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Min 02/13/1975 1090 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building February 13, 1975 Item 1 The Board of Aldermen 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 9:00 o'clock A.M. , with the following members present: Max Kruger Mayor Harry Campsey Harrison E. Taylor Lonny Morrison X Aldermen Joe N. Prothro J. C. Boyd, Jr. X Peggy McCullough Gerald Fox City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk The meeting was called to order by the Mayor, stating that the possibility of securing a public safety officer position, and Wichita General Hospital matters would be discussed. ✓ r Item 2 It was pointed out in regard to the public safety officer position, that all we can do is request that the state legislature change the regulations to permit the establishment of this position. Alderman Campsey stated that he be- came interested in this position about two years ago because police and fire departments were looking for increases in pay, as well as other departments. He stated that the only way we can justify increase in pay is increase in production. This position has been tried in other areas. Training will be conducted in both capacities of fireman and policeman. He believes this is a situation where everyone can win, from the public to employees of fire and police departments. They can be cross trained. Also, new people being hired can move into the new classification of public safety officer. It will offer more challenges because they can qualify in two fields instead of one. Two cities have implemented this program. He read letters dated February 7, 1975 from the Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, and from the City Manager of Winston Salem, North Carolina. It was mentioned that the annual fire loss in Winston-Salem has decreased, but that crime statistics have followed national averages. Cost factors were also mentioned. Alderman Campsey also pointed out that it will cost some money to implement this program, but in the long run he does not believe it will cost any more than the services we are now getting. Alderwoman McCullough mentioned the intitial cost of $361,605. They do not have figures after that. One premise is that the firemen have a great amount of liesure time. City Manager Gerald Fox explained that ten percent of the total time is spent in fire fighting activities ; however, there are other duties assigned to on-duty firemen, such as maintenance and training. Efforts have been made to assign some fire prevention activities to firefighters, in addition to the fire prevention bureau. He did not know how much time this involved. Paul Yeager, Director of Public Safety, stated that the fire prevention duties started as a result of a 'HUD study. They made surveys of facilities in each fire station area. These visits by firefighters have almost come to a halt because of the lack of supervision of the training aspect. The City Manager stated that this is a duty that could be assigned for more productive time during the normal 8-hour day. Alderwoman McCullough explained that she has been concerned about the con- troversial aspect of this program, stating that the program has been utilized in a very small number of cities, which makes it more experimental in nature. In Durham they recommend that all personnel entering the program should be volunteers. As soon as the program is implemented, the recruiting of firemen and policemen should stop. There seems to be some concern on the part of the career policemen and firemen as to where it would leave them. Perhaps it would leave them to some disadvantage concerning the educational incentive program if this were adopted. Alderman Campsey stated that he has no intentions of completely phasing out either the police or fire department"positions. He would hope that this new position I I I I 1091 Item 2, cont'd. would be a change: which some people would want to take the training for and move into. What he is trying to do here would not change the present educational in- centive at all. He could still earn his additional promotion and move up. Alder- woman McCullough stated that she feels this may not be an incentive to continue as a policeman. If more money were available in another category this would dis- courage police officers from attempting to upgrade themselves. The City Manager stated that he did not see any reason why the educational incentive program could not be applied to a public safety officer pursuing a degree in criminal justice, or perhaps at some time in a fire program, which we do not have at present. Alder- woman McCullough feels that some firemen and some policemen would not -be interested in assuming the other position. If we bring in an intermediate career and offer more incentive, it would discourage members in both departments from remaining there, and would be a very difficult position for morale. She does not see that they should be paid more as a public safety officer. Alderman Campsey stated that he definitely feels they should be paid more if they are capable of doing more than one thing. Alderwoman McCullough feels that both positions are highly specialized, and that we would be penalizing the career officer who desires to stay where he is. She feels if a person chooses to limit his field he should not be penalized for it. Alderman Boyd felt that if a person can do two things instead of one, he should be paid for it. Alderman Taylor stated that he believes the policemen and firemen should have something to say about it. If we institute a program they are not interested in, it would not be of any benefit. It seems to him that there are as many cities who have tried and abandoned this program as there are cities who have instituted it. In Durham, although the fire loss was less, there was no crime reduction as a result of this program. It seems too early to tell whether it will benefit them fully. A single common detriment is a great increase in cost, and it is not certain whether the benefits will offset the cost. The Mayor mentioned a decrease in homicide and robbery, but that the national