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Min 02/03/1987 433 { Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building a February 3, 1987 1 { Items 1 & 2 The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in regular lsession 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. i Charles Harper Mayor Sandy Goff Charles Thomas Ruth Ann Allred Ronald Buffum Councilmen Lindsey Walker Don Kirkham 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 Norman Albertson, Trinity American Lutheran 1Church. Charles Harper, Mayor, read a poem by R. L. Sharp. I( Item 3 - - - - - - jMoved by Councilman Thomas that minutes of the meeting held January 20, 1987, be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried unanimously. ! Items 4a - 9a Items 5a, 6a, and 9a were moved to the regular agenda. Moved by Councilman Goff that the consent agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum. Item 4a The Employee of the Month was ill , and this item will appear on the next agenda. Item 5b ORDINANCE NO. 4-87 ORDINANCE REPEALING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENT FOR BIDDERS Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 7a The bid for a front end loader was awarded to Construction Agricultural Supply Company, Wichita Falls, in the amount of $38,228. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None 434 Item 7b The bid for crack sealant was awarded to Lofland Company, Dallas, in the amount of $7,008. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 8a Minutes of the meeting of the Kemp Public Library Advisory Board held December 10, 1986, were received. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 8b Minutes of the meeting of the Board of Electrical Examiners held January 8, 1987, were received. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 5a Discussion was held on a proposed ordinance changing the name of a portion of Alexandria Road to Plant Road. A motion was made by Councilman Thomas, for discussion, for passage of the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Councilman Buffum. Councilman Thomas stated that he feels there is someone who has worked hard we could name the road after, rather than Plant Road. Moved by Councilman Thomas that this matter be tabled, for further study. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. City Manager James Berzina stated that he has a problem with naming things after city employees. He asked the Council for their suggestions. Councilman Thomas stated that if there is not a better name, he would go along with Plant Road. Councilman Allred asked if they could continue the name of Cypress? Item 6a RESOLUTION NO. 16-87 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPRAISAL OF PARCELS #6-A, #6-B, AND #12 FOR THE HOLLIDAY CREEK CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, SETTING JUST COMPENSATION, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OR CONDEMNATION. Moved by Councilman Buffum that Resolution No. 16-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas. Councilman Buffum asked if there would be some of this parcel left. Mr. Bonnett stated that it is cheaper to take the entire parcel . The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None 435 Item 9a Councilman Allred asked if it is just a coincidence that this same ' amount was approved at the last meeting to the same mortgage company for ; refund of taxes paid twice? Fred Werner, Chief Accounting Officer, stated that the wrong item was placed in the agenda folder. He substituted a ! request for refund of taxes paid twice to Corinthian Mortgage Corporation, in the amount of $785.55. Moved by Councilman Thomas that a refund for taxes paid twice be approved for Corinthian Mortgage Corporation, account number 4730-002-0000, in the amount of $785.55. Motion seconded by Councilman Walker, and carried unanimously. Roby Christie, 3309 Cumberland, along with Sue Crossnoe, of Streams and Valleys, and Joe Alice Davis , of the Wichita Falls Bicycling Club, presented checks to the Mayor in the amounts of $12,000 and $15,000, respectively. This money was designated for the riverwalk project, and bluffs and trails along the waterfall . The City Council was applauded i; by them for their efforts. Item 10a The public hearing was opened on repairable structures, in Section 2 Hof the proposed ordinance. No one desired to be heard, and the hearing was closed. The public hearing was opened on properties to be demolished, in Section 3, of the proposed ordinance. No one desired to be heard, and the hearing was closed. ORDINANCE NO. 5-87 ORDINANCE CLOSING HEARING AND FINDING CERTAIN BUILDINGS AND/OR STRUCTURES TO BE DANGEROUS: COMMANDING PROPERTY OWNERS TO REPAIR OR DEMOLISH SAID BUILDINGS AND/OR STRUCTURES WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Moved by Councilman Butfum that Ordinance No. 5-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item Ila Consideration was given to the status of Lake Arrowhead lot lease on Lot 16, Block J, Eastside, and determine rights of tenant concerning occupancy