Min 02/19/2008 261
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Wichita Falls, Texas
Memorial Auditorium Building
February 19, 2008
Item 1
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas met in regular session on the above
date in the Council Chambers of the Memorial Auditorium Building at 8:30 o'clock a.m., with the
following members present:
Lanham Lyne - Mayor
Ray Gonzalez - Mayor Pro Tem
Councilors
Glenn Barham -
Michael Smith -
Dorothy Roberts-Burns -
Rick Hatcher -
Charles Elmore -
Darron Leiker - City Manager
Bill Sullivan - City Attorney
Lydia Ozuna - City Clerk
Mayor Lyne called the meeting to order.
Item 2a
Reverend Kevin Tiaden, Saint Paul Lutheran Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b
Councilor Gonzalez led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3
No one signed up to speak under public comments.
Item 4
The February 5, 2008 minutes were approved as distributed.
Items 5a-6f
City Manager gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Hatcher that the Consent Agenda be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilor Elmore and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
f r
262
Item 5a
RESOLUTION NO. 16-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A TIRE
SERVICE TRUCK TO WICHITA FALLS FREIGHTLINER , IN THE AMOUNT OF
$138,281.00; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH
THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Item 5b
RESOLUTION NO. 17-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 25,500
GVW CREW TRUCK TO WICHITA FALLS FREIGHTLINER, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $67,195.00; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Item 5c
RESOLUTION NO. 18-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWENTY (20) FORD CROWN
VICTORIA POLICE PATROL VEHICHLES FROM GRAND PRAIRIE FORD IN
THE AMOUNT OF $422,580.00; AND ONE (1) FORD EXPEDITION FROM
PURITT FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,498.00. FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Items 6a-6f
Minutes of the following boards and commissions were received:
a) Library Advisory Board, September 25, 2007
b) Library Advisory Board, October 23, 2007
c) MPO-Technical Advisory Committee, October 10, 2007
d) MPO- Transportation Policy Committee, October 240, 2007
e) Traffic Safety Commission, November 7, 2007
f) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp. (4A), January 25, 2008
Item 7a
A public hearing was held on a request from Skylark Taxi for an increase in the
number of cab permits.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
City Clerk provided background information on Skylark Taxi and their request,
as well as the other taxi cab franchise, All American Cab, operating in the City.
Director of Aviation, Traffic &Transportation presented his findings of fact
concerning public convenience and necessity.
Kevin Callahan, 1670 Victory, franchise holder, expressed the need for
additional permits due to the loss of a Cab Company. Skylark Taxi, Inc. purchased that
Cab Company's assets. Mr. Callahan reported that over the weekend they had
operated over 2000 cab calls inside the City, and with only 25 vehicles that stretched
them thin. They are requesting ten additional permits and if they do not fill them, they
will return them to the City.
e
263
Item 7a continued
Councilor Barham asked if they would be able to fill the ten additional permits.
Mr. Callahan responded that they would.
Councilor Elmore asked if ten permits was enough considering the number of
calls they had responded to over the weekend. Mr. Callahan replied that at this point
they do not know what the future holds. Their original promise to the Council was that
that they would not hoard permits and they still hold to that promise.
Councilor Smith asked for the percentage of Sheppard Air Force Base business
that they handle. Mr. Callahan replied that it is around 40%-50%, but added that the
demand is increasing for the use of cabs in other areas of the City.
Councilor Smith asked if they had vehicles there were handicap accessible. Mr.
Callahan responded that they make concessions; and they have agreements with
companies that provide handicap transportation. He said that they make sure the
customer is always picked up.
Mayor called for additional comments. There being none, the Mayor closed the
public hearing.
Item 7b
ORDINANCE NO. 12-2008
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 94-2007, TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF TAXI CAB VEHICLES PERMITTED TO KEVIN CALLAHAN,
TEXHOMA TRANSPORTATION, INC. DBA SKYLARK TAXI; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Barham that Ordinance No.12-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Gonzalez and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Barham, Smith, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 8a
A public hearing was held on a request from Prime Time Limo to increase the
number of special service vehicle permits.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
City Clerk provided background information on Prime Time Limo and their
request, as well as the other special service vehicle franchises operating in the City.
