Min 04/15/2025 City of Wichita Falls i
J r ` l\n�:
City Council Meeting ��
r
r }
.....� Minutes ,a �� �
// 445-14
/+ April 15, 2025 , �rt 'bi4
,
,Y�f - i 1 �L4� 'I I }
TEXAS \�" f �TL � �`
B/u�Skies Gf6,/dest efforiiemetW 4
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
Austin Cobb - 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
Item 2a — Invocation
Pastor Gene Holley, Life Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a— Proclamation— Month of the Military Child, Sheppard AFB, School Liaison
Program
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child
in Wichita Falls.
Item 3b — Proclamation — National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Wichita
Falls Police Department Communications
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming April 14-18, 2025, as National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in Wichita Falls.
Item 3c — Proclamation — Little Alley Day, Tracy Little
Mayor Short read a proclamation naming the street adjacent to Ben Franklin Elementary
"Little Alley" and proclaiming April 15, 2025, as Little Alley Day to honor Tracy Little for
her 36 years of service at Ben Franklin Elementary.
Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
Bill Coombs, Lake Arrowhead, read a statement he shared with the City Council regarding
concerns about the sale of lake lots and how it will affect the Lake Arrowhead Volunteer
Fire Department, Arrowhead Baptist Church, the Lake Arrowhead Community
Association, and the services they provide. He asked the Council to consider providing
the land to these organizations at no cost and asked that it be placed on an agenda item
for a future meeting.
Pam Hughes Pak, 5808 Ashleyanne Circle, Atmos Energy, discussed National Safe
Digging Month and reminded everyone to call 811 72 hours before digging.
Item 5-7 — Consent Items
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, with no comments or questions
from the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 2
Item 5 — Approval of April 1, 2025, minutes of the Mayor and City Council
Item 6 — Receive Minutes
• Airport Board of Adjustment, March 18, 2013
• Animal Services Advisory Committee, September 20, 2024
• Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation, December 5, 2024
• Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, December 19, 2024
• Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, February 6, 2025
• Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, February 11 , 2025
• Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, March 26, 2025
Item 7a — Resolution 40-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2024
Concrete Street Rehabilitation Project to Scales Concrete Construction Co., Inc. to
expand the scope and timeframe of the existing project for the replacement of concrete
pavement on Emerson St at no cost to the City.
Item 7b — Resolution 41-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve change order No. 1 for the 2023
Duncan Channel & Slide Gate Repair Project to Earth Builders, L.P. in the amount of
$142,566.00 for the construction of 50 linear feet of concrete channel walls and floor.
Item 8a(i) — Public hearing on annexing 33.18 acres of land out of the Marino
Carbaial Survey, A-44, Wichita County, Texas; referenced as portions of 330 and
415 Randy Drive, at the request of the property owner.
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:50 a.m.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the proposed annexation of
property on Randy Drive and designating the land use and zoning to Light Industrial. It
was noted that this is a voluntary annexation, and there was no opposition from
surrounding property owners.
Wade Chapel, Kings Branch Data WF, LLC, 600 West 6th Street, Ste. 400, Fort Worth,
TX, expressed his excitement for the project and commended the Planning Department
for their work. He said the next step will be clearing the land and environmental
assessments.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 3
Mayor Short asked about the timeline, and Mr. Chapel stated that they will finish the
project as quickly as possible.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 8:55 a.m.
Item 8a(ii) — Ordinance 18-2025
Ordinance annexing 33.18 acres of land out of the Marino Carbajal Survey, A-44, Wichita
County, Texas; referenced as portions of 330 and 415 Randy Drive, at the request of the
property owner; accepting the Randy Drive/KBD WF, LLC. Annexation Servicing Plan
Agreement for said tracts under authority of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 43;
Subchapter C-3 — authority of municipalities to annex an area on request of owners; and
designating the tract's zoning as Light Industrial (LI) and Land Use Plan classification as
Light Industrial (LI).
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 18-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 8b(i) — Public hearing to establish the minimum Standards of Care for the
Summer Day Camp Program
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:56 a.m.
