of the new regulation. City Manager James Berzina stated that we will post a notice at the transfer station for 10 days, then a sign will be made to permanently post the new regulation. Item 7e ORDINANCE NO. 42-86 ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 20-7 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE FINE FROM $200 TO $1 ,000 FOR DEPOSITING TRASH, GLASS, DEBRIS, ETC. , ON CITY STREETS, ALLEYS OR PUBLIC LAND Moved by Councilman Thomas that Ordinance No. 42-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum. Councilman Thomas stated that it may prove costly to throw a cigarette pack, cup, etc., out the window instead of throwing it in the trash can. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked if this ordinance goes along with a State program? City 249 Item 7e, cont'd. Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that it does. Councilman Walker asked if this will be an automatic fine? Mr. Hodge stated that the Municipal Judge will have the authority to go to the highest fine. Councilman Buffum stated that enforcement of this ordinance will be the key. Police Chief Curtis Harrelson stated that litter enforcement is very difficult. It's hard to prove who did it, and make a case. There are not many tickets given on litter violations. Chief Harrelson added that there is a hard push with the city and state to make litter cases. Councilman Buffum endorses the police efforts. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked if you see litter being thrown from a car, and you get a license number, can you report it? Chief Harrelson stated that you can' t file charges on a car; it has to be an individual held responsible. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that the driver is not responsible if a passenger litters, which makes it hard to enforce. City Manager James Berzina stated that with the seat belt law, the driver is responsible for his passengers. Motorcycle drivers are responsible to see that passengers under 18 years old wear helmets. Maybe it' s time to write the Texas Municipal League asking for legislation to put the responsibility on the driver of an automobile for littering. Councilman Buffum was in favor of that idea. Mr. Berzina is to compose a letter to the State agency. David Brock stated that the cost of littering is between 12 to 21 million dollars. He asked who is responsible? He stated that in his study, Kemp Street, Kell Boulevard, and Sikes Senter are the worst areas in town for litter. He suggested that police officers stop automobiles in violation of littering, and at the same time they might catch some teen-agers with possession of alcoholic beverages, since most of the litter is beer cans, bottles, etc. Chief Harrelson stated that if an officer witnesses a littering violation, he would stop the car, but it is hard to make a case. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None Item 7f ORDINANCE NO. 43-86 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-27 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PERMIT THE DISPOSAL OF REFUSE AT THE LANDFILL WITHOUT CHARGE BY i AUTHORIZED CONTRACTORS i V Moved by Councilman Buffum that Ordinance No. 43-86 be passed. j Motion seconded by Councilman Goff. I Councilman Thomas stated that this does not mean the transfer station, but the landfill . Councilman Buffum added that this gives demolition contractors and property owners a place to dispose of demolition debris at no cost. City Manager James Berzina stated that refuse and debris from city demolition or j demolition by property owners within the City of Wichita Falls can be taken to the landfill . The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, and Buffum Nays: None (Councilman Kirkham arrived at 9:25 A.M. ) Item 8a RESOLUTION NO. 67-86 RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE AS INVESTMENT OFFICER FOR THE CITY, AND DIRECTING HIM TO PREPARE RULES GOVERNING THE INVESTMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS 250 Item 8a, cont'd. Moved by Councilman Allred that Resolution No. 67-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Councilman Thomas asked where we buy the treasury bills, and who backs them? City Manager James Berzina stated that by state law he would designate an individual to act as investment officer. He would name Fred Werner to that position. Mr. Werner explained he would go to a bank or government securities dealer to buy the treasury bills. The actual wire transfer would take place at the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. Councilman Buffum asked what guidelines were used, and what the funds were comprised from? Mr. Werner stated that the information was in the report handed to the Council . Councilman Buffum asked if it was from tax revenue, equity, etc. , and how much money is involved? Mr. Werner stated that it was from these sources, and the amount was 46 million dollars. Councilman Buffum was interested in the interest rates on the treasury bills. Councilman Thomas wants the Council to be advised of these transactions so they know where it is deposited. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8b RESOLUTION NO. 68-86 RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE INDEMNIFICATION TO CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ACTS, OMISSIONS OR NEGLIGENCE COMMITTED IN THE SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT Moved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 68-86 be passed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8c Discussion was held on a proposed resolution authorizing the sale of property on Fifth and Baylor Streets to the American Red Cross, and authorizing the execution of a deed. Councilman Thomas asked if we come under the same law if we lease the property to them for a long period of time? H. P. Hodge, City Attorney, stated that there is a constitutional provision that the city can't give public funds away for private purposes. We can only give public funds for public purposes. We have to define public purposes. Councilman Thomas stated that if we lease it, we could maintain control of the property, but if we give it away, it' s gone. Mr. Hodge stated that if we execute a lease not to build on the property, we could terminate the lease if necessary. Councilman Thomas is interested in a lease instead of giving it away. Mr. Mac McGee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, stated that it makes no difference to them if we sell the property to them or lease it. They are in need of more parking area and a storage facility. The property where their present building is located was sold to the Red Cross with the provision that the land would go back to the city. Mr. Hodge mentioned that there was a trade of deeds back in the 1950' s regarding the property in question, and the property where the Red Cross building is currently located. Moved by Councilman Thomas to table this resolution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried unanimously. City Manager James Berzina is to come back to the Council with a long- 251 Item 3c, cont'd. I term lease on the property for the Red Cross. Councilman Kirkham asked if going with the lease would clear up the problem? Mr. Hodge replied that it would. The Council was in agreement to go with the lease. Item 8d A proposed resolution was presented as follows. OPTION 1 would repeal Resolution 1057, and no connections would be allowed to water mains which have been extended outside the City Limits. OPTION 2 would not apply the provisions of Resolution 1057 to the 24 inch water main shown on the attachment, and no connections would be allowed to the 24 inch water main. RESOLUTION NO. 69-86 Moved by Councilman Walker that Resolution No. 69-86, Option 1 , be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8e RESOLUTION NO. 70-86 A RESOLUTION CALLING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON AN ANNEXATION PROCEEDING Roger McKinney, Director of Planning, explained the annexation procedure. Moved by Councilman Buffum that Resolution No. 70-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Councilman Buffum asked if the property had been developed? George Bonnett, Director of Public Works, stated that it is in the process of being developed. Some construction is underway. Councilman Buffum asked if the city would supply the sewer line? Roger McKinney stated that it was approved conditionally on the annexation request. Councilman Buffum asked about the trunk line sewer capacity? George Bonnett stated that the trunk sewer capacity was 400-600 homes on the trunk. There are 1 ,400 lots platted to be serviced by the trunk. The problem will be addressed in the future. Councilman Buffum would like to resolve this before we are forced to. Charles Harper, Mayor, was also concerned about this problem. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8f City Manager James Berzina stated that bids for the waterfall project were opened at 10:00 A.M. , May 16, 1986. George Bonnett added that the original bids were received on March 17, 1986, and were all rejected because they were too high. Approval was given to rebid the project, and three new bids were received. Mr. Bonnett received a low bid from Bowles Construction Company of $358,983.21 , subject to contract amount reduction due to donations of concrete etc. coming in. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked Mr. Berzina how much in appropriated funds are available for this project? Mr. Berzina stated that $200,000 was set aside for this project. About $20,000 has been spent from this amount for engineering plans. Appropriations for the low water dam project is $200,000, and from this year' s Community Development budget another $200,000 is available. He noted that due to the fund raising efforts of various local groups, about $150,000 has been raised for this project. The funds are available. 252 Item 8f, cont'd. RESOLUTION NO. 71 -86 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF BOWLES CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WATERFALL PROJECT Moved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 71-86 be passed, accepting the low bid. