Min 11/11/1963 lVichita Falls, 'Texas J I
Memorial Auditorium i;ldp.
November 11, 1963
Item Nos. The Hoard of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in regular session
1 12 on the above date, in the Council Room of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 7:30 o'clock
P.M. , with the following members Present:
John J. Gavin Mayor
J. hinston Wallander X
Dr. D. Clifford Burross X
Dr. Al T. Witcher X Aldermen
O. D. McBride
Roy V. (Pete) Claytor X
Don Trade X
L. Jack Davis City Manager
Ii. P. bodge, Jr. City Attorney
W. B. Flicks City Clerk
The invocation was given by Alderman Viade.
3 Moved by Alderman Burross that the minutes of the council meeting held October 28,
1963, be approved as read.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and carried unanimously.
Before proceeding with the agenda, Alayor John Gavin welcomed a large number of
citizens who were present.
4 ivlr. Don Hill of the National Safety Council was recognized and took the floor to
present the annual report and his anaylsis of same of the National Safety Council. Mr. hill
gave the highlights of this report, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City
Clerk, and presented to Mayor Gavin the National Safety Council Certificate of Achievement
for School Traffic Safety Education.
5 RESOLUTION NO. 534
F,
r A RESOLUTION CANVASSING RETURNS OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD IN THE
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, OCTOBER 29, 1963, FOR A PROPOSED AMLND-
MENT TO THE CHARTLR OF THE CITY OF h'ICHITA FALLS.
WHEREAS, at a regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls,
Texas, held in the tMemorial Auditorium Building on the llth day of November, 1963, at which
time a quorum was present, came on to be considered the returns of the municipal election
held on the 29th day of October, 1963, for a proposed amendment to the Charter of the City of
Wichita Falls; and
WHEREAS, after convassing the returns of said election it was found to be duly and
legally held in all respects, and there were cast at said election 7,330 votes on the prop-
osition that the Charter of the City of Wichita Falls be amended to read as follows:
"Section 10. The Board of Aldermen shall consist of a Mayor and ten Aldermen.
The Mayor is to be elected from the City at large, to serve for a period of
two years, or until his successor has been duly elected and has so qualified.
The Aldermen shall be elected, one each from ten wards, to be set up with due
regard for equal distribution of the population of such City, and each Alderman
shall be a resident of such ward for at least twelve months prior to his election,
and should he move from the ward before the expiration of his term of office,
then at a special election the qualified voters of such ward shall elect a sue-
cessor to serve the remainder of his term. Only qualified voters from each ward
may cast ballots for the position of Alderman in the ward in which such voter
resides. Aldermen are to be elected for a period of two years, except the elec-
tion in 1964, in which five Aldermen would be elected for a period of one year
and five Aldermen elected for a period of two years.
City elections shall be held on the first Tuesday of April of each year. At
such election held in 1964, a Mayor and ten Aldermen shall be elected. That at
such election held in 1965, and each odd numbered year thereafter five Aldermen
shall be elected, in the election of 1966 and each even numbered year thereafter,
a Mayor and five Aldermen shall be elected."
Votes "Yes" . . . . . . . 1,973
Votes "No" . . . . . . . 5,357
582
AND, it appearing that there were more "No" votes cast than "Yes" votes; Item 5 cont'd.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, that the proposed amendment to the Charter of the City of Wichita Falls was defeated
at said election, and that said election was in all respects legally held in accordance
with the laws of the State of Texas and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Wichita
Falls.
Moved by Alderman Wade that Resolution No. 534 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Witcher and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
Mr. E. R. Larson, the president of the Seyvista Improvement Association, was recog- 6
nized and took the floor to speak for the large number of members of this association who !/
were present, and to inquire of the Council their plans in regard to the installation of
sanitary sewers in Seymour Heights and Rancho Vista. Mr. R. D. ;Montgomery and Mr. George
Adams were also recognized and made some pertinent remarks regarding this project. The ques-
tions of Mr. Larson were answered, and the planning for the sanitary sewer facilities in
these areas was explained by Mayor Gavin with the assistance of Aldermen Burross and
Wallander. Mr. Leslie L. Godfrey next took the floor to explain that he lived on Farm Road
369, and to inquire if his property was included in these plans, and to publicly thank hir.
John Ruhmann for the installation of a fire plug in the immediate area of his home.