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, presented the required minimum Standards of
Care for the Summer Day Camp Program.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 8:57 a.m.
Item 8b(ii) — Ordinance 19-2025
Ordinance to establish the minimum Standards of Care for the Summer Day Camp
Program.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 4
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 19-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 9a(i) — Public hearing and take action on a resolution to adopt the Heart of the
Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:58 a.m.
Mr. Floyd stated that this project started in 2017 and acknowledged the hard work of the
committee and staff.
Mike Mitchell, 1805 10th Street, Chair of the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee,
discussed the revitalization area, project funding, timeline, and the plan's vision and
values: Preserve—People, Buildings, and Culture; Advance—Opportunities for
Redevelopment, Commerce and Beautification; Connect—Neighbors, Residents to
Organizations; and Connect culture to shared spaces. Mr. Mitchell stressed that they want
to revitalize the neighborhood and not gentrify, as they do not want to push people out.
Fabian Medellin discussed the priorities and initiatives, which include Zoning
Amendments, Bright Nights, Safe Streets, Tree Clearing Program, Secure Steps and
Rides, enhancing existing infrastructure, creating a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone
(NEZ), creating Neighborhood Revitalization Area Design Guidelines, a Neighborhood
Revitalization Property Maintenance Code, and Bridwell Park Improvements.
Councilor Flack expressed her excitement for the plan and collaboration and
complimented the staff for being great to work with. The plan empowers citizens to make
their spaces more beautiful, safer, and more energy efficient. She encouraged everyone
to visit Bridwell Park to see the improvements.
Councilor Brooks liked Mr. Mitchell's statement that it is not gentrification. He thanked the
staff for their work and is eager to see this program move into District 2, and to improve
the City as a whole.
Councilor Battaglino expressed his thanks to the staff and to all stakeholders for
collaborating on the plan.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 5
Councilor Taylor asked how long it would take to implement some of the priorities and
goals. Fabian Medellin said it is a marathon, not a sprint, but some items will be seen as
early as next month. Councilor Taylor expressed his appreciation to the staff and
volunteers for their work. He sees this plan as a model for the rest of the City. There was
a brief discussion regarding the definition of depressed areas and how other areas need
attention. Councilor Taylor expressed concerns regarding the number of renters versus
property owners and absentee landlords. It was noted that this plan will be an incentive
for both renters and landlords, and will be the framework to be used in other Districts.
Councilor Cobb stated it is a great plan and blueprint for future revitalization efforts. He
expressed his appreciation to the staff and committee members for their work.
Mayor Short thanked the staff and committee for their work and asked about the process
for identifying the next revitalization areas. Mr. Floyd stated that determining the next
steps will require some collaboration and discussion with the City Council.
Jack Browne said he owns rental property, and maintenance is tough. Increasing property
values with improvements is also challenging due to increases in taxes. He commended
the staff and committee for their work.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:25 a.m.
Item 9a(ii) — Resolution 42-2025
Resolution to adopt the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 42-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 9b(i) — Public hearing to receive citizen comments and take action on a
resolution for the proposed 2025 Second Year Annual Action Plan of the adopted
Five-Year 2024-2028 Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan and revised Administrative
Plan.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 6
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:26 a.m.
Mr. Floyd discussed the Housing Choice Voucher Program funded by Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), the number of families served, the number on the waiting list, and
proposed changes to the Administrative Plan. Mr. Floyd discussed the proposed addition
of a Foster to Youth Independence Program that assists with housing for individuals who
have aged out of the foster care system. There was a brief discussion regarding the
individuals with vouchers who are looking for housing, the number on the waiting list, and
the average time spent on the waiting list. Mr. Floyd discussed the addition of the Foster
to Youth Independence Program, which will have a small number of housing vouchers for
individuals who have aged out of the foster care system. Mr. Floyd thanked Josh
Woodworth for his work on the plan.
Councilor Flack asked if the Foster to Youth program will have the same application
process. Joshua Woodworth, Housing Supervisor, discussed the Foster to Youth
program, in which we partner with the Department of Family and Protective Services
(DFPS) for referrals. Individuals in the Foster to Youth program will not be on the waiting
list unless there is a lack of funding, and DFPS will provide supporting services to help
these individuals become self-sufficient within 36 months.
