Min 08/20/2024 City of Wichita Falls
City Council Meeting
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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 Tim Puckett, Heritage Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation — Wichita Falls for P.E.T.S. Day, P.E.T.S. Clinic
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming August 20, 2024, as P.E.T.S. Day in Wichita
Falls.
Item 3b — Proclamation — Women's Equality Day, League of Women Voters
8:35 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation commemorating the anniversary of the 19th Amendment
as Women's Equality Day and called upon citizens to remember the history,
accomplishments, contributions, and rights of women in civic life.
Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
8:38 a.m.
Kevin Hunter, 1647 Hursh, addressed the Council regarding the Water budget and the
proposed water rate increase and expressed concerns with inactive meters. He discussed
the proposed budget increasing by 19% in 5 years, the need for the Council to address
what the citizens need, concerns with the Bicycle Safety Coordinator position, and
concerns about big government.
Item 5-6 — Consent Items
8:42 a.m.
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the
Consent Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Nelson 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 August 6, 2024, Regular Meeting of the Mayor
and City Council
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
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August 20, 2024
PAGE 2 OF 17
(a) Wichita Falls Park Board, June 22, 2023
(b) Wichita Falls Park Board, October 26, 2023
(c) Wichita Falls Park Board, December 7, 2023
(d) MPO TAC, April 11 , 2024
(e) MPO TPC, April 24, 2024
(f) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, July 9, 2024
(g) Planning & Zoning Commission. July 10, 2024
(h) Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, July 23, 2024
Item 7a — Ordinance 39-2024
8:43 a.m.
Ordinance reappointing Judge Diane Dockery, Municipal Court Judge for a term of two
years to begin on August 20, 2024.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 39-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7b — Ordinance 40-2024
8:44 a.m.
Ordinance reappointing Mike Whalen as a Substitute Judge of the Municipal Court for a
term of two years.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 40-2024.
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The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7c(i) — Public Hearing for an ordinance amending the Canyon Trails Planned
Unit Development (Ord 07-2016) to allow for the conversion of 4307, 4309, 4311
Canyon Trails Drive (Lots 120-122, Canyon Trails, Section 5) from dedicated open
space to single family detached lot use and increase the maximum number of
single family lots permitted on the master Plan by the proposed three lots
8:45 a.m.
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:45 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the proposed amendment to
rezone an open space area to allow three new single-family homes and increase the
maximum number of lots in the Master Plan. Mr. Floyd discussed that due to the
opposition from citizens living in the area, a supermajority vote of 6 would be necessary
to approve this item. Planning and Zoning recommended denying this change, and staff
recommended approval of the changes.
Councilor Browning noted that this area was never set for development and individuals
who built homes there probably built there for a reason.
The current owner stated that when she purchased the property, her goal was to build
residential homes. She has maintained the property and paid taxes. She understands
individuals in the area are opposed to the development but feels their concerns are trivial.
She wants to develop the property, increase housing, and grow the community. This
change will encourage growth, and she asked the Mayor and Council for approval.
Dee Ann Martin, Broker and co-owner of Advantage Real Estate, said she sold many
homes in the Canyon Trail area. Realtors told potential buyers that these lots were
designed as open spaces. Changing this makes them look like they lack knowledge and
integrity when they advised that these spaces would be open and are now proposed to
be developed. She asked the Council to oppose these changes.
Scott Gordon, 4 Blue Sage Court, Canyon Trails, discussed the PUD, why it is important,
and how it is a planned development for trails. These homes were sold with the
understanding that it was surrounded by a nature area with trails. There was one previous
change, but it was in alignment with the best interest of the neighborhood by making large
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August 20, 2024
PAGE 4 OF 17
lots with larger expensive homes. The PUD addresses the open spaces and how they
should be dealt with. Canyon Trails is supposed to have a private trail and park system,
which increases the value of these homes. Homes in this area pay a substantial amount
of property taxes, and he discussed the deed restrictions that should be enforced. These
changes are overwhelmingly opposed, and this area should remain as it was intended.
He discussed ways to maintain the open spaces and asked that the City assist with
forming an HOA to help preserve this PUD agreement.