and disposal of improvements. Roger McKinney reported that electrical inspectors, along with Parks, Health, and Code Enforcement departments, went out to Lake Arrowhead. They also have video. He stated that no structural problems were noted. Several electrical violations, previously noted since August 27, 1985 nsere still in evidence, plus exposed wire. He stated that the septic system is inadequate. Plumbing is not properly installed, according to Code. He recommended that no new tenants be allowed to occupy the structure until these violations have been corrected. Video was shown. A mobile home on the property is not hooked up to any electrical or septic system. An electrical line was being used as a clothes line. A 220 line was tied into a lead-in, and needs correction. There is an outside water faucet at ground level . It could provide a backflow problem, and get into the potable water supply. The clean out line to the septic system is ten feet from the faucet. 436 Item lla, (Cont'd. ) Claude Hoff, Health Department, stated that the septic tank line is standing full of water. There is potential sewage backing up into the house. New percolation tests are required, and new lateral lines need to be installed. There are other violations of the hot water heater. The minimum size to the hot water heater should be three-fourths inch copper. If this were located in Wichita Falls, the water would be turned off until corrected. There was a violation in August, 1985, on the electrical service panel . Clifford Bridwell , 1401 Holliday, and Robert Hampton, 807 Seventh Street, appeared as attorneys for the Hills' . Mr. Hampton stated that to the best of his knowledge, the electrical violations pointed out in the report, were the first ones. So far as the Hills ' have been informed, the water system lives up to the code of the Red River Authority. This includes water pipes, pop off valves, and the below ground faucet. This was the first indication that the Hills ' had any problem with their septic system. They have been subjected to an extra- ordinary degree of scrutinty regarding compliance. There have been allegations made of violations, but no substantiation of raw sewage. He stated that the Hills' are willing to move, so long as they are given an opportunity to recoup some of their investment. He stated that one option would be to extend the lease. A second would be to direct the City Manager to enter into a six- month lease on condition that improvements be put on the market immediately at a price the Hills ' and City can agree on. If within six months it is sold, the lease will be accepted to the new owner. If improvements are not sold, then they will be given a new six-month lease. If at the end of the first six months, the violations are not completed, then they will be required to move.. He presented proposed resolutions to the Council . Councilman Goff asked where the lease fits into this, noting that we_ talked about the Red River authority jurisdiction. City Attorney H. P. Hodge noted that the lease fits into it on pollution of the lake. He does not think the lease will address the electrical problems. We have to preserve the quality and wholesomeness of Lake Arrowhead. Under the lease, if the septic system is not creating a pollution, or there are not other things that are contaminating, or a nuisance, the conditions of them living there for a while would be acceptable. Councilman Buffum asked if they are subject to city regulations or the Red River Authority lease. Mr. Hodge stated that the Red River Authority would be concerned about the use regarding the potable water supply. Councilman Buffum asked how we can enforce this. Roger McKinney stated that if they take out a permit, the City will not approve it unless it meets city codes. Councilman Thomas stated that the repeated pollution of our water supply is what he is concerned about. He would not want them to leave until they,are given time to sell the property. Mr. Hampton stated that a six-month period would be reasonable. He noted that corrections have been made since January 29, 1987. Councilman Kirkham asked about the requirements to put a house or trailer on the lease: Jack Murphy, Parks Director, stated that the applicant must satisfy and comply with all of our codes. The health code and protection of our water supply is our first concern. Mr. Hodge stated that building plans have to be approved by the City. The septic system has to meet all requirements of the health department. They must keep the premises clean of trash, garbage, and septic matter. They must meet all rules and regulations of Lake Arrowhead. He does not believe it specifically addresses the electrical code. Apparently, it has been our practice, when we look at the plans to approve the building, we look at the electrical and plumbing codes. If we require something more strenuous then the Red River Authority, that is our prerogative as the landlord. If the standards of the Red River Authority are lower than the City' s standards, that will not be a problem. The lessee will have to meet the standards that are higher. Councilman Thomas mentioned the backflow of the hydrant being below level , stating that we are obligated to protect the people. The lease has been cancelled. He asked if they have any contract of sale from Mrs. Hammer that they own the property. If they have authorized them to do it, it would constitute a new lease to them, if we decide to do so. Moved by Councilman Thomas that we lease it if they have sufficient evidence that they own the property on the lease, and they will have to comply with all regulations. 