Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 01/09/2024 MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
January 9, 2024
PRESENT:
Austin Cobb, Chair • Members
Steve Garner, Vice Chair
David Coleman, Secretary
Mike Battaglino, City Council Rep
Matt Marrs
John Pezzano
Sharon Roach
Terry Points, Parks Administrator •Staff
Wes Dutter, TP&W •Guests
ABSENT: Alison Sanders. Alicia Castillo, Adam Arruda, Rick Hernandez
1. Call to Order: Austin called the meeting to order at 11:33.
2. Approval of Minutes: December meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
3. Project Updates:
3.a. Veteran's Plaza Project:
David stated the check he wrote to Marrs Patriot Construction for $4,200 was bounced
twice by Wells Fargo, because there had been no activity on that account for so long they
suspected fraud. This caused an extra $70 expense: $30 each for the returned check
fees, plus $10 for getting a cashier's check. The Committee approved this expense.
Terry stated the parking lot repaving contractor should be laying asphalt within two weeks
so hopefully that project will be complete soon.
David stated we received two more brick engraving orders, bringing our total to 24. The
engraver must wait for the parking lot to be complete before doing the engraving.
Austin stated he talked to Katherine McGregor, Chair of WFISD, regarding possibly
moving the memorial items from the Stadium to the Plaza. She expressed a willingness
to discuss this with the School Board. The Committee voted unanimously to table this
initiative but revive it if the WFISD changes the name of Memorial Stadium.
3.b. Lake Deepening:
Steve stated that in 2015 he met with Shelley Sweatt of the Priddy Foundation, who was
interested in supporting the Lake Wichita project, especially toward the completion of the
project. The committee supported Steve renewing this conversation, to be sure Shelley
is aware of the potential cost-share arrangement with the Corps of Engineers.
January 9, 2024
David will contact Dr. Clyde for an update on the USACE Federal Interest Determination.
Steve asked about potentially deepening the Borrow Pit Pond, but Terry and Wes
informed the group that the pond was dug down to the water table for dam construction
and can't be deepened any more. Wes said that TP&W stocks that pond when its full.
3.c. Parks Master Plan: Mike stated the City's Parks Master Plan update process has
started, and a Steering Committee is being formed to lead that effort. This group will
meet around the end of January and will schedule 3 Town Hall meetings to solicit public
input.
4. Discussion of Brick Sales and Fundraising Initiatives:
David stated the Wells Fargo checking account balance is $26,824,24 with pending
obligations of Brick Engraving and a concrete apron for the Fowler monument. We also
have a balance of approximately $6,000 in the City of Wichita Falls account, left over
from construction of the Veterans Plaza. David stated in his discussions with Lakeside
City Officials, they have no knowledge of the $3,877.50 cost for the boat ramp dredging —
however, John stated that Alison Sanders no longer works for Lakeside City, and he will
try to get a final determination at their City Council meeting next week. The Committee
voted unanimously that if the LWRC has a debt to Lakeside City, we will pay that amount
and not seek debt forgiveness —but if that payment is made, we will request that the sign
"Lakeside City Residents Only" be removed from the boat ramp.
5. Consideration of new member applications: Austin stated that Steve Garner will be
our new Park Board representative, and the Committee decided to recommend adding
Josh Whittiker and Jack Roe as new Members of the LWRC. This will be confirmed by
City Council at their meeting next week.
6. Other Business Matters:
Mike Battaglino announced he will hold a District 4 Town Hall at the American Legion
Post 169 on Monday, 22 January at 5:00 pm.
Mike stated the City Council's Strategic Planning process has started, and he's requested
a Lake Ringgold Advocacy Committee be formed. David said he will contact Russell
Schreiber and request a Staff update on Lake Ringgold at our March meeting.
7. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:22 pm.
2 - I� -
A stin Cobb, Chair Date
January 9, 2024