Min 05/06/2025
City of Wichita Falls
City Council Meeting
Minutes
May 06, 2025
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
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Item 2a – Invocation
Pastor Craig Lile, Faith Baptist Church, gave the invocation.
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Item 2b – Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Item 3a – Proclamation – National Bike Month, Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public
Health District
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as National Bike Month in Wichita
Falls.
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Item 3b – Proclamation – Historic Preservation Month in Wichita Falls, Wichita Falls
Alliance for Arts and Culture
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month
in Wichita Falls.
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Item 3c – Proclamation – Working Mom’s Month Honoring Arthur Bea Williams,
Child Care Partners
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming May 2025 as Working Moms Month,
honoring Arthur Bea Williams.
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Item 3d – Proclamation – 56th Annual Municipal Clerks Week, City of Wichita Falls,
City Clerk’s Office
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming May 4-10, 2025, as Municipal Clerks Week
in Wichita Falls.
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Item 3e – Proclamation – Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive Day,
Wichita Falls Area Food Bank
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming May 10, 2025, as Food Drive Day in Wichita
Falls.
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Item 3f – Proclamation – Wildfire Awareness Month, City of Wichita Falls Fire
Department/Texas A&M Forest Service.
Mayor Short read a proclamationproclaiming May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month in
Wichita Falls.
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Item 4 – Comments from Citizens
Josie Rose, 1226 N. Rosewood, discussed concerns with flooding in the Eastside
community, health concerns with standing water, the fact that there is only one way into
the Martin Luther King Center, and safety for the children in the center.
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Michael Bohling, 3919 Barnett Rd., discussed concerns regarding the current tornado
warning siren policy, which requires a confirmed tornado, improvements in technology,
and the sirens not being sounded last Tuesday during a tornado warning. The current
policy does not allow for tornadoes that originate in city limits but move outside city limits
quickly, and he is concerned that citizens have little warning. Heasked that the Council
consider changing the policy to sound the sirens when a tornado warning is issued.
Ricky Lowe discussed issues he observed during the flood and asked how we can govern
some of that, and what work is needed in areas that are currently flooding. He discussed
concerns with the Duncan Channel project and how the water banks on Bonner St. and
does not go anywhere. He asked what we can do to move this water to reduce the flooding
issues in Eastside and discussed possible future projects. He commended Councilor
Brooks for being a new Councilor stepping up to do a great job.
Candace Archie, 1615 Andrews Dr., stated she lives close to Duncan, and when it floods,
she is blocked in. She asked if there are flood gates that could be used to help Eastside,
and if so, where they are located, and what their function is.She discussed a large crane
on Flood Street and asked what its purpose is.
Russell Schreiber, Director of Public Works, stated that there are flood gates at the end
of Duncan Channel; they were damaged in a storm between 2019 and 2020, and the City
currently has a project under construction now. Flood gates protect the roadways, are
closed when the river reaches 16 ft., and they bypass the water around the gates to keep
the roadways from flooding. There are additional storm drains that go to the river, but
when the river gets too high, water backs up and comes through those drains and floods
streets. It took time to design and bid the project, and it took almost a year for the
contractor to receive the new gates to install. That delayed the project, and hopefully, the
project will be completed in the next five months.
James Mason, 1800 Avalon Pl., representing the Muslim community, discussed concerns
with our children and the lack of guidance and leadership. He asked that the Council give
him the authority and resources to assist the problem children in our community.
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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:
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Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 5 – Approval of April 15, 2025, minutes of the Mayor and City Council
Item 6 – Receive Minutes
Tax Increment Financing #3 Board, July 9, 2019
WFMPO Technical Advisory Committee, January 9, 2025
Public Safety Facility Assessment Committee, February 20, 2025
Planning & Zoning Commission, March 12, 2025
Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, April 1, 2025
Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, April 15, 2025
Item 7a– Resolution 48-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2025 Asphalt
Rehabilitation Project to Overland Corporation in the amount of $2,497,427.00.