Director of Aviation, Traffic &Transportation presented his findings of fact
concerning public convenience and necessity.
Mike Kephart, 102 Eagle Drive, Holliday, TX, franchise holder, informed that
they had requested three additional permits. They have a sedan service operating to
the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport that began at the first of the year; and they are looking at
the need for a sedan service here in Wichita Falls as well as SUV-type vehicles.
Mayor called for additional comments. There being none, the Mayor closed the
public hearing.
264
Item 8b
ORDINANCE NO. 13-2008
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 22-2007, TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF SPECIAL SERVICE VEHICLE PERMITS PERMITTED TO
HAROLD KEPHART AND MIKE KEPHART, PRIME TIME LIMOUSINE;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY
LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Ordinance No. 13-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hatcher and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Barham, Smith, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 9a
A public hearing was held to consider an amendment to the proposed use of
Community Development Block Grant Funds in a previously approved Consolidated Plan
regarding renovation for the Martin Luther King Child Care Center.
Mayor declared the public hearing open.
Mr. Dave Clark informed that this project had been approved by Council as part
of the Community Development Block Grant Program. The development of plans and
the bidding prices came in higher than anticipated. One reason is that the work will
have to be done with the children there and some of the work would have to be done in
the evenings and on weekends. They have worked with the Child Care and the
contractors to reduce the scope of services, which mainly has to do with materials. He
explained the various modifications that are included in this project. This change would
permit the project to proceed forward. Funding would be taken out of the pool that you
have retained for the flood recovery and demolition, which is still an unknown. That still
leaves $279,000 for that potential. He added that in the meantime, the Mitigation Plan
and application for further assistance for demolition and assistance has moved from the
state to FEMA. We hope to hear back in a timely manner.
Item 9b
RESOLUTION NO. 19-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSED USE OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS IN A
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED CONSOLIDATED PLAN REGARDING
RENOVATION OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED
BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts Burns that Resolution No.19-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hatcher and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
265
Item 10a
ORDINANCE NO. 14-2008
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN THE GENERAL FUND IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000.00 TO ASSIST THE WICHITA FALLS AREA DISASTER
RECOVERY COMMITTEE IN AIDING FLOOD VICTIMS; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Elmore that Ordinance No. 14-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Barham.
Finance Director reported on the legality of this action as determined by the Legal
Department and from a City Policy standpoint, noting that funds could be approved on a one-
time basis for this Organization. He pointed out that there was a provision in the resolution for
one time assistance for emergency type expenditures. We feel that this appropriation can be
made. He provided figures where the City has assisted as a result of the flooding. The City has
accounted for$911,000 of which 75% will be reimbursed by FEMA, leaving $227,000 that will
be funded from General Fund, Water& Sewer Fund, and Sanitation Funds, as appropriate.
Finance Director stated that it is difficult to recommend this appropriation because the
need has been identified, but if the Council desires to make this appropriation we recommend
that we move forward with a contract that outlines how the funds would be used and more
clearly defines controls in place so that we make sure the funds are used appropriately.
Mr. Clark has met with the Board of Directors of the Wichita Falls Area Disaster
Recovery Committee. Two of the organizations represented on the Board are Interfaith
Ministries and Christmas in Action, who have dealt with federal funds, and they know the need
for accountability. Because they are a 501 c (3) Interfaith Ministries is the pass through agency
so the funds will be audited. They also have an attorney on the board working with Jean Payne
to draft regulations in regards to accountability for that. They have something in place for the
City Manager and City Attorney to review. He pointed out that this money will not go directly to
any citizen; it will go to the purchase of materials.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 10b
ORDINANCE NO. 15-2008
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, APPROPRIATING $296,337 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO PAY
FOR 17.7 ACRES OF SOD AT WEEKS PARK GOLF COURSE; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Ordinance No. 15-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hatcher.
