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Item 1 - Call to Order
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in a regular session 8:30 a.m. on
the above date in the Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium with the following
members present.
Tim Short - Mayor
Bobby Whiteley - Mayor Pro Tem/At-Large
Mike Battaglino - Councilors
Jeff Browning -
Larry Nelson -
Michael Smith -
Tom Taylor -
Darron Leiker - City Manager
Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney
Marie Balthrop - City Clerk
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Dr. Mark Bender, First Christian Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month David Maywald, Fire Department
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Short recognized David Maywald as Employee of the Month for March 2024 and
shared a brief video. Mayor Short congratulated Mr. Maywald and presented him with a
plaque, letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and thanked him for his service.
Item 3b — Proclamation — March for Meals, Meals on Wheels Wichita County
8:35 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming March 2024 as March for Meals Month in
Wichita Falls.
Item 3c — Proclamation — Women's History Month, Wichita Falls Alliance
8:38 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming March 2024 as Women's History Month in
Wichita Falls.
Item 4— Comments from Citizens
8:42 a.m.
There were no comments from the public.
Item 5-6 — Consent Items
8:43 a.m.
Darron Leiker, City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve the consent agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 5—Approval of Minutes of the February 20, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
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March 5, 2024
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Item 6 — Receive Minutes
(a) Planning & Zoning Commission, January 10, 2024
Item 7a — Resolution 24-2024
8:43 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2024 Water
Budget Utility Improvement Project & Large Valve Replacement to Bowles Construction
Co., in the amount of $1 ,877,904.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 24-2024.
Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9a — Resolution 25-2024
8:45 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement
with Garver, LLC for the purpose of developing a Pavement Management Program
Update for Wichita Falls Regional Airport.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 25-2024.
Motion seconded by Councilor Battaglino and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9b — Resolution 26-2024
8:48 a.m.
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March 5, 2024
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Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to make application to FEMA
for the FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to support emergency medical training
at a cost of $577,200.00.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 26-2024.
Motion seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9c — Resolution 27-2024
8:53 a.m.
Resolution setting the rates at Lake Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo for leases of City-
owned property.
Moved by Councilor Taylor to table this item.
Motion seconded by Councilor Nelson.
Mr. Hegglund stated that tabling the item now would not allow for any discussion on the
item. Council agreed they wanted to give the public an opportunity to speak.
The motion to table failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None
Nays: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and
Whiteley.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 27-2024.
Motion seconded by Councilor Whiteley.
Pat Hoffman, Property Management Administrator, discussed the history of lake lot
leases, the rate setting process, the last lease rates set in 2019, and the independent
appraisals completed for all lots showing that rates should be increased. The lease
agreements include a 5-year escalation clause with a 30% cap. Staff recommends a 30%
increase to lots at Lake Arrowhead, and a 10% increase to lots at Lake Kickapoo.
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March 5, 2024
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There was brief discussion regarding the revenue for leases at each lake, how the
revenue is used to fund Lake Lot responsibilities in Property Management as well as
support Parks and Streets, and how the City is the landlord for these leases since the
property is outside of city limits. There was discussion regarding the responsibilities of
Archer County and Clay County in regards to roads since they receive property taxes,
previous meetings held with County officials, and previous attempts to annex the property.
It was noted that there was a de-annexation election in 1977 and prior to the de-
annexation the City did have municipal responsibilities. Mrs. Hoffman discussed the over
65 and low/moderate income provisions in the lease which starts at $82.80 and caps the
lease at $258. There was brief discussion regarding the old fifty-year leases that were
very low cost, and that lease holders pay property taxes. Council discussed how they
have been overwhelmed with information since last Thursday, the possible need for a
committee of stakeholders, and their willingness to work through the issues. There was
brief discussion regarding roads at the lakes, yearly costs to the City to maintain these
roads, and how the roads are on a routine maintenance cycle.
Michael Nolan, K8 East Lake Arrowhead, stated he disagrees with the 30% increase and
asked when older generation leases will end over the next several years. He discussed
the increase of City income, funds budgeted for Lake Lots, previous legal action taken
against the City, the de-annexation process in past years, and how the lease holders pay
the property tax. He stated the lake is a recreational area, discussed issues with trash,
and recommended yearly clean-up days.
Lisa McLachlan, 266 Cherokee Trail, Lake Arrowhead, discussed the history of her lake
lot lease cost which was $53 when she assumed the lease and within a few months she
was required to sign a new lease that increased to $1000. She discussed that although
the City has no municipal responsibilities, but they are required to follow City regulations.
She discussed the city revenue, versus the property tax collected, and how the property
taxes collected are minimal and also support the school as well as the County. Ms.
McLachlan discussed the revenue from leases, how the revenue is used, and how
technology could be used to reduce expenses. Ms. McLachlan stated it is unfair that the
City is not required to pay property taxes as an exempt governmental entity but the tax
burden is passed to the lease holders.
Tim Sheppard, 157 Blackfoot Trail, said lease holders do not see any benefits from the
revenue collected, discussed street issues, and the lack of utility and safety services. He
said that although the City has no municipal responsibility, lease holders are required to
pay city permit fees, follow city rules, and pay an additional $40 for inspections due to
their location, yet lease holders cannot vote for any city offices, and have no one to
represent them on the City Council. Mr. Sheppard discussed his concerns with a recent
experience where he was denied the ability to build on a lake lot.