Item 7b – Resolution 49-2025
Resolution amending Resolution 14-2025, which authorized the City Manager or his
designee to make application for a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice
Assistance Grant Program FY 2026, Grant Number 5417001 in the amount up to
$93,000.00.
Item 7c – Resolution 50-2025
Resolution amending Resolution 15-2025, which authorized the City Manager or his
designee to make application for a grant from the Office of the Governor, State Homeland
Security Program, Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (SHSP-LETPA), FY
2026, Grant Number 5464401 in the amount up to $40,000.00.
Item 7d – Resolution 51-2025
Resolution reducing the rental fee of the Mobile Stage for the Founders Lions Club for the
T-O Fair on September 16-20, 2025.
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Item 8 – Update and Discussion related to City-owned lots at Lake Arrowhead and
Lake Kickapoo
The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:14 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551.072.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 9:35 a.m. and announced that
no votes or further action were taken.
Mayor Short stated that after the Council's consideration, they are not going to sell any
lake lots, for any price, at any time, in the foreseeable future.
Tina Jones, Lake Kickapoo, discussed concerns with roadconditions, trees, wildlife,
trash, and the City not funding the Lake Kickapoo Volunteer Fire Department. She stated
the dock was torn down and not replaced, discussed concerns with large gravel on the
roads, the lack of representation,and said she feels the Council does a great job for
Wichita Falls, but not for the Lake community. She thanked the council for finally deciding,
being honest, and letting them know they would not sell the land.
Stacey Darnell, 6785 FM 2606, said she appreciates the decision, but she wants to
second everything that Tina just said. She would like for lake residents to have a voice
going forward, either through a committee or a representative, so they can have some
input in decisions made that affect them. Mayor Short stated that residents can form a
committee anytime, and their voices have been heard throughout these discussions. Ms.
Darnell asked at what point it becomes a priority to the City, and there is a more formalized
process for them to have a voice. Mayor Short stated he is not opposed to attending
meetings to hear their concerns, but he feels it is up to the community to pick the
community members to serve on a committee. Ms. Darnell would like a representative
group from both lakes.
Diane Greco, Lake Arrowhead, stated that she and her husband would prefer to have
deeded property, and she asked if they had polled lake residents to see who would like
to purchase their lots. Ms. Greco asked about the eighty-seven acres across from her
residence and if there are any plans for that area. She asked about the appraisal process
and the City’s decision-making process that led to the decision not to sell any lots. Mayor
Short noted that discussion from the executive session cannot be disclosed, but they
listened to and considered the property owners' input.
Pat Hoffman, Property Management Supervisor, stated that there has been discussion
regarding the eighty-seven acres and possible future development.
Councilor Battaglino asked Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney, to discuss concerns with
selling one lot in an area that has not been surveyed, concerns about being landlocked,
and easement issues. Mr. Hegglund stated that it is problematic to sell one parcel of land
without surveying the entire area, which would be expensive, and selling a small number
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of parcels would not cover that expense. He discussed issues with the City property being
landlocked and potential easement issues.
L.B. Rainbolt, Lake Arrowhead, agreed that there is no representation for the individuals
who live at the lakes and asked that someone be elected or appointed to represent them
to protect their interests. Mayor Short said he would be the representative.
Kerry Shepherd stated she would like to purchase her lot, but at a reasonable price. She
would love the option to buy, but she understands the decision of selling all or none since
some people would lose their homes if they were forced to buy. She agrees with the need
for representation, discussed concerns with the roads, and feels that paying a lease every
year is like taxation without representation.
A gentleman who did not give his name or address said the Council has done a good job
of taking care of some areas in Wichita Falls, but asked that they consider Lake
Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo. People from all over visit these lakes for recreation, and
the lakes represent Wichita Falls. Visitors spend money in Wichita Falls, and there needs
to be an effort to make the lakes look presentable.
Councilor Taylor asked Mr. Hegglund to discuss reasonable pricing and related laws. Mr.
Hegglund stated that per law, the City is required to sell property at market value and
have the land appraised. The City hired an outside certified appraiser with experience in
appraising lake lots, and under state law, the city cannot sell land at less than its market
value.