It was pointed out that this process would increase the chances of having the Golf
course open by June 23 in time for the Texas/Oklahoma Junior Golf Tournament, which is a
revenue boost to the City's economy. It would also solidify the presence of the T/O here in
Wichita Falls. In addition, it would be a good public relations benefit for the Golf Course to
reopen at the height of the golf season
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
T
266
Item 10b continued
Nays: None
This item was moved up and considered at this time.
Item 11 b
RESOLUTION NO. 21-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH LANDSCAPES UNLIMITED FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF 17.7 ACRES OF SOD AT WEEKS PARK GOLF
COURSE FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $296,337; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Barham that Resolution No. 21-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
City Council recessed at 9:30 a.m. and reconvened at 9:50 a.m.
Item 10c
ORDINANCE NO. 16-2008
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING A GENERAL-SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON MAY 10, 2008, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR,
COUNCILOR DISTRICT 3, COUNCILOR DISTRICT 4, AND COUNCILOR
DISTRICT 5; DESIGNATING ELECTION PRECINCTS; APPOINTING
ELECTION OFFICIALS; ESTABLISHING PAY RATES FOR ELECTION
WORKERS; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF SAID ELECTION; PROVIDING
FOR THE USE OF VOTING MACHINES; PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING;
ESTABLISHING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF THE CITY CLERK'S
OFFICE ON THE FINAL TWO DAYS OF EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL
APPEARANCE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Ordinance No. 16-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Gonzalez.
City Clerk provided detailed information on the upcoming Municipal Election.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
267
Item 11 a
RESOLUTION NO. 20-2008
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE WICHITA FALLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
DISTRICT AND CITY VIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR A
JOINT ELECTION ON MAY 10, 2008; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT
THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO
THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Elmore that Resolution No. 20-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Barham.
City Clerk provided information relating to this Agreement.
Motion carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 11 c
RESOLUTION NO. 22-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AWARDING BID TO A. INMAN CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT
OF $401,104 FOR THE RENOVATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING CHILD
CARE CENTER.; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Hatcher that Resolution No. 22-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Barham and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 11 d
RESOLUTION NO. 23-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE 2007-2008 BUDGET OF THE WICHITA FALLS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $367,000
TO EQUIP THE WICHITA FALLS BUSINESS PARK WITH ELECTRICITY,
NATURAL GAS AND HIGH-SPEED INTERNET SERVICES; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Resolution No. 23-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Gonzalez and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
268
Item 11 e
RESOLUTION NO. 24-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LICENSE
AGREEMENT TO THE TEX MEX BASEBALL LEAGUE OF WICHITA FALLS
FOR EXTENDED RESERVATION PRIVILEGE TO USE OF THE BALLFIELD IN
SPUDDER PARK AND WILLIAMS PARK FOR THEIR 2008 ADULT BASEBALL
LEAGUE.; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH
THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Resolution No. 24-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Hatcher and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 11f
RESOLUTION NO. 25-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, TO AWARD BID AND CONTRACT FOR THE LIFT STATION 65 WET
WELL ADDITION AND PARTIAL FORCE MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
CWF08-550-08; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT
WHICH THIS RESOLUTUION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Barham that Resolution No. 25-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Gonzalez and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 11 g
RESOLUTION NO. 26-2008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION WITH
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR A FY2009
COMPREHENSIVE SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
GRANT; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED
BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Roberts-Burns that Resolution No. 26-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Elmore and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
269
Item 11 h
RESOLUTION NO. 27-2008
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO
CLOSE ACCESS TO WALNUT STREET AT THE INTERSECTION OF KELL
BOULEVARD AND SCOTT AVENUE FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFIC
SIGNAL AND RAILROAD CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS; FINDING AND
DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS
PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Moved by Councilor Barham that Resolution No. 27-2008 be passed.
Motion seconded by Councilor Gonzalez and carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Lyne, Councilors Smith, Barham, Roberts-Burns, Hatcher, Gonzalez, and
Elmore
Nays: None
Item 12a
Mr. John Burrus reported on the Transit Study. They will begin to receive input from the
public February 25-March 1, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at J.C. Penney Court in Sikes
Senter Mall. The second public hearing will be held at the second Council meeting in March. At
that time the Transit Plan will be considered by Council.
