Min 11/18/1986 371
I
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
i November 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 5:30 o'clock P.M. , with the following members present.
Charles Harper Mayor
Sandy Goff
Ruth Ann Allred
Ronald Buffum Councilmen
Lindsey Walker
Don Kirkham
Charles Thomas
James Berzina City Manager
H. P. Hodge City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk
Fred L. Werner Chief Accounting Officer
The invocation was given by Merrell Johnson, Anderson Chapel AME Church.
Following the invocation, Charles Harper, Mayor, asked Mr. Johnson
to tell about their learning center. He explained that it is for people
who did not have an opportunity to finish high school , to prepare for their
GED. They also distribute commodities. He requested help in this endeavor,
stating that they have been in operation for two and one-half weeks.
Mayor Harper read a poem.
Item 3
Moved by Councilman Kirkham that minutes of the meeting held November 4,
1986, be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously.
Tika Cadambi , of the Youth Activities Advisory Council , requested an
amphitheater, and establishment of a teen court. Smitty Browning, of the
Jaycees, explained how the teen court works in Waco. Judge Gillen has the
information on it.
Items 4a-6d
Item 4a was moved to the regular agenda.
Moved by Councilman Thomas that the consent agenda be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum.
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 175-86
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO 1986 BUDGET UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Ayes: Mayor Charles Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
372
Item 6a
Minutes of the meeting of the Park Board held September 25, 1986, were
received.
Ayes: Mayor Charles Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 6b
Minutes of the meeting of the Kemp Library Board held October 8, 1986,
were received.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 6c
Minutes of the meeting of the Park Board held October 23, 1986, were
received.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 6d
Minutes of the meeting of the Youth Activities Advisory Council held
November 3, 1986, were received.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 4a
RESOLUTION NO. 176-86
RESOLUTION APPROVING EASEMENT TO TEXAS ELECTRIC SERVICE COMPANY
FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION LINE AT FIRE TRAINING FACILITY
Moved by Councilman Thomas, for discussion, that Resolution No. 176-86
be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum.
Councilman Thomas asked about the location of the training tower, stating
that he is concerned that firemen work with a lot of ladders, and he hopes
safety has been taken into consideration.
Wayne Bell , Assistant Fire Chief, stated that they would move the line
so that they would have about 75 feet of breathing room and safety. The
safety factor would be greater at that time than they now have.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 7a
ORDINANCE NO. 94-86
ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,000,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO ACCOUNT
NUMBER LISTED BELOW FOR THE RIVERWALK PROJECT AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY
373
Item 7a (Cont. )
Moved by Councilman Thomas that Ordinance No. 94-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Walker.
Charles Davis appeared as a member of the Wichita County Taxpayers
Association. They are concerned that the City Council has decided that
the Number One priority is the riverwalk, without voter approval . He also
mentioned the civic center. He stated that he has been told that we have
a reserve of about eleven million dollars. He does not find eleven million
equity in the budget. In view of the state of the economy, he believes
this is not a wise decision.
Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that nearly every bit of this has been
in the paper, and on television. He does not remember what the total equity
is, but he does not think it is eleven million. It may have been ten million.
The equity was not a budgeted item. The City Manager explained that equity
is not a part of the budget. It is shown in the financial report. Councilman
Thomas noted that Mr. Werner would be happy to answer his questions. Mr.
Werner stated that it is necessary to retain 3.8 million in equity.
Councilman Walker commented on the Council taking steps to enhance
the City of Wichita Falls. It is the function of this Council , not only
to do for the present, but for the future. Mr. Davis did not think there
is any problem in this, if the voters of Wichita Falls approve it.
Councilman Kirkham asked if he envisioned the Council asking the citizens
to vote on a two million fire truck? Mr. Davis stated that he realizes
they could not have a petty cash fund for everything.
Charles Harper, Mayor, asked the City Attorney if the Council is trying
to circumvent the law in this matter? City Attorney H. P. Hodge informed
him that they are doing it legally.
Mr. Berzina mentioned things which they had talked about. They would
have land in the priority zones appraised. Nothing will be purchased in
the immediate future. He does not think it matters whether or not the
emergency is left on the ordinance.