Kerry Shepherd stated that fair market value is set by valid comps, and the comps
presented were from different markets, with different job markets, and one hundred miles
away. Lenders will not loan on comps from Brownwood and Abilene, and she feels the
only valid comp is the value set by the Clay County Appraisal District, which is much
lower.
Mike Nolen, Lake Arrowhead, agreed with Ms. Shepherd, but he does not feel the values
are appropriate. He feels raising the lot values would lower the community's value to the
individuals who live there, and the City is making enough money. Mr. Nolen said, "If you
don’t think industry looks at recreational values, then you are wrong." He recommends
that the lakes be a bigger priority and not ignored.
Mark Fry, Lake Kickapoo, said he moved from Katy, TX, and sixty-five percent of those
living at the lake are on social security and retired. As people and Christians, we should
all recognize this, and he feels there should be better notification. He found out about the
meeting through Facebook and from his neighbors. If this is the way the city works, he
does not want to be a part of it. He loves living at the lake, loves the people, and is
privileged to be there.
Mayor Short reiterated that we are not selling the lots, and leases will continue.
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Pat Hoffmandiscussed statements about appraisals not being fair, and how Clay County
appraises on the lease rate and not on the value of the land, which is why the appraisals
were higher.
Devon Smith, 839 FM 1954,understands the decision, but asked that the Council explore
what other cities have done, such as Abilene. He feels the lake would be valued much
more with deeded property, and owners would take better care of what is theirs. Mayor
Short noted that Abilene also receives property taxes. Mr. Smith said there are other lakes
that have property outside of city limits that have sold lots.
Stacy Darnell said they have been told Lake Arrowhead is not a recreational lake, and
that is why the leases are the way they are, but research shows that Lake Arrowhead was
constructed for water supply and recreational purposes. The value of their property and
amenities is important to them, and recreation is important and brings positive things to
our city and lake.
Donna Nekus, Lake Arrowhead, asked if the City is going to raise their fees, what are
they going to get for that? Residents pick up the trash and mow city property, and she
wants to know the justification for the increase. Roads are bad, trees are not being
trimmed, and there are fire hazards. Who will take care of that?
Renee Shepherd, Lake Arrowhead, asked about the fire department leases and if any of
the lease money they pay could be given to the Volunteer Fire Department to assist with
fire relief, and their lease rates.
Ms. Hoffman stated the fire department has two leases, and they pay $0.50 per year for
each lease.
Mayor Short asked Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, to discuss the city's
responsibilities at the lakes. Mr. Menzies stated that this is a landlord-tenant arrangement.
They have driven the roads at the lakes with members of the community, and the roads
there are in as good a shape or better in some areas than in the City. With regards to the
leases currently in effect, the rates are still below the market rate for leases. He reiterated
that Clay County appraises based on lease rates and not fair market value. The City does
basic road maintenance, and contractually, that ends in the early 2030s. The City
provides basic maintenance of parks and trash cleanup, especially around the holidays
when events happen that we are not aware of that create trash and disturbances. This is
a landlord-tenant relationship, and people understand the expectations when they sign
their lease.
Johnny Wittmer feels there should be a way to purchase the lots at some point. He looked
at several lakes in the area, some were higher and some were lower. He feels our
appraisals were a little high, but he thinks the city would benefit from selling since they
would receive a lump sum, and it would take twenty or more years to receive that amount
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in the lease payments. He hopes the council offers them the opportunity to purchase their
lotsat some point.
Mayor Short stated that they did not increase lease ratesfor a year while the City explored
the option to sell, paid for a certified appraiser to determine fair market values, had no
idea what the appraisal numbers would be, and they are not selling lots. He said he would
attend any meeting the lake residents want to have.
Councilor Cobb stated that we have tried to be as transparent as possible. We went
through the process, hired a third-party appraiser, and must follow state law. His parents
have a place on Lake Arrowhead, so he understands. He reminded them that lake
residents voluntarily deannexed, so they do not have police and fire. He acknowledges
we can do better and are willing to do that.