average did not seem to be affected. Alderwoman McCullough stated that the planning and time aspect is something that we need to be concerned with, and we need to take more time to study and con- sider it before taking a step of this great importance. Mayor Kruger explained that we are trying to get the state legislature to amend the existing statute to allow cities to avail themselves of this opportunity if they want to do so. All we are asking them to do is give us the privilege of deciding on it after further study. Alderwoman McCullough stated that she feels the Council is either giving their approval or disapproval on this program by voting on it now. Alderman Prothro commended Alderman Campsey for his diligence and research on it, but at this time he is opposed to the Council asking for this legislation. He feels we are understaffed and certain changes are needed. He would like to see the program more fully and successfully developed by other cities before we consider it. He is not willing to ask the state legislature to allow us the option of making this decision. Alderman Boyd thanked the firemen for the information they presented to the Council. He stated that the discussion on Peoria, where the system failed, was interesting. In Durham a good deal of advance planning went into it. He would want to study all aspects before voting on it, and is not willing to spend more time on it unless we know whether the state will allow us to do it. He stated that he is willing to ask for this permission to allow us to look at it further. Unless we get the permission he does not care to look at it any further. Alderman Campsey commended the firemen on the report they put together. He feels that some of the information is old, though, and time changes many things. He agrees that a lot of failures have been made, and we should look at them to see why they were successful. If we do not act we are taking away the opportu- nity of those who would like to train for both positions. We should act affirm- atively today so that we may have the opportunity to do something. He feels this is the way to increase personnel in fire and police departments as we have been requested. The only reason we have these departments is to render service to the citizens of Wichita Falls. If this service can be rendered more effectively then he feels we should take the opportunity to request it. Mayor Kruger pointed out that we are fearful of change. Firemen have held these views for many years, and do not want to change. In Durham it has been shown that firemen and policemen can do both jobs. He stated that all we are ask- ing for is the privilege of giving us the opportunity of pursuing it further if 1092 Item 2, cont'd. we want to do so. - Alderman Boyd stated that some of us feel that we are not committed after we get the information while some feel that in asking the legislature we are committing ourselves. We are in fact only requesting permission without any obligation to do anything else. He explained that he would not vote for it without much study and public hearings for those who desire to be heard. Alderman Campsey stated that if legislation were approved, and it was shown that the plan was not a good one, he would vote against it, but right now he feels it is a good plan. He feels we should not be deprived of the opportunity to consider it. Alderman Campsey stated that he had talked with Senator Farabee, and Representa- tives Allred and Cartlidge. They indicated that they would be willing to introduce it if the Council approved it. - Dave Allred inquired how the firefighters and police officers feel about it. The bill has to be written before it is introduced, and if it is not introduced at a certain time it cannot be considered. He has not asked them to commit themselves except to get it in the hopper for consideration. Charles Musick, 2502 Carrigan, appeared as a member of the police department. He stated that this has been discussed by members of the department. Over the past several years police departments of the State of Texas have tried to become more professionalized. They have caused legislation to be passed to assist them in this way. The police departments of Wichita Falls and across the state are opposed to any amendment of any civil service laws. They feel it will take away from their profession, and it will not be conducive to good public service. He stated that he did not know about the make up and industrialization of the cities mentioned here today. Ideally, the city to implement this service would be under 50,000 population. He feels the police department has made great strides in becoming more professional- ized. Both Police and Fire Departments have decicated men. He feels when we begin to breakup our civil service laws which have helped them to become more professional, it does not make for good public service. He does not believe that he or any other member of the police department feels it is best. Charlie Partridge, 4833 Cypress, appeared as a police officer, stating that if the legislature changes this, then other existing laws would also have to be changed. To be effective, a public safety officer could not make arrests .or do anything which would tie him up in court. Age- requirements are different for firemen and policemen. To stay abreast of continually changing laws, he has to study and would not have time for both. f RESOLUTION NO. 1621 RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT OUR TEXAS LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE LEG- ISLATION AUTHORIZING PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER. WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls that it would be to the benefit of the citizens of the City if the position of Public Safety Officer, who would be qualified to perform both law enforcement and firefighting duties, were authorized. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT: Our Texas Legislative delegation is hereby requested to introduce a bill in the Texas Legislature that would authorize the establishment of the Public Safety Officer classification as an amendment to Article 1269m of the Revised Civil Statutes of Texas. Moved by Alderman Campsey that Resolution No. 1621 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Morrison, and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Kruger, Aldermen Campsey, Morrison, Taylor, and Boyd Nays : Aldermen Prothro and McCullough l ` Item 3 ' Funding of the Wichita General Hospital was considered. The City Manager pointed out that up to this time the City has contributed one-third and the County two-thirds of the support. The Hospital Board has requested an increase from 1093 Item 3, cont'd. $240,000 to $480,000 annually, with fifty percent paid by each body. In addition, they have requested that $100,000 per year be allocated for equipment replacement, for a total requested amount of $580,000 per year. If it were allocated accord- ing to the Hospital Board's request, the City's portion of the equipment replace- ment would be $50,000. Alderman Prothro inquired if their request was for retroactive payments. The City Manager stated that he assumed not. The hospital Board's fiscal :year also begins on October 1. The County has approved their request Indigent care pay- ments were also mentioned. The City and County have also been contributing to this fund on a one-third, two-thirds basis. Alderman Boyd stated that he feels we should assist in the needs of the hospi- tal from revenue sharing funds; however, he questions why the ratio should be changed. He stated that he is prepared to vote revenue sharing funds on the old ratio. Alderman Prothro stated that .he is opposed to any future support of the hospital except operating funds. Ad valorem taxes should be used for increased support. Alderman Morrison stated that he is in favor of local control, but we are spending revenue sharing funds on things that we would not spend ad valorem taxes for. He feels we should re-assess this policy and use revenue sharing funds for recurring hospital expenses. Alderwoman McCullough stated that she feels it is valid to use revenue sharing funds for recurring costs. Alderman Morrison pointed out that the question is whether we offer to pay one-third of the cost now, or whether we might agree to pay one-half now for a limited period of time until a committee could look at it. Alderman Boyd was in favor of the one-third option now, and consider the one-half later. Mayor Kruger stated that he would go along with the idea of giving them money on a 50-50 ratio on a short term basis until further study can be made. Alderman Prothro feels we should go on the basis of the one-third, two-thirds situation, and have a committee prepare a recommendation on it. Moved by Alderman Taylor that we appropriate revenue sharing funds in the amount of $120,000, subject to the study by the committee to determine whether we should continue this ratio with respect to indigent care. Motion seconded by Alderman Campsey. r ORDINANCE NO. 2945 AN ORDINANCE MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE REVENUE SHARING FUND TO PRO- JECT NUMBERS LISTED BELOW, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. A substitute motion was moved by Alderman Prothro that Ordinance No. 2945 be passed, supporting the General Hospital out of revenue sharing funds in the amount of $5,000 per month, effective February 1, 1975, and terminating September 30, 1975, and that a committee be established to determine an equitable basis for deter- mining proper ratio of the City and County. Motion seconded by Alderman Morrison, and carried by the following vote: Ayes : Aldermen Morrison, Prothro, Boyd, and McCullough Nays : Aldermen Campsey and Taylor. Alderman Boyd mentioned certain procedures which might help to curtail costs for the hospitals , which include one purchasing agent and combined laundry service. He encouraged the Boards of both hospitals to work toward a more cooperative effort. He read a letter from Billie Speck Administrator of Medicenter Psychiatric Hospital, which is a fully accredited hospital. She proposed that all psychiatric beds be eliminated from Wichita General Hospital, and use Medicenter for this purpose. Mrs. Speck appeared, stating that the pooling of hospital services is one way of holding down expenses. Administrative boards of the three existing hospitals could get together to determine how costs can be reduced, and still provide quality care. She is requesting a single psychiatric care unit in the city. She encouraged the Council to appoint a committee to implement a study of these needs. Alderman Prothro mentioned data processing services for the hospital. The City Manager stated that he had not received much response on this. 1094 Item 4 i A proposed resolution was presented honoring Mr. Movle Fowler on his 100th birthday. RESOLUTION NO. 1622 WHEREAS, on February 6 , 1975 Mr. Movle Fowler celebrated his 100th birthday in Alvarado, Texas, where he now resides; and, WHEREAS , Mr. Fowler was a resident of Wichita Falls for approximately 35 years, during which time he was always keenly interested in the welfare of children and young people; and WHEREAS, his love for children was illustrated by his gift of $100,000 for the construction of a Technical Training Building at Hardin College (now Midwestern University) in May of 1949, and his donation to the Children's Aid Society of West Texas of money for the construction of the Fowler Home, which has provided a home for thousands of dependent and neglected children for the last 25 years. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS , TEXAS , THAT: I The deep appreciation of the people of Wichita Falls is hereby expressed to Mr. Movle Fowler for his gifts to the community which have benefited so many of our citizens, and very best wishes are extended to him on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Moved by Alderman Boyd that Resolution No. 1622 be passed. Motion seconded by Alderman Campsey, and carried by the following: I Ayes : Aldermen Campsey, Taylor, Morrison, Prothro, Boyd, and McCullough Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 11 :25 A.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of //jlC. �! 1975. Mayor ATTEST: City Cle I I� i