Gene Shearman appeared, stating that he is neither for or against the
riverwalk. He read the proposed ordinance. He also read from the state
law on procedures for adopting a budget. He implored that they not circumvent
the voters of the city. Councilman Thomas noted that it is a legal term.
The only difference it will make is that you do it as an emergency, and
not 30 days from now. Mr. Shearman requested that the voters decide.
Jimmy Horany, Attorney at 701 Petroleum Building, and a resident of
Lakeside City, appeared, representing the Wichita County Tax Payers Assoc-
iation. He stated that Section 67 of the Charter provides that the budget
will be governed by the general law of the state. Article 689-15, pertaining
to budgets, provides that if a budget has been adopted, it is filed with
the City Clerk and County Clerk. He stated that the Council has not yet
amended and filed an amendment to the budget. City Attorney H. P. Hodge
explained that, in his judgment, the adoption of an appropriation ordinance
is amending the budget. Mr. Horany believes this is circumventing the law.
City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that he feels we are worrying about
form, more than substance. He construes this to be an amendment to the
budget, and always has. If the budget has not been filed with the County
Clerk, it is just an oversight. He does not believe that invalidates the
budget.
Mr. Horany stated that it seems that the best way to create jobs is
to lower the taxes. Sewer service is also needed. Charles Harper, Mayor,
noted that he does not mind Mr. Horany talking about taxes, but he does
not live in the city. Mr. Horany noted that he pays city taxes by the purchase
of automobiles. Councilman Thomas informed him that none of the tax for
the sale of an automobile goes to the city.
Larry Tompkins stated that he knows they have already talked about
this for many hours. He feels like several councilmen running for office
374
Item 7a (Cont. )
indicated that if a tax increase for the riverwalk is necessary, it would
be voted on. Tax rates have not been raised, but in effect, they could
be lowered. He stated that the riverwalk will not contribute to convention
business, unless the convention is sitting right there with it. He does
not understand why we have a civic center and zoning, when both have been
voted down by the citizens. He would like to see a halt to the emergency
of excess spending. Under the current situation, he would prefer to see
it later.
David Brock, 1209 21st, stated that two million dollars is a major
expenditure. He commented that they need to remember what was said in budget
hearings, and the promises made when they were running for council . He
cannot see going forward with two million dollars without taxpayer approval .
He stated that you will not create that much new business. It will just
shift from one part of town to another. We have an apartment glut right
now. He feels they need to look long and hard before spending two million
dollars, which they will have to add to next year.
Councilman Thomas noted that a recent BCI report shows that we are
now twelfth in the State of Texas in travel dollars. We have surpassed
Lubbock and Amarillo. Mr. Brock would like to see us commit to the riverwalk,
etc. , but you don' t do it in an economic slump.
Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that we are talking abut creating 5000
new jobs in four years. Councilman Kirkham noted that it has always not
been the right time, and let' s do it next year.
Susan Campbell , 2513 Fain, expressed appreciation for this appropriation.
This council and other councils have discussed this riverwalk, and people
have had an opportunity for input. The riverwalk project is to stimulate
the economy, not only for the present, but for the future. It will stimulate
tourist industry, and private development. It is for the diversification
and stimulation of the local economy. She commended the Council for the
appropriation.
Charles Harper, Mayor, noted that the City Attorney has assured us
that we are not curcumventing state law. He believes we need to get on
with it.
Councilman Buffum stated that he believes this Council should be setting
priorities. The riverwalk is a part of this long range plan. It will provide
jobs, and other benefits . On the other side, he realizes that we are care-
takers of the citizen' s money. He feels that citizens should have a voice
in how it is spent. One of the things we are facing is that we do not know
exactly what it will cost. If we have that many "ifs" , perhaps we should
let the people of Wichita Falls decide.
Councilman Kirkham stated that this was discussed quite heavily. He
feels that this riverwalk would definitely benefit Wichita Falls. He believes
we need to proceed with this at a slower pace, and take it one step at a
time. He does not agree that it should be an emergency at this time. He
has had several calls on this. They have about convinced him that the citizens
should tell them they are ready to proceed with it.
