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Min 05/11/1966 885 Wichita Falls, Texas Memorial Auditorium Building May 11, 1966 Items 1 $ 2 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 10:00 o'clock A. M. , with the following members present: R. C. Rancier . Mayor R. Kenneth Hill X Dr. D. C. Burross X James M. Davis X Aldermen Leroy Daniel X Max Kruger X Cletus C. Schenk X Jack Davis City Manager H. P. Hodge, Jr. City Attorney Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk The invocation was given by Alderman Daniel. Item 3 � v Mayor Rancier stated that this meeting had been called for adoption of a resolution. He also welcomed Woody Featherston who is connected with the Hospital Board, and Jim Harwell of the Chamber of Commerce. City Manager Jack Davis stated that approval was needed of the contract for purchase of the Catholic school property in the amount of $398,500.00 for medical expansion that a public hearing be called for financing this property. J / RESOLUTION NO. 642 WHEREAS, by Resolution Number 641 dated May 9, 1966, City Manager Jack Davis was authorized to take the necessary steps to condemn or otherwise acquire Block 257 of the Original Townsite of the City of Wichita Falls to be uaed for medical facilities either public or private; and, WHEREAS, Mr. Davis entered into a contract dated May 10, 1966 to purchase such property for $398,500.00; and, WHEREAS, it will be necessary to make a temporary loan to finance this pur- chase; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS: That such contract for purchase of said property is hereby ratified, and a public hearing is hereby called on the 27th day of May, 1966 at 9:00 o'clock A. M. in the Council Room in the Memorial Auditorium to consider the adoption of an ordinance providing for a temporary loan in the amount of $400,000.00 to cover the purchase price of said property and the closing and other incidental expenses in connection therewith. Moved by Alderman Burross that Resolution No. 642 be passed, authorizing purchase of this property, and setting the date of May 27, at 9:00 A. M. , for the public hearing. Motion seconded by Alderman Kruger, and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Rancier, Aldermen Hill, Burross, Davis, Daniel, Kruger, and Schenk. Nays: None Wayland D. Keith, 2208 Piedmont, asked to be recognized. Fie stated he did not oppose additional hospital facilities, but objected that there had not been any notification of additional land purchase prior to the council meeting on May 9. No publicity had been given, and the citizens knew nothing about it. Mayor Rancier explained that his objection was being met by setting the pub- lic hearing on May 27, and that they desired the public to attend. He stated that the council is acting in the best interest of the public because the present hospital facilities are being taxed to the utmost and beyond, and medicare will tax these facilities even more heavily. We know that growth is coming, and a 886 Item 3 cont'd great deal of hospital care will be required for older people and others as well. If we do not visualize now, and look into the future then we will have to search further later on for these facilities. This has not been hasty action, but has been thought of ahead, and the charter clearly states that the Council may handle this in this way. The city desires to be prepared for any contingency. Alderman Kruger asked Mr. Keith if he questioned the right of the Council to act in this respect. Mr. Keith stated it was questionable in his mind whether the Council could purchase this land for the city, and he objected to it being used as a private facility. Mayor Rancier stated no definite plans are in mind at this time, but the need is here, and the land will be available when the occasion arises. He read a telegram from the Wichita Medical Society commending the city for their far- sightedness in obtaining this property for medical purposes. Mr. Keith asked what the interest rate would be on this amount of money. City Manager Jack Davis informed him that it would be set at the 90-day treasury note rate according to the depository agreement with City National Bank. Alderman Burross informed Mr. Keith that hearing him in this manner was an example of a public hearing. Mr. Keith stated that he had had several calls from citizens regarding the purchase of this property. Alderman Hill inquired why he would be called on this matter instead of the Council. He also asked Mr. Keith if he would not have been up here protesting no matter what the price might have been. He de- clined to answer this question, but the mayor stated they had answered several questions from him and that Mr. Keith should answer Mr. Hill's question. His reply was that he might have been up here, but he might not have protested. His objection was using it for private use and not public. Alderman Davis informed Mr. Keith that in all probability the land would be used for public medical facilities, and they hoped it would be, but if it could not be used that way then a private institution could use it. Alderman Schenk stated that the Council had authorized the City Manager to make an offer of $375,000.00, but it was not accepted, and they were forced to go to a higher price. He also informed Mr. Keith that real estate cannot be negotiat- ed publicly and he should know that. Any real estate man would find it a necessity to make a profit on his property. He also informed him that they did not dump into this matter, that an investigation was carried on for at least six weeks prior to this action. Alderman Daniel made various comments on this matter. Mayor Rancier asked Mr. Keith if every question had been answered, and he stated it had been. Ken Hays appeared and commended the City Council upon taking this action. He inquired what would happen to the contract already executed should adequate means of financing not be approved. City Manager Jack Davis stated that the Council is authorized to borrow money for this purpose; however, if they should fail to go through with the contract then the City would lose their deposit in escrow. Mr. Hays felt the profit on this sale was within reason. . Also that he felt the Council should hear every objection from any citizen in all fairness, no matter how absurd the objection might be. Mayor Rancier stated he would never let his personal feelings for anyone prevent him from being fair. Item 4 John J. Roark, Director of Public Works, presented a proposed change for Kemp Boulevard. The first estimate on that facility had been approximately $80,000.00 for overlay. After re-evaluating the plan. it was determined that by using maintenance funds and street department facilities that Kemp could be widened five feet on each side of the present median, making two 12 1/2 e feet lanes in either direction instead of the present 10 feet lanes. The median can be landscaped and a sprinkler system installed from Park Depart- ment funds. By using these other facilities the work could still be accomplished for approximately the same amount of money. Moved by Alderman Burross that authority be granted to proceed with plans 887 Item 4 cont'd for the proposed changes in Kemp Boulevard as presented. r Motion seconded by Alderman Kruger and carried unanimously. Alderman Hill commended Mr. Roark for his action in making this determina- tion. Moved by Alderman Daniel that the meeting be adjourned. Motion seconded by Alderman Schenk and carried unanimously. The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 11 :05 A. M. PASSED AND APPROVED this day of , 1966 Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk