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Min 11/20/1972 663 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building November 20, 1972 Item 1 The Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in called session on the above date in the Auditorium of the Memorial Auditorium Build- ing at 7:30 o'clock P.M. , with the following members present: J. Winston Wallander Mayor Harry Campsey Harrison E. Taylor Larry Lambert Aldermen Willard Still J. C. Boyd, Jr. X Mrs. Peggy McCullough X Gerald Fox City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk 1, r Item 2 The public hearing on revenue sharing was opened with the City Manager ° commenting on the general aspects of revenue sharing .g. It provides for funds to be contributed over a period of five years, with it being retroactive to January 1, 1972. It is expected that Wichita Falls will receiW over 6.5 million dollars over a period of five years. Generally, there are no strings attached, but there are eight restrictions on what the money can be spent for, as follows. a. Ordinary and necessary maintenance and operating expenses for (1) Public Safety (including law enforcement, fire protection, and building code enforcement) (2) Environmental protection (including sewage disposal, sani- tation, and pollution abatement) (3) Public transportation (including transit systems and streets and roads) (4) Health (5) Recreation (6) Libraries (7) Social services for the poor or aged (8) Financial Administration b. Ordinary and necessary capital expenditures authorized by law. Don Wills appeared as a representative of a commission appointed by the Mayor in 1971--the Bicentennial Commission. They were charged to develop a celebration in 1976, and to suggest one program of capital expenditure. Several things were considered. From these things they have recommended improvements to our parks and recreation. They would like to develop our parks with three or four swimming pools for municipal use. They are hoping that the school district will cooperate in locating one near a high school. They have also considered a City-County Community Center. This would be a recreational center for use by boy scouts, high school students ' activities , Sheppard Air Force Base, or a small civic theatre. Some form of area improve- ment would also be needed. It should be placed in a location that other towns around us may have easy access to. They would also solicit the aid of the County Commissioners. Street and alley improvements were also mentioned. He requested that the Council provide the leadership on what they feel is necessary. If a group is formed, he would like the Bicentennial Commission to be a part of that group. Lynn Darden appeared on behalf of the Children's Aid Society of West Texas, or the Fowler Home. He requested $8,000 for capital improvements, automobile, dishwasher, and various other necessary items. Also, a capital improvement that will provide a new facility for these children. He had no set figure for the building program. 664 Item 2 , contd. Herbert Appel appeared as Executive Vice-President of the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry. He recommended that the Council appoint a revenue sharing committee to evaluate the recommendations received tonight, and at other times. Also, a joint effort with the County can be considered. They do not recommend that these funds be used for the general operating fund of the City. They recommend public projects of lasting improvements. Baxter Featherston appeared, representing the Jaycees. He recommended that they not put a label on these funds at this time, but appoint a committee to con- sider the use of this money, and report back to the City Council. J. 0. Henson appeared as a member of the National Association of Federal Retired Employees and Toastmasters Club. He mentioned projects of accelerated deterioration. He would like to insure more industry to Wichita Falls; improve our possibilities of increasing our personnel at Sheppard Air Force Base; re- duce the bonded indebtedness where practical. We should avoid rush decisions; perhaps have a 90-day guideline. There should be contingency plans in the event another one fails to materialize. Alma Mitchell , 1201 Smith Street, stated that money was spent on drainage ditches , but to no advantage to the City. She desired that the money be held, and make sure of what they spend it for. She stated that water on the East side is bad. It seems to be seeping in. She stated that the sanitary system needs to be upgraded. Holliday Creek needs to be improved. Anna Ruth Robertson, 605 Humphreys, stated that they have been flooded at her residence for several years. She mentioned water standing summer and winter. Paving is inadequate. They have difficulty getting out of their yard. Water stands from one side of the street to the other. She desired drainage improve- ments . Dwayne Palmer appeared as Chairman of the American G.I. Forum. He urged that the money be used to provide benefits for the entire city. We have in- adequate paving, insufficient fire plugs in the Mexican-American community. He recommended that the Ohio Street underpass be opened and widened for access to the East side around the railroad tracks. They desire more Mexican-American police and firemen, more bus service, park facilities, and swimming pools. Brown Hudson stated that he would like to see that the Planning Commission be strengthened, and be a strong arm with the City Council. If planning takes its proper place in the city, we will know how to cope with all things. He would like to see a citizens advisory committee to work with the Planning Commis- sion in a comprehensive plan. Recommendations would be made to the Council, and action taken by the Council as necessary. More improvements are needed in the downtown area. Pedestrian shelter areas and parking were mentioned. Charles Harper mentioned that the downtown area is deteriorating. He recom- mended something between the downtown area and the river. He asked that the County be requested to participate. They would like to obtain property near Lucy Park. He recommended that a Community Center be located in that area. It could be joined under the expressway to Lucy Park. Sixth Street could be extended to the East side. He recommended expansion of commercial activity along the river. John Hirschi stated they would like to have something in Wichita Falls to be proud of. They would like to have the project undertaken for the benefit of all the people. They would like a community facility that all groups can enjoy. A cultural center, with day care facilities and banquet facilities, tied into Lucy Park. Jim Romice mentioned displaced families, and that they should be given maxi- mum benefits in relocation. Controls should be established on the use of the Community Center. We should hot duplicate social services we already have. We should also be careful not to spend tax dollars for