Mr. Berzina stated that we would get the appraisals first, and bring
it back to the Council . Councilman Thomas again confirmed that anything
we spend will be voted on by the Council . Mr. Berzina stated that they
would be brought back to them, with priorities, by phases. There has been
no bid on the low water dam. It will come back to the Council to even auth-
orize the bids.
Councilman Buffum asked how much notice would need to be given to be
placed on a ballot? City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that they next uniform
election date is in January. Councilman Kirkham would like to see some
steps generated on where we are going. Councilman Buffum wants the taxpayers
to have a total concept on what it would cost, and get feedback from the
people. Councilman Thomas noted that he believes the citizens have had
a voice in it. He is going to vote for it because he feels we are an aggres-
sive city. You are what you think you are. He thinks Wichita Falls is
a winner. Councilman Buffum stated that he thinks it is so important that
375
Item 7a (Cont. )
he does not mind waiting a few months for the voters to tell them what they
want done with their money. He will vote against it.
Councilman Walker stated that he feels a certain amount of trust was
placed in the Council to make decisions. They have spent a lot of hours
deliberating this. One thing they have agreed upon is moving the City of
Wichita Falls forward. You have to trust someone. There are very few things
that are sure. He believes that after he has looked at all ramifications,
he is quite prepared to make a decision .tonight, and it will be what is
best for all of the City of Wichita Falls. We are going to have to step
forward. He is very much in favor of the people deciding many issues, but
somewhere along the line the Council will be required to make certain
decisions. To him, this two million dollars is priming the pump. We have
to start moving now. If the citizens wanted to know the total cost, no
one can guarantee what it will be. We have to begin with a first step,
and he believes this is a very vital step, and he will vote for it.
Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that we had a referendum the first Saturday
in April . We need to get on with it.
The motion for passage of Ordinance No. 94-86 was carried by the following
vote.
Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Walker,
and Allred
Nays: Councilmen Buffum and Kirkham
Item 7b
A proposed ordinance was presented, waiving part of Section 5-47 of
Ordinance No. 63-85, to allow keeping of livestock less than 200 feet from
a residence located on another' s property. A motion was made by Councilman
Kirkham, for discussion, and seconded by Councilman Buffum.
The church located nearby would not endorse the waiver of the ordinance.
Mr. Martin failed to make restitution for damages previously caused by his
goats.
Mr. Alan Martin stated that he was unable to make monetary restitution,
but he offered his labor. They did not accept his offer. He stated that
the fences where goats have been getting out are cattle fences. He rquested
approval of the waiver. The fence is a conbination of barbed wire, chicken
wire, chain link, and wood.
Councilman Thomas noted that he is concerned about following the recom-
mendation of the Health Department, and of being asked at a later time for
another waiver, in order to be fair to all .
Dr. Cox stated that the ordinance helps them to enforce the regulations.
Four to five months ago the goats were out several times; sometimes on
church property, and sometimes on Certainteed property. If a waiver is
going to be granted for an ordinance, it should be after the individual
who complained has been able to come to a reasonable agreement with the
property owner who made the invasion. They feel that several hundred dollars
of damage was done. Mr. Martin has another pen in which he could put the
goats. Dr. Cox further stated that on the 5th of this month, there was
a complaint and affidavit that the goats were out on church property, but
by the time they got out there, they were back on his property. He could
not recommend that this waiver be granted because of the possibility of
his goats getting out. Mr. Martin admitted that goats will find a way to
get out.
The motion for passage of an ordinance granting a waiver, failed by
the following vote.
Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, and Councilman Walker
Nays: Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham
376
Item 7c
ORDINANCE NO. 95-86
AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING, AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF A
TWENTY-FIVE (25) FOOT WIDE, NORTH-SOUTH ALLEY IN THE CURTIS &
JAMES SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 254, ORIGINAL TOWNSITE, WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AND RETAINING A UTILITY EASEMENT
Moved by Councilman Walker that Ordinance No. 95-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Goff.
