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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
Whitney Flack - District 1
Robert Brooks - District 2
Jeff Browning - District 3
Mike Battaglino - District 4
Tom Taylor - District 5
James McKechnie - Interim 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 Michael Hanson, First Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Joseph Hobert, Police Department
8:35 a.m.
Mayor Short recognized Joseph Hobert as Employee of the Month for January 2025 and
shared a brief video. He congratulated Mr. Hobert and presented him with a plaque, letter
of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check and thanked him for his service.
Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
8:38 a.m.
Michael Damron, 18702 E. 1220 Rd., Sayre, OK, addressed the Council regarding social
problems and an electric sign contract.
Item 5 — Administration of Official Oath to Newly Elected Council Members
8:42 a.m.
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Councilor
At-Large, Austin Cobb.
The Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation to Councilor Whiteley and thanked
him for his friendship, mentoring, and service.
Councilor Whiteley expressed gratitude for the friendship and support of colleagues,
board members, and his wife, Christy. He also thanked James McKechnie for his service
as Interim City Manager, City employees for their work, and the pastors who opened the
meetings in prayer. He looks forward to positive community changes with new leadership,
thanked Ron Kitchens, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, for working hand and hand
with the City, and thanked everyone for their kind words.
Item 6 — Recess
8:55 a.m.
Mayor Short recessed the meeting for a short reception to welcome Austin Cobb and to
thank Councilor Whiteley for his service. Newly elected Councilor At-Large, Austin Cobb,
was seated after the recess.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting at 9:21 a.m., and Councilor Cobb took his place at
the dais.
Item 7-8 — Consent Items
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January 7, 2025
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9:21 a.m.
James McKechnie, Interim City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the
Consent Agenda.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve the consent agenda.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Battaglino and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 7 — Approval of minutes of the Mayor and City Council
(a) December 17, 2024 Regular Meeting
(b) December 23, 2024 Special Meeting
Item 8 — Receive Minutes
(a) Landmark Commission, September 24, 2024
(b) Public Safety Assessment Committee, October 31 , 2024
Item 9a — Ordinance 01-2025
9:21 a.m.
Ordinance appropriating $47,900.00 of grant funds pursuant to the Office of the Governor,
Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division, FY 2025 Criminal Justice Grant Program,
appropriating said funds to the Special Revenue Fund, and authorizing the City Manager
or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept and share said funds.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 01-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
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Item 9b — Ordinance 02-2025
9:24 a.m.
Ordinance accepting funds for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Grant Program in
the amount of $10,303,169 received from the Texas Health and Human Services
Commission (HHSC), and authorizing the City Manager to execute contract accepting
same.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 02-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 10a — Resolution 01-2025
9:27 a.m.
Resolution authorizing award of bid for the purchase of roll-out refuse and yard waste
carts to Rehrig Pacific Company in the amount of $73,125.00.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 01-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Battaglino and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 10b — Resolution 02-2025
9:28 a.m.
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, appointing a director to
the Wichita County — City of Wichita Falls, Texas, Hospital Board, and designating the
term of office.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 02-2025 appointing James
McKechnie to the Wichita County — City of Wichita Falls, Hospital Board.
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The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 10c — Resolution 03-2025
9:30 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (4A) and amending the budget to include funding up to
$1,000,000 to facilitate the corporation's purchase of mineral rights at the Wichita Falls
Business Park.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Resolution 03-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Battaglino and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Councilor Browning left the meeting at 9:33 a.m.
Item 10d — Resolution 04-2025
9:33 a.m.
Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Economic
Development Corporation (4A) and amending the budget to include funding up to
$3,000,000 to facilitate a performance agreement with Sealed Air Corporation in support
of the company's proposed expansion of operations at their Iowa Park facility.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 04-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
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Nays: None
Councilor Browning returned to the meeting at 9:36 a.m.
Item 11a—Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
9:36 a.m.
Councilor Cobb thanked the voters for electing him. He is excited to get going, there is a
lot of momentum in Wichita Falls, and the future is bright. He thanked Councilor Whiteley
for his friendship and stated he has big shoes to fill. Let's move together to move the city
forward.
Councilor Brooks thanked those who attended the meeting, wished everyone a Happy
New Year, and congratulated Austin Cobb.
Councilor Flack wished everyone a Happy New Year, welcomed Austin Cobb, and
thanked Amy Fagan, Director of Health, and her team. It is very exciting to get large
grants, and they do a great job.
Councilor Browning stated Councilor Whiteley will be dearly missed but he is excited to
have Councilor Cobb and the other new Councilors. There are a lot of positive things
happening in Wichita Falls.
Councilor Taylor thanked everyone for coming out in the cold weather and encouraged
everyone to be careful during the upcoming inclement weather. He congratulated the
employee of the month and thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their work keeping
businesses in Wichita Falls. We have a new City Council and he looks forward to working
together to do great things for the City of Wichita Falls.
Councilor Battaglino congratulated Councilor Cobb, and he looks forward to continuing to
work with him. He announced various upcoming events over the next few weeks.
Mayor Short thanked the Chamber of Commerce staff for their work, congratulated the
Health Department on their grant, and congratulated and welcomed Councilor Cobb. As
the business begins for the new year he is excited there are no upcoming elections, and
he prays that we can begin the business of bringing our city back together. God calls us
to love everyone, and he encouraged everyone to take time to visit with people, and take
a break from social media.
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Item 12 — Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:42 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551.071 , §551 .074 and §551 .087.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11 :39 a.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Item 13 — Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
11 :39 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint Councilor Jeff Browning as Mayor Pro Tem.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 14 — Appointment of Boards and Commission
11 :41 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Airport Board
of Adjustments with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 1 — Kimberly Jackson
Place 2 — Roger Reeves
Place 3 — Dawson Dreusedow
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Animal Shelter
Advisory Committee with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 2 — Dr. Bryan Wade, with a waiver of term limit
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Place 5 — Stephanie Ingle
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Landmark
Commission with terms ending December 31 , 2027:
Place 1 , Licensed Real Estate Broker or Appraiser — William Enlow
Place 6, Licensed Architect — J.D. Dixon
Place 7, At-Large — Dawn Ferrell
Place 8, Wichita County Heritage Society/Museum of North Texas History — John Yates
Place 9, Member of Commercial Historic District, unexpired term — Christy Graham, term
ending December 31 , 2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint Aston Pecor to the unexpired term of Place 5
on the Library Advisory Board with a term to expire December 31 , 2026.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Park Board with
terms to expire December 31 , 2027:
Place 2 — Patrick Hearn
Place 4 — Sandy Fleming, with a waiver of term limit
Place 5 — Jim Heimen, with a waiver of term limit
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Place 7 — Tim Lockhart
Place 3 — Penny Miller to an unexpired term, with a term to expire December 31 , 2026
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Planning and
Zoning Commission with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 1 — Doug McCulloch
Place 4 — move Alan Sizemore from Place 11 —Alternate 2
Place 6 — Jeremy Woodward
Place 8 — Matt Marrs
Place 9 — move Brady Enlow from Place 10 —Alternate 1
Place 10 Alternate 1 — Jack Browne to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2025
Place 11 Alternate 2 —Aston Pecor to an unexpired term ending December 31 , 2025
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to reappoint Ben Filer to Place 3 on the Tax Increment
Financing District Reinvestment Zone #2, with a waiver of term limit, term to expire July
31 , 2025, and as Chair for 2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to Tax Increment
Financing District Reinvestment Zone #3 with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
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Place 1 — Heather Looney
Place 4 and Chair for 2025 — Kenneth Haney, with a waiver of term limit.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Tax Increment
Financing Reinvestment Zone #4 with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 4 — Naomi Barron
Place 5 — Mark Beauchamp
Chair for 2025 — Ben Filer
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Water
Resources Commission with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 2, Industry — Michael Fiore
Place 3, Education — Michael Smith
Place 4, Engineer— Kerry Maroney
The motion was seconded by Councilor Flack and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Wichita County
— City of Wichita Falls Health District Board with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 2, Registered Nurse — Terri Farabee
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Place 5, Practicing Physician, — Dr. Keith Williamson, with a waiver of term limit
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to make the following appointments to the Zoning Board
of Adjustment with terms to expire December 31 , 2026:
Place 2 — Jose Garcia
Place 6, Alternate 1 — Richard Milhollon
Place 7, Alternate 2 — Sam Pak
Place 8, Alternate 3 — Caleb Perkins
Place 9, Alternate 4 — Blake Haney
Chair— Brady Enlow
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 15 — Memorial Auditorium Tour to meet at the City Council Chambers,
Memorial Auditorium, 1300 Seventh Street
Mayor Short recessed the meeting at 11 :51 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at Memorial
Auditorium at 12:09 p.m.
Council and Staff toured Memorial Auditorium and received an update on renovations.
Item 16 — Adjourn from 1st floor of Memorial Auditorium, 1300 Seventh Street
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 12:56 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 21st day of January 2025.
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Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
B
Marie Balthrop, TR , MMC
City Clerk
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