ORDINANCE NO. 2056 7
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CITY 1,11HITS OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, BY
ANNEXING CERTAIN LANDS ADJACENT TO THE SOUTHEASTERN TERRITORIAL LIMITS OF THE
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, WHICH LANDS ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE
(WINDTHORST ROAD FIRE SUBSTATION SITE) .
Moved by Alderman Wallander that Ordinance No. 2056 be introduced.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen h'allander, Burross, Hitcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
RESOLUTION NO. 535 $
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS:
THAT the provisions of Minute Order No. 53668 passed by the Texas Highway Commission
on October 25, 1963, are acceptable to the City of Wichita Falls, and it is hereby ordered
that the City of Wichita Falls cooperate with the State Highway Department and proceed with
those obligations so stipulated in the above Minute Order as being the responsibilities of
the City.
Moved by Alderman Claytor that Resolution No. 535 be passed.
Motion seconded by Aldermen Wade and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2057 9
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING ESTIMATES OF THE COST OF IMPROVEMENTS AND OF
AMOUNTS TO BE ASSESSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON A PORTION OF HAARING STREET FROM ROSE-
WOOD TO THOMPSON ROAD AND PORTIONS OF SUNDRY OTHER STREETS AVENUES AND PUBLIC
PLACES IN THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS; FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING OF
THE OWNERS OF ABUTTING PROPERTY AND TO ALL OTHERS INTERESTED: DIRECTING THE CITY
TO GIVE NOTICE OF SUCH HEARING: AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ENGROSS AND EN-
ROLL THIS ORDINANCE BY COPYING THE CAPTION OF SAME IN THE MINUTE BOOK OF THE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN AND BY FILING THE COMPLETE ORDINANCE IN THE APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE
RECORDS OF THE CITY': PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE: PROVIDING SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS
INCIDENT THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. :
Moved by Alderman Burross that Ordinance 2057 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
Sb3
I
Item 10 Moved by Alderman Claytor that permission be granted to advertise for bids on
if irrigation systems in nine of the City parks, at an estimated cost of �114,035.00, since
V. the funds are available in capital improvements program.
Motion seconded by Alderman Witcher and passed unanimously.
11 RESOLUTION NO. 536
A RESOLUTION REVISING THE EXISTING PAVING STANDARDS IN THE CITY OF WICHITA
FALLS, TEXAS, AND IN AREAS ADJACENT THERETO THAT ARE SUBJECT TO ANNEXATION
INTO THE CITY.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS:
That, due to the decreasing duality and quantity of an acceptable conglomerate
gravel base material for use in the City of Wichita Falls, the following revisions be made
in the present paving standards governing pavement in the City of Wichita Falls and in areas
adjacent thereto that are subject to annexation, to-wit:
1. That all conglomerate base material shall be stabilized with
cement in an amount specified by the Engineering Division of
the Public Works Department to provide a well bonded homo-
geneous moisture resistant base.
2. That the gradation requirements that presently exist be modi-
fied to provide a gradation which more closely fits the grada-
tion of the operative pits in the Wichita Falls area.
The introduction of the above recommended pavement section will provide for three
alternates of residential pavements for construction in new developments and also for par-
ticipation paving projects. These three alternates are as follows:
TYPE I To consist of 6 inches of cement stabilized conglomerate
base material with 1 112 inches of hot mix asphaltic con-
crete. This section shall be constructed on 4 inches of
sandstone foundation course.
TYPE II To consist of 4 inches of hot mix asphaltic concrete base
course with 2 inches of hot mix asphaltic surface course.
This section shall be constructed on 4 inches of sandstone
foundation course.
TYPE I1I To consist of 5 inches of light reinforced concrete pavement
to be constructed on 4 inches of sandstone foundation course.
It shall be required that all utilities be installed under paved areas prior to
the construction of any pavement, and that all utility trenches under the pavement shall be
backfilled with pneumatically tamped sand, to a point three feet beyond the curb line.
This resolution repeals and supersedes Resolution No. 318.
Moved by Alderman Witcher that Resolution No. 536 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Wade and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
12/ Moved by Alderman Wade that Change Order No. 1 on the Wichita Gardens Sanitary
Sewer contract with Brodie Construction Company for an increase of $1900.70 be approved.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and passed unanimously.
13a. Moved by Alderman Wallander that the contract for recapping of tires for City
vehicles be awarded to Hodges 'Fire Company for a period of one year.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and carried unanimously.
