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Item 1 - Call to Order
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in a regular session at 8:30 a.m.
on the above date in the Seminar Room at the MPEC 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
Pastor Lance Bourgeois, Grace Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Presentations—Wichita Falls Citizen's Academy Graduation
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Short recognized members of the Citizen's Academy, and Chris Horgen, Public
Information Officer, presented them with a City coin.
Mr. Leiker moved to Item 5.
Item 5-7 — Consent Items
8:36 a.m.
Darron Leiker, City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Taylor to approve the consent agenda.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning 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 May 7, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Mayor and
City Council
Item 6 — Resolution 49-2024
Resolution authorizing an additional $3,370.05 funding for the purchase of Eleven (11)
911 Define Console Systems through the H-GAC (Houston-Galveston Area Council)
Cooperative Purchasing Program from Russ Bassett Corporation in the amount of
$296,301.96
Item 7 — Receive Minutes
(a) MPO Transportation Policy Committee, January 24, 2024
(b) Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health Board, March 8, 2024
(c) Planning & Zoning Commission, April 17, 2024
Mr. Leiker returned to item 4.
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May 21, 2024
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Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
8:38 a.m.
David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm Lane, discussed the Ride to Remember, which will be
held on May 29th at 6:00 p.m. beginning at Hamilton Park to commemorate and
remember Charlie and Lisa McBride.
Item 8a — Ordinance 15-2024
8:39 a.m.
Ordinance appointing Mary Brasher as a Substitute Judge of the Municipal Court for a
term of two years.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 15-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8b — Ordinance 16-2024
8:41 a.m.
Ordinance reappointing Dan Tompkins as a Substitute Judge of the Municipal Court for
a term of two years.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 16-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley
Nays: None
Item 8c — Ordinance 17-2024
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8:42 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating $3,000 of funding received from the Texas Opioid Abatement
Settlement Funding to provide funding in assistance to Action Against Opioids for the
purchase of a Naloxone Vending Machine.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 17-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Dr. Sandra Vergara, D.D.S., with Action Against Opioids, addressed the Council and
discussed national and local data regarding drug-involved overdoses resulting in death
and the increase in deaths from fentanyl overdoses. She discussed the placement of
Naloxone vending machines in the community to provide two free doses of Naloxone.
State funds will pay for refilling the vending machine.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9a — Resolution 50-2024
8:57 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the overhaul of a Landfill compactor to Warren Power and
Machinery, LP (Warren Cat) in an amount of $760,173.05.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 50-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9b — Resolution 51-2024
9:07 a.m.
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A resolution replacing Resolution 112-89 related to requests for City services Outside the
City Limits.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 51-2024.
The motion was 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 52-2024
9:16 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to purchase
a replacement Air Conditioning unit for the Network and Server room at the Public Safety
Training Center from Trinity Air Conditioning, Inc. in the amount of $75,880.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 52-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9d — Resolution 53-2024
9:18 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award a contract for replacing the roof on the
Wichita Falls Public Library to Lydick-Hooks Roofing Co. of Wichita Falls, Inc. in the
amount of $485,530.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 53-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley
Nays: None
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Item 9e — Resolution 54-2024
9:21 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into
contract with Duke Holding Company, Inc. in the amount of $170,928 to construct the
Multi-use Courts at Bridwell Park.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 54-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, introduced Tyson Traw, the new Deputy
Director of Public Works.
Item 10a — Staff report — Animal Ordinance & Spay/Neuter Education Campaign,
Amy Fagan
9:29 a.m.
Amy Fagan, Director of Health, discussed the current Animal Ordinance and the
spay/neuter (It's Hip to Snip) education campaigns. She discussed how Animal Services
is promoting its three core goals to protect, promote, and prevent, and provided three
educational rack cards to the Council. The education campaign includes multiple videos
and a QR code and has helped to increase adoptions and reduce the euthanasia rate in
Wichita Falls. She discussed weekly animal intake and outcome rates which are posted
on the website. They will be completing a public survey and increasing their work with
community partners, and Mrs. Fagan thanked the Council, staff, and community partners
who are assisting with these education campaigns.
Item 10b -Wichita Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association, discussion about
possible new positions (City Council requested item)
9:39 a.m.
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Al Vitolo, President of the Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association, addressed
the Council and thanked them for putting this item on the agenda. Mr. Vitolo discussed
the need for the creation of a Deputy Fire Marshall position, the many duties of the Fire
Marshall division, and how this position creates a succession plan for the division. He
discussed the Emergency Medical Coordinator position, how it was recently vacated, the
vacuum left within the training division, and how that created an emergent need to fill the
position within the department. Both positions have been filled by current suppression
employees, whose positions must be covered to maintain minimum staffing requirements.
They would like both of these positions to be funded and to keep the current individuals
in these positions. He asked to increase the suppression staff to meet the minimum
national standards of four firefighters per unit, discussed NFPA 1710 and the two-in-two-
out rule, and how the department struggles with this under current staffing levels. He
asked for funding for 9 new firefighters in the new budget regardless of the outcome of
the SAFER grant recently applied for. The additional staffing will reduce overtime costs,
which will help fund the positions and allow the department to provide the higher level of
care needed on calls. Both Chief Hughes and Chief Melton agree with the need to
increase staffing, and the increase is warranted due to the increased call volume.
Item 10c -Wichita Falls Police Officers Association, discussion about retention
and recruitment, pay structure. (City Council requested item.)
9:55 a.m.