437 Item lla, (Cont'd. ) City Attorney H. P. Hodge stated that the Hills ' have been furnished a power of attorney from Mrs. Hammer. Councilman Thomas again pointed out that ; the lease was with Mrs. Hammer, not the Hills ' . Mr. Hodge recommended that ' we not consider Alternate 3. We have had problems over the years, and he recommends that the lease be cancelled. He would recommend Alternate 1 or 2, or one which has been submitted by their attorneys. Moved by Councilman Thomas that the Hills ' be given first consideration to lease the property at a new lease, and a new term, subject to it all being brought up to standards, including the septic system. We want the security of good water without pollution. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Walker explained that he was not sure what the motion was. If we make an exception to this property, it will not be like any of the others. Councilman Buffum stated that if they were offered a new lease, they would be required to bring it up to current city standards. Roger McKinney stated that they will not go out and inspect the plumbing , until they are called for an inspection. No request had been made, and they never made an inspection. RESOLUTION NO. 17-87 RESOLUTION DECLARING LEASE ON LOT 16, BLOCK J, EAST SIDE OF LAKE ARROWHEAD TERMINATED, ALLOWING PARTIES TO RESIDE THEREON FOR SIXTY (60) DAYS, AND AUTHORIZING TRANSFER TO PURCHASER. Moved by Councilman Buffum that Alternate 1 be approved, with an amendment i' that the 60 days be substituted by six months. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Councilman Walker asked if this provides for them to bring it up to standard, and keep the property. The answer was that it allows them to sell it only, and bring the property up to standards. Councilman Buffum stated that these violations are well documented by the City Staff. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Walker, Allred, Buffum, and Kirkham Nays: Councilman Thomas Item 12a Discussion was held on a proposed ordinance closing a portion of Carrigan Street, lying South of Dodge Street. City Attorney H. P. Hodge noted that negotiations have not been completely settled on this street stub. He feels it is not serving the City or public any purpose whatsoever, and is not some- thing we are really giving up. Pill Sullivan, Assistant City Attorney, stated that we do not have a signed agreement, but we have been in constant negotiations. They thought it best to seek closure of the street, and continue negotiations with them. Mr. Hodge stated that this street stub closure is a side issue. ORDINANCE NO. 6-87 AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING, AND ABANDONING THE PORTION OF CARRIGAN STREET LYING SOUTH OF DODGE STREET, AND RETAINING AN EASEMENT Moved by Councilman Thomas that Ordinance No. 6-87 be passed, subject to satisfactory conclusion of the condemnation case, involving Holliday Creek drainage project. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas , Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None 438 Item 12b ORDINANCE NO. 7-87 AN ORDINANCE WAIVING SECTION 9B(1 ) (j) OF APPENDIX A CITY OF WICHITA FALLS CODE OR ORDINANCE (COMPREHENSIVE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE NO. 2118) FOR LOT 1 , BLOCK 1 , DAVEY SUBDIVISION, °WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS Moved by Councilman Buffum that Ordinance No. 7-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas , and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 13a RESOLUTION NO. 18-87 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FOR A GRANT UNDER THE URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED. Moved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 18-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 13b RESOLUTION NO. 19-87 RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS. Moved by Councilman Buffum, for discussion, that Resolution No. 19-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Jim King, 417 Willow Drive, questioned the section dealing with persons appearing on the agenda having to notify the City Manager' s office on Tuesday. Charles Harper, Mayor, explained that it is not relative to anything on the agenda, but to make a presentation about something that is not on the agenda. Mr. King also feels that limiting presentations to five minutes will discourage people from appearing. Charles Harper, Mayor, noted that the rules are not being put in because of the length of council