13b Moved by Alderman Witcher that a contract for automobile, truck, and tractor
batteries to be purchased as required, be awarded to Whites Stores, Inc. , for a period of
one year.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and passed unanimously.
584
RESOLUTION NO. 537 14
1AIIREAS, the Texas Highway Department, by Minute Order No. 53655, passed October 24,
1963, has agreed to cooperate with the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita County in the de- ,
velopment of an urban transportation plan for Wichita Falls; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ivichita Falls desires to have this study made with the coopera-
tion of the Texas Highway Department in accordance with the terms set out in Minute Order
No. 53655, which state that the City of Wichita Falls will contribute nineteen thousand
five hundred dollars ($19,500) which is approximately fifteen per cent (15%) of the total
estimated cost for the first phase of the development of the plan with the Texas Highway
Department furnishing the remaining eighty-five per cent (85%) of the monies from federal
and state funds available for such research and planning;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS:
THAT the provisions of the Texas Highway Department Minute Order No. 53655 are accep-
table to the City of Wichita Falls, and we hereby agree to accept the provisions and terms
as set out in the Texas highway Department Minute Order No. 53655.
Moved by Alderman Burross that Resolution 537 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Witcher and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
Moved by Alderman Witcher that water and sewer reimbursements as follows, be approved 15
for payment.
r%
Lynwood homes, Inc, Water, Lynwood Exhibit "A", from April 15, 1962 to April 15,
1963; $3,440.12
Hamilton Investment Company, Water, Eighth Supplemental Addition Country Club
Estates, from October 30, 1962 to October 30, 1963; $281.47
Hughes Development Company, Sewer, Faith Village #3, from November 18, 1962 to
November 181, 1963; $435.50
Lynwood homes, Inc. , Sewer, Lynwood Exhibit "A", from April 15, 1962 to April
15, 1963; $797.71
Sunnyside Development Company (Joe A. Best, Jr. , & Ralph Hines, Jr.) , Sewer,
Sunnyside Heights Addition, Sections 2-A & 2B, from October 29, 1962 to October
293, 1963; $354.85
Hamilton Investment Company, Sewer, Seventh Supplemental Country Club Estates,
from October 31, 1962 to October 31, 1963; $193.20
Norman Downing, Sewer, Second Supplemental Addition Park Place, from October 31,
1962 to October 31, 1963; $74.25
Hamilton Investment Company, Sewer, Eighth Supplemental Addition Country Club
Estates, from October 30, 1962 to October 30, 1963; $28.83
Hughes Development Company, Sewer, Faith Village #2, from October 28, 1962 to
October 28, 1963; $2,142.12
Motion seconded by Alderman Wade and carried unanimously.
Moved by Alderman Burross that the minutes of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals 16
held October 29, 1963, be received and accepted.
Motion seconded by Alderman Claytor and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 538 17
f
WHEREAS, certain employees of the City of Wichita Falls have served the City of
Wichita Falls and its citizens faithfully and unceasingly; and
WHEREAS, the City of Wichita Falls desires to show its appreciation for the faithful
service of these employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS:
THAT the Mayor of the City of Wichita Falls acting by and through its Board of
Aldermen shall hereby issue Certificates of Appreciation for the faithful and loyal service
done by these employees for the benefit of the citizens of Wichita Falls.
I 585
Item 17 IMoved by Alderman Claytor that Resolution No. 538 be passed
cont'd. P '
Motion seconded by Alderman Wade and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, twitcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
18 , Noved by Alderman Burross that contracts for Water Improvement Project No. 9-63
jj in the amount of $117,323.73 be awarded to Costello Construction Company, and that the City
Manager be authorized to execute same.
ivtotion seconded by Alderman Claytor and passed unanimously.
19a RESOLUTION NO. 539
v
WHEREAS, Royce A. Drake, Jr. has resigned his position as Planning Engineer for
the. City of Wichita Falls for the purpose of entering private practice; and, during the
t/ period in which he served the City of Wichita Falls in this capacity, Mr. Drake was untiring
in his efforts to promote the future growth and welfare of the City by means of a well de-
signed and executed planning program; and,
WHEREAS, in years to come, our citizens will reap the benefits of the planning pro-
gram which Mr. Drake carried out.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF TIIE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS,
that the resignation of Royce A. Drake, Jr, is accepted with regret, and the appreciation of
the City of Wichita Falls is hereby expressed to Royce A. Drake, Jr, for his faithful ser-
vice to the City and best wishes are expressed to him for his success and happiness in the
future.