Steve Ginger, President of the Wichita Falls Police Officers Association, stated that his
presentation at the last council meeting addressed their concerns regarding retention,
recruitment, and pay structure. A report was provided via email to the City Council, and
Officer Ginger asked for any questions. There was a brief discussion regarding lateral
transfers, the ability to rehire retirees on a part-time basis, and the ability to run multiple
civil services lists at one time. Officer Ginger discussed starting and top out pay rates and
how our rates compare with other cities. He stated that the department is having difficulty
getting individuals to apply for the academy and discussed issues with recruitment due to
competitive pay and benefits in other departments. Officer Ginger discussed the
workload, staffing, and how citizens are getting frustrated with the timeliness of cases
being handled due to the lack of adequate staff. He expressed his appreciation to the City
Council and staff for their responsiveness and openness. Council expressed the need to
spend additional time addressing public safety during the budget process.
Item 10d — Staff Report — Preliminary Budget Outlook, Stephen Calvert
10:11 a.m.
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Stephen Calvert, CFO/Director of Finance, provided a brief overview of the preliminary
budget and the budget calendar and discussed the recent City Manager budget hearings,
during which each budget line item was reviewed. Mr. Calvert discussed the complicated
legislation regarding setting the property tax rate, the current tax rate, preliminary property
values, the preliminary no-new revenue rate, and the voter approval tax rate. The voter
approval tax rate is estimated at 0.688600, and any rate above this would require voter
approval at an election. Mr. Calvert discussed the different tax rate options and noted that
each 1/2 cent generates approximately $373,000 in revenue. If the Council desires to raise
the rate above the voter approval rate, they would need to accelerate the budget calendar
in order to have the tax rate election on the November ballot. Mr. Calvert discussed the
reduction in sales tax revenue and his recommendation to keep those budget levels flat,
and discussed the impact of labor rate adjustments across each class of employees.
Christi Klyn, Director of Human Resources, discussed historical changes in
compensation, beginning with the comprehensive study completed in 2020 and historical
data for the Employment Cost Index (ECI). She discussed the four pay plans, step, merit,
and cost of living increases, and historical increases since 2018. Changes recommended
in the MAG study were made in 2022, and new pay plans were implemented, which
included some adjustments to minimum pay. Mrs. Klyn discussed improvements in the
number of vacancies, which she believes is tied to increased pay, which has helped with
recruitment and retention for some departments.
Mr. Calvert addressed other budget considerations, such as capital expenditures and
street improvements, and stated that although inflation is lower than it was, it is still a
consideration in the budget. He discussed the above current budget requests that were
submitted, which total $2.4 million, with $1 .8 million being in the general fund. He
reiterated the budget and tax rate adoption timeline and thanked the Council for their time.
Item 10e - Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
10:31 a.m.
Councilor Taylor thanked everyone, stated it was a good, informative meeting, and
congratulated the Citizens Academy graduates. He discussed the weather changes,
grass growing, and the need to continue to take pride in your property and make the city
attractive. He encouraged citizens to use the Access City Hall/Comcate system to voice
any concerns. He discussed a news story regarding public safety in upstate New York,
how they have improved the quality of safety, and that it takes funding to make
improvements. He asked Mr. Burrus about the location of upcoming bus enclosures.
Councilor Whiteley discussed concerns with high grass, and stated that we are
understaffed in the Parks Department and there has been substantial rain. He thanked
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May 21, 2024
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Mary Brasher and Dan Tompkins for stepping up to serve as substitute judges. Both came
highly recommended by Judge Dockery. He thanked Tyson Traw, Deputy Public Works
Director, and congratulated him. He commended the Fire and Police Associations for their
presentations and discussed the importance of safety for our community and the ability
to recruit and retain employees. Other cities are determining our pay scale since we have
to stay competitive. He noted the changes the Police Department has made regarding
recruitment and retention and they have helped some, but we need to think outside the
box to address public safety issues.
Councilor Browning agreed with Councilor Whiteley and congratulated all of the
graduates. It will be a busy weekend in town with all of the graduations and the holiday.
Councilor Smith stated that grass higher than nine inches needs to be mowed. He noted
that the next Council meeting will be held on National Hug Your Cat Day.
Councilor Battaglino congratulated the Citizens Academy graduates and asked that we
keep the family of Captain John Robertson in our thoughts as he lost his life in a recent
training accident. He asked citizens to participate in the park's master plan survey
available on the website. This weekend will be busy, and he discussed a joint ceremony
with the East Project and American Legion Post 169 that will be held at East Lawn
cemetery on May 25th at noon. Chapter 41 of the DAV will have a ceremony Monday at
8:00 a.m. at the Wichita County Cemetery, and that evening at Crestview Memorial
Cemetery at 6:30 p.m. the Thomas Fowler American Legion Post 169 will recognize
Thomas Fowler, local Medal of Honor recipient. Soldiers Wish is coming to Wichita Falls
to help with the unmet needs of veterans and active-duty soldiers in our community.
Congratulations to Russell Schreiber on the progression with the Lake Ringgold, and he
stated he hopes to create a committee this year. He congratulated Moriah Williams for
being recognized as one of the top 50 economic developers in the nation.
Councilor Nelson discussed his awareness program and his work on the preconstruction
checklist, the length of the permit process, and backflow filters. He thanked the two Citizen
Academy graduates who stayed for the entire meeting.
Mayor Short congratulated Russell Schreiber and thanked him for his work. He also
congratulated the graduates of the Citizens Academy and thanked Dr. Vergara for all that
she does to battle opioids. He stated that his mom passed away on May 9th at Hospice
and he thanked everyone who reached out to him for their prayers and kindness.
Item 11 — Executive Sessions
No executive session was held.
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Item 12 — Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of June 2024.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC
City Clerk
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