Councilman Allred confirmed that other people affected will still have
plenty of room to get out. Mr. McKinney agreed, stating that the nine feet
being closed is unpaved.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8a
RESOLUTION NO. 177-86
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH U.S. GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF STREAM FLOW AND RESERVOIR-
CONTENT GAUGING STATIONS
Moved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 177-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried by the following
vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8b
RESOLUTION NO. 178-86
AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP THE NECESSARY
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND TO GO TO BID ON THE BEAUTIFICATION
OF A THREE BLOCK AREA OF SHEPPARD ACCESS ROAD
Moved by Councilman Walker that Resolution No. 178-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas, and carried by the following
vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8c
RESOLUTION NO. 179-86
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH KORN/
FERRY INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A FIRE CHIEF
Moved by Councilman Goff that Resolution No. 179-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum.
377
Item 8c (Cont. )
Frankie Durkee, 1010 Harding Street, asked why the City of Wichita
Falls has to pay $13,000 to hire someone to look for a Fire Chief? We should
ihave enough qualified people here without spending that amount of money.
Councilman Thomas agreed, but stated that in our society, people will not
give us the information that they will give to headhunters. They also spend
so much traveling to find them, that there was not that much difference
in the cost. Mrs. Durkee expressed that if we have qualified local people,
we should hire them. Sheppard Air Force Base has a good fire department.
She is tired of her tax money going to hire people from out of town. Council -
man Buffum explained that we need to be looking at as many potential applicants
as possible.
Mr. Berzina stated that the City Council does not hire the fire chief.
He does. He wants the best person he can find for this position. Not everyone
will apply that will be interested. The biggest problem is checking the
credentials. He thinks it is worth the money to find the best person possible.
Mrs. Durkee doubts the degrees of some who have been hired.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8d
RESOLUTION NO. 180-86
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH UTILITY RATE CONSULTANT TO
PERFORM A WATER COST OF SERVICE AND RATE STUDY FOR WHOLESALE TREATED
WATER CUSTOMERS
Moved by Councilman Buffum that Resolution No. 180-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham.
Councilman Allred asked why Mr. Bonnett did not want to include the
public sector in this? Mr. Bonnett explained that they have not seen anything
to indicate that an increase was needed in the retail customer.
Jim King, 417 Willow Drive, confirmed that this is water we are selling
to cities other than Wichita Falls. In deliberations of Ringgold, this
should be built in in all future dealings with cities that are using our
water, so that they will help pay the cost of Ringgold.
Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that this is part of what we have been
talking about all along. Mr. Bonnett stated that the cost share will be
based on the Public Utility Commission. Councilman Thomas stated that this
has been worked on real hard, and he thinks we need a water district when
it is built. Councilman Buffum stated that there is a desolinization in
the omnibus water bill . Councilman Thomas noted that it would be a 25-year
project to make the water useable.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
The City Council recessed at 7:30 P.M. , and reconvened the meeting
at 7:58 P.M.
Charles Harper, Mayor, read a proclamation honoring the Civil Air Patrol ,
noting that the week of December 1 is Civil Air Patrol Week. Lieutenant
Swanton introduced various members, stating that they assist in disaster
relief and emergency services. They look forward to serving the City of
Wichita Falls.
378
Item 8e
RESOLUTION NO. 181-86
RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY AS EXCESS
AND DIRECTING THE LAND TO BE SOLD BY SEALED BIDS
Moved by Councilman Walker that Resolution No. 181-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Allred.
Councilman Allred asked about Victory Baptist Church' s paved parking
lot. Mrs. Chasteen stated that they are interested in bidding on this property
for a parking lot.
Councilman Buffum asked about the sale of property at Midwestern Parkway
and Jacksboro Highway? Mrs. Chasteen stated that they have had interest
from several property owners. Mr. Berzina stated that if the bid is not
enough, then we don' t have to sell it.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
Kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8f
RESOLUTION NO. 182-86
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT
WITH ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST AIRLINES, INC. FOR LEASE OF PREMISES AT
WICHITA FALLS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Moved by Councilman Goff that Resolution No. 182-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Allred.
Councilman Thomas asked if the Aviation Advisory Board has discussed
this? Mr. Barrett stated that they have given their approval .