Adele Lewis-Brauer, stated she and her husband oppose rezoning the three lots in
Canyon Trails. They purchased their house because it is in a quiet area with fewer and
larger lots. The developer who purchased the lots had a person going door-to-door in
2021 asking residents for their support, and residents did not support them. This area
was zoned by the City as open space in 1994, is one of thirty-seven open spaces in
Wichita Falls, and the only open space in their neighborhood. This open space supports
wildlife, and she does not feel the City should develop it. She discussed traffic issues with
having one entrance/exit to Canyon Trails, which has seventy-six homes, TxDOT studies
showing the amount of traffic going in and out of the neighborhood, and traffic visibility
issues if this open space is developed. She is concerned about the neighborhood's
aesthetics, wildlife, increased traffic, and discussed concerns with these lots backing up
to a cliff and the possibility of zero lot line houses in the neighborhood. Building three
homes in this area does not solve any housing issues as the need is for low and
moderate-income housing, which is inconsistent with this area.
Frank Jarratt, 3306 Canyon Trails, across from the proposed development, stated this is
not a place to build as the lots back up to a steep hill, and he is concerned that the homes
cannot be built due to topography and erosion issues. He acknowledged there is a need
for housing, but this is not the area to build, he feels the developer made a mistake
purchasing this, and it should remain a park. He feels this will end with smaller zero lot
line homes in a neighborhood not designed for that kind of development.
Judy Wade lives in Canyon Trails at the bottom of the hill and discussed concerns with
traffic issues with individuals driving too fast and how larger vehicles struggle to stay on
their side of the street. People backing out of driveways will not have time to clear their
drive without being hit when visibility is changed if new homes are built. She expressed
concerns with walkers and bicyclists who will be endangered by increased traffic issues.
When she purchased her home, she asked if other homes would be built behind or across
from her home, and she was told no. The gazebo was built there for the use of the
neighborhood, and she and her husband are opposed to the rezoning.
Dan Gagne, 4238 Canyon Trails, said Canyon Trails was designed and approved by City
Council as a low-density housing development. The drainage system is barely adequate,
and he discussed ground stability in the proposed development area. The original owner
dedicated this space to the residents of the neighborhood. He feels if this is allowed, then
other properties purchased at the tax sale will come forward, leading to the loss of the
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August 20, 2024
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uniqueness of Canyon Trails. There is limited green space in the area, and the owners
have been taking care of the space until the new owner purchased it. He asked that the
open space not be taken away.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:16 a.m.
Item 7c(ii) — Ordinance 41-2024
10:19 a.m.
Ordinance amending the Canyon Trails Planned Unit Development (Ord 07-2016) to
allow for the conversion of 4307, 4309, 4311 Canyon Trails Drive (Lots 120-122, Canyon
Trails, Section 5) from dedicated open space to single family detached lot use and
increase the maximum number of single family lots permitted on the master Plan by the
proposed three lots.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 41-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and failed by the following vote:
Ayes: None
Nays: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and
Whiteley.
Item 7d — Ordinance 42-2024
9:18 a.m.
Ordinance amending Chapter 90 Solid Waste setting an effective date, and providing
codification.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 42-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith.
Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, discussed the history of this ordinance, the
reasons changes were previously made, and the proposed revisions, including one minor
modification recommended by staff. There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed
residential permit process versus a commercial site permit and the ability to obtain a
permit on a weekend or holiday. The proposed changes will allow for permits to be
obtained online.
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The council expressed its appreciation to the staff and third-party providers for their work
on these changes and for being able to compromise.
Hayden Hansen, 6907 Seymour Highway, thanked the Mayor and Council for the
changes and asked about commercial permits on weekends, holidays, or during a natural
disaster. Mr. Schreiber stated that the new permitting process will address that.
Mickey Fincannon, resident of Wichita County, thanked the Council and staff for their
work on this and he feels this is a great step forward in the right direction. He discussed
concerns with weekend and holiday permits to ensure they can assist residents and
businesses, as he wants to ensure they can legally set dumpsters. It was stated that the
online form would address these issues.
Councilor Browning called for a vote, and the carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7e — Ordinance 43-2024
9:34 a.m.
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to apply for
and accept up to $1 ,442,396 in 2024 Federal Aviation Administration Entitlement grants
at Wichita Falls Regional Airport.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 43-2024.
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 7f— Ordinance 44-2024
9:37 a.m.