Moved by Alderman hitcher that Resolution No. 539 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman ttiade and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Gavin, Aldermen ;,iallander, Burross, hitcher, (McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
19b RESOLUTION NO. 540
L
WHEREAS, W. Coleman Williams has faithfully served the City of Wichita Falls and
its citizens from May 16, 1956 until October 30, 1963, at which time he resigned in order
to enter private business; and,
WIIEREAS, during these years, Mr. Williams not only served ably and well as Dir-
ector of Personnel and Director of Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service, but also gave un-
selfishly of his time and talents in the performance of many other tasks for the benefit of
this City; and,
I41iEREAS, the City will not only miss his professional ability but also his warm
and friendly personality;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS,
that the resignation of W. Coleman tilliams is accepted with regret, and that the apprecia-
tion of the City of Wichita Falls is hereby expressed to W. Coleman Williams for his years
of faithful service to the City, and that the best wishes of all of us be extended to him
for a happy and successful future.
Moved by Alderman Wade that Resolution No. 540 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman Witcher and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Gavin, Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
19c RESOLUTION NO 541
WHEREAS, Spencer P. Ellis has resigned his position with the City of Wichita Falls
to accept a position with the State of ilHaryland; and,
WHEREAS, during his tenure Mr. Ellis served the City of Wichita Falls ably as its
Director of Parks and Recreation; and,
WHEREAS, under the guidance and leadership of Spencer P. Ellis the beauty of our
parks and their usefulness to our citizens were constantly improved, and the Recreation De-
partment furnished an expanded program of exercise, training, and recreation to many of the
young people of our City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS,
that the resignation of Spencer P. Ellis is accepted with regret, and appreciation is hereby
0
expressed to him for his many years of service to the City, and best wishes are expressed Item 19c
to him for his future happiness and success. cont'd.
Alderman Claytor stated that since he was the council representative on the Park
Board, he moved that Resolution No. 541 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman (`ditcher and passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Gavin, Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2058 20 ,
AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE INHALING, DRINKING, OR BREATHING OF CERTAIN SUB-
STANCES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Moved by Alderman Wade that Ordinance No. 2058 be passed.
Motion seconded by Alderman McBride and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Aldermen Wallander, Burross, Witcher, McBride, Claytor, and Wade.
Nays: None
The scheduled business of the meeting being completed, Mayor Gavin asked the Alder-
men if any of them had any remarks they would like to make. Alderman Witcher made some re-
marks on the report of the National Safety Council regarding state driver licensing proce-
dures in the field of eyesight tests. (Copy attached) .
Moved by Alderman Burross that the City Manager, Mr. Jack Davis, acquaint Mr. Hill, 21
of the National Safety Council, of the awareness of the City Administration regarding the ✓�`
problems and corrective measures planned in the areas highlighted in his analysis of the
annual traffic report.
Mayor Gavin now read a letter dated November 11, 1963, addressed to the mayor and 22
Board of Aldermen from the City Manager in regards to the policy of city employees appear- r
ing before the Council to discuss the operations of their department or in regard to their
job without being previously authorized by the employee's supervisors, and the City Manager.
(Copy of letter attached hereto) .
1
Mayor Gavin now asked if there were others in the audience who wished to speak to
the Council. Mr. C. F. Luna was recognized and stated that he would like to appear as a r
representative of an employee of the City who was discharged on November 1. Mayor Gavin re-
ferred Mr. Luna to Mr. Davis, and stated that it was his perogative to receive grievances,
and further stated that since Mr. Luna desired to present a written grievance to the Alder-
men that this grievance could only be presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen through
the City Manager, and that the Mayor and City Council would only review the grievance at
the request of the City Manager.
Mr. Joe Everett was recognized and identified himself as a citizen of the State of
Texas, of the United States, and as a friend of the Council, and stated that he was not
there as a representative of the union for which lie is business agent, but as a friend, and
would like to ask some questions regarding working conditions, etc. , of one of the city de-
partments. Mayor Gavin stated that they were unable to discuss anything with Mr. Everett,
as negotiations of any kind with a union representative representing municipal employees was
unlawful. After further attempted discussion it was moved by Alderman Burross that the dis-
cussion be discontinued, and that Mayor Gavin rule Mr. Everett out of order. Motion seconded
by Alderman Wallander, and passed unanimously. Mayor Gavin ruled that Mr. Everett was out of
order, and he returned to his seat in the audience.
Alderman Witcher at this time gave some comparative figures on the operation of the
sanitation department of our city, and those of other cities. City Manager, Jack Davis,
at the conclusion of Alderman Witcher's remarks, informed the Council that our sanitation
department had a higher prorata rating in the recent United Fund drive than any other
department.
Mr. Neal Campbell, who resides in Western Hills, and whose rear property line para-
lells Barnett Road in (Western Hills, requested from the Council that they receive some help
in eliminating drag racing on Barnett Road. Mr. Campbell was referred by Mayor Gavin to
Mr. Bob Jolliff, Director of Public Safety, for assistance in solving this problem. Alder-
man Wallander made a few remarks in regards to drag racing and the dangers thereof.
587
Mr. L. E. Arbuckle was next recognized and stated that he was an employee of the
City Sanitation Department. Mayor Gavin asked Mr. Arbuckle if he had secured permission
j from his superiors to appear before the Council, and as Mr. Arbuckle had not, it was sug-
gested by the Mayor that in order to avoid disciplinary action that he confer with ;sir.
Chancey, of the Sanitation Department, Mr. R. 1'. Gregory, Director of Public Works, and Mr.
Jack Davis, City Manager. After confering with each of these in the order listed, permission
was given to Mr. Arbuckle to appear before the Council, and Mr. Arbuckle requested some clar-
ification of the City Manager's letter to the Council which Mayor Gavin had read. Clarifica-
tion of this letter was made. Mr. Arbuckle tried to ask a number of other questions, but
since clarification of Air. Davis' letter had been made, permission was withdrawn by Mr.
Gregory for him to speak further with the Council, and he resumed his seat.
At this time Dr. Burross made some remarks clarifying the type of government that
we have.
Mr. I . E. Phillips was recognized and commended the sanitation department on their
efforts,and related his problems with the sanitation department to the City Council.
Moved by Alderman Claytor that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion seconded by Alderman bade and carried unanimously.
The Board of Aldermen then adjourned at 10:02 P.M.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the q;-1 day of ��o�� ��� A.D.) 1963.
LEI
f V1 ' - Mayor��TTEST:
City Clerk
DR. AL T. WITCHER
OPTOMETRIST
ot.ONE -123-1,6A,
613 EIGHTH STREET
WiCHiTa, Frl,L& TEXAS
As r�,ported it City Counoil meeting Nov. 11, 1963e
The annul t affix inventory report for Wichita 11811a given
.ion 411 of the National Safety Uounoil Shows we are
ma1KIT19 proRrss"
Howpc"r, e•v . timR i hear these reports on safety, 1 cannot
help but thi how lax our state laws are on the renewal of
our drivers oenses. Being interested in vision as i am,
7 think we a realise that the main factor in safety is not
the - ^eh1cle ioelf but the operator of it and being able to
gee properlyla the main factor in driving safely. 1 was Kearney in the
interested sad �axdenemagazine entitleda"Driveral RRye Tests -
Bettnr r.o"+hs�d
d 1 +ation• -wid aroo" and would like to quote part of it. he
states that eery day, people unable to Make out the big "E"
e ah are being licensed. to drive Ameriom's highways
at 70°8 0 mph No one will be ease, nor will our appollinR
accident rat Irop, until this ludicrous situation is corrected.
hew rorx a,nobile publication recently pulled a stunt with
shocking imp utions. They Rot a blinded war veteran, filled
out an appli_4on for renewal of his driver's license, drove
him to the m1 i Office at the State motor Vehicles Bureau in
Manhattan, aau urned him loose at the door. Wearing dark
.laisses and ;ing a white cane,, this blind man "'alt his way
�cautl,)U812 a s the big room until he bumped into aw guard.
lapoal °RI7ing'a� asked to bet led
theoolerk license.
in two *'nintrtea� window.
had
,There he hanlllhis papers o
yms new lice in M states people can renew their licensees
must as east z} the blind man in Dow York did -often by mail ".