The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Harper, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum,
kirkham, and Walker
Nays: None
Item 8g
A proposed resolution was presented approving a new twenty year lease
form for cabin sites at Lake Kickapoo. A motion was made by Councilman
Buffum, and seconded by Councilman Allred, for passage of the resolution.
Jim McDonald stated that the attorney for these people is out of town.
He requested that this matter be held in abeyance until Mr. Farabee returns.
Moved by Councilman Goff that this matter be tabled.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried unanimously.
Item 8h
RESOLUTION NO. 183-86
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND
NECESSITY HERETOFORE ISSUED TO CLAUDIO RAMIREZ, SR. , FOR THE OPER-
ATION OF THREE ADDITIONAL TAXICABS IN WICHITA FALLS
379
;Item 8h (Cont. )
Moved by Councilman Allred that Resolution No. 183-86 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilman Goff.
Councilman Allred asked Mr. Hodge to define his latest decision.
Mr. Hodge noted that at the last meeting he voiced some concern that we
might be in violation of the anti-trust laws. Since that time, he has done
further research, and he has concluded from his research that Wichita Falls,
and any other Texas home rule city, has an exemption from anti-trust laws.
There is a state statute that authorizes regulation of cabs by the state.
Legally, he believes they can go either way they want to. The would want
to retain the right to inspect cabs for safety, etc.
Glynn Purtle appeared as attorney for the Yellow Checker Cab Company,
stating that he is not hereto speak about free enterprise. He feels the
applicant has not shown the burden of proof of the necessity for public
convenience. If this clause is done away with, what precedent will the
council be setting? What if thirty other applicants came and how would
they address their burden of proof? He agrees with Mr. Hodge' s explanation
of the law. The stability of the taxicab company and its drivers is some-
thing which he wants to address. Every excessive cab we have will take
some livelihood from the present drivers.
Councilman Kirkham asked how many permits Yellow Checker has now?
Mr. Purtle believes it is in the low thirties. This is a problem of not
only his client, but individual drivers. Some of the drivers own their
own cars. Mr. Hodge stated that drivers are required to have a taxicab
chauffeur' s license.
Councilman Thomas stated that he has seen the quality of yellow cabs
come up since Mr. Ramirez got a permit. He does not know if the quality
would have come up if this had not happened. Councilman Buffum stated that
he would much rather see a free open market, and government not limit the
competition. Councilman Kirkham stated that free enterprise is what this
city and country is about. He would like to see more competition.
E. W. Sims, 1306 21st, stated that cab owners purchase their own permits,
even though they are issued to Yellow Cab. He noted that the quality came
up when drivers were given the option of operating their own cars. The
City sets the rate for cabs. He stated that Mr. Ramirez' sons are using
scanners to pick up their calls. There are fourteen individual owner-operated
cabs with Yellow Cab Company.
Councilman Walker asked how the rate is set up? Mr. Hodge believed
it is a maximum amount.
Claudio Ramirez, Senior, 2013 Elizabeth, stated that cutting fares
is not the problem. Yellow has charged less than he does. He stated that
he drove for Yellow for twenty years. The City Attorney stated that the
Council makes the decision on the need for additional cabs. He stated that
there was no objection raised to Mr. Ramirez when he first applied for a
permit. He came in and asked for one cab. Then he requested to increase
it to two cabs. Again, there was no objection expressed. There is no test
of a statistical study, but it is based on evidence presented to them.
Councilman Kirkham feels the ordinance is too vague. Mr. Hodge stated that
from what he has heard, most cities operate generally like we do with a
Certificate of Convenience and Public Necessity. He does not know about
the need for additional cabs in other cities.
The motion for passage of Resolution No. 183-86 was carried by the
following vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Thomas, Walker, Buffum, and Kirkham
Nays: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff and Allred
The Council requested that the ordinance be brought back for consideration
to limit the specified number, retain safety standards, and to identify
the need, if there is a need. They would like to retain the Certificate
of Convenience and Public Necessity, but specify guidelines in there to
380
Item 8h (Cont. )
help make a decision. Councilman Thomas does not believe we should issue
wholesale permits unless they are used. The primary purpose of the Council
is not to regulate business, but serve the public.