Item 12b
Councilor Roberts-Burns asked staff to check into the lights on Emmanuel Davis
overpass.
Councilor Roberts-Burns was happy to see that the City is going to support the
Wichita Falls Area Disaster Recovery Committee.
Councilor Elmore mentioned the ribbon cutting ceremony at Loop 11. He is very
excited and happy that this is going to come to fruition after 25 years.
Councilor Barham commended the Fire Department for the rigorous training
they undergo. After seeing what they have to go through, he would not have their jobs;
he got a new appreciation for them and what they do. He mentioned that we may be
receiving a reduction in our fire insurance rates and that is kudos to those folks.
Councilor Barham asked why the phone lines were out. City Manager informed
that they were the administrative lines and not the emergency lines. Chief Bachman
stated that they will have a detailed report to Council on that.
Councilor Barham asked for an update on the Skate Park. Mr. Benoit reported
that everything is going well; it is 45% complete.
Councilor Hatcher referred to the Disaster Recovery Committee funding that
Council passed. He felt that was a good thing the Council did and he is glad they did it.
His was glad to see several of those entities involved in that and contributing. His initial
hope was that enough benevolent people and companies would have contributed to get
that done and not use the City's General Budget. However, it is good that was done
and hopefully that will get them going.
Councilor Hatcher referred to the screening ordinance and asked staff for a
report on the total number of violations/letters issued as well as number of citations for
non-compliance, and number of those who did not comply. After reviewing this
information we may need to look at the possibility of a waiver that may need to kick in.
City Manager pointed out that the City had very good compliance. We adopted
this more than a year ago and a lot of letters and public education have been done and
most complied on their own. There are very few people that do not want to comply, and
270
Item 12b continued
he cautioned Council on those kind of waivers. People that follow the law and spend
money to comply to do screening would not be happy and it would not be fair to give
waivers to those who did not comply. We will provide Council the requested
information. Thankfully we got pretty good participation with the vast majority that would
be affected.
Councilor Hatcher clarified that he was not referring to the folks who just wanted
to fight this Ordinance. I am talking about individuals who might live in a neighborhood
or have a business in an area where that is typical and letters are sent out to the
surrounding neighbors and they don't care and it is not a typical place where we take
corporations to show them the City. What matters is that this Ordinance is being
applied fairly and across the board.
Councilor Gonzales thanked Mr. John Burrus and his staff for responding so
quickly to the lighting issue on Blonde Street.
Councilor Gonzalez asked if there was a plan to put a trail around Plum Lake
and lighting. Mr. Jack Murphy replied that there was no plan in place but it could be
discussed when you discuss the Strategic Plan. Mr. John Burrus stated that he would
visit with Mr. Murphy to look at it and prepare a report for the City Manager to see what
can be done.
Councilor Smith thanked staff and Council for the presentation and work that
was done on the Disaster Recovery issue. We have been talking about this on how the
City can assist individuals and others to help them recover, and as you know it has
been seven months since this event occurred. We continue to be frustrated by the
federal response but sometimes you have to do things here at home. He thanked
Council for what was done today to help.
Councilor Smith mentioned the meeting held by Wichita Falls Downtown last
week where the Fort Worth Downtown Director spoke about the history of the process
that downtown Fort Worth has gone through over the last thirty years. It was excellent
information which he titled "Downtown Fort Worth an Overnight Success". That
overnight success took thirty years. He toured our downtown and commented that we
have a jewel in the rough and we have the basis for an excellent area to revitalize
downtown; he gave some hints and motivating situations and said you don't need
millionaires to pour money into this; you need motivated people and you need
leadership. We came out of that meeting really fired up and I hope that continues with
us as we go over our Strategic Plan. There are ways to revitalize downtown; there is
hope and we need to stay after that as one of our many projects and goals.
Councilor Smith asked about the Tenth Street rehab work that has the brick
streets and if we are going to replace that with the faux brick. Mr. Scott Taylor replied
that faux brick would be used, based upon previous Council direction. We expect
construction to begin in the summer.
Councilor Smith asked when Staff would present the flood control options. Mr.