Texas is one�hese states and most Texas arivers who received
s drivers lid when the law wash into effect years ago have
simpler Mai le! I the fee every two years since to renew their
license, Mai `•e developed eye complications such as oataraots
and loss of vision and the like without being aware of it.
ir�ce 90 perainf our driving reactions start with vision,
4. � s d�s4- V.)% to + nearly half of today's drivers have never
ad an offioi a test of any kind,, let alone a Rood one.
►r.til recent ny states gave no Rye test at all and the
there RavO o visual acuity check which is only one of
,even critics skills involved in safe driving, others
nol�.xde as ahe�r depth perception; visual, fields, a�lare
esistance, d daptation, night vision and color blindness.
i
ahcn an eye test is Riven as a result of an accident or to
get a new license and only the visual acuity is checked,eve
then *tht standards are so low that no state requires a norm
20/20 v1 sion- 12 states accept 20/50 to 20/70 without glass
and 20 accept this substandard runae if drivers do wear gle
tan eye that can read the 1/8 -inch letters on a Snellen cha
at 20 feet is 20/24. if it reads at only 20 feet the size
letter a normal eye sees at 50 or 70 feet, the rating is 20
or 20/70). iet many of these states post speed limits of
65 to 80 mph. A person with 20/50 acuity cannot read the
5 -inoh letters on a warning sign farther than 90 feet ahead
Therefore if he is driving 60 mph. guider ideal conditions,
he will be 174 feet beyond a stop sign before he can stop;
States that harm creaked down on repeaters have found that
percent of them cease to have accidents when their shortoom
arm explained to them.
Despite the many generalities we hear advanced as remedies
for our slaughter on the highways, very little has been don
about the factor which governs 90 percent of our driving
behavior - vision. and until something is done, the situatioi
will surely fret worse, not better. In 195E there were '58,0(
deaths from traffic accidents in the United States. In 196(
there were 93,000 persons who lost their lives in accidents,
Another 9,400,000 were injured- 360,000 crippled for life.
So if the National Safety Council really wants to do something
about this matter of safety and saving of lives on our streets
and highways, why not begin at the state level and insist on
simple vision tests administered by the state highway depart-
ment when drivers lioense renewals come up. This would be
done not to take away drivers licenses but to acquaint people
with Tieir visual status so they flan rehabilitate their
vision and do something about it to enable them to drive more
safely and not only save their own skin but the lives of others
+r
DR. AL T. WITCHER
OPTOMETRIST
PHONE 723-5645 613 EIGHTH STREET
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
tis reported at City Council Meeting; Nov. 11, 1963:
The annual traffic inventory report for Wichita .galls given
by Mr. Don Hill of the National Safety Council shows we are
making progress.
However, every time I hear these reports on safety, I cannot
help but think how lax our state laws are on the renewal of
our drivers licenses. Being; interested in vision as I am,
I think we all realize that the main factor in safety is not
the vehicle itself but the operator of it and. being able to
see properly is the Main factor in driving safely. I was
interested in an article written by fir. Paul Kearney in the
Better domes and Garden magazine entitled "Drivers' Eye Tests-
x Nation-wide Farce" and would like to quote part of it. He
states that "every day, people unable to make out the big I'E"
on an eye chart are being licensed to drive iimerica' s highways
at 70-80 mph. No one will be safe, nor will our appalling
accident rate drop, until this ludicrous situation is corrected.
New York automobile publication recently pulled a stunt with
shocking implications. They got a blinded war veteran, filled
out an application for renewal of his driver' s license, drove
him to the main office at the State Piotor `Vehicles Bureau in
Manhattan, and turned him loose at the door. 131earing dark
glasses and tapping a white cane, this blind man Felt his way
cautiously across the big room until he bumped into a guard.
Apologizing, he asked to be led to the license renewal window.
There he handed his papers to the clerk and in two minutes had
his now license! In M states people can renew their licenses
rust as easily as the blind man in 11ew York did-often by mail" .
Texas is one of these states and most Texas drivers who received
a drivers license when the law went into effect years ago have
simply mailed in the fee every two ;rears since to renew their
license. many have developed eye complications such as cataracts
and loss of side vision and the like without being; aware of it .
Since 90 percent of our driving reactions start with vision,
it ' s disturbing that nearly half of today' s drivers have never
had an official eye test of any kind. , let alone a good one.