it. Forrest Whan, 4104 Emerson, suggested that the Council pay off some of its debts first. It would permit the Council to apply the money they are now paying for interest and principal to other projects. John Helton, who resides in the Sunset Terrace area, mentioned traffic signs and sidewalks, suggesting that the money should be used for this type of thing, as well as upgrading the drainage. I 665 i i Item 2, cont'd. Susie Crawford requested sanitation and flood control measures. James Esther appeared as Vice-President of the East Side Community Development Association. He suggested that areas like the East side should be improved. We should help those who cannot help themselves due to their income. He mentioned an overpass from Edison Street downtown; and the ex- tension of Duncan Street to East Side Drive. He also mentioned resurfacing streets that need it. We should use the funds so that our citizens will not be stuck with the tab after revenue sharing has gone. Sid Gaines stated that Wichita General Hospital should be considered. Also, that a Community Center should be held at a cost which will not be prohibitive for those to rent. He suggested that the hotel and motel occupancy tax would support it. He mentioned several groups which could be benefited by it. He stated that we already have a citizens advisory com- mittee. They could study these ideas and present them to the Council. J. B. Jarratt appeared as Chairman of the Board of the General Hospital. He requested that a portion of the revenue sharing be used for the hospital. They are requesting this also of the County. The County contributes $160,000 per year, and the City contributes $80,000 to their operational budget. More funds are needed or they will have to curtail services. Jack Ballard appeared, stating that he believes Mr. Fox and the others have already made up their minds as to how they will spend the money. He stated that they know the conditions on the East Side, and nothing has been done. He stated that there are 1700 cesspools in Wichita Falls, and -half of them are on the East Side. There is no youth center in Wichita Falls, nor is there a U.S.O. There is no public swimming pool., Senior Citizens pre- viously requested bus fares to be lowered, but they were denied. The bus system should be improved for the senior citizens to ride. He verbally attacked the City Manager on this point. He stated that the sewer line should be extended to the East Side. He stated that the black people had been left sitting in a-mud hole. He accused the Council, and Alderman Taylor in particular, of voting on issues as they please instead of as the people desire. Marion Barker requested that the money be put away until careful con- sideration of the issues has been made. He desired that they let it draw interest until careful, judicious decisions can be made, if this can be done within the guidelines. Alderman Boyd pointed out that he had suggested this earlier, but that they have found out that it must be spent within a reason- able time, or 18 months. Johnny Welborn, Director of North Texas Regional Council on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism, requested funds for this program. Henry Barton appeared as a member of the executive board of Kemp Public Library. He proposed to remove from the shelves the bound periodicals, and replace them with microfilming. This will give more shelf space. He also mentioned some additional equipment. T. L. Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Community Action Cor- poration, commended the Council for seeking the advice of the citizens in seeking how to allocate these funds. He read a resolution recommending com- bating poverty and relieving social problems. He mentioned several areas in which services are needed. The overall budget for CAC is $70,000. Rosa Donnell suggested that one-fourth of the money be spent in each section of town for improvements. She would like to see transportation to the industries. Street improvements are needed on Thompson Road, Trout, and between Bowie School and Washington Elementary School. Bus shelters are needed for school children. A portion should be allocated to the General Hospital to provide care for the poor who are not on Mbdicaid or Medicare. Renovation of the old East Side Gym could be done for youth and aged activities. The poor could use some of the funds for financial aid for suits and legal aid. Dilapadated houses could be removed. Mike Duffee stated that he thought the purpose of it was to relieve the taxpayer. He proposed that the money be incorporated in the city budget to be used as replacement funds; that the money be returned to the citizens of Wichita Falls in the form of a tax rebate. 666 Item 2, cont'd. Rebecca Williams, who lives on Harding Street, stated that three years ago she registered a complaint about a ditch running along Harding to Cottonwood. She appealed to the Board of Health and the Council to no avail. Streets need to be widened. There are no sidewalks, and pavement is broken. She plead with the Council to help them. The roads are so narrow they are almost closed. She asked that the Council please do something to help them. Mayor Wallander thanked her for this type of presentation. Cletus Jones spoke on the flooding condition of the Wichita River. A flood control system is needed. He requested that they take into consideration money for this type of project. This is a health and safety condition. Dustin Fillmore commented that we should maintain a top notch police depart- ment by having competitive salaries. We should eliminate disparaties of starting salaries across the state. He mentioned several cities in which the salaries in Wichita Falls are less than. C. R. Carpenter commented that if all the money is put into one thing they will have a lot of dissatisfaction in the City. He suggested that a certain per- cent be allocated to human resources ; another portion to capital improvements. We could clean up areas that are eyesores, pave every street in the city with proper drainage. Use the funds in different areas. Mayor Wallander stated that the Council appreciated the interest shown. Arthur Beyer stated that we have had a lesson in ecology. He echoed Sid Gaines ' statement that groups do already exist in Wichita Falls to take a look at what some of the people want in Wichita Falls. He recommended that it be turned over to the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission. He stated that he has confidence in that Commission and the Council to do what is best. He feels the future of America will depend on what the people do with revenue shar- ing in the future. The Mayor mentioned the verbal abuse made against them tonight, expressing appreciation to the Council and City Manager for their attitude toward it. The public hearing adjourned at 10:00 P.M. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of 1972. / G Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk