Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 06/19/2025 MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
June 19, 2025
PRESENT:
Josh Whittaker, Chair
Steve Garner, Vice Chair •Members
Austin Cobb, City Council Rep
David Coleman, Secretary
Jack Roe
Mark Moran
John Pezzano
Matt Marrs
Kalee Robinson, Parks Director •city Staff
Tyson Traw, Public Works Deputy Director
Scott Powell, Parks Superintendent
Mike Kephart •Guests
Robin Kephart
James York, Texas Parks & Wildlife
ABSENT: Mike Battaglino, Sharon Roach, David Bender. Adam Arruda, Amy Bobrowitz,
Alicia Castillo
1. Call to Order: Josh called the meeting to order at 11:30. He introduced our guests,
Mike and Robin Kephart, who are property owners between Lake Wichita and Sisk Road.
2. Approval of Minutes: May meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
3. Project Updates:
3.a. Veteran's Plaza Master Plan: Presentations and grant applications are pending.
David stated that he will check with Austin Stone & Monument regarding the design of the
granite Thomas Fowler monument and try to get a cost estimate.
3.b. Lake Deepening: Our USACE 404 Permit expires in 2027, so we will begin the
process to request an extension in early 2026. Steve stated that in the past, Dr Clyde
has said we've made significant progress under the permit, and renewal should be easy.
3.c. Parks Master Plan: Kalee stated that City Council approved submission of the grant
application for the last segment of the Circle Trail (along Lake Wichita). Tyson stated
the application will be submitted to TXDOT tomorrow, and we will all hope for approval.
4. Discussion of Brick Sales and Fundraising Initiatives:
David stated that the five pending brick engraving orders should be engraved next week.
June 19, 2025
David summarized our financial status—We have $92,231 available in the Wells Fargo
account, which includes two deposits. $17,700 from the Legion Post 169, plus a deposit
of$825 for brick engraving orders. David will need to write a check for $415 to Chad the
engraver when that work is complete.
5. Other Business Matters.
a. Mike Kephart gave a presentation showing his property between Lake Wichita
and Sisk Road. The previous owner built an illegal dam on Holliday Creek, which
prevents water from flowing to the east and into the lake, which results in flooding
a large area down to Decker Road. Mike plans to remove that illegal dam, as well
as the mesquite and salt cedar trees, which will enable much more water to flow
into Lake Wichita and greatly reduce flooding. When the land dries out. Mike
plans to plant native grasses, and David stated he would send Mike some
contacts at NRCS for possible grants.
6. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:59 am.
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June 19, 2025