Until recently, many states grave no eye test at all and the
others gave only a visual acuity check which is only one of
seven critical eye skills involved in safe driving. Others
include a check for depth perception, visual fields, glare
resistance , dark adaptation, night vision and color blindness.
when an eye test is given as a result of an accident or to
¢et a new license and only the visual acuity is checked,even
then the standards are so low that no state requires a normal
20/20 vision- 12 states accept 20/50 to 20/70 without glasses
and 20 accept this substandard range if drivers do wear glasses.
(An eye that can read the 1/8-inch letters on a Snellen chart
at 20 feet is 20/20. if it reads at only 20 feet the size
letter a normal eye sees at 50 or 70 feet , the rating is 20/50
or 20/70) . Yet many of these states post speed limits of
65 to 80 mph. A person with 20/50 acuity cannot read. the
5-inch letters on a warning sign farther than 90 feet ahead.
Therefore if he is driving 60 mph. under ideal conditions,
he will be 174 feet beyond a stop sign before he can stop:
States that have cracked down on repeaters have found that 75
percent of them cease to have accidents when their shortcomings
are explained to them.
Despite the many generalities we hear advanced as remedies
for our slaughter on the highways, very little has been done
about the factor which governs 90 percent of our driving
behavior-vision. end until something is done, the situation
will surely get worse , not better. In 1952 there were .38 ,000
deaths from traffic accidents in the United States. In 1960
there were 93,000 persons who lost their lives in accidents.
Another 9,4000000 were iniured-360,000 crippled for life.
So if. the National Safety Council really wants to do something
about this matter of safety and saving of lives on our streets
and highways, why not begin at the state level and insist on
simple vision tests administered by the state highway depart-
ment when drivers license renewals come up. This would be
done not to take away drivers licenses but to acquaint people
with Their visual status so they can rehabilitate their
vision and do something about it to enable them to drive more
safely and not only save, their own skin but the lives of others.
November 11, 1963
To: Mayur and Board of Aldermen
Frum: City Manager
®f city
It has come to my attention that a group earinlubeforeithebe in
attendance at this meeting with the intention of app g it
has the right by ordinance,
he
should be pointed out t no Council to discuss the operation of oneoffttheCi departments of the C ty-
ear and discuss condi-
Charter, State Law or administra oftive any t so department. This does not
tions of his empl-yment or operation
restrict his rights as a citizen to appear on other matters not relating
to his kmployment, however.
For their benefit and protection 1 want to m kitsclear thatsor, any
tem-
ary action byply+yee wi.11 be subject to disciplithe i;ity Council to discuss
and including dismissal, if he appears before their
his job )r working cc+nditions without prior approval of the supervisor an
the City Manager..
For the benefit of the employees present and for the infoe��nUem®f
all other city employees, it should be emphasized that every p
ployed by the City at the present time was Invited to work for us or,lied for the job they hold. No one has leeen drafted or forced by other
of the City of Wichita Falls. Therefore if
meads to remain in the, employ any a=mployee is unhappy in his job or with the working conditions he can
te
im
o o so
certainly quit and seek other
allsp who mwant toe work ifor hthe tCity andawouldre
are many people in Wichita Faplica
make us excellent emPlQyees Asnnel of.ficeeas�of fact, were
this morningwitth nopcon-
tions on file with the Hers�
di.ti,ons attached to their requests for employment°
t."
It is the responsibility of the city administrati,,n to deal fairly
with its emFalls'
as well as the man who pays our salaries - the citizen
of Wichita Falls' The employee should receive the highest salary and
the
benefits that his job justifies but still within shworkmfoY affairtdays
taxpayer can afford. We expect to get a full y
oal is
pay on behalf of Mr. Taxpayer. �O resthwehcanis gand this City Cuuncilst lha4nd
continuing task We are doing the b and employee classifica-
authorized me to prr>ceed with a personnel survey
tion plan to help accomplish this purpose. Negotiations for such a study
P
are underway.
affected city employee was unaware of the
In the event that any t in this regard, I want to em-
privileges and limitations of his employmen
ing before the Council without
phasize that if he should insist on appearing action .
prior approval be will be subject to disciplinform eary
hat
ey
i further feel ,bliged to authoritthtcrry�inquireounciltintoithehoper ;c�ntof
necessary to do so, they have y and not by individual
any department so long as it is done as a body
counciImen the Charter limitations are made for the express purpose of
n r.h
. ,anti ' �_ adminis-
avoiding po itical a'.,
tration an ; .Jr,
k
V.
A,