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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 -
Paul Menzies - Acting 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
Minister Ken Holsberry, Tenth and Broad Church of Christ, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Tracey Petersen, Fire Department
8:32 a.m.
Mayor Short recognized Tracey Petersen as Employee of the Month for September 2024
and shared a brief video. He congratulated Mr. Petersen and presented him with a plaque,
letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check and thanked him for his service.
Item 3b— Proclamation — National Preparedness Month, City of Wichita Falls Office
of Emergency Management
8:34 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 2024 as National Preparedness
Month.
Item 3c — Proclamation — Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Day
8:37 a.m.
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 15, 2024, as Psalms, Hymns,
and Spiritual Songs Day.
Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
8:38 a.m.
Jacob Fields, 3029 Whitehall Ln., discussed the recycling program for free mulch days
and stated that you must have a trailer to pick up mulch. He understands that this is due
to the size of the loader and its inability to fit into a pickup bed, but he encouraged the
rule to be looked at and the restriction removed.
David Coleman, 3719 Cedar Elm, thanked the Council for its work and the staff and
Council for participating in and supporting Hotter `N Hell.
Item 5-7 — Consent Items
8:43 a.m.
Paul Menzies, Acting City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent
Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve the consent agenda.
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September 3, 2024
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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 Mayor and City Council
(a) August 13, 2024 Special Meeting
(b) August 20, 2024 Regular Meeting
Item 6a — Resolution 99-2024
Resolution authorizing the purchase of three 3/4-ton pickups for the Wastewater
Collections, Wastewater, and Parks Maintenance Divisions through the BuyBoard
Purchasing Cooperative from Caldwell Country Ford, LLC (dba Rockdale Country Ford)
in the amount of $127,450.00.
Item 6b — Resolution 100-2024
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one 3/4-ton pickup for the Parks Maintenance
Division through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Caldwell Country Chevrolet
II, LLC in the amount of $43,390.00.
Item 6c — Resolution 101-2024
Resolution authorizing award of bid for roadway striping services for the Wichita Falls
Traffic Engineering Division from the low bidder Linear Traffic Markings, LLC in the
amount of $52,979.00.
Item 7 — Receive Minutes
(a) Landmark Commission, June 25, 2024
(b) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation (4A), July 18, 2024
(c) Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, August 6, 2024
Item 8a — Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Tax Rate
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September 3, 2024
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8:45 a.m.
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:45 a.m.
Stephen Calvert, Director of Finance/CFO, discussed the budget timeline and provided
an overview of changes in the proposed budget and the proposed tax rate of $0.6848 for
fiscal year 2025.
Valerie Rhodes, 1706 Avalon, discussed the poor condition of Sheppard Access Rd.,
access to the Softball Complex, and issues with drainage and flooding in that area.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 8:49 a.m.
Item 8b — Ordinance 46-2024
8:49 a.m.
Ordinance adopting the Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2024 and
ending September 30, 2025.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 46-2024.
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 8c — Ordinance 47-2024
8:50 a.m.
Ordinance levying, assessing, and fixing the tax rate for the use and support of the Wichita
Falls Municipal Government and providing for the Interest and Sinking Fund for the 2025
fiscal year.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 47-2024 and that the property tax
rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of$0.684800, which is effectively a 6.95%
increase in the tax rate.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Nelson and carried by the following vote:
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September 3, 2024
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Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Nelson, Smith, Taylor, and Whiteley.
Nays: None
Item 8d — Ordinance 48-2024
8:52 a.m.
Ordinance ratifying the increase in property tax revenue as reflected in the Annual Budget
for the fiscal year beginning October 1 , 2024 and ending September 30, 2025.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 48-2024, and to adopt this budget
that will raise more total property taxes than last year's budget by $3,386,401 , or 6.95%
increase, and of that amount $568,845 is tax revenue to be raised from new property
added to the tax roll this year.
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 8e — Ordinance 49-2024
8:53 a.m.
Ordinance adopting the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Fiscal Year
beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2029.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 49-2024.
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 8f— Ordinance 50-2024
8:56 a.m.
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September 3, 2024
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Ordinance replacing Ordinance No. 73-2023 that was amended by Ordinance 19-2024,
the fee schedule applied to City operations; providing for severability; providing that such
ordinance shall not be codified; and providing an effective date.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 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 8q — Ordinance 51-2024
8:58 a.m.