Taylor informed that it would be March 4, and will be addressing three possible flood
control options, two are levee options for specific areas and one is building a flood
control structure on Beaver Creek. We will also be providing United States Geological
Survey information at that time.
Councilor Smith mentioned the drug task force situation and asked for an update
on where the City of Wichita Falls stands. The last situation is that the County has
come up with a plan in the County plus other towns and cities in the County.
Chief Bachman stated that the City of Wichita Falls has a narcotic unit but we do
not have a drug task force. Currently the District Attorney has stepped forward and
wants to hire two investigators to investigate drug type and drug related crimes. They
have hired one officer. The investigators will be working the surrounding cities and rural
county areas in conjunction with the police departments in those cities. He spoke with
the District Attorney, and they are going to provide guidance on certain police
procedures. It takes communication between all the agencies so you don't duplicate
efforts. It looks like he has a good plan and we will see how it turns out. He added that
at the beginning they would conduct monthly meetings between all the Police Chiefs
and Administrators; later they would meet quarterly to exchange information and ideas
on current situations. He noted that the communication will include surrounding
counties as well.
271
Item 12b continued
Councilor Smith commented that he watched the Commissioners Court meeting
and from what was discussed it looks like at this time they have a viable plan, but the
key is communication.
Councilor Smith asked if it would be viable to go back to a regional drug task
force. Chief Bachman felt that it would be very difficult if not impossible.
Councilor Barham asked how seized funds or seized property would be
distributed among the cooperating entities. Chief Bachman replied that if the two
District Attorney's investigators are working the case it would be their money. Chief
Bachman and the District Attorney have discussed a Memorandum of Understanding
that would address the City's part; however, it has not been finalized.
Councilor Barham asked what the percentage would be and suggested a 70/30
percentage. Chief Bachman said that it is in discussion. City Manager commented that
the City's push will be some kind of fair split.
Mayor Lyne said that he had some strong feelings about that but would let it go
for now.
Mayor Lyne thanked Councilor Elmore for allowing him to stand at his District 5
town hall meeting. It was very well attended and it was a great meeting with good
questions. Boy Scouts were in attendance and they went home and told their parents
about it because he received compliments from some parents the next evening.
Mayor Lyne received calls asking why the City did not have those blue signs
coming into town that depict exits to lodging, gas, and restaurants. It would be good for
the City since we have the overhead and visitors can take advantage of the restaurants
and lodging in the different areas of our City. Mr. Burrus will get a memo out to TXDOT
to inquire about this.
Councilor Smith added that we still need additional signs to point to the Museum
of North Texas, Kemp Center for the Arts, and all those museum district type facilities
downtown. Councilor Elmore said it would be very nice to have a `Welcome to Wichita
Falls' sign at the entrance of 1-44, as well as the entrance from the south on 287. Mayor
Lyne said that staff would look into that.
Councilor Smith invited everyone in District 1 to attend the Mayor's town hall
meeting at Crockett Elementary March 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Mayor Lyne decided that he would make a comment on the County's drug task
force plan. We have had a good Regional Drug Task Force Program and the City's
Narcotic Unit and the City's Gang Task Force are working very well. We funded a slot
at the District Attorney's office. It is frustrating to me because as far as I know we did
not have any discussions with them before this came up. It is frustrating because we
keep trying to do that and we have made a lot of progress in that area. Also, they have
come to us seeking funding for different things that are generally not our responsibility
but we worked to do that because we felt it was in the best interest of the citizens of
Wichita Falls.
I am frustrated that all of a sudden they can come up with this amount of money
to do something and come up with a system that we do not even know how it is going to
play out before we get into it. I think it is a great deal and I appreciate more effort in
controlling the drug situation, but it sure would have been nice if we could have sat
down and hammered out some of these issues and who benefits from the seizures.
This is a major issue because this is how we fund the drug task force and how we
funded them in the past. We have tried to have sit down meetings and some of those
were successful and some were not but that is what you do; sit down and talk about it. I
am a bit frustrated and sometimes I cannot hold those things back when I feel we have
done above and beyond for our citizens to have that then come back and not have the
same respect.
