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Min 07/21/1986 292 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building July 21, 1986 Items 1 & 2 The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in called 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 Ruth Ann Allred Councilmen Ronald Buffum Lindsey Walker James Berzina City Manager Jeanie Thompson Assistant City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk Don Kirkham Absent Fred L. Werner Absent The invocation was given by Councilman Goff. Item 3 RESOLUTION NO. 107-86 RESOLUTION DECLARING CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT OF MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY. Moved by Councilman Allred that Resolution No. 107-86 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Walker, and carried by the following vote. i j Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, and Walker Nays: None Item 4 Discussion was held on status of Holliday creek funding legislation. George Bonnett explained that House Resolution 6 and Senate Bill 1567 both cover funding of Holliday Creek improvements. The 20-year channel does not address McGrath Creek, nor reconstruction of Lake Wichita dam. It is imperative that we do all we can to encourage the 100-year plan. Unless this bill is reported out of committee by August 15, 1986, it probably will not be reported out of committee. We need to go with an intense informational campaign to meet with these congressmen. We have identified nineteen political subdivisions and budgets which are affected by this bill . We are trying to put together a contact list of these nineteen projects. We would like to gather in Washington, D.C. , to meet with key people to try to get this out of committee. Councilmen Buffum and Allred met with Beau Bolter. Councilman Allred stated that if anyone can lead an attack, it has to be Wichita Falls, Texas. We need to get right on with this plan so that we don't have to start over next year. Congressman Bolter stated that he feels we need to be in Washington the week of August 5, 6, and 7. Councilman Buffum noted this is not viewed as a lack of support, but there are so many activities going on in Washington that this bill is sort of lying there. We need to appear with key staff members , as well as senators. Just the appearance of representatives of 293 Item 4, cont'd Wichita Falls to remind them of the lengthy process, and the fact that we have not had an omnibus water bill for ten years, underscores that it is an important time for us to make our presence known in Washington. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that Senator Bentsen' s office feels the same way. Councilmen Thomas and Walker spoke with Senator Bentsen. Councilman Buffum stated that Representative Bolter' s staff will be able to do the coordination. It could be confusing to be working with both offices. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that he believes it is important that we push this as much as possible before August 15, in order that we don' t have to start over next year. Mr. Berzina suggested that we contact representatives of the other pro- jects, and see if we can get enough support from them to go with the City Council to this meeting. Charles Harper, Mayor, noted that it will take some dollars which are not presently appropriated for this. Mr. Berzina felt that it could take about $4,000, stating that it would be necessary that as many council members go as can. Charles Harper, Mayor, mentioned that the Secretary of the Army has pretty well made them the leadership in this. This Council would probably take over a small task force, and meet with several people. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that he would like to see the Council meeting changed to allow them to make this important visit to Washington. Councilman Buffum is pleased that we are pushing for this legislation. It was noted that Congressman Bolter stated that this omnibus water bill is in line with current philosophy at the national level , as far as spending is concerned. Councilman Walker asked if he could legally make this trip? Assistant City Attorney Jeanie Thompson stated that it is her opinion that he could go on this trip, as far as financial expenses are concerned. It would not be considered salary. Charles Harper, Mayor, suggested that the City Manager and Director of Public Works also need to go. Councilman Thomas noted that Senator Bentsen stated that they are putting out all efforts to keep it alive. Councilman Allred stated that Congressman Bolter was very optimistic about the bill , stating that it would not die. It would appear again in the next session if it did not go through in the next three weeks. This will be our last push for this year. Councilman Buffum stated that Congressman Bolter will help us coordinate all the meetings necessary. Mr. Bonnett stated that they are working on the list of contacts of these other projects. Charles Harper, Mayor, statedthat the Council is totally committed to this, and requested that Mr. Berzina and Mr. Bonnett continue working on this, and keep them informed. Item 5 Councilman Thomas asked about the water situation? Mr. Bonnett explained that we can only treat 16 million gallons per day. The plant should be finished in four to six weeks. As of this morning, we are still holding pressure. We think we can make it if we can get people to adhere to the even/odd watering system. If they don't, we will have to go to some type of ban on watering between 5:00 and 10:00 P.M. All we have to do is declare an emergency, and it is an offense to be ticketed, if they don't cooperate. We could ask for voluntary compliance. Even if we do declare an emergency, perhaps a courtesy citation might be used before a formal citation is issued. Mr. Bonnett stated that the contractor is working a double shift. He would be reluctant to push much harder. Councilman Buffum expressed appreciation to the media for their com- munity support. Once this project is finished, we will not have to do anything about it for many years. Assistant City Attorney Jeanie Thompson stated that Section 32-34, of the Code of Ordinances, gives the public works director authority to declare a ban, provided prior notice is given. 294 Items 6, 7 The City Council recessed into executive session at 9:20 A.M. , according to Article 625217, Paragraphs (e) and (g) of the Revised Civil Statutes. The meeting reconvened at 11:38 A.M. Moved by Councilman Thomas that Gracie Gregg be appointed Library Board Chairman. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. The City Council adjourned at 11:40 A.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of G .ccc 1986. Charles Harper, Mayor ATTEST: I Wilma J. Thom s, CMC, City Clerk