Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 04/11/2017MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
April 11, 2017
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Garner, Chair
Penny Miller, Secretary
Jesse Brown, City Council
Michael Chapman
Ford Swanson
Jake VanDonge
Sam Bownds, Ex-Officio
Tom Lang, Ex-Officio
Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney
Jack Murphy, Director Parks and Recreation
Davis Powell, City Engineer
Jack Browne
Kris Germany, SUBWF
Sally Gray, Wild Bird Rescue
Joel Jimenez, DAV
Claire Kowalik, TRN
John Mason, Vernon College
■ Members
■ Staff
■ Guests
ABSENT: Kathie Forehand-Chaddick, Pete Gill, Eric Godwin, Larry Scott
I. Call to Order and Introductions
Steve Garner called the meeting to order. Members, staff and guests introduced
themselves.
II. Approval of Minutes
Penny Miller moved and Ford Swanson seconded a motion that the March meeting
minutes be approved. The motion passed.
Ill. 404 Permit
Steve Garner spoke with Marcus Ware about a week ago. Marcus Ware estimated the
permit was 2 — 4 weeks from approval. Everything we need is in. Steve Garner will
continue to call biweekly until we have the permit in hand. We should have the permit
by the next meeting. Davis Powell reported the Texas Historical Commission has
signed off on the disposal sites.
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IV. Fundraising
Teddy Roosevelt IV could not have been more positive about the Lake Wichita project.
He wants to come back when the project is complete. The event was awesome and
there were many compliments from the attendees about all facets of the event.
Harry and Brenda Patterson made a $500K commitment over 2 years toward the
Veteran's Plaza.
Thank you to everyone for their assistance in getting the invitations out
This dinner was aimed at the people who can make a significant donation. Our initial
kickoff luncheon in May 2015 was targeted primarily to younger, working people, with
less giving capacity, but we received donations all year as a result.
Wayne Reed indicated they had nearly completed the event video. When complete it
will be on the website and Facebook page where anyone can view it.
Now that the Teddy Roosevelt IV dinner is complete, we are finalizing the brick sale. It
should be up on the website by the end of the month.
The booth at Red River Wine Festival went well. Steve Garner said we were able to
have good discussions with the attendees. It was a great outreach event and we took in
$235 in donations.
The Circle Trail tour on April 29, 10 AM — 2 PM, is an annual event for us. We need
some people to work the booth at our stop on top of the dam.
We need someone on the committee to organize public events.
Steve Garner shared photos of a flying fish sculpture. The Seaburys are donating the
$200K sculpture. It will cost $5K to move.
Pratt % Whitney gave us an unrestricted grant for $31K for operating expenses.
So far in 2017 we have received $126K—almost as much as all of 2016.
Texoma Gives is September 7. We are signed up again to participate.
Ford Swanson stated the raffle for the smoker is still open, and we need to get it
wrapped up.
The TPWD grant for the jetties was not approved, although the project scored higher
than the approved grants from last year. There were many more applications to
compete against. We will reapply next year. Davis Powell stated that in terms of timing,
not receiving the grant this year is probably for the best. We are hopeful for the boat
ramp application in the fall.
V. Other Discussion
Davis Powell estimated we would need $300K for design fees for the boardwalk/boat
ramp/plaza. Monies are also needed for our portion of the build. By putting both projects
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together, it should be a better project and require less money and less time. We have
two grants from TPWD for $5O0K each, which leaves our share as approximately $1.3M
for both projects.
Steve Garner would like to have a strategy meeting to set timelines and what is
required at each stage to keep moving forward. Kinley Hegglund and Davis Powell
need more clarification about funding and grant specifics to answer all of the timeline
requirements.
Steve Garner asked guests for questions and/or comments. John Mason, Vernon
College, had several questions about the project. Joel Jimenez was excited about the
Veteran's plaza. He feels this is an important acknowledgement for the 30,000 veterans
in the 13th Congressional District.
Tom Lang said the website needs another review to ensure the information is current.
He asked Jake VanDonge if he could once again take this on. He agreed.
Steve Garner stated the historical marker application was approved and the marker has
been paid for.
Jack Murphy announced he would be retiring in August. Steve Garner thanked Jack for
all of his contributions to the project.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting ad' ned at 9.50 a.m.
j hey G rner, Chairperson Date
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