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for the Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC) Grant Program in the amount of $62,369 received from the Texas
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and authorizing the City Manager to
execute contract accepting same.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Ordinance 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 8h(i) — Public Hearing on considering an ordinance adopting the City's
Pavement Design Manual for new development; providing a repealer clause;
providing for inclusion.
9:00 a.m.
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:01 a.m.
Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, discussed the recommended amendments
to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A: Pavement Design Manual, and previous changes
made in the Drainage and Subdivision Ordinance that were advantageous to the design
community. Mr. Schreiber stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) was
presented with additional information, and they met on August 14th and voted 7-2 to
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September 3, 2024
PAGE 6 OF 19
recommend reducing the minimum standard for concrete paving from 6" to 5" and
reducing the amount of reinforcing steel required. Mr. Schreiber noted that local engineers
and the Metropolitan Planning Organization -Technical Advisory Committee recommend
6", and comparable cities have 6"or higher minimum standards. Mr. Schreiber stated that
streets today carry heavier loads, and 5" concrete streets are failing prematurely, which
cost taxpayer dollars to repair. He reminded the Council that this is not a new standard
and that 6" concrete paving has been the minimum standard since 2018, and staff
recommends approval of the 6" concrete requirement.
Councilor Battaglino asked how we define street failure. Mr. Schreiber stated that
excessive cracking or checkerboard cracking within 7-15 years.
Mayor Short asked if other cities allow 5" concrete paving and Mr. Schreiber said they did
not find any cities with a standard lower than 6".
Councilor Nelson stated that all the cracking he saw was at the expansion joints, and
increasing the amount of concrete would not fix that. No one has discussed problems with
expansion joints, and the preventative maintenance that should be completed to reduce
failure.
Councilor Smith stated that he had seen several areas where the rebar was not deep
enough and had visible rust spots. He asked what caused this. Mr. Schreiber stated that
inefficient concrete coverage over the rebar and the rebar not being placed in the middle
of the concrete is the cause and is one reason they recommend 6" concrete since 5" does
not provide the coverage needed.
Councilor Browning stated that the City is responsible for preventive maintenance on the
streets after the one-year warranty period.
Councilor Taylor discussed the disagreements on both sides regarding the best course
to take and that this is a difficult decision since one group will be unhappy either way.
Steve Garner, 2806 S. Shepherds Glen, said he was taken aback by the conversation at
the previous Council Meeting and that he researched this issue and was unable to find
any comparable city in Texas that allowed a 5" concrete streets, and Denton, the closest
comparable city, has a 7" minimum standard. He discussed concerns about how we share
the vision for Wichita Falls and the perception of taking a step backward and reducing
quality control by lowering this standard. He asked that the Council stay at the 6"standard.
Kerry J. Maroney, Vice President of Biggs and Mathews, said that the Council received a
letter last Friday from local engineers, and Mr. Maroney read the letter, which strongly
recommended staying at the current 6" concrete standard and steel requirements. He
said that the consultants and City staff have not taken this lightly, and a great amount of
time has been spent reviewing the standard, and he feels a case could be made to raise
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September 3, 2024
PAGE 7 OF 19
the standard to 7" and discussed the alternate pavement design option provided when
supported by engineering data. In his 20 years of experience, he has not seen any
geotechnical report that recommends anything less than 6" concrete paving.
Tanner Wachsman, RJ Wachsman Homes, discussed the calculations used by engineers
to design concrete streets which are used by TxDOT and for local streets, and the
differences in these calculations. TxDOT streets are designed for heavy traffic, and traffic
on residential streets is much less. He discussed the spider cracks previously shown on
streets over 20 years old and noted that cracks do not mean the streets have failed and
are not doing their job. He stated that the calculations and science back 5" concrete
streets and discussed a report sent to the Council regarding evidence of 5" concrete
streets that are intact and working. He said it is easy to follow the leader, but calculations
do not support the change; the change does not increase the life of the street, this change
will cause a price increase of$2500 per lot, and housing prices are out of control.
Councilor Battaglino asked Mr. Wachsman how many streets he would build in the next
10-20 years. Mr. Wachsman said that last year, they built 3 new streets and one
extension, so he feels 6-7 additional streets will be built in the next 5 years. Councilor
Battaglino asked if he takes pride in the quality of his work, and Mr. Wachsman said yes,
and that he wants to pour a street worth building a $400,000-$500,000 home on. He feels
the current 5" concrete streets constructed in 2014-2015 will not be replaced for many
years and stated that all streets need preventative maintenance.