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Ordinance providing for a 100% Tax Exemption for Tax Year 2024 and each year
thereafter on qualifying Child-Care Facilities; containing findings and other provisions
relating to the foregoing subject; providing for an effective date.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 44-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Battaglino.
Cheryl Burleson, thanked the Council for this item as several childcare centers have
previously closed. She discussed the history of childcare providers in Wichita Falls, and
the current waiting lists for care.
Tammy Haynes, University Academy Daycare, owner for 33 years, discussed the current
economic crisis and how people and businesses are struggling, and this change will help.
She thanked the Council for their consideration.
Misty Stone, childcare facility owner, discussed consolidating three centers into one and
said if there is a way the City can help, she does not know why they wouldn't. She said
eighty-seven infants are on her waiting list and discussed the costs, state standards, and
how the lack of quality care is a City problem. She thanked the Council for their time.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 7q — Ordinance 45-2024
9:45 a.m.
Ordinance amending the code of ordinances Chapter 50, Article II, Section 34 to increase
the number of Fire Captains from 15 to 16 for the purposes of adding a Deputy Fire
Marshal position to assist with fire code enforcement and fire investigation.
Moved by Councilor Browning motion to table until September 17, 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 8a(i) — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Operating Budget and
Resolution Setting a Date for Adoption of the FY 2025 Budget
9:46 a.m.
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:47 a.m.
Stephen Calvert discussed the proposed budget and provided an update on
recommended revisions which include: allocating increased revenue due to updated
property values, increasing the proposed tax rate to $0.6848, property tax exemption to
qualified childcare providers, use of 1% of the personnel vacancy allowance, increase
COLA from 4% to 11% for Police and 5% for all other employees, include EMT and
Paramedic certification pay for Fire, use previously dedicated general fund capital for
Sports Complex improvements ($2,100,000) and Municipal Court facility upgrades
($215,000), and incorporate item approved in appointee evaluations. Mr. Calvert
reminded everyone that the original proposed tax rate was $0.677500, and the current
proposed rate is $0.684800, which is higher than the current rate but still below the FY
2023 rate of $0.694321 . The new proposed tax rate will increase revenue by
approximately $3,054,000 or 6.95%, and for every $100,000 in property value, it is a tax
increase of $4.80 per year. He discussed using 1% of the personnel vacancy allowance,
which was previously budgeted at 0% and discussed GFOA best practices that assisted
with this decision. Basically, this means we budget for a full staff, and we usually have
several vacancies throughout the year that cause a surplus in the budget. He also
discussed the total employee compensation package, which includes salary and benefits,
and the comparison to other cities.
Councilor Whiteley asked about step and merit increases and why they were suspended
this year. Christi Klyn, Human Resources Director, stated that approximately 60 civil
service employees and some civilian employees are stepped out, and with COLA
increases, all employees receive the same increase.
Councilor Smith discussed the Employee Benefits Trust's recommendation of premium
holidays and asked for an explanation of how it works. Mr. Calvert stated that, based on
the trust's financial health, the board is allowing premium holidays when employees will
not have to pay premiums, increasing employee pay during those pay periods.
Councilor Battaglino thanked Mr. Calvert for his work on these changes and asked for
clarification of Police pay to confirm that it is a total increase of 11% and that other
incentive pays stayed the same. Mr. Calvert confirmed that was correct. He asked Blake
Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, to discuss the economic impact of the previous sport's
complex improvements. Mr. Jurecek discussed the increase in tournaments, the number
of teams traveling more than 60 miles, increased hotel room sales, and other spending,
resulting in over $2.5 million in economic impact. Adding an additional turf field will
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August 20, 2024
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increase this impact. There was a brief discussion on the return on investment on these
quality-of-life projects.
Councilor Smith asked about the funds to upgrade the Municipal Court facilities and the
increase in that amount. Mr. Calvert stated the original budget was for restroom
improvements, and the new amount includes courtroom improvements.
Councilor Battaglino addressed the Bicycle Safety Coordinator, the importance of the
position, and how it will be funded. Mr. Burris discussed how having an advocate for the
cycling community and other pedestrians will be paid for by the Child Safety Program fees
paid on vehicle registration and passed on to the City, resulting in a net zero impact on
the budget. This position will provide community awareness, bicycle safety training in
schools, and work with local businesses to become bicycle-friendly.
