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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
Austin Cobb - At-Large
Whitney Flack - District 1
Robert Brooks - District 2
Jeff Browning - District 3/Mayor Pro-Tem
Mike Battaglino - District 4
Tom Taylor - District 5
Jeffery Jenkins - City Manager
Kinley Hegglund - City Attorney
Marie Balthrop - City Clerk
Item 2a — Invocation
Dr. Samuel Abbott, Hospice of Wichita Falls, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3 — Administration of Official Oath to City Manager Jeffery Jenkins
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to City Manager Jeffery
Jenkins.
Brandt Rydell, 2205 West Lake Drive, Taylor, TX, former Mayor of the City of Taylor,
congratulated the City of Wichita Falls for making a tremendous hire in Jeffery Jenkins as
City Manager. Mr. Rydell worked with Mr. Jenkins for many years and said he is genuine,
authentic, friendly, joyful, and tough. He is beloved by the citizens of Taylor, handled
difficult situations with dignity and firmness, and was trusted and respected by the public.
Mr. Rydell congratulated Jeff and Brandy on the move to Wichita Falls.
Mr. Jenkins expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve and stated he is
committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and dedication. He thanked his wife,
family, and friends for their support and acknowledged the City of Taylor for the
professional growth he gained there. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Wichita
Falls for their warm welcome and shared his enthusiasm for working with City staff and
the community to achieve the Council's goals and advance the city's potential.
Item 4a — Proclamation — Juneteenth Celebration, Spirit of Excellence
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Celebration
Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 4b — Proclamation — Drive Your Corvette Day, Wichita County Corvette
Association
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 27, 2025, as Drive Your Corvette to
Work Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 5 — Comments from Citizens
There were no comments from citizens.
Item 6 — Consent Items
Jeffery Jenkins, 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 Browning and, with no comments or questions
from the public, carried by the following vote:
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June 17, 2025
Page 2
Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 7 — Approval of the minutes of the Mayor and City Council
(a) May 20, 2025
(b) June 3, 2025
Item 8a— Ordinance 30-2025
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 76-2020 and Ordinance No. 57-2023
declaring certain structures as dangerous by allowing additional time to rehabilitate two
structures located at 2118 Roberts Ave. and 5114 Inlet Dr.
Item 8a— Resolution 62-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2024
Alley Rehabilitation Project to Wilson Contracting in the amount of$70,196.88 to balance
final project quantities.
Item 8b— Resolution 63-2025
Resolution authorizing award of bid for the City's estimated annual requirement of Ready-
Mix Concrete and Flowable Fill to Blue Quill Trucking, LLC dba Falls Redimix in the
amount of $697,125.00.
Item 8c — Resolution 64-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award a contract for the construction of a new
corridor and office for the Parks and Recreation Department to AOC Construction, Inc in
the amount of $55,948.
Item 9a(i) — Public hearing and consider and take action on an ordinance finding
certain buildings and/or structures to be dangerous; requiring property owners to
demolish said buildings and/or structures within thirty (30) days of the date of this
ordinance and declaring an emergency and immediate effective date
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:53 a.m.
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Rita Miller, Neighborhood Services Manager, outlined the process for declaring structures
dangerous and placing them on the demolition list. Once declared, property owners have
30 days to demolish the structure, after which Code Compliance initiates demolition,
including an environmental review due to the use of CDBG funds. Demolitions are
anticipated for October 2025, except for 1400 Travis, which will be bid out in July and
funded through the General Fund. Following demolition, the City invoices the property
owner, and if unpaid, a lien with accruing interest is placed on the property. If the Council
grants an extension, the property owner must obtain a Restoration Permit within 30 days
and show substantial completion within 90 days. Failure to meet this timeline allows Code
Compliance to proceed with demolition without further Council action.
Alex Borrego, Code Compliance Supervisor, presented the background and timeline for
the structures recommended to be declared dangerous, and said initial notices were sent
in February 2025.
Councilor Browning clarified that the Council can remove a property from the list and allow
additional time if they choose to.
Mr. Borrego presented the following properties recommended for demolition:
2303 Princeton, main Structure— Date of notice February 5, 2025, $2,190.07 taxes owed,
structure fire November 5, 2024, and water disconnected September 21 , 2021 .
1111 Rowland, main Structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, $1 ,694.55 taxes owed,
structure fire November 6, 2024, and water disconnected October 12, 2024.
Maxie Green, 820 7th Street, requested additional time to complete demolition and
cleanup, citing delays due to an ongoing insurance claim. He initially intended to restore
the structure but has since opted for demolition and obtained the necessary permits. He
also requested that the City cover the cost of the environmental evaluation, noting that a
nearby fire had damaged his property. Ms. Miller stated that environmental evaluations
are only required when CDBG funds are used, and there would be no additional expense
to Mr. Green if he demolishes the property himself.
