Min 05/27/1966 897
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
M
Items 1 t, 2 May 27, 1966
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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 :
R. C. Rancier Mayor
R. Kenneth Hill X
Dr. D. C. Burross X
James M. Davis X Aldermen
Max Kruger
Cletus C. Schenk X
Jack Davis City Manager
H. P. Dodge, Jr. City Attorney
Wilma J. Thomas City Clerk
Leroy Daniel Absent
The invocation was given by Alderman Burross.
Mayor Rancier stated that the purpose of this meetingpublic
was a p hearing
on financing the recently purchased Catholic School property. He called for any-
one wishing to be heard on this matter.
Mr. Talmage Kolb appeared, inquiring why the hospital authority cannot pur-
chase land directly instead of the city buying it for them. Alderman Burross
stated a hospital authority has never been voted by the prople. At one time it
was voted down. He also stated that the hospital board can issue revenue bonds,
but has no power of taxation.
Much discussion was had on this matter with Mr. Kolb asking if any specific
medical facility had been planned for use on this land. Mayor Rancier stated
they did not know whether it would be a complete hospital or an adjunct to the
existing one, or whether it would be public or private. Alderman Davis stated
that the exact facility to be constructed had not been decided. Alderman Kruger
explained that all the Council was trying to do was look ahead for future medical
expansion. No specific medical facility has been picked out at this time. Alder-
men Davis also stated that the Council was not trying to compete with private
facilities. Alderman Burross made several comments, giving Mr. Kolb essentially
the same answer as the other aldermen. He also stated that 17 years ago an
offer of $350,000 was made on this property, and the $480500 difference now was
very much in line with the times.
Mr. Kolb asked if any plans had been made on the number of beds for this
facility or the bed cost per person. No plans have been made on the number of
beds. Mayor Rancier stated that the City did not anticipate spending any money
on it. Mr. Kolb also asked if anyone knew what building, equipment, or financing
costs would be, stating he was opposed to a political subdivision getting into
private industry. His main objection was competition to himself. The Council
repeatedly expressed that no cost estimates on any phase have been made. The only
thing they are trying to do is look ahead for a location site for some type of
medical facility.
James Barnett, Chairman of Special Projects Committee of Citizens Advisory
Committee, read a report from Dr. Parker of the Wichita Health Unit which the
committee had accepted. Dr. Parker mentioned in the report that a centrally
located health unit will enable the department to have a better program.
Jack Ballard appeared for several minutes with numerous comments on rest
homes.
Ken !lays appeared stating he was very much in favor of the Council's action
on this matter, and he hoped they would do everything they can to keep it from
costing the city anything, including taxes. Alderman Burross stated that a plan
is being devised so that the City will eventually be out of the hospital business.
Wayland Keith appeared still opposing the possibility of a private orgainza-
tion being allowed to buy the land from the City. fie asked if the louncil had
898
investigated any other property to compare prices. City Manager Jack Davis stated
there was no other property of that size available. Mayor Rancier echoed these
words. Mr. Keith asked if the Council had considered Bellevue Park located across
the street as a possible site. They stated that they had, but did not want to
deprive the citizens of their park. He also asked if this amount of money would be
on the tax roll next year. Alderman Davis stated they felt it was unlikely that
the taxes would be increased to take care of it, but would just pay the interest
until such time as the property could be disposed of.
After several more comments Mr. Keith stated he would like to register his
opposition against the Council's action.
J. B. Jarratt stated he was in full accord with the action of the Council,
and hoped that part of this land would be reserved for hospital, not rest home,
facilities. Reference was made to a resolution which was passed by the hospital
board (attached) .
Mayor Rancier declared the public hearing closed.
Alderman Schenk stated he was glad the Citizen's Advisory Committee and
Hospital Board are working toward putting this land to use for the citizens of
Wichita Falls. Ile hopes that no rest home will be built, but that it can be used
for extended medical facilities for the hospital. He feels the Council has made
a good buy.
Mr. Kolb asked for recognition again, making it clear he did not come as a
protestant as such, but for information, and expressing appreciation to each
council member for giving of their time to serve the city.
Alderman Burross stated he appreciated Mr. Kolb's questions, and also the
fact that he had stuck to fact and not attacked personalities.
✓'ORDINANCE NO. 2239
ORDINANCE PROVIDING A TEMPORARY LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000 FOR THE
PURCHASE OF BLOCK 257 OF THE ORIGINAL TOWNSITE OF THE CITY OF WICIIITA I
FALLS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Kruger that Ordinance No. 2239 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rancier, Aldermen Hill, Burross, Davis, Kruger, and Schenk.
Nays : None
Moved by Alderman Burross that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion seconded by Alderman Hill, and carried unanimously.
The Board of Aldermen adjourned at 10:45 A. M.
PASSED AND APPROVED this _� day of 1966.
Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
�ic�iita �j�nezaL' �os�.itaC
SIXTEEN HUNDRED (EIGHTH
7
Wichita an' JEXR1
May 3, 1966
Be it resolved that the Wichita County-City of Wichita Falls, Texas,
Hospital Board hereby approves the efforts of the City of Wichita Falls
to acquire property adjacent to present hospital property in order to
provide for additional medical facilities to meet future community needs.
Be it further resolved that the acqusition of such land is consistant
with the expansion plans of the hospitals of this city. This property
is vital to the growth of the medical center facilities necessary to
serve the growing needs of the city and the entire area.
AAeadierston
Secretary, Hospital Board