Councilor Smith asked staff for their comments regarding Mr. Wachsman's statement,
and Mr. Schreiber stated that the current ordinance allows for an alternate street design
where appropriate. Mr. Traw discussed the 1993 calculation Mr. Wachsman referred to
and discussed statements from TxDOT in 2010 stating the 1993 calculation and design
guide are inadequate. He addressed the cost per lot and stated that staff calculated the
cost difference per lot due to the increase from 5" concrete to 6" concrete to be
approximately $1000 per lot.
Mr. Wachsman discussed cost differences between the city and the developer to
construct a street. He stated the calculations have been modified, and he feels you can
use as little as 4 1/4" concrete on residential streets. The bottom line is that it will cost more
for the developer and the home buyer.
Mayor Short asked how we got here since the 6" recommendation had been in place
since 2018. Mr. Wachsman said the change to 6" was made by the Public Works
Department and stated that before this year, design standards had been controlled
internally. Mayor Short asked if other cities were having these discussions, and Mr.
Wachsman said he could not speak for other cities. Mr. Wachsman discussed the
variables of the equation and how 5" concrete shows to be adequate.
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Councilor Taylor asked Mr. Schreiber about the alternate design standard if geotechnical
work is completed that supports it. Mr. Schreiber stated that the current Ordinance allows
for an alternate design when supported, and this discussion is about a minimum standard,
and other cities in Texas require a 6" or higher minimum standard.
Mr. Wachsman said there is no clear scientific evidence for moving from 5" to 6". The
cities we are comparing to all showed growth in the last census, and this standard is an
economic burden. There was a brief discussion regarding the minimum standard vs.
alternative design, and Mr. Wachsman stated that before 2018, they were happy with the
5" standard and the streets built at that standard.
Michael Grassi, #7 Amber Valley, member of the P&Z and a developer, stated that in
2018, the concrete pavement design went from 5" to 6", and in January 2024 the P&Z
was tasked to review the standards and make recommendations. Unfortunately, there
was not a scientific discussion until today. He discussed the design life, the definition of
street failure, and various answers he received. He said that a street life of 30 years was
the agreed standard, and 5" concrete streets meet that standard. He discussed the
TxDOT standards provided and how, regardless of the street thickness, the lack of
maintenance leads to early failure. Mr. Grassi said pictures were provided to P&Z with
the dates the streets were constructed and when cracks appeared. He asked staff how
those dates were determined and was told they used Google Earth and the PCI street
analysis provided by third-party consultants. He discussed the PCI street analysis and
asked why P&Z has never seen this report and why, in 9 months of discussing street
design, this report has not been provided. He addressed the cost per lot and said he
agrees with Mr. Wachsman that the cost is $2000 or more per lot and that, per a report
from the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M, for every $1000 added to a
home, 24,000 households are priced out of a home.
Councilor Battaglino asked if they could see the PCI reports. Mr. Traw stated it is not a
report but a large database, and about every 3 years, a consultant drives the roads and
scores them. It does not address the minimum standard but guides staff on maintenance
and rehabilitation decisions and is primarily used on asphalt streets. Mr. Traw stated the
data can be shared, but it is a large database and not a report.
David Cook, 5009 Whisper Wind, Chair of P&Z, discussed the background of the new
Subdivision Ordinance driven by HB 3699, which became law in September 2023. He
said P&Z did not learn about this bill until the eleventh hour and was asked to review and
provide recommendations on the Subdivision Ordinance to the Council. He said the
Ordinance was not complete when it was presented, and it allowed staff to make changes
without stakeholder input. He discussed a history of trust issues between the P&Z and
staff and provided various examples of an us versus them mentality. He stated issues
with some of the 5"streets presented were based on the placement of the steel and stated
that engineer statements presented were from engineers that often work for the City. P&Z
provided evidence that supported the 5" standard and voted 7-2 to change the standard
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September 3, 2024
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to 5". He addressed statements made regarding minimum requirements of comparable
cities, and that many cities do not have a minimum standard. He stated that adequate
and timely maintenance is important for street longevity, as well as adequate and timely
quality control during installation, and discussed the need to address staff issues and the
city's goals.