Councilor Cobb asked if the city would demolish the structure immediately after the 30-
day period. Mr. Borrego clarified that we are required to give property owners 30 days
from the hearing date to pull a permit and begin demolition, but due to the time required
to complete environmental and historic reviews, the City will not bid this project until
October 2025.
2910 Lebanon Rd., main structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, and water
disconnected May 4, 2018.
3227 Seymour Rd., main structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, structure fire
September 15, 2022, and water disconnected December 4, 2014.
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Sherry Weldon, 4119 Blanton Street, and her son stated they have owned the property
since 1972 and have remained current on property taxes. They requested additional time
to remove personal belongings, citing recent severe weather as a delay. Approximately
half of the items have been removed, and they anticipate completing the process by
October. They also noted interest from several potential buyers, but cannot proceed with
a sale until the belongings are cleared. They reported past issues with break-ins and said
the fire was caused by squatters.
Mr. Borrego stated that they would have to notify the City in writing if they plan to sell the
property.
1107 Burnett, main structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, structure fire December
27, 2024, and water disconnected March 7, 2017.
1305 Midwestern Parkway — Mr. Borrego stated that this property has been demolished
and will need to be removed from the list.
1322 N. 5th Street, main structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, and water
disconnected October 8, 2016. Mr. Borrego stated that the property owner intends to
demolish the property.
1415 Kemp Blvd., duplex structure — Date of notice March 13, 2025, water disconnected
September 1, 2007.
1226 Tulip St., main structure — Date of notice March 13, 2025, fire November 24, 2024,
and water disconnected November 27, 2024.
1306 Gladiolus St. main structure — Date of notice March 13, 2025, structure fire
December 27, 2024, and water disconnected January 4, 2011 .
George Foster, 1910 McGregor Ave., intends to restore this property. He has obtained
remodel and foundation permits, and asked for time to restore the house since he takes
care of 500 other properties. He feels he can have substantial completion within 60 days.
1711 Fairfax Ave. accessory structure — Date of notice March 13, 2025.
Jean Bouchard, 1711 Fairfax, stated he did not understand what the problem was with
this structure, and said he feels he is being retaliated against after the City hit a water
main while boring under the street in front of his property, flooded his driveway, and broke
his curb. He said a contractor brought a load of pea gravel but did not fix the curb. Mr.
Bouchard said he uses the structure as a garage, there are no utilities, and it cannot be
seen from the alley or the street. He feels that someone trespassed on his property to
take pictures. Mr. Borrego stated that search warrants were obtained through Municipal
Court to enter the property, there was enough probable cause visible from the front of the
property, and the process was initiated by a complaint.
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Councilor Flack asked how there are no roof leaks since a portion of the structure does
not have a roof. Mr. Bouchard stated that the portion without the roof is not part of the
garage and is an add-on.
Councilor Taylor asked if the City did the boring or if it was completed by a contractor for
a fiber optic company. James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager, stated that the City did
not perform the work, and the damage was caused by a telecommunications company
that was not contracted through the City.
Mayor Short asked if Mr. Bouchard had property stored in the building, and he said he
had beekeeping equipment and ratchet straps stored there.
Martin Wolf, Chief Building Official, said the structure is a fire hazard, dangerous, and at
risk of collapse.
Mr. Bouchard said he has owned this property for forty years and that the building is in
the same condition as when he purchased it.
Kinley Hegglund asked Mr. Wolf if as the Chief Building Official for the City of Wichita
Falls is his testimony that this is a dangerous structure, and Mr. Wolf said yes.
Mayor Short asked Mr. Bouchard if he planned to do anything with the property, and he
said no; he plans to continue parking his car there.
Councilor Browning suggested that he work with the City staff to determine what needs
to be done.
1720 Fairfax, accessory structures — Date of notice March 13, 2025, taxes owed
$1 ,103.73, and water disconnected June 6, 2024.
1900 Britain St., main and accessory structures — Date of notice March 13, 2025, taxes
owed $1 ,103.73, and water disconnected May 17, 2011 .
3800 Shasta Drive, commercial property— Date of notice March 13, 2025, fire September
9, 2023, and water disconnected December 28, 2023.
Richard Hendron, 2516 Tinker Trail, the last living trustee of the property, stated it is
contracted to be sold. The realtor stated the closing will be July 3, 2025, if they do not
have administrative issues due to only one trustee still living. The buyer knows he is on
the clock and will make substantial improvements within 90 days. Mr. Borrego stated that
it will stay on the list, and a restoration permit must be pulled within 30 days.
1400 Travis, main and accessory structure — Date of notice March 31 , 2025, taxes owed
$1 ,739.54, fire March 29, 2025, and water disconnected June 27, 2006. Mr. Borrego said
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it is a downtown historic property and has significant fire damage. Demolition will be paid
for with General funds since CDBG funding requires historic reviews.