Al Vitolo, 3 Blazing Star, President of the Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters
Association, thanked the Council and Mr. Calvert for their work on these changes. He
discussed the proposed certification pay for firefighters with Peace Officer licenses and
asked the Council to consider it and address pay issues. He also discussed pension fund
contributions by firefighters, which are more than other city employees, past city
contributions, and future issues as they are still significantly behind and are losing
employees. Last decade, 36% of firefighters trained left the department.
Carol Murray, 3203 Beech, encouraged the Council to focus on public safety and basic
city services and prioritize items to grow the city. The biggest priority should be Police
recruitment and retention, and she suggested tying other employees' raises to high job
performance tied to citizen-focused initiatives and city growth. She also suggested an ala-
carte employee benefits program that provides employee choices within a budget. She
encouraged a thorough review of every budget line item, and if the item does not support
public safety, basic services, and community growth, then eliminate it. Leave parks to
local civic organizations, and consider outsourcing services that are expensive and
difficult to staff, such as garbage and public transportation. Get rid of buses and replace
them with smaller vans. She encouraged growth in the city by implementing a small
business advocate to work with city development staff and entrepreneurs. She suggested
eliminating City services that private entities provide. Be proud of your debt management,
and get back to the basics of city government. Focus on Police recruitment and retention,
reward employees, and get rid of services that do not benefit most citizens, outsource,
partner with private entities, and eliminate the fluff.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 10:20 a.m.
Item 8a(ii) — Resolution 93-2024
11 :09 a.m.
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Resolution Setting a Date for Adoption of the FY 2025 Budget.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 93-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8b — Resolution 94-202
10:20 a.m.
Resolution expressing the City Council's intent to place a proposal on a future Council
agenda approving a property tax in accordance with the Texas Property Tax Reform and
Transparency Act of 2019; scheduling one public tax rate hearing, and establishing the
date to vote on same.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 94-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning.
Mr. Calvert discussed the proposed tax rate and stated that the rate placed in the
Resolution will be the highest rate the Council can adopt.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to amend the main motion with the proposed tax rate to be
$0.6848
The motion to amend was seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following
vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
The main motion as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
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Item 8c — Resolution 95-2024
10:23 a.m.
Resolution authorizing award of bid for the City's Estimated Annual Supply of Unleaded
Gasoline and Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel to Haigood & Campbell, LLC.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 95-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Battaglino and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8d — Resolution 96-2024
10:26 a.m.
Resolution re-appointing Gregory Ross to the Nortex Housing Finance Corporation.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 96-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 9a - Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
10:26 p.m.
Councilor Taylor discussed wildfires and encouraged everyone to ensure combustible
items are not around their property and that he, Chief Hughes, and Chris Horgan are
developing a program to help mitigate the wildfires. He thanked staff for the budget
presentation and said the second turf field will increase city revenue. The Municipal Court
facility is not currently a facility to be proud of, but the funds budgeted will assist with that,
and he asked citizens to understand the need. He said he appreciates the bus stop
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August 20, 2024
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shelters, addressed comments made about outsourcing, and stated outsourcing should
be looked at when there is a time and place.
Councilor Whiteley agreed that occasionally, outsourcing can be considered due to short
staffing, and trees in medians that need to be trimmed are an example of possible
outsourcing. He thanked Stephen and his staff for the budget presentation. Some of the
decisions are hard, and there is give and take and substantial discussion. He addressed
Mr. Hunter's statement that the government doesn't need to grow and stated that the
bicycle safety coordinator is not being funded through general funds, and bicycle safety
is a big issue. He said public safety is expensive and that we lose employees to other
cities, addressed the 36% of staff lost over the past decade and the training costs
associated with these losses. He discussed the benefits of premium holidays and
employee benefits and how these decisions are not made lightly. He discussed if
revenues are cut they must consider how those funds may need to be replaced. He asked
about permit fees for those over 65, and Mr. Calvert stated that the fee ordinance will
address that. It is Hotter `N Hell weekend, and he encouraged everyone to watch out for
bicycles.
Councilor Browning reminded everyone it is Hotter `N Hell weekend. The budget
discussion was very informative, and it is good they all worked together to move it forward.
Hotter `N Hell is a great event that generates a lot of revenue.