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Item 9a – Resolution 52-2025
Resolution for a memorial highway designation at the southbound U.S. Highway 82
Overpass (flyover) in honor of Ray Gonzalez, Jr.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 52-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the proposed dedication, the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sign regulations, and the requirement that
the sign be approved by TxDOT before it can be installed. Mr. Floyd thanked Fabian
Medellin for his work on this project.
Johnny Villastrigo, with the Mexican American Veterans Association (MAVA), discussed
Ray Gonzalez’s military service and many awards, his extensive service to organizations
in Wichita Falls and Wichita County, that he was named Hispanic of the Year, and his
served the public both as a City Councilor for the City of Wichita Falls, and County
Commissionerfor Wichita County. He was the firstHispanic elected as a County
Commissioner, and owned and operated Ray’s Foreign Car Service in Wichita Falls,
where he worked alongside his father for 59 years. He was a graduate of Wichita Falls
High School and of Midwestern State University.He was married to Bea Gonzalez for 54
years, the father of two children, grandfather to four, and great-grandfather to one.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
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MAVA and the Gonzales family presented Mayor Short with an award of appreciation and
support for recognizingRay Gonzalez, Jr., his family, and all veterans.
Mayor Short stated that we honor a great man and a great veteran, and thanked his
family.
Ray Gonzalez’s daughter, Renae Murphy, spoke on behalf of the Gonzalez family and
thanked the Mayor and Council for this extraordinary honor. This is more than a name on
a sign; it’s a tribute to a life well-lived, his service, and the values Ray Gonzalez, Jr. held
dear. He was proud to call Wichita Falls home,loved this city, and served it with
everything he had and with deep faith. Naming the overpass by the business he and his
dad ran for 59 yearsis deeply meaningful to the family. Dad would be humbled to be the
first Purple Heart veteran recognized in this way. He never sought recognition, but she
knows this would fill his heart with pride. Thank you for preserving his memory in a place
that represents his life's work and impact on the community.
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Item 9b– Resolution 53-2025
Resolution adopting updated alternative methods of public notification for zoning notices
in lieu of multiple mailings and signage posting for the proposed zoning amendment of
the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Overlay District.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 53-2025.
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
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Item 9c – Resolution 54-2025
Resolution authorizing the replacement of a bus engine with repair services to be
provided by Rush Truck Center, Inc. in the amount of $66,425.26.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 54-2025.
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The motion was seconded by Councilor Browningand, 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
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Item 10 – Appointments to Boards and Commissions
• Airport Board of Adjustments
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint Dusty Burkybile to the Airport Board of
Adjustments with a term to expire December 31, 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
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Item 11a – Ordinance 20-2025
Ordinance approving and continuing the Declaration of Disaster signed by Mayor Tim
Short on April 30, 2025, and declaring an emergency.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 20-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb.
Cody Melton, Fire Chief and Incident Commander,stated that the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) remains open. They are checking roads, proactively monitoring the
situation, and getting out into the community to talk to citizens. This ordinance will expire
on June 3,2025, and will cover future rain events.
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Mike Mitchell, 1805 10 Street, said he did have water infiltrate into one of his homes, 2-
3 feet deep, but he knows there is work being done on the drainage issues at Quail Creek.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) has forms for citizens to fill
out regarding water infiltration and damage, and citizens were encouraged to contactstaff
for assistance.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
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Item 11b – Ordinance 21-2025
Ordinance appropriating $13,977.62 to the Special Revenue Fund for additional direct
award grant revenue from the State of Texas for the Texas Department of Transportation
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (“Click It or Ticket”) Wave Grant for Fiscal Year
2025 and authorizing the City Manager to accept said funds.
Moved by Councilor Browning to approve Ordinance 21-2025.