Mayor Short stated he is frustrated by the whole process and the lack of information
shared from both sides, and Mr. Cook expressed his frustration and said it seems we are
no longer working for a common goal but working to prove one another wrong. He feels
this will continue to happen until significant changes are made.
Councilor Taylor discussed the guidance and roles of several boards listed on the City
website and said he found them to be too general. He feels that in situations like this,
more specific guidance is needed.
Mayor Short asked Mr. Schreiber if state-licensed engineers signed off on design
standards and recommended the 6" standard, and Mr. Schreiber said yes.
Cathy Dotson, 3503 Glenwood Avenue, stated that comparing residential streets to
commercial streets is like comparing apples to oranges. Randy Wachsman built a street
by her first home in 1986 that is still in good driving condition and still being used.
Kerry Maroney, 2500 Brook Ave., President of Biggs & Mathews, stated we need to
address the streets and not the distrust issues. Part of the difficulty is that the consultants
serve both the city and the developers, and they are in a unique position. He addressed
the streets and how the consultants came to the recommendation for 6" concrete streets
by looking at sixteen 5" streets and adjacent 6" streets and discussed their observations
of common failures in these streets. His definition of failure is when we have to use tax
payer dollars to repair these streets. Developers have one year of maintenance, and then
the City takes over maintenance, which costs taxpayer dollars. The common failure mode
was an insufficient concrete cover over the rebar and more than just at the expansion
joints. 5" streets have seen failure in 10-15 years, and adjacent 6" streets constructed at
the same time are not failing. He discussed the impact on the taxpayer going back to the
5" standard, which allows for a substandard street that requires more maintenance and
will increase City maintenance costs, ignores the recommendation of engineers and
consultants, subsidizes a small number of developers, and shifts costs from developers
to the taxpayer. P&Z has not provided the documents to support the 5" recommendation,
City and professional staff have provided various documentation supporting the 6"
minimum standard, and they are not aware of any city that has a minimum standard below
6". He addressed portions of streets that are owned by the developer and HOA's and how
those streets are constructed with 6" of concrete. 6" concrete extends the pavement's
longevity by a factor of about 2, which increases the maintenance needs from 15 years
to 30 years, which benefits the taxpayer. He respectfully requested that the Council vote
to maintain the 6" of concrete with reinforcing steel proposed, and we move forward.
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September 3, 2024
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Councilor Taylor said he has listened to the presentations, and he keeps going back to
the developer's cost per lot being between $1000 and $2500 to increase to 6" and asked
how that benefits the developer if the cost is passed on to the homeowner. He addressed
the apparent lack of trust between the P&Z and staff and the need for additional guidance.
Heather Langford, 407 Mississippi, Software Engineer and Architect, asked about the
current TxDOT standard for thickness, whether Wichita Falls is meeting that standard,
and whether their approval is required if we have specifications outside of TxDOT
recommendations.
Tyson Traw discussed the comparison of the TxDOT standard to the City standard for
continually reinforced concrete pavement, which is 7" concrete. He does not feel the City
could recommend 7"concrete pavement when all comparable cities are at 6", and to his
knowledge, TxDOT cannot make the city meet its standard.
Jacob Fields, 3029 Whitehall, expressed his concerns about housing affordability and the
positive relationship between the City and the development community. Current housing
prices are not affordable, and he feels this is merely a point of contention, the community
feels there is skepticism regarding the decisions being made, and the relationship should
be addressed. It sounds like the consensus among the engineers is one thing, but there
can be other standards, but the development community is hesitant due to distrust. He
feels steps should be taken to mend the relationship with the development community
and offer affordable housing.
Stephen Santellana, 1905 Lake Bend, stated that we have heard from both sides, but no
one has asked questions of the individuals who build streets, and he has built streets for
30 years. He said he has seen failures in both 5" and 6" streets, and the subgrade is
usually the problem. His concern is the warranty because concrete cracks, and the
contractor is responsible for maintenance during the warranty period. He said that before
he served on the Council, he was not concerned about the maintenance piece, but after
his service, he understood the costs to citizens. He discussed a joint detail that could be
changed to help with cracking and stated his company had not poured 5" concrete streets
anywhere else in Texas. He discussed soil differences across the state and concerns with
rebar coverage, which he feels is inadequate at 5". He discussed asphalt pothole repair
in concrete streets and failures in 5" streets he has seen. Mr. Santellana stated that P&Z
is a panel of professionals, but sometimes they do not hear the advice of other
professionals due to distrust, and he hopes that trust can be repaired, as we need to get
back to leaning on and trusting staff and the professional opinions of others involved.