Item 8i
Consideration of a storm water retention ordinance was presented for
discussion. Charles Harper, Mayor, suggested that the Council and the public
review this, and have input, before it is passed. This is the first step
in controlling the runoff water. It will not be without cost. Mr. Bonnett
recommended a minimum of two months to allow interested groups to review
it, and exchange information. The widest possible dissemination of information
will be helpful .
Moved by Councilman Kirkham that this matter be tabled until the first
meeting in February.
Motion seconded by Councilman Walker, and carried unanimously.
Bob Matthews, of Biggs and Matthews, agreed that it needs to be looked
at. The Planning and Zoning Board will hold public hearings.
Item 8j , k
Councilmen Thomas and Buffum would like the contracts with tennis pro-
fessionals to be reviewed by the Park Board on change of fees.
Moved by Councilman Allred that this matter be tabled for further review.
Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried unanimously.
Item 9a
Discussion was held on award of bid for elevated storage tanks. A
motion was made by Councilman Thomas, and seconded by Councilman Buffum,
that the bid be awarded for the torospherical tank in the amount of $566,800.
Mr. Bonnett stated that the hydropillar tank is strictly an aesthetic
consideration.
The motion failed by the following vote.
Ayes: Councilmen Thomas, Walker, and Buffum
Nays: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Allred, and Kirkham
RESOLUTION NO. 184-86
RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ELEVATED STORAGE TANKS
Moved by Councilman Goff that Resolution No. 184-86 be passed, awarding
the bid for the hydropillar tank, in the amount of $666,800.
Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried by the following
vote.
Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Allred, and Kirkham
Nays: Councilman Thomas, Walker, and Buffum
Item l0a
A change order for the waterfall was discussed. City Engineer David
Zelenok addressed the waterfall design and various options. Cuncilman Walker
asked when we will know what this waterfall is costing us? Mr. Zelenok
stated that it depends a great deal on the taste of people enjoying the
falls. Charles Harper stated that he requested this change order. Councilman
Walker is concerned that we keep adding to it. Mr. Berzina stated that
the only change order still out there that he has heard about is that they
may want to do something on the hill .
381
Item 10a (Cont.
RESOLUTION NO. 185-86
RESOLUTION T APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 8 TO THE WICHITA FALLS
0
WATERFALL CONTRACT
Moved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 185-86 be passed, approving
Alternate A.
Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilman Thomas, Goff, Allred,
and Kirkham
Nays: Councilmen Walker and Buffum
David Brock asked what had been spent on the waterfall? Mr. Bonnett
stated that a phone call could settle that.
Item 11a
Billy R. Delaney, 2 Bristol Lane, commended the Council for looking
at the Normandy and Bristol Lane drainage problem. He asked about the present
status of the situation? Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that it is in a
long list of items the City Manager has, to be considered. He also asked
about the cost factor. Charles Harper stated that Mr. Bonnett does not
have the information with him. Councilmen Walker stated that this is an
infested situation. Something needs to be done for protection of the people.
Mr. Delaney stated that they have confidence in the present city council
that they can find the owner. The Council assured him that they are working
on it.
Charles Moran, 5238 Jamaica Drive, appeared as minister of the Four
Square Church, stating that this property is located outside the city limits.
They found out recently that the Council had passed an ordinance that no
service would be provided outside the city limits. He requested that this
matter be put on the next council agenda.
Roger McKinney stated that he understood that the church did not want
to be annexed, and did not want to comply with the city building codes.
Councilman Buffum asked if he would consider annexation to the city? Mr.
Moran said that he did not want to circumvent any ordinances or codes.
He is not opposed to coming into the city, but since they are tax exempt
it would not be any benefit to the city. It joins the city limits at Hill
and Hill Heights, and also on the West side. He does not know whether the
building meets city codes. Mr. McKinney did not recommend just annexing
this one piece of property. Councilman Thomas knew of no solution except
to bring the church into the city limits. He suggested that Mr. Moran discuss
it with Mr. McKinney. Councilman Buffum noted city services of fire, police,
water, and sewer. Councilman Kirkham suggested that Mr. McKinney bring
back something for the Council to consider next time if they can' t solve
it. Mr. Moran stated that he would not object to the building being inspected.