meetings. David Brock commented on presentation by citizens , along with the sunset provisions. Councilman Kirkham noted that throughout these rules, there are differ- ences on the number of votes required to pass an ordinance. If four members are a quorum, there are several items that cannot be considered by a quorum. Mr. Hodge noted that zoning requires six, which is mandated by state law. On all of the issues where more than four are specified, it is required by state law or city charter. Councilman Kirkham mentioned Section 6.5, stating that we should not tend to limit discussion, but any person wanting action by the Council should be included on the agenda. Mr. Berzina stated that when some of these items get on the agenda, it seems that it is of some benefit for the Council to have heard it on other business. It has served a purpose for the Council to hear it, and have two weeks to research the matter. Councilman Kirkham pointed out that if someone wanted to put an item on the agenda, and it needed further research, then the City Manager can delay it until the information is obtained. Councilman Buffum endorses the five minutes for presentations. 439 Item 13b, (Cont'd. ) Councilman Allred suggested a change in wording for Section 6.5, as ,follows: Any person who seeks action from the Council , and wishes to address ;the Council on the regular agenda, shall advise the City Manager' s office. . . . 'Any person who wishes to address the Council without having made this prepar- 'ation, may appear under other business. . . . Councilman Walker agreed that it is good to have this in writing, and ;suggested that it be printed in some kind of pamphlet. Councilman Goff !suggested that when someone requests to appear on the agenda , they should be ;told that they would have five minutes for a presentation. Further discussion continued. It was decided to add a Section 3.3(e) relative to those addressing the Council will not address staff members or Janyone else. I Councilman Kirkham would like agendas delivered at least by noon on Friday, stating that he has received calls from the City Manager' s secretary as late as 5:00 P.M. , on Friday, to come get his agenda folder. i I Section 2.11 was changed to a majority vote to coincide with Section 11 .1 . In Section 9.3, it was decided to add a phrase at the end to allow consultation �with boards in the sunset provisions. Councilman Walker pointed out that all boards and commissions serve at ;the pleasure of the Council , and they have the right to determine if that !pleasure is being served. This Council does have the right to operate the !City under the charter. He wanted to keep it like it is. Moved by Councilman Buffum that Resolution No. 19-87 be passed, as amended by a consensus of the Council . ; i Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker li Nays: None Councilman Thomas recognized Acting Fire Chief Bud Davis. j, The City Council recessed at 11 :08 A.M. , and reconvened at 11 :28 A.M. Charles Harper, Mayor, announced that the Council would recess at 12:00 o'clock noon for a meeting with officials from Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Electra , and the County Judge, to discuss the war on drugs and the detox center. Item 13c RESOLUTION NO. 20-87 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH GMW HAMILTON'S CORPORATION FOR PROVISION OF CATERING SERVICES AT THE ACTIVITIES CENTER Moved by Councilman Thomas, for discussion, that Resolution No. 20-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Allred. Councilman Thomas asked if this contract is just for a month. It was noted that other applications are out on this service. Councilman Allred asked why GMW Hamilton did not want to continue. Assistant City Manager Louise HOU seworth stated that they met with David White, and went over the contract, and the kind of service we are expecting at the Activities Center. He decided that he could not meet the type of service needed. We are talking about good quality food, and having it served at the expected time. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None 440 Item 14a Moved by Councilman Allred that the bid for annual requirements of unleaded gasoline and #2 diesel fuel be awarded to Chester Wood Oil Company, in the amount of $335,900 (gasoline) , and to Grozier-Mann Oil Company, in the amount of $204,920 (diesel ) . Motion seconded by Councilman Goff. Councilman Kirkham asked if we are locking them into that price, when we know that gasoline and diesel will go up. Mr. Berzina stated that the increase in price will be documented. Councilman Thomas feels we should set a policy on how we document that increase. He believed that the Council last year agreed that the price we would go by is the price at the Conoco dock. He asked what recourse we would have if we can determine that we were over billed. Mr. Berzina stated that they would have to look at it. The motion was carried unanimously. Item 14b RESOLUTION NO. 21-87 RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CYPRESS TO REILLY ROAD WATER LINE Moved by Councilman Goff that Resolution No. 21-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 14c Bids were considered for relocation of Weeks Park Maintenance Building. It was explained that the first and second bidders have notified us that both of their bids contained a mistake. The City Manager requested that the bids be rejected. Moved by Councilman Allred that the bids be rejected.. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum. Councilman Thomas asked about the size of this building. Mr. Bonnett did not have the information. Councilman Buffum stated that in light of the federal funds, we are not sure where we will relocate this building. The motion was carried unanimously. Item 14d Moved by Councilman Thomas that the bid for annual requirements of motor oil and lubricants be awarded to Grozer-Mann Oil Company, in the amount of $29,752.52. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. Item 14e Moved by Councilman Thomas that the bid for annual requirements of automotive filters and cannisters be awarded to Grozer-Mann Oil Company, in the amount of $26,996.28. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham, and carried unanimously. 441 Item 15a RESOLUTION NO. 22-87 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR CONTRACT WITH HYDROSTORAGE, INCORPORATED TO CONSTRUCT A 1 MG ELEVATED WATER TANK i'4oved by Councilman Thomas that Resolution No. 22-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Kirkham. Councilman Thomas asked why the size of the line was changed. Mr. Bonnett ,stated that it was obvious that we would have difficulties in dealing with the 16-inch line. The 24-inch line was in the original design, and it does give much ;Netter fire protection, and would be cheaper. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas , Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None Item 15b RESOLUTION NO. 23-87 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTION AND AUTHORIZING FINAL PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR FOR COMPLETION OF THE SANITARY LANDFILL SOIL LINER PROJECT II Moved by Councilman Buffum, for discussion, that Resolution No. 23-87 be passed. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff. Councilman Buffum asked if core samples are taken to determine the loca- tion of this clay. Mr. Bonnett stated that a change was made since the time of getting the permit, and the construction. We may have to change the material again. It was noted that the federal level would like to get rid of landfills. The motion was carried by the following vote. Ayes: Charles Harper, Mayor, Councilmen Goff, Thomas, Allred, Buffum, Kirkham, and Walker Nays: None The City Council recessed at 12:00 P.M. , and reconvened at 1 :37 P.M. Item 15c George Bonnett stated that the contractor for the Kemp Boulevard Rehabili- tation project requested that this item be tabled. Moved by Councilman Thomas that consideration of acceptance and final payment on the Kemp Boulevard rehabilitation project be tabled. Motion seconded by Councilman Buffum, and carried unanimously. Item 16a Claude Taylor, a resident of Turtle Creek RoGd, requested water out there. There are eight lots, and five of them have houses on them. Three are vacant. He requested water for Lot 4. Mr. Taylor did not want to be annexed. The City Council has voted to not extend water outside the city limits. It was greed to put it on the next agenda. 442 Item 16a (Cont 'd. ) Councilman Buffum reported on a proposed detoxification center for Wichita County. Some grant funds are available through the state, and they are in the process of applying for the grant. It is a sixteen month program, which will cost just over $18,000. Nortex would administer the program. The Salvation Army would be the contractor. Participants will include Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, and Electra. The grant application will be in the mail on February 6. Once the 16-month period elapses, a steering committee will be formed to see if the program can be continued after that time. Councilman Buffum asked about the water contamination problem at Sheppard Air Force Base. Mr. Bonnett stated that they have run continued testing on the periphery of the base, and all of their tests have been negative. They are continuing to test internally. Mr. Berzina stated that they will soon be meeting with the people on the Sheppard Access Road Project. Charles Harper, Mayor, stated that his under- standing was that the City would go with the three blocks on the North end, along with the improvements. Councilman Thomas mentioned an area where two people wanted to clean it up. They want to know what they can do. Councilman Walker stated that he received a call from Mrs. Morton, and she was concerned that the City had not made any move. He understood that the City and the neighborhood were supposed to work together on a plan. Councilman Buffum asked how the Clean Water Act, which the President vetoed, would impact the City. Mr. Bonnett stated that it relates to the discharge permits of the City of Wichita