Councilor Barham and Councilor Smith concurred with Mayor Lyne.
Councilor Gonzalez commented that that is one of the ways we could save
money, both the City and the County, is with partnerships. We have seen it work with
our partnership with the School District. They save money and we save money and we
get the programs we need.
272 '
Item 12b continued
Mayor noted that our citizens make up 70% of the County's budget.
Item 13
City Council went into Executive Session at 11.00 a.m. as authorized by Section
551.071 of the Texas Government Code.
City Council reconvened at 11:45 a.m.
Item 14
Mr. Matt Benoit gave a presentation on the tabulation results of Council's
selection on the Strategic Planning meeting. A copy of the results as presented is
attached as Exhibit A.
During the presentation of the "City Appearance" proposed objective, `More Wall
Art', Councilor Elmore stated that he did not plan to vote on this item because that is a
project he intends to do personally. He does not see the City's involvement in the
public art program at all.
Council opted to remove the proposed objective - More Wall Art. City Manager
stated that this item would be removed from the list but we will continue to do what we
can. As we hear of a project that the Downtown Development Association is working on
we will provide support.
Councilor Smith referred to the branch library and said that there was strong
support for one, and he wants to keep that on the list. Mayor Lyne and Councilor
Roberts-Burns expressed desire to keep it on the list as well.
Mr. Benoit informed that the final draft will be on Council's March 4, 2008
Council agenda for their consideration.
Mayor Lyne mentioned the Defense Diversification/Downtown Plan and suggested that
when the Consultants present the final plan that Council may want to stop and decide if we
want to add something from there to this Strategic Plan. He wants to leave that option open for
Council. The Consultants should be finished in March.
Item 15
City Council adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this "` day of 2008.
1
MAYOR
EST:
c
Lydia Ozuna
City Clerk
NOTICE OF MEETING
Regular Meeting Of The Mayor And City Council Of The City Of Wichita
Falls, Texas, To Be Held In The City Council Chambers Of The Memorial
Auditorium, 1300 Seventh Street, On Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Beginning At 8:30 A.M.
City Council: Mayor Lanham Lyne, Councilors Glenn Barham, Michael
Smith, Dorothy Roberts-Burns, Rick Hatcher, Ray
Gonzalez, and Charles Elmore.
1 . Call To Order
2. (a) Invocation: Reverend Kevin Tiaden
St. Paul Lutheran Church
(b) Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Comments From The Public To Members Of The City Council
Concerning Items That Are Not On The City Council Agenda. People
Wishing To Address The Council Should Sign Up Prior To The
Meeting Commencing. A Five Minute Time Frame Will Be Adhered
To For Those Addressing Their Concerns.
4. Approval Of Minutes Of February 5, 2008 Regular Meeting Of The
Mayor And City Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
5. Resolutions
(a) Resolution Authorizing Award Of Bid For The Purchase Of A
Tire Service Truck To Wichita Falls Freightliner In The Amount
Of $138,281 .00 (Council Bill #29)
(b) Resolution Authorizing Award Of Bid For The Purchase Of A
25,500 GVW Crew Truck To Wichita Falls Freightliner In The
Amount Of $67,195.00 (Council Bill #30)
(c) Resolution To Award Bid For The Purchase Of Twenty (20)
Ford Crown Victoria Police Patrol Vehicles To Grand Prairie
Ford In The Amount Of $422,580.00 And One (1) Ford
Expedition To Pruitt Ford In The Amount Of $21,498.00
(Council Bill #31)
City Council Agenda
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Page 2
6. Receive Minutes
(a) Library Advisory Board, September 25, 2007
(b) Library Advisory Board, October 23, 2007
(c) MPO — Technical Advisory Committee, October 10, 2007
(d) MPO — Transportation Policy Committee, October 24, 2007
(e) Traffic Safety Commission, November 7, 2007
(f) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp. (4a), Jan. 25, 2008
REGULAR AGENDA
7. (a) Public Hearing On Request From Kevin Callahan, Texhoma
Transportation, Inc. Dba Skylark Taxi For An Increase In The
Number Of Cab Permits Authorized
(b) Ordinance Authorizing An Increase In The Number Of Cab