Stacy Darnell, 6785 FM 2606, Lake Arrowhead, expressed her concerns about any
vested interest in the citizens at Lake Arrowhead, stated she is against the increases, and
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discussed the increase from $48 to $1000 in 2019, with zero benefits from this increase.
Ms. Darnell acknowledged that $48 per year was probably not sufficient. She expressed
concerns with how the revenue is used, and the lack of representation or voice in how the
rules are set. She asked the Council to consider more impactful changes to improve the
quality of life, bring revenue to the City, and let residents see results from the lease
increase. She suggested elected or appointed representation in Wichita Falls, set dollar
amount from each lease to go to the Lake Arrowhead Fire Department, the ability to have
short-term rentals, the ability to work or operate a business from home, pothole repairs,
community clean-up days, and asked the Council to decline the decrease or table this
item. Ms. Darnell encouraged Councilors to visit the lake properties.
Jaqueline Cooper, 218 Catfish Point, Lake Kickapoo, stated they have the crappie house,
fishing barge, and cabins, discussed the lot lease increase of 600% since she acquired
the property, and the increase in property taxes. She discussed how the proposed 10%
increase would affect her small business, and she invited all Councilors to visit Lake
Kickapoo to see the condition of the roads.
Paul Barham, 7853 FM 2606, Lake Arrowhead, thanked the staff and Council for all they
do. He discussed the need to possibly establish a Lake Lot Committee that would
represent both lakes and the City to serve as a voice for the Lake Communities. He
discussed the challenges with financing new homes on leased property, and asked the
Council vote against or table this item. Mr. Barham understands the need to review the
lease agreements every 5 years, but a review does not always necessitate an increase.
Mr. Barham is the Chief of the Lake Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department stated he
appreciates the reduced lease rate for the department, and discussed challenges they
face and the need for financial support.
Jennifer Featherston, 279 Crow Trace, leased her lot in August, and moved in to her
home in December. She stated her lot is 8000 sq. feet, and she pays $1000 for less than
an acre lot and is against the 30% increase. She asked for individual lot increases rather
than general increases, and would like to see funds support the Volunteer Fire
Department, roads, and trash issues. She asked the Council to take baby steps, and
expressed concerns with her neighbor paying much less for his lease and not following
code regulations.
Councilor Smith moved to table this item until May 7, 2024.
Motion seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
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Item 8a - Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
9:49 a.m.
Councilor Taylor stated that he felt this meeting was a great example of democracy as
two sides came together, voiced concerns, and were open to coming to an agreement.
Councilor Whiteley congratulated David Maywald for being employee of the month. He
agreed with Councilor Taylor and stated he appreciates everyone showing up and
conducting themselves in a professional and diplomatic manner.
Councilor Browning discussed this being the last meeting in this Council
Chambers. He is excited to see the renovation of this building, and stated the new space
will be bigger to accommodate crowds like we had today. He discussed the turmoil for
employees as they move, and asked citizens for their patience.
Councilor Battaglino thanked everyone for coming out today to discuss the Lake issues,
and stated that they may not have a representative on the Council, but they have a
Council who genuinely cares about their issues, and he is for establishing a committee.
He looks forward to continuing the dialogue and stated the issue is not being kicked down
the road and will be taken care of. He expressed his thoughts and prayers to all those
that are fighting fires and the eleven Wichita Falls Firefighters deployed. He discussed
the St. Patrick's Day event downtown on March 16th and he encouraged everyone to
attend.
Councilor Nelson asked about vehicles for Development Services, and asked Amy
Fagan, Director of Health, about the doors at the Health Department. Mr. Burrus stated
he is waiting on vehicles to come in, and Mrs. Fagan stated two doors were received, one
was damaged during installation, and the new restrooms are operational. He asked Pat
Hoffman to step up and stated she should be employee of the century and applauded her
work.
Councilor Smith thanked Pat Hoffman for the information she has provided, and thanked
her and her staff for their work. He stated that this is the last Council meeting in this
building, as he is not running again. During the next two years all City offices have moved
to either Big Blue or Wichita Towers, and some departments permanently moved to other
facilities. Citizens can find information regarding where offices are located on the City
website, and Council meetings will be held in the Seminar Room at the MPEC during the
renovation. Daylight savings time is coming, and he encouraged everyone to call their
Senator to get that changed.
Mayor Short thanked everyone from the lake communities for their involvement and
passion in local government and stated that the Council looks forward to working with
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them. He thanked the Wichita Falls Fire Department and the strike teams deployed, and
asked everyone to pray for their safety along with those in the path of the fires. He
encouraged everyone to go vote, and asked everyone to stay seated after the
adjournment for a decommissioning ceremony.
Mayor Short stated that the Wichita Falls City Council has been meeting in this Council
Chambers for over six decades, and he discussed the historic decisions made over the
years. There have been almost 1500 Council meetings in the chambers, and today it is
decommissioned as the official meeting room for the City Council. The first meeting at the
MPEC Seminar Room will be on March 19th, and when we return to this building after the
renovation the Council Chambers will be in a larger space on the 3rd floor with easier
access for citizens. Councilors removed their nameplates from the dais.
Item 13 —Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 9:59 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of March 2024.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
Theodore Ham, TRMC
Deputy City Clerk
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