Councilor Smith thanked Stephen, his staff, and the City Manager for getting the budget
to this point. He appreciates the input, exchange of importation, and the number of
changes made. In his time on the Council, there have been two big challenges, and they
continue to be challenging: the metroplex effect with employees moving for higher pay
and Police and Fire pay. He challenged the Council to set a goal to bring public safety to
an average pay to comparable cities.
Councilor Battaglino thanked Stephen Calvert and his staff and John Burrus for the "Fly
Wichita Falls" tie. It is Hotter `N Hell weekend so please be mindful of riders, and Kinley
will be at rest stop 1 .
Councilor Nelson agreed with Councilor Taylor, discussed his work with Ron Kitchens,
and asked Terry about the trucks for Development Services. He said that we couldn't get
the trucks locally because dealers in town are not on the buy board. He noted that two
restaurants shut down, but three more are opening. He discussed his awareness
program, eliminating problems by meeting with contractors, and the information he
receives from Washington and Austin regarding Amtrak. He asked Blake, who traveled
the furthest to the sports complex. Mr. Jurecek said there were individuals from Wichita,
KS, and South Texas. Councilor Nelson discussed the new schools and traffic issues and
thanked everyone for attending.
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August 20, 2024
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Mayor Short thanked everyone for attending. He encouraged everyone to enjoy Hotter `N
Hell this weekend and be careful, and said he will be riding 50 miles. He announced that
he and his wife are expecting their first grandchild in March.
Item 10 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:44 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .071 and §551 .074.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11 :40 a.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Item 11: Appointments and Actions Regarding Boards and Commissions
11 :41 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Whiteley to make the following appointments to the 4A Wichita Falls
Economic Development Corporation:
Place 1 — Reno Gustafson with a term to expire 09/30/2025.
Place 4 — Brent Hillery with a term to expire 09/30/2027
Place 5 — Craig Lewis with a term to expire 09/30/2027
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and approved by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Whiteley to make the following appointments to the 4B Sales Tax
Corporation:
Place 3 — Glenn Barham with a term to expire 07/31/2026.
Place 4 — Steve Garner with a term to expire 07/31/2026
Place 6 — Michael Grassi with a term to expire 07/31/2026.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
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August 20, 2024
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Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Lake Wichita
Revitalization Committee:
Move John Pezzano from Place 4— Lakeside City Representative to Place 10 — Lakeside
City Ex-Officio, and appoint Mark Moran to Place 4 with terms to expire 07/31/2027.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Library Advisory
Board:
Place 3 — Kristen Garrison with a term to expire 07/31/2027.
Place 6 — Zachary Carlton with a term to expire 07/31/2027
Place 7 —Adam Arruda with a term to expire 07/31/2027.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint Robyn Schreiber to Place 5 on the Tax
Increment Financing District Reinvestment Zone #3 Board with a term to expire
12/21/2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
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August 20, 2024
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Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint Kerry J. Maroney to Place 6—Water Resources
Engineer on the Water Resources Board with a term to expire 12/31/2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Zoning Board
of Adjustment:
Move Brady Enlow from Place 7 —Alternate 2 to Place 5 with a term to expire 12/31/2025.
Place 7 —Alternate 2 - Sam Pak with a term to expire 12/31/2024.
Place 8 —Alternate 3 — Caleb Perkins with a term to expire 12/31/2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 12 — Resolution 97-2024
11 :49 a.m.
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, Authorizing the
Execution of a Separation Agreement with City Manager Darron Leiker; Finding and
Determining that the Meeting at which this Resolution was Passed was Open to the Public
as Required by Law.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 97-2024.
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 13 — Resolution 98-2024
11 :51 a.m.
Resolution appointing an Acting City Manager for the City of Wichita Falls and authorizing
the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with the Appointee.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 98-2024 and appoint Paul Menzies
as the Acting City Manager.
The motion was seconded by Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Mayor Short said Paul Menzies has graciously accepted the temporary role of acting City
Manager and he appreciates that. Going forward the City Council will announce an official
interim City Manager in the future, who will not be a candidate for the City Manager
position. The formal search for a permanent City Manager will begin soon, will be
thorough, and will take however long necessary. We have an opportunity to do great
things, and he asked for continued blessings on our city, leadership staff, budget
decisions, and citizens.
Item 14— Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 11:53 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of September 2024.
rim Short, y
Ma or
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRM'� , MMC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
August 20, 2024
PAGE 17 OF 17