Falls. It removes the responsibil- ity to submit permits. The bill is not pracitcal . If Congress overrides it, he feels this portion would be removed. Item 16c Moved by Councilman Allred that appointments to the City-County Hospital Boars; be made as follows: Carol Wagner - 1 year term; Frank Yeager and M. E. McBride - 2 year terms. Motion seconded by Councilman Goff, and carried unanimously. Charles Harper, Mayor, read a press release, dated February 3, 1987, (copy attached) regarding the riverwalk area. The City Council will rescind funding previously authorized, at the next Council Meeting. Councilman Thomas mentioned a $1000 bond filed against the City. He requested City Attorney H. P. Hodge to ask the Judge to make it a $100,000 bond to help recover some of our costs. Items 16b,c The City Council recessed at 2:20 P.M. ; and reconvened at 4:50 P.M. Moved by Councilman Goff that William H. Barber be appointed to the Mental Health Mental Retardation Board, (replacing Bill Birch) for a term to expire August 31 , 1987. Motion seconded by Councilman Thomas, and carried unanimously. The City Council adjourned at 4:52 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this fMLday of ^� , 1987. ,7 arl es Harper, MayorATTEST: Wilma J. Thomas, CMC, City Clerk :Zps- At ILt February 3 , 1987 NEWS RELEASE On November 18 , 1.986 , the City of Wichita Falls , Texas passed Ordinance #94-86 , which appropriated $2 , 000 , 000 for development of the Wichita River Project. Funds were made available for land acquisition, construction of a low water dam and, if necessary, sufficient funds to complete the Water- fall Project. On January 20 , 1987 , the City Council passed Resolution #1.4-87, which accepted professional appraisals of certain lands in the river development area and authorized negotia- tions to purchase those properties . The City took these actions in order to determine the cost and the availability of the land. It was also important to begin to acquire the properties in order that private de- velopers could be aware that the land would be available for private development. It is also important to note that the City planned to deal only with willing sellers interested in selling their property at this particular time. For years , the people living in the proposed development area have lived with uncertainty as to whether or not the City would be pur- chasing their homes or property. By appropriating the money and dealing with only interested sellers , the City sought to not only begin this project that could take years to complete but also to relieve some of its citizens from uncertainty re- garding the sale of their property. i �` � ,�- . . y E. NEWS RELEASE . Page - 2 - Equity funds of $2 , 000 , 000 were appropriated from the sur- plus of the City with the hope that these funds could be used for a project that would provide economic development growth and prosperity for the City in years to come. These initial plans were made in accordance with a river development plan completed in 1985 by Mr . Al. Groves of San Antonio, Texas . Recently, the City adopted a Tax Increment Finance Ordinance as a tool to be used in the redevelopment of a segment of the City. Part of that area includes the river development area planned for in the Groves report. The TIF Board, composed of 5 individuals , has been appointed and has begun its meetings for the purpose of producing a development plan for the TIF area, as required by State law. If the City is to benefit from the provisions of the law that provide for tax increment finan- cing areas , then it must authorize the TIF Board to create an improvement plan for the tax increment finance reinvestment zone number one. Securing this plan has become a top priority in order for the river development plan to proceed. In order to provide the atmosphere conducive to proper planning by the newly created TIF Board, the City Council of Wichita Falls hereby indicates its intention to recind the ordinance appropriating the $2 , 000 , 000 and the resolution autho- rizing the purchase of property for the river development plan. It is anticipated that the ordinance and the resolution will be recinded at the next City Council. meeting. At the same time, the City Council requests the TIF Board to proceed to take all steps necessary to complete the plan for �! dL NEWS RELEASE Page '- 3 - river development. The plan will illustrate the proposed im- provements and the cost to the City for such a completed project. Once such a plan is developed, it shall be submitted to the City Council for their approval . Finally, a word to all those who support the idea of a river development project for this City. The idea of such a project is not being forgotten; but more importantly, detailed plans are being requested so that the citizens of this City will be able to evaluate the merits of such a project as an economic improvement for Wichita Falls . With such information to consider, the voters of the City will , as promised, decide the future of this project some time during this calendar year.