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Min 06/03/2025 City of Wichita Falls -A P` CityCouncil Meetingr ' A.)„. Minutes r }fi A R 1 Lr 4,4 y' June3, 2025 9dgar' 4 \-P% TEXAS �i y�r q $/ueSkie.4e/der7 Cpporteeteef ". J:,,L. -' 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 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 Absent: Robert Brooks, Councilor District 2. Item 2a — Invocation Major Joe Burton, Salvation Army, gave the invocation. Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item 3a — Employee of the Month — Rosemary Nauman Mayor Short recognized Rosemary Nauman as Employee of the Month for June 2025 and shared a brief video. He congratulated Ms. Nauman and presented her with a plaque, letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check and thanked her for her service. Item 3b — Proclamation — June Elder Abuse Awareness, Adult Protective Services, Wichita Falls Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Wichita Falls. Item 3c — Proclamation — Animal Welfare Volunteer and Community Partner Appreciation Day Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 3, 2025, as Animal Welfare Volunteer and Community Partner Appreciation Day in Wichita Falls. Item 4 — Comments from Citizens Ronnie Baker, 2405 Filmore, thanked the Mayor and Council for all they do, and discussed a Special Olympics fundraiser that will be held in July. Jack Browne, 2000 Margaret Dr., discussed illegal dumping and expressed his thanks to the Council and staff for their attention to this issue and the community cleanups. Item 5 — Consent Items James McKechnie, Interim City Manager, gave a briefing on the items listed under the Consent Agenda. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve the consent agenda. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 5 — Receive Minutes CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 2 • Planning & Zoning, April 9, 2025 • Public Safety Facility Committee, April 17, 2025 • Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation, March 20, 2025 Item 6a(ii) — Public hearing and take action on Chapter 26 - Business Regulations, Article IX — Body Art; amending in its entirety; and providing for codification Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:47 a.m. Amy Fagan, Director of Health, discussed the need for the update and thanked the staff who worked on it. This ordinance has not been updated since 2006, and we want to ensure the ordinance reflects the needs and removes areas where local control is not needed. Samantha Blair, Environmental Administrator, discussed the applicable laws that address body art facilities, the history of our local ordinance, and the proposed changes. Letters were hand delivered to every body art studio, and there were various opportunities for stakeholder input. The revised ordinance removes the local permit but requires that individuals be licensed by the state, removes the apprenticeship program, and removes portions of the ordinance that were duplicative of state or federal law. Fees were increased by 2-3%. Councilor Battaglino asked if this process was smoother than the food ordinance revision, and Ms. Blair said yes and no, that she had hoped for more response from stakeholders. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:02 a.m. Item 6a(ii) — Ordinance 23-2025 Ordinance on Chapter 26 - Business Regulations, Article IX — Body Art; amending in its entirety; and providing for codification Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 23-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 3 Item 6b— Ordinance 24-2025 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 50-2024, the fee schedule Section 6. Health, 6b-3. Environmental; providing for severability; providing that such ordinance shall not be codified; and providing an effective date. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 24-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 6c(i) — Public hearing on annexing 2 acres of land out of the Green Reynolds Survey, Abstract 251, Wichita County, Texas; referenced as a portion of 2707 W Rathqeber Road, at the request of the property owner; accepting the 2707 W Rathgeber Road/S&S Investments Annexation Service Plan Agreement for said tract 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 Single Family 2 (SF2) and Land Use Plan classification as Low Density Residential (LDR) Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:04 a.m. Terry Floyd, Director of Development Services, discussed the proposed annexation, change in zoning, and land use plan. The applicant will be responsible for extending any required water lines or infrastructure. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved this, and staff recommends approval. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:08 a.m. Item 6c(ii) — Ordinance 25-2025 Ordinance annexing 2 acres of land out of the Green Reynolds Survey, Abstract 251 , Wichita County, Texas; referenced as a portion of 2707 W Rathgeber Road, at the request of the property owner; accepting the 2707 W Rathgeber Road/S&S Investments CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 4 Annexation Service Plan Agreement for said tract 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 Single Family 2 (SF2) and Land Use Plan classification as Low Density Residential (LDR) Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 25-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 6d(i) — Public hearing to rezone +/- 1.70 acres of land located at 5201, 5203, 5205, & 5207 Stone Lake Dr. (Lots 33-36, Block 1, Phase 9, Stone Lake Estates) from Single Family -2 (SF-2) to General Commercial (GC) zoning district; and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial to allow for the construction of an office building Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:08 a.m. Mr. Floyd discussed rezoning four lots from SF-2 to GC to allow for the construction of an office building and changing the Land Use Plan to commercial. Councilor Flack expressed her appreciation for the consideration of surrounding residential properties. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:12 Item 6d(ii)— Ordinance 26-2025 Ordinance to rezone +/- 1 .70 acres of land located at 5201 , 5203, 5205, & 5207 Stone Lake Dr. (Lots 33-36, Block 1 , Phase 9, Stone Lake Estates) from Single Family -2 (SF- 2) to General Commercial (GC) zoning district; and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial to allow for the construction of an office building. This was unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommends approval. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 5 Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 26-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 6e— Public Hearing concerning designating the boundaries of the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area as a Reinvestment Zone Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:13 a.m. Fabian Medellin expressed his thanks to Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks, and former Councilors Smith and Nelson, staff, Mike Mitchell, Committee Chair, and the general public for their work on this project. Mr. Medellin gave a presentation showing the proposed Heart of the Falls Reinvestment Zone, which will allow the City to provide tax abatements for property improvements in this area. Other taxing entities and the general public were notified of the proposed Reinvestment Zone. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:17 a.m. Item 6f— Ordinance 27-2025 Ordinance designating the properties located in the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area as a Reinvestment Zone Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 27-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 6 Item 6g(i) — Public Hearing concerning the designation and creation a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ), located in the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area, and directing staff to implement incentives, strategies, property maintenance codes, and design guidelines outlined, as an element to the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Plan as previously adopted by the City Council Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:18 a.m. Mr. Medellin discussed the designation and creation of a NEZ, the incentives offered to property owners, and the benefits of this designation, including tax abatements. The boundaries follow the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area, and there is an application process. Design guidelines are written with the intent to maintain the character of the neighborhood, and the Property Maintenance Code will be enforced to ensure properties are maintained. He discussed various ways they used for community input and the substantial work that was completed by the Revitalization Committee. Councilor Browning asked if someone purchases houses, demolishes them, and builds a new commercial building, will they receive the abatements? Mr. Medellin said yes. Councilor Flack asked how the neighborhood will be notified of this program. Mr. Medellin stated they will continue to hold engagement meetings, use social media posts, and distribute a brochure. They will also work with permitting to discuss projects before a permit is pulled. Councilor Flack said she loves that we are empowering the neighborhood. Councilor Taylor asked if the program applies to property owners who rent out their properties. Mr. Medellin said yes, all properties in the zone are eligible. Councilor Battaglino encouraged Michael Mitchell to include this information in his Once Upon a Time in Texas podcast. Michael Mitchell, Chair of the Revitalization Committee, discussed the Facebook page and the possibility of creating yard signs. Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:29 a.m. Item 6g(ii) — Ordinance 28-2025 Ordinance concerning the designation and creation of a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ), located in the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area, and directing staff to implement incentives, strategies, property maintenance codes, and CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 7 design guidelines outlined, as an element to the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Plan as previously adopted by the City Council. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 28-2025. 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, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 6h — Ordinance 29-2025 Ordinance adopting the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 432, pursuant to Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act. Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 29-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor. James McKechnie, Interim City Manager, discussed the process and the proposed agreement and thanked staff for their work on this agreement. Al Vitolo, President of the WFPFFA IFF Local 432, thanked the Council and staff for their work on this project. The leadership provided by Mr. McKechnie, Chief Melton, and the Council is refreshing and has a positive impact on the City. He is excited and thankful for the agreement and how it will improve recruitment and retention. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 7a — Resolution 61-2025 Resolution supporting the City of Wichita Falls' application to the Texas Department of Transportation's 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) call for project. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 8 Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 61-2025. The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb. Tyson Traw, Deputy Director of Public Works, stated that if awarded, this project will complete the Circle Trail and will not require any eminent domain. The project is funded 75% by grant funds. With no comments or questions from the public, the motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor. Nays: None Item 8a(i) — Staff Reports — Update on Joint Land-Use Study with Sheppard Air Force Base — Karen Montgomery-Gagne Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, discussed the purpose and importance of the Joint Land-Use Study (JLUS). Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Principal Planner, presented an update on the JLUS study with Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB), which is a community planning tool funded by the Department of Defense (DOD) through a needs-based grant program that is not competitive. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne discussed the purpose of the JLUS, its history, the timeline, costs, and the guiding principles and objectives. What we do can impact the mission at the base, and what the base does can affect our community, so it is important that we work together. She also discussed how the study covers not only SAFB but also an auxiliary airfield in Frederick, Oklahoma, and the various surrounding communities they work with. The compatibility factors, general study area, wildlife mitigation, and implementation tools and actions were discussed, along with the importance of the recent redesign of the SAFB main gate. SAFB is a major factor in the local economy, providing over 17,801 direct and indirect jobs, and is the home to the ENJJPT training program. She discussed encroachments, including turbines in various surrounding counties, which affect the safety of the flight routes, and the need to consult with SAFB to outline the need to move forward with the grant application. Ms. Montgomery-Gagne discussed community involvement, the five-mile protected area where potential encroachments are addressed, wildlife mitigation, community partnership enhancements, and ways SAFB contributes to our community. This DOD program and funding can enable enhanced relationships, assessments, planning, prioritization of funding and resources, and critical infrastructure. She discussed the various grant options, flying routes, and future needs of SAFB, the process, Council involvement, next steps if we are approved, and the lengthy timeline. There was a brief discussion regarding a Dark Skies ordinance, which addresses ambient CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 9 light to limit light pollution in the evening, and the need to make sure we are moving forward by initiating discussions with leadership at SAFB. Glenn Barham, 3506 Copperas Cove, and the Chair of the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC) discussed the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and how the installation resiliency study is important to the points system to ensure SAFB stays in Wichita Falls if a BRAC round happens. Item 8a(ii) — Staff Reports — City Manager Report —James McKechnie James McKechnie, Interim City Manager, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community as the Interim City Manager and said it has been an honor to guide the City through this period of transition. He discussed his pride in the various accomplishments over the past several months and the shared commitment to progress. His one moment of personal pride was the negotiation and execution of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association, which laid a new foundation for trust moving forward. He is confident that Jeffery Jenkins will continue the progress and lead the organization with strength, vision, and integrity. He discussed the importance of public trust and the employees who carry out the daily work. He thanked the Council for their confidence and collaboration, and for keeping the long- term health of our City in mind. He thanked the staff for their trust, dedication, and skills, and thanked them for stepping up, adjusting, and moving forward during this time. Mr. McKechnie said it has been a privilege to serve, and he will always be rooting for Wichita Falls. Item 8b — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed. Councilor Cobb discussed a fundraiser that will be held on Saturday to support Mike Hendron. He thanked James for breathing new life into the City during his term as Interim City Manager, for his leadership, and for stepping up when needed. He welcomed Jeff Jenkins and expressed his excitement for his new ideas and the continued momentum, and welcomed him to Wichita Falls. Congratulations to Animal Welfare Volunteer Appreciation Day, and in the words of Bob Barker, have your pet spayed or neutered. Councilor Flack thanked James for his time as Interim City Manager, said he did a great job, and welcomed Jeff Jenkins. Councilor Browning thanked James for his leadership, welcomed Jeff, and congratulated the firefighters on their new agreement. He said he is hopeful we can complete the Circle Trail. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 10 Councilor Taylor thanked James for making the transition smooth and said he looks forward to the new leadership. Recently, he received comments from residents in City View regarding Old Iowa Park Road, lighting, safety, and sidewalk gaps. He expressed his appreciation to Jack Browne for his work and cooperation with the City, the Neighborhood Revitalization efforts, and the need for trail spurs. He discussed mosquito spraying and thanked Amy and her staff for staying on top of this. He welcomed Jeff Jenkins to Wichita Falls. Councilor Battaglino thanked James for his work as Interim City Manager and said it was a pleasure to work with him. He thanked everyone who attended the Ride to Remember. He discussed various upcoming events and encouraged participation. Mayor Short discussed Councilor Brooks' absence due to an emergency vet visit, and that he asked that the Mayor thank everyone for the huge cleanup efforts on the Eastside. Last week, we had an issue with an old barge leaking. It has been there for decades, and he expressed his appreciation for the staff who worked with the State Game Wardens and TCEQ to resolve the issue, and discussed the misinformation regarding this, and his appreciation for the correction. This is James's last meeting, and he cannot thank James enough for his professionalism, tireless work ethic, and the ability to get things done in a practical manner. When everyone is pulling the rope in the same direction, things get done. Our City is better off due to his work, he loves this City, and he loves the way James has taken care of it over the past several months. He welcomed Jeff Jenkins to Wichita Falls and said he looks forward to working with him. Item 9 — Executive Session The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:14 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 :16 p.m. and announced that no votes or polls were taken. Mayor Short recessed the meeting at 11 :17 a.m. for the tour of Memorial Auditorium. Item 10 — Memorial Auditorium Tour to meet at the east entrance, Memorial Auditorium, 1300 Seventh Street. Mayor Short reconvened the meeting at 11 :28 a.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 11 Item 11 — Adjourn from 1st floor of Memorial Auditorium, 1300 Seventh Street. Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 12:07 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 17th day of June 2025. Timms ort, Mayor ATTEST: 1VCOALe� Marie Balthrop, TRM , MMC City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES June 3, 2025 Page 12