Valerie Rhodes, 1706 Avalon Place, stated that many larger cities have run out of public
housing, and those individuals are being referred to Wichita Falls for affordable public
housing, which is raising rent rates. She stated that the landlords do not have to accept
you, and how often participants are in the program due to past mistakes. She expressed
concerns with the no crime tolerance as that can limit an individual's eligibility due to one
past mistake, expressed her appreciation for the Foster to Youth program, discussed
issues with high rent for substandard housing, and suggested that we collaborate with
other organizations to assist these individuals and make public housing a viable and safe
place to live.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:41 a.m.
Item 9b(ii) — Resolution 43-2025
Resolution for the proposed 2025 Second Year Annual Action Plan of the adopted Five-
Year 2024-2028 Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan and revised Administrative Plan.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 43-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 7
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 9c — Resolution 44-2025
Resolution authorizing the purchase and installation of a PARCS System for the Wichita
Falls Regional Airport through the Omnia Purchasing Cooperative from Cale America Inc
d/b/a Flowbird in the amount of $126,700 for the Airports Division.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 44-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Sonja McIntyre, East Linwood, asked about the lighting by the airport and said it is very
dark on Airport Drive, and asked if there was funding to light that area. It was noted that
the Texas Department of Transportation maintains that area.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 9d — Resolution 45-2025
Resolution authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups through
the TIPS Purchasing Cooperative from Chuck Nash Chevrolet Buick GMC in the amount
of $100,365.50.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 45-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 8
Item 9e — Resolution 46-2025
Resolution nominating and appointing Glenn Barham to the Wichita-Wilbarger 9-1-1
District Board.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 46-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning and, with no comments or questions
from the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 9f— Resolution 47-2025
Resolution authorizing the purchase of one (1) Jet Vac Water Recycling Unit through the
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program from
Houston Freightliner, Inc. in the amount of $591 ,191 .00.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 47-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and, with no comments or questions from
the public, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 10— Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb thanked Mrs. Little for her dedication and lifelong work at Franklin
Elementary. He welcomed Kalee Robinson, Parks Director, discussed the city's services
to assist with property repair for damage from recent storms for low-income people, and
encouraged everyone to use local businesses for repairs.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 9
Councilor Brooks thanked everyone involved in the cleanup efforts in District 2 and the
city staff who have participated. He stated it was great to see a street sweeper on
Rosewood and expressed his appreciation for that.
Councilor Flack thanked everyone for their hard work on the Neighborhood Revitalization
Plan, and wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Councilor Taylor looks forward to applying the Neighborhood Revitalization blueprint to
other parts of the city. He noted that citizen input is so important and asked that the
Council be kept informed. He discussed some yard fires in District 5 recently and asked
everyone to be aware of grass and debris in their yards that will fuel fires.
Councilor Battaglino thanked everyone for wearing purple for the Month of the Military
Child and thanked everyone who supported the Thor event over the weekend. Over 1500
people participated and raised over $50,000 for local non-profits. He discussed various
upcoming events.
Mayor Short thanked the developer for complimenting the Planning and Zoning
Commission and everyone for their work on the Neighborhood Revitalization. He
welcomed Kaylee Robinson, Parks Director, and congratulated Paul on the birth of his
daughter.
Item 11 — Appointments to Boards and Commissions
• Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee
Moved by Councilor Cobb to appoint Amy Bobrowitz to the Lake Wichita Revitalization
Committee.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Browning.
Councilor Flack asked about individuals serving on multiple boards and wanted to ensure
we were giving new people the opportunity to serve. There was a brief discussion
regarding the applicants and their current and prior committee service.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 10
Item 12 — Executive Session
The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:01 a.m. in accordance with
Texas Government Code §551.072, §551.074 and §551.087.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11:13 a.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Item 13 — Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 11:14 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of May 2025.
Tim hort, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRM MMC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
April 15, 2025
Page 11