Permits To Texhoma Transportation, Inc. Dba Skylark Taxi
(Council Bill #32)
8. (a) Public Hearing On A Request From Mike Kephart and Harold
Kephart DBA Prime Time Limo To Increase the Number of
Special Service Vehicle Permits
(b) Ordinance Authorizing An Increase in The Number of Special
Service Vehicle Permits to Prime Time Limousine (Council Bill
#33)
9. (a) Public Hearing To Approve An Amendment To The Proposed
Use Of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds In
A Previously Approved Consolidated Plan Regarding
Renovation Of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
(b) Resolution Approving The Amendment To The Proposed Use
Of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds In A
Previously Approved Consolidated Plan Regarding Renovation
Of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (Council Bill
#34)
10. Ordinances
(a) Ordinance Making An Appropriation In The General Fund In
The Amount Of $50,000.00 To Assist The Wichita Falls Area
Disaster Recovery Committee In Aiding Flood Victims (Council
Bill #35)
City Council Agenda
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Page 3
(b) Ordinance Appropriating $296,337 From The General Fund To
Pay For 17.7 Acres Of Sod At Weeks Park Golf Course
(Council Bill #36)
(c) Ordinance Calling A General-Special Municipal Election To Be
Held On May 10, 2008, For The Purpose Of Electing A Mayor,
Councilor District 3, Councilor District 4, and Councilor District
5 (Council Bill #37)
11 . Resolutions
(a) Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Execute An
Agreement with the Wichita Falls Independent School District
and City View Independent School District to conduct a Joint
Election on May 10, 2008 (Council Bill #38)
(b) Resolution Approving A Contract With Landscapes Unlimited
For The Installation Of 17.7 Acres Of Sod At Weeks Park Golf
Course For An Amount Not To Exceed $296,337 (Council Bill
#39)
(c) Resolution Awarding Bid To A. Inman Construction In The
Amount Of $401,104 For The Renovation Of Martin Luther King
Child Care Center (Council Bill #40)
(d) Resolution Amending The 2007-2008 Budget Of The Wichita
Falls Economic Development Corporation In The Amount Of
$367,000 To Equip The Wichita Falls Business Park With
Electricity, Natural Gas And High-Speed Internet Services
(Council Bill #41)
(e) Resolution Authorizing the City Manager To Execute A License
Agreement To The Tex Mex Baseball League Of Wichita Falls
For Extended Reservation Privilege To Use Of The Ballfields In
Spudder Park and Williams Park For Their 2008 Adult Baseball
League (Council Bill #42)
(f) Resolution to Award Bid and Contract for Lift Station 65 Wet
Well Addition and Partial Force Main Replacement Project
CWF08-550-08 (Council Bill #43)
(g) Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Make Application
With The Texas Department Of Transportation (TXDOT) For A
Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (Step)
Grant For Fiscal Year 2009 (Council Bill #44)
City Council Agenda
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Page 4
(h) Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Execute An
Agreement With The Texas Department Of Transportation To
Close Access To Walnut Street At The Intersection Of Kell
Boulevard and Scott Avenue For The Purpose Of Traffic Signal
And Railroad Crossing Improvements (Council Bill #45)
12. Other Council Matters
(a) Staff Council Discussion
(b) Discussion Of Items Of Concern To Members Of The City
Council.
13. Executive Session: Consultation With City Attorney As Authorized By
Section 551 .071 Of The Texas Government Code.
14. Open Session: Discussion On The Mayor And Council's 2008
Strategic Plan.
15. Adjourn
Wheelchair or handicapped accessibility to the meeting is possible by using the
handicapped parking spaces and ramp located off the east parking lot on the
Sixth Street entrance. Spanish language interpreters, deaf interpreters, Braille
copies or any other special needs will be provided to any person requesting a
special service with at least 24 hours notice. Please call the City Clerk's Office at
761-7409. Wireless Listening System devices are available at the City Manager's
reception area or you may call 761-7404 for inquiries.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board
at Memorial Auditorium, Wichita Falls, Texas on the day of
2008 at o'clock (a.m.)(p.m.).
City Clerk