Michael Grassi, #7 Amber Valley, said that regardless of concrete thickness if you put
rebar within the top inch, there will be grid cracking, and developers are designing low-
volume residential streets, and TxDOT rules do not apply. He read parts of an email from
Mark Snyder, President of Pavement Engineering and Research Consultants, that
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September 3, 2024
PAGE 11OF19
stakeholders received stating that a 5" street constructed on a properly stabilized base is
a good low-volume residential street, and if the pavement is properly constructed, it
should achieve the intended design life and anything more spent on extra concrete is
waste.
Stephen Garner, 2806 S. Shepherds Glen, pointed out Stephen Santellana's statement
that he has not poured a 5" concrete street in any city other than Wichita Falls and
recommends 6" concrete streets.
R.J. Wachsman stated the reason they haven't been here before and the reason it has
taken so long is that, in the past, the Public Works Department made the decisions.
Contractors could take development issues to P&Z but not to staff. He addressed
statements made by Mr. Maroney about the maintenance cost to taxpayers and said the
tax revenue brought in by new homes far outweighs maintenance costs for the streets.
He is still unhappy with the definition of failure as these streets are not being replaced.
There has been patchwork and joint sealing, but even though there are streets with
checkerboarding, they still work.
Councilor Browning stated that we have been through this, read emails, talked to
stakeholders, and continue to discuss this. Everyone has done their research, and he
moved to close the public hearing.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 10:41 a.m.
Item 8h(ii) — Ordinance 52-2024
10:41 a.m.
Ordinance adopting the City's Pavement Design Manual for new development, providing
a repealer clause, providing for inclusion, and including detail 2000 requiring 6" concrete.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 52-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Whiteley and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Browning, Smith, and Whiteley
Nays: Councilors Battaglino, Nelson, and Taylor
Mayor Short recessed the meeting for a break at 10:42 a.m.
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September 3, 2024
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The meeting was reconvened at 10:57 a.m.
Item 9a — Resolution 102-2024
10:57 a.m.
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, approving a negotiated
settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy
Corp., Mid-Tex Division regarding the Company's 2024 Rate Review Mechanism Filing;
declaring existing rates to be unreasonable; adopting tariffs that reflect rate adjustments
consistent with the negotiated settlement; finding the rates to be set by the attached
settlement tariffs to be just and reasonable and in the public interest; approving an
attached exhibit establishing a benchmark for pensions and retiree medical benefits;
approving an attached exhibit regarding amortization of regulatory liability; requiring the
company to reimburse ACSC's reasonable ratemaking expenses; determining that this
resolution was passed in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings
Act; adopting a savings clause; declaring an effective date; and requiring delivery of this
resolution to the company and the ACSC's legal counsel.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 102-2024.
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 9b— Resolution 103-2024
11 :02 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Advance Funding Agreement
(AFA) with Texas Department of Transportation for the construction of a Hike & Bike Trail
Camp Fire Property to Lucy Park in the amount of $83,512.00.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 103-2024.
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
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Item 9c — Resolution 104-2024
11 :04 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for voluntary annexation involving a
parcel of city property known as 0.34 acres out of the William Anglin Survey A-2 located
at 3601 Armstrong Drive.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 104-2024.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Smith.
There was a brief discussion regarding the possibility of selling the property and having
a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement instead of annexing it, that City services
already exist at the location, and the laws regarding selling City owned property.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to withdraw this item from the agenda.
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 9d — Resolution 105-2024
11 :11 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make application for a grant from the Motor
Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), FY 2024 Request for Applications—SB224
Catalytic Converter Grant in the amount up to $114,417.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 105-2024.
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
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September 3, 2024
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Item 9e — Resolution 106-2024
11 :14 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement
with Insight Global, LLC for the placement of temporary employees previously budgeted
and planned for within the City of Wichita Falls budget.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 106-2024.
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 9f— Resolution 107-2024
11 :16 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the purchase of four 3/4-ton pickups for the Traffic Engineering,
Sanitation Collections, Water Distribution, and Water Source Divisions through The
Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) purchasing cooperative from Chuck Nash Chevrolet
Buick Inc. (dba Chuck Nash Chevrolet Buick GMC) in the amount of $205,793.90.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 107-2024.
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 9q — Resolution 108-2024
11 :18 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC/4A) by amending the budget to include an
expenditure up to $37,500 to support a performance agreement with Warner Electric LLC
DBA Wichita Clutch related to their planned workforce expansion.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 108-2024.
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September 3, 2024
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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 9h — Resolution 109-2024
11 :20 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC/4A) by amending the existing performance
agreement with BHD Land Development LLC, related to the design and construction of
the extension of Production Blvd and associated utilities.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 109-2024.
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 9i — Resolution 110-2024
11 :24 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (WFEDC, "4A") Budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 110-2024.
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
Mayor Short moved to Staff Reports.
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September 3, 2024
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Item 10a — Staff Report — Update on the progress of the Central WF Revitalization
Area Committee, Terry Floyd/Fabian Medellin/Committee Chair— Mike Mitchell.
11 :28 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, gave introductory remarks and introduced
staff.
Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager, gave a presentation regarding the progress of the
Central Wichita Falls Revitalization Area. He discussed engagement meetings held and
the surveys that were provided for feedback. Preserve, Enhance, and Connect were the
three values identified during the meetings. Staff researched how other cities are handling
neighborhood revitalization and reengaged the neighborhood to identify priorities and
initiatives. Priorities identified included safety, parks, property maintenance issues, and
creating an Empowerment Zone.
Mike Mitchell, 1805 10th Street, Chairman of the Central WF Revitalization Area
Committee, spoke on the committee's progress, thanked committee members, and
thanked Councilors Smith, Nelson, and Battaglino for their participation and support. He
discussed grant opportunities and thanked Terry Floyd, Fabian Medellin, and Christal
Cates for their hard work.
Mr. Medellin discussed the available Community Change Grants, which are non-matching
grants created by the Inflation Reduction Act and are targeted toward disadvantaged
communities, and funds must be allocated within three years. He discussed the
application strategies and initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, mobility and
transportation, improved energy efficiency, healthy, resilient housing, and meaningful
engagement with the community. Mr. Medellin said staff would like to put together a City
Master Plan since there has not been one since 1973, in addition to individual department
plans that currently exist.
Mayor Short returned to item 9j.
Item 9j — Resolution 111-2024
11 :51 a.m.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to apply for the Environmental and
Climate Justice Community Change Grant from the United States Environmental
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September 3, 2024
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Protection Agency to fund the Neighborhood Revitalization efforts to preserve aging
structures, improve public infrastructure and mobility within the Central Wichita Falls
Revitalization Area (CWFRA).
Moved by Councilor Nelson to approve Resolution 111-2024.
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 10b -Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
11 :52 p.m.
Councilor Taylor addressed the roads around the softball complex and encouraged
looking at this issue. He discussed wildfire mitigation that is needed with brush growing
around homes and fences and encouraged everyone to look at their homes and address
this issue. He thanked Stephen Calvert, CFO, for the outstanding budget process and
Fabian Medellin and Christal Cates for their work on the revitalization committee.
Councilor Whiteley discussed the budget process and expressed his appreciation for
being able to take care of employees. He also discussed how close we are to completing
the circle trail and expressed his excitement. He congratulated the Employee of the Month
and thanked his peers for attending to support him. He noted that there was a lot of good
conversation today, and although it was not unanimous, we had a vote. He wished his
wife, Christy, a Happy Birthday.
Councilor Smith thanked everyone for their attendance and for watching. As we get to the
end of growing season he encouraged individuals to mow their yard.
Councilor Battaglino expressed his appreciation for all the work put into Hotter "N Hell,
asked that everyone please remember 9/11 Patriots Day, discussed various events going
on this month, and encouraged citizens to participate.
Councilor Nelson thanked Christal Cates for her work and discussed the importance of
infrastructure in encouraging new companies to come to Wichita Falls.
Mayor Short stated that Thursday is Texoma Gives and encouraged everyone to give
where they can. Today at 5:00 at First Step, he and Councilor Battaglino will raise money
at a pie-throwing event and dunking booth. On September 15th from 6:00 — 8:00 p.m.
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September 3, 2024
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Evangel Church will hold their Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs event and he
encouraged everyone to attend.
Item 11 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 12:00 p.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .074 and §551.087.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 12:35 p.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Item 12 — Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 12:36 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 17th day of September 2024.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMCG,, MMC
City Clerk
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September 3, 2024
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