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff. Councilman Thomas was concerned about the landscaping from the waterfall to the freeway. City Manager James Berzina stated that no appropriations have been set aside for landscaping that area. Councilman Thomas stated that it might be a good idea to do the dirt work while the area is open instead of waiting to do the work in a small area after the completion of the waterfall . Mr. Berzina will look into this idea. Councilman Walker asked what changes were made to be able to reduce the bid? George Bonnett stated that they changed the method of release of the water, modified the footing wall , changed the slope of concrete in the pools to allow tolerance in the pools, and changed the drainage of the pools. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked about the expected completion date of the waterfall project? George Bonnett stated that it will be five months from the award of bid, approximately November 1 , 1986. Jim King asked what is going to be the cost of operating the waterfall per year? Mr. Berzina stated that the electrical costs will be $2.50 per hour. The cost will depend on the number of hours the falls are in use. Mr. King asked again for the finalized cost to operate the falls? Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that the cost will be approximately $50,000 per year. Charles Harper, Mayor, wondered about a waterline nearby to receive city water from time to time to circulate water when the river is red. George Bonnett stated that there is an irrigation system in the cemetery, but it is not sufficient size to operate the falls. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item 8g was deleted from the agenda. Item 9a Moved by Councilman Thomas to award bids to United Electric, in the amount of $3,078.36 for high pressure sodium lamps, and Amfac Electric, in the amount of $8,534.00 for ballast kits. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried unanimously. Item l0a RESOLUTION NO. 72-86 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT 1985 BUDGET UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND TO AUTHORIZE FINAL PAYMENT TO CONTRACTOR George Bonnett explained that this project was the replacement of water and sewer mains throughout the City of Wichita Falls. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: None Item Ila Charles Harper, Mayor, noted that the proposals for the annual audit are for a three year period. Fred Werner, Director of Finance, stated that we advertise in the newspaper and on Cable TV for bids. 253 Item Ila, cont'd. Moved by Councilman Kirkham that permission be granted to advertise for the annual audit of the City of Wichita Falls. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. Item llb Moved by Councilman Walker that permission be granted to solicit proposals for the annual audit of the Urban Mass Transit Act, Section 15 and Federal/State grants. The motion was seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried unanimously. Item llc Marian Bowling presented a petition with 300 signatures regarding the pot holes at Shoshoni Park at Lake Arrowhead. He stated that the park is beautiful , but the pot holes are terrible. Charles Harper, Mayor, asked if there were any permanent residents living there? Mr. Bowling stated that thereis a rough neck camping there, but no permanent residents. Councilman Thomas noted that some well rigs had torn up the road in the park. Dennis Jantz appeared as a citizen of Wichita Falls, and read a lengthy statement with complaints directed to the Code Enforcement Department, Legal Department, and the Planning Department, regarding holding the property owner responsible for weed control , abandoned vehicles, and dangerous buildings or structures. Mr. Jantz stated that he feels it is the responsibility of the tenant, not the property owner. He, as a property owner, wants to be notified of these violations on his property, but he feels the tenant should be held responsible,and requested that the ordinance be changed. Mr. Jantz feels that he is not getting full cooperation from these three departments of the City. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that he has found the people in these departments to be honest and doing a good job. He appreciated Mr. Jantz' concern, and noted that citizens do have an input. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that he has found that generalities are sometimes different than specific details, and requested that Mr. Jantz submit specifics in writing to the Council, so this matter can be addressed properly. City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that it is his responsibility to advise Code Enforcement and Planning in order to comply with the law. These departments have to enforce the ordinances. Mr. Hodge asked Mr. Jantz for his cooperation, in that this is a two-way street, we must respect the right of every citizen. In return, we ask for the cooperation of the citizen in every legal way. Mr. Hodge will work with Mr. Jantz on this matter. Mr. Jantz stated that he feels the code is too broad, and that leads to misinterpretation. Clifford Hitchcock, President of the Lake Kickapoo Home Owners Association, stated that eight months ago 14 of the 229 people who hold leases at Lake Kickapoo were sent eviction notices because they were one month behind on their lease payment of $41 .00 per year. He had written a letter to former Mayor Gary Cook, and had talked with Mr. Bill Sullivan, in the legal department, regarding this matter. Mr. Hitchcock feels that the $200 penalty accessed against these 14 tenants is too harsh. He asked the Council to consider raising the lease amount on all leases, and adding an option of renewal on the lease. They are concerned about not being able to renew their leases. Many of these people are permanent residents at the lake. They also want to keep Lake Kickapoo separate from Lake Arrowhead. Mr. Hitchcock expressed his concern about cleaning up the lake, and presented pictures to the Council of various lots at Lake Kickapoo. Some were well kept, while others were a mess. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that he understands the problem,and would like to settle it. Councilman Walker stated that while some of the Council may be familiar with this matter, he is not, and would like to be up-dated on the details. Councilman Thomas noted that this was the first he had heard of it. 254 Item llc, cont'd. Mr. Hitchcock offered full cooperation from the Home Owners Association at Lake Kickapoo to work with the Council to clean up the lake. Jack Murphy, Parks Director, is to check on the status of the lease on the neglected Swanson property, and report back to the Council . Charles Harper, Mayor, suggested a presentation, in letter form, to the Council, so the matter of the leases can be resolved. He also wants to keep the two lakes separate, with separate alternatives. George Bonnett, Director of Public Works, reported on a blockage in the sludge line at the Cypress Water Plant. The line is 35 feet deep, and is part of the original construction. They dug the line, and opened it to find that it had deteriorated to the point that the crown fell out of the pipe. This is an old cast iron line. He has asked for prices from the contractor for non-corrosive material . He requested authority to proceed, with a change order to follow next week, as this is a state of emergency. Moved by Councilman Thomas for authority to proceed to repair the sludge line at Cypress Water Plant. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that the local office of Hands Across America will have the focal point in Wichita Falls on Broad Street by the Memorial Auditorium Building at 2:00 P.M. , Sunday, May 25, 1986. He urged the members of the Council , as well as all City employees and their families, to participate in this event to combat hunger. David Brock presented a copy of the song that will be sung during this event. Councilman Kirkham asked who owns the Wichita River? H. P. Hodge, City Attorney, stated that the City of Wichita Falls owns the bed of the river between the cut-banks. Charles Harper, Mayor, received a letter from Bill Grace regarding the problem of taxicab service in Wichita Falls. Mr. Berzina will look at it for alternatives. Charles Harper, Mayor, received a letter from the Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, requesting that the City of Wichita Falls send a commemorative gift for their centennial celebration, to be on display at Expo '86. Mr. Berzina will look into it. Charles Harper, Mayor, received a request from George Bristol , member of the Capitol Committee in Austin, for an official representative of Wichita Falls to go to Austin on May 31 , 1986, to take part in a flag raising and lowering ceremony for the reinstallation of the Goddess of Liberty at the Capitol Dome. The Mayor will be unable to attend this ceremony. Item lld The City Council recessed into executive session at 11 :25 A.M. , according to Article 6252-17, Section 2, Paragraphs (e) and (g) , of the Revised Civil Statutes. The meeting reconvened at 3:25 P.M. Item Ile Moved by Councilman Kirkham that Larry Gillen be reappointed for a two year term as Municipal Judge. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried unanimously. Item llf Moved by Councilman Goff that the following board and commission appoint- ments be made. 255 Item llf, cont'd. a. Planning Board Sammy Cruse - term to expire May 31 , 1989 Richard Ayers - term to expire May 31 , 1989 Jackie Lebow, Jr. - term to expire May 31 , 1989 Howard Morris will be the Chairman of the Board b. Mechanical Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals Chester Ludlam - term to expire December 31 , 1989 John Glover - term to expire December 31 , 1988 Marilyn Gamble - term to expire December 31 , 1988 Michael Veresh - term to expire December 31 , 1989 c. Board of Electrical Examiners Dan Shine - term to expire May 31 , 1988 Mike Kelly - term to expire May 31 , 1988 Randy Kimbler - term to expire May 31 , 1988 d. 'Wichita Falls Citizens Traffic Council Patricia Wilson - term to expire March 4, 1989 David Karr - term to expire March 4, 1989 Lt. Col . Jane Sewell - term to expire March 4, 1989 j e. Wichita County Tax Appraisal District Board Sandy Goff Ron Buffum I Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried unanimously. The City Council adjourned at 3:30 P.M. n PASSED AND APPROVED this � / day of � vc 1986. C arles Harper, Ma or ATTEST: i d AmJ4Ja Tfi as, CI , CityC Clerk