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
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Item 12a – Staff Reports – Capital Investment Policy (CIP)– Stephen Calvert
Stephen Calvert, Director of Finance/CFO, presented an update on capital planning,
capital spending, capital budget, and the investment policy. He discussed the budget
priorities, which are based on strategic plan goals, stated that this is a draft policy, and
Council input is requested. Mr. Calvert discussed current capital projects that are ongoing
or complete, noted that the projects and dates listed are a plan, but are flexible as
operational concerns come up or priorities change. Mr. Calvert discussed available
reserves, dedicated reserves, debt that is maturing, projects by department, sources of
funding, and what projects are proposed to be funded in the next fiscal year. Russell
Schreiber provided additional details regarding water/sewer projects and stormwater
projects. Mr. Calvert discussed the investment policy priorities of safety, liquidity, and
yield, and key policy concepts of the Public Funds Investment Act that the City is required
to follow. The next steps will be the opportunity for feedback, a detailed CIP for review,
and presentation for approval by the Council. The annual budget is currently being
developed, and the CIP will be adjusted based on that budget.
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Item 12b – Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb congratulated the family of Ray Gonzalez, Jr., thanked everyone involved
in the EOC meetings over the past week, and said he was impressed with our response
to the flood. He encouraged citizens to listen to what city officials are saying and watch
official city releases. Hats off to Fire and Police, Public Information, and a special thanks
to street department workers for working long hours in the elementsandkeeping us safe.
Councilor Brooksthanked the Emergency Response team for being prepared for
everything that was happening. He asked about the Duncan Channel and damage in
2015, and asked why it was not a priority to get it repaired before 2025. Mr. Schreiber
reiterated that the damage was in 2019-2020, and records showed there was some
trouble in 2018. Since then, a project was put together, designed, bid, and started in 2023.
The delay has been due to waiting for the needed materials that were not available.
Councilor Brooks asked if any repairs could have been done to help until the gates could
be replaced, and Mr. Schreiber said the gates were broken and could not be moved or
repaired. It has taken longer than we wanted, but it was due to things out of our control.
It should be finished in the next 3-5 months, weather permitting.
Councilor Flack thanked everyone for their communication and for being alert and aware
of the disaster situation. It was great to see the Tanglewood community come together
and coordinate with each other, and she appreciates the work of the EOC and staff. She
gave a shout-out to working moms, acknowledged it was hard work, and encouraged
them to ask for help when needed. She also encouraged everyone to give working moms
a pat on the back. She reminded everyone to put out food for the food drive on Saturday.
Councilor Taylor gave kudos to city staff, Council, EOC staff, and PIO for getting
information out to the public. He expressed his thanks for the work on wildfire mitigation
to make the city safer, thanked individuals who attended and spoke today, and said their
comments will be taken into consideration. He noted that it can take several years to do
a large project like the Duncan channel, and it is a slow process that is regulated and
depends on the availability of funding and materials.
Councilor Battaglino discussed Loco for Cinco and the Red Dirt Derby events over the
weekend, which raised money for various local nonprofits. Leadership Wichita Falls
hosted the Red Dirt Derby, and they crushed it. He also discussed upcoming events in
the next two weeks and said he will be a server for the Mother’s Day Brunch at the Kell
House.
Mayor Short discussed the City and County's response to the rain and potential flooding
and said we are blessed with some of the most dedicated Emergency Management
personnel, storm spotters, and first responders, and he thanked all individuals involved in
running the EOC. It was open 24 hours a day, there were two briefings a day, and the
PIO put out information to the public multiple times daily, and it was transparent and
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effective. He thanked all of the agencies involved for their resources. Last Tuesday, he
had the honor of flying in the back seat of a T38. He thanked the pilot and said it was the
coolest thing he hadever done. We are blessed to have the ENJJPT programin Wichita
Falls, and we are a proud partner with all NATO nations. Mayor Short congratulatedDillon
Jimenez, whowon the statewide Small Marker Reportof the Year.
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Item 13 – Executive Session
The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 11:30a.m. in accordance with
Texas Government Code §551.071, §551.074, and §551.087.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 1:01 p.m.and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
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Item 14 – Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 1:01 p.m.
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PASSED AND APPROVED this 20day of May 2025.
________________________
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC
City Clerk
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