New chairs, sound system on council agenda

Wichita Falls city councilors on Tuesday will be asked to spend more than $250,000 on new chairs at the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC) to match the décor of a new nearby hotel and conference center.

In addition to ensuring a “consistent design theme,” the MPEC staff wants the extra-wide chairs in order to provide “more comfort and durability.” If approved by council, the money would go to MTS Seating of Michigan for 1,200 chairs and four hand trucks to tote the chairs around.

The MPEC staff noted the current chairs at the facility are original to the building.

If councilors approve, the money would come from $2,589,000 in excess money the council has approved for spiffing up the MPEC.

Councilors will also consider spending $580,000 for a new sound system for the Kay Yeager Coliseum at MPEC. The money would be paid to a Houston company and would come from the city’s venue tax.

In other business, councilors will consider:

• Appropriating $3.2 million from the Water and Sewer Fund for repairs to the city’s water treatment plants.
• Authorizing an award to Freeman Paving LLC for $2,396,285 for the 2023 Asphalt Rehabilitation Project.
• Closing an alley in the 800 block of Juarez Street to make way for a new Boys and Girls Club.
• Approving a $64,000 bid for demolition of condemned properties.
• Applying for a $131,000 Edward Byrne Memorial grant for the police department.
• Applying for a $65,000 grant for police department active shooter training.
• Approving personnel matters in the Fire Marshal’s Office.