Viola Morton wanted to know when work will be started on Sheppard Access
Road? Mr. Berzina stated that they need to have some meetings with the
committee on the design. Mr. Morton is concerned about beautification of
the medians. Mr. Berzina stated that costs need to be considered. Bob
Westbrooks will call Mr. Berzina. Councilman Allred pointed out that the
City has moved very quickly on this, and they should be proud of it.
Jerry Ross, 1115 Rowland Road, requested a waiver from keeping livestock.
Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that it would have to be on the agenda before
they could act on it. He should submit the request to the City Manager.
Dr. Cox stated that there is one property owner he has not received permission
from.
Bobby Lloyd, 4439 Phillips, an electrical contractor, stated that they
are trying to promote people buying locally. He would like to see the
Council get behind this. He encouraged the Council to consider restricting
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Item lla (Cont. )
bids to a 50-mile radius for a general contractor, as well as a craft by
craft basis. He also requested that they instruct the engineers in charge
of the Cypress Street Water Plant to change the 250-mile radius to 50 miles.
At least for an addendum on this project, and future projects, have a 50-mile
radius, and ask contractors to use craft by craft trade at seventy percent
local people. He requested that they also list their larger subs.
Mr. Bonnett stated that he believes it is a question of what they want
to pay for services, and he believes local contractors have a definite
advantage. He would like the Council to adhere to the 250-mile radius.
He has not had an opportunity to review the seventy percent with a 50-mile
radius.
Councilman Thomas noted that we have all kinds of bids to take into
consideration. Sometimes we may have lots of local bidders, and sometimes
we may not have more than one or two.
City Attorney H. P. Hodge discussed the state law on taking bids, stating
that he has some problems with this.
Councilman Walker noted that a local contractor has tremendous advantage.
Why are they not taking advantage of it? Bobby Lloyd stated that some
companies are in town when a job is bid, and they bid on it. Councilman
Walker noted that local people have their base here.
Councilman Walker mentioned water in Williams Park asking how often
is water released? Councilman Thomas stated that it is because of the large
release of Lake Kemp and Lake Diversion water. Lucy and Harrell Parks are
also affected. Mr. Bonnett stated that the Big Wichita should drop in another
twenty-five days, barring no additional rainfall .
Councilman Thomas stated that he has had a tremendous amount of complaints
about our bus going to Dallas. It seems it was a shopping tour. Mr. Berzina
stated that you cannot turn them down for the purpose of the use of it.
Sixteen or seventeen people rented a city bus for a reasonable fee to go
shopping in Dallas. Mr. Berzina stated that they would look at the policy,
and the fee.
Charles Harper, Mayor, mentioned several phone calls about our burglar
alarm problem. Perhaps we need to look at the ordinance. He suggested
that we get some of these people together to discuss the problems they are
having. Councilman Thomas stated that he had already asked Captain Shelton
to provide him a list, and set up a meeting.
Charles Harper noted that Beau Boulter had congratulated the City on
the President' s signing of the bill for Holliday Creek. Councilman Thomas
stated that Senator Bentsen' s office is working on the contract with the
Corps of Engineers.
Charles Harper, Mayor, congratulated the Committee on the war on drugs.
Cost figures are needed on the detox center. They want the Salvation Army
Building on Seventh Street. Andy Toth stated that one of the biggest needs
is drug treatment facilities for adolescents. He will request some kind
of financial support from the Council .
Charles Harper, Mayor, asked if the Council wanted to pursue a metro
squad with the Sheriff' s Department? Mr. Berzina stated that he would like
to visit with police personnel on the metro squad.
Councilman Walker stated that he is afraid we will be the big brother
for everyone. He is concerned about funding requests for the City.
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Item llb
The City Council adjourned into executive session at 11:05 P.M. , according
to Article 6252-17, Section 2, Paragraph (g) , of the Revised Civil Statutes.
PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 1986.
i
C arles Harper, Mayor
ATTEST:
i ma J. Thomas, CMC, City Clerk
I