Mr. Hegglund asked that the motion include striking 1305 Midwestern. If the Council
wishes to put any of the properties on the restoration list, they will need to be included as
well. Properties placed on the restoration list allow the owner to pull a restoration permit
within 30 days.
There was a brief discussion regarding allowing restoration permits to be pulled and the
timeline.
Councilor Brooks asked why a home on Tulip was not included, and it was noted that it
is an occupied structure. Councilor Brooks stated there is no running water, and there
has been a fire. Mr. Borrego stated they are addressing those issues.
Councilor Taylor asked about 5114 Inlet, and it was noted that the property was
addressed on the consent agenda.
Katherine Phillips, 2704 Palmetto Dr., expressed her concern about 1226 Tulip. She
understands that it was sold and there was a fire, but it has historic value. To see the
house be demolished without recognition is a concern. She would like to see the property
recognized, and expressed concerns about the property across the street. She feels
history needs to be preserved, and Eastside needs to be beautified and built up. It was
noted that the current owners of the property have made no contact with the City.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:45 a.m.
Item 9a(ii) — Ordinance 31-2025
Ordinance finding certain buildings and/or structures to be dangerous; requiring property
owners to demolish said buildings and/or structures within thirty (30) days of the date of
this ordinance and declaring an emergency and immediate effective date.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 31-2025, with the following
amendments: strike 1305 Midwestern Parkway, and move 3800 Shasta Drive and 1306
Gladiolus Street to the restoration list.
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
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Item 9b — Public hearing and discussion regarding proposed fare increases for the
Wichita Falls Transit System
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:46 a.m.
Jenny Stevens, Public Transportation Administrator, provided background on the
proposed transit fare increase, noting that the last adjustment was in 2013, despite
industry standards recommending increases every five years. Rising maintenance and
personnel costs, along with the expiration of ARPA funding, necessitate the changes. She
proposes replacing single-ride fares with transfers to a day pass valid for 24 hours for
$3.50, which is more cost-effective for riders. Additional proposed increases include the
monthly pass from $45 to $50, the reduced pass from $22 to $25, the 20-ride pass from
$12 to $15, and deviation fees will remain $3.00. She noted other cities have seen
increased ridership with similar changes and emphasized the importance of flexibility.
Outreach to nonprofits is planned to discuss impacts and potential savings, and they will
hold the two required public hearings to comply with Federal Transit Administration
regulations, along with a third public hearing added. Additional public comment
opportunities are proposed to be held at the Travel Center on July 17th and August 12th
from 5-7 p.m. The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1 , 2025.
Councilor Taylor asked how they calculate the 24-hour pass, and Ms. Stevens said it is
not activated until it is swiped.
Councilor Cobb asked Ms. Stevens about the Sheppard Express and if it is a one-time or
24-hour pass. She said that it is a one-time pass, but they will be able to use the 24-hour
and monthly passes. Ms. Stevens noted that most riders use the app to purchase passes.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:52 a.m.
Item 9c — Ordinance 32-2025
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for STD/HIV-DIS
Prevention Services Program in the amount of $149,955; received from the Department
of State Health Services; authorizing the City Manager to execute contract accepting
same.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 32-2025.
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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 9d — Ordinance 33-2025
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund for the Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC) Grant Program in the amount of $37,700 received from the Texas
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and authorizing the City Manager to
execute contract accepting same.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 33-2025.
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 10a — Resolution 65-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a change order to the Construction
Manager at Risk contract with Anthony Inman Construction, Inc. in the amount of
$388,654.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 65-2025.
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 10b — Resolution 66-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to formally reject all bids for a restroom addition
to the north quadrant at the newly renovated Sports Complex at 1702 Sheppard Access
Road.
Moved by Councilor Cobb to approve Resolution 66-2025.
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 10c — Resolution 67-2025
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, reappointing Troy Farris
to the Wichita County-City of Wichita Falls, Texas, Hospital Board, with a term to expire
July 1 , 2027.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 67-2025.
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 11 — Appointments for midterm vacancy on the Central Wichita Falls
Revitalization Area Committee.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to appoint James Harrell to Place 2 and Selena Hurtado
to Place 7 on the Central Wichita Falls Revitalization Area Committee.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Flack 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.
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Nays: None
Item 12 — Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb welcomed Jeffery Jenkins and said he is very excited and glad to have
him on board. Having new ideas is refreshing, and we are moving forward, and he is
happy to be a part of it. Freedom in the Falls is July 4th, and he encouraged everyone to
attend. It was a good meeting today, and he appreciates attendance.
Councilor Brooks welcomed Mr. Jenkins and said we have a lot of work ahead, and he
looks forward to it. He thanked Catholic Charities and the Fire Department for participating
in a clean-up on Humphrey Street, Adrian Colbert for organizing another cleanup, and
everyone who made it possible.
Councilor Flack welcomed Jeffery Jenkins.
Councilor Browning welcomed Jeffery Jenkins, and said he appreciates being able to
provide input for changes in Council meetings, and for the blankets provided for him and
Councilor Flack.
Councilor Taylor welcomed Jeffery Jenkins. He said June 19th is an important day in our
history, and all Americans should be proud. He will host a Town Hall Meeting for District
5 on June 30th, and it will be an opportunity for the public to meet our new City Manager.
Councilor Taylor thanked Code Compliance for all they do; they have really stepped up
with the enforcement of dangerous structures and the grass and weeds ordinance. He
discussed calls regarding grass at our parks, and stated that park employees are doing
the best they can with the rain, and expressed his thanks for their work. He asked for
prayers for former Councilor Steve Jackson, who recently had surgery.
Councilor Battaglino asked everyone keep Deputy Chief Guy Gilmore, his wife Ginger,
and their family in their prayers as they tragically lost their son Blane last week. Visitation
is June 19th from 6:00 — 7:00 p.m. at Owen's and Brumley Funeral Home. Last Saturday,
Jeremy Jarvis, artist for Futsol Court, was at Bridwell Park. It looks amazing and he
encouraged everyone to go look at it. He had the opportunity to attend the Military
Education Center kickoff, and it is a wonderful partnership between SAFB and MSU. On
Friday Wichita Falls will receive the Altus Trophy from the Altus Chamber of Commerce
for how Wichita Falls takes care of SAFB. He thanked Adrian Colbert for organizing
another cleanup, and expressed his appreciation for all who participated. He will hold a
Town Hall Meeting for District 4 at 5:30 p.m. on July 14th at the Thomas Fowler American
Legion Post 169 located at 4615 Lakeshore Drive.
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Mayor Short discussed the successful cleanup and he encouraged everyone to visit the
Colbert Project on Facebook to see when future cleanups will be held. He welcomed
Jeffery Jenkins and said we are excited to have him, and look forward to his leadership,
experience, sense of humor, and fresh perspectives. This is an important and dynamic
time for Wichita Falls to shape the future. He asked everyone to join us for the budget
workshop, or to watch it on Facebook.
Item 13 — Executive Session
The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:13 a.m. in accordance with
Texas Government Code §551 .074 and §551 .071 .
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11 :05 a.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Mayor Short recessed the meeting for a short break and stated the meeting would
reconvene in rooms 8-10 for the Budget Workshop.
Item 14 — Pre-Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to be held at the MPEC
rooms 8-10
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting at 12:03 p.m.
Jeffery Jenkins, stated that today is a high-level discussion and an opportunity for
Council input.
Stephen Calvert, Director of Finance/CFO, presented a comprehensive overview of the
City's financial outlook, highlighting key accomplishments in 2025 such as increased
employee compensation, $30 million allocated to capital improvements, and receipt of
the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award. He noted that property values are projected to
increase by approximately 2.76%, which is lower than expected, limiting flexibility in
adjusting the tax rate due to legislative caps. Sales tax revenue is anticipated to remain
flat, while interest rates are expected to decline. The General Fund remains the City's
primary financial challenge, with the bulk of revenues coming from property and sales
taxes, and expenditures concentrated in public safety and essential services. Mr.
Calvert discussed how the City's tax rate is slightly higher than other peer cities, but has
the lowest per capita tax levy. He emphasized the need to address personnel costs,
especially in light of compensation levels falling 8-15% below comparable cities, and
proposed a compensation study, performance-based incentives, and investments in
training and equipment. Discussions of strategies to reduce costs and improve
efficiency are currently underway, including a citywide 4% savings target and the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 17, 2025
Page 12
creation of a fiscal sustainability committee. Mr. Calvert said, "If you see something, say
something," and encouraged staff to discuss inefficiencies and cost-saving
opportunities.
Enterprise funds were also reviewed with a recommended 2% rate increase to keep
pace with inflation, and to maintain service levels for Water, Sewer, and Sanitation.
There was discussion regarding the City's reinvestment zones, revenue sources, and
long-term planning for infrastructure, debt retirement, and operational efficiency across
all funds. Additional topics covered included reducing General Fund subsidies,
increasing underpriced service fees, and maximizing grant funding. Internal service
funds, special revenue funds, debt service, and capital improvement funds were also
reviewed. The next steps include submitting the proposed budget to the City Council on
July 28, individual meetings with members of the Council and the budget team August
4-8, a Budget Workshop on August 12, a Public Hearing on the tax rate on August 19,
and budget and tax rate adoption on September 2. Mr. Jenkins encouraged everyone to
work smarter, not harder.
Item 15 — Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 1 :18 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 1st day of July 2025.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
6 ,B
Marie Balthrop, TRM , MMC
City Clerk
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