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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
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Item 2a — Invocation
Pastor Christopher Readus, St. Mark's Global Methodist Church, gave the invocation.
Item 2b — Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 3a — Proclamation —Walk to End Alzheimer's- Alzheimer's Association, North
Central Texas Chapter
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 27, 2025, as Walk to End
Alzheimer's Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 3b- Proclamation- National Forensic Science Week- Wichita Falls Police
Department
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 14-20, 2025, as National
Forensic Science Week in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 3c- Proclamation — Constitution Week - Major Francis Grice Chapter, NSDAR
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 17-23, 2025, as Constitution
Week in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 3d- Hispanic Heritage Month - Con Potencia, Mexican American Veterans and Zavala
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming September 15 — October 15, 2025, as
Hispanic Heritage Month in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Item 4 — Comments from Citizens
Andrea Sanchez, 4303 McCutchen Ave., addressed the Council regarding the North
Texas Youth Football League and challenges with access to City-owned fields off Fairway
Blvd. through the Boys and Girls Club. She noted over 700 participants are registered for
football and cheer, presented data from other cities that sponsor youth football, and
referenced a clause in the City's contract with the Boys and Girls Club that permits use
of the fields by City organizations.
Item 5-8 — Consent Items
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, 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:
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September 16, 2025
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Ayes: Mayor Short, Councilors Battaglino, Brooks, Browning, Cobb, Flack, and Taylor.
Nays: None
Item 5 — Approval of minutes of the September 2, 2025, Regular Meeting of the
Mayor and City Council
(a) August 14, 2025 Special Joint Meeting
(b) August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
Item 6a- Ordinance 49-2025
Ordinance adopting the TMRS vesting change from ten-year vesting period to a 5-year
vesting period for the City of Wichita Falls.
Item 6b— Ordinance 50-2025
Ordinance appropriating $305,000 of grant funds pursuant to the Texas Motor Vehicle
Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program,
appropriating said funds to the Special Revenue Fund, and authorizing the City Manager
or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept and share said funds.
Item 6c — Ordinance 51-2025
Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the amount of
$51 ,895.82 for grant revenue from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for
a Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant for Fiscal Year
2026 and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents
necessary to accept said funds.
Item 6d — Ordinance 52-2025
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 76-2020 declaring certain structures as dangerous
by allowing additional time to rehabilitate the structure located at 2300 Yale Avenue.
Item 7a- Resolution 106-2025
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2025
Water Budget Utility Improvement Project & Large Valve Replacement to Bowles
Construction Co. in the amount of $251 ,700.00.
Item 7b- Resolution 107-2025
Resolution approving the Wichita Falls Type B (4B) Sales Tax Corporation's annual
budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
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Item 8- Receive Minutes
(a) Employee Benefits Trust Board, February 5, 2025
(b) Water Resources Commission, May 6, 2025
(c) Landmark Commission, June 24, 2025
(d) Employee Benefits Trust Board, July 8, 2025
(e) Employee Benefits Trust Board, July 9, 2025
(f) Employee Benefits Trust Board, July 15, 2025
(g) Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, July 22, 2025
Item 9a(i) — Public Hearing on an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances,
Appendix B: Zoning, creating a special overlay district for the Heart of the Falls
Neighborhood Revitalization Area, amending development regulations, zoning
boundaries, and a Land Use Plan update
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:57 a.m.
Fabian Medellin, Interim Director of Development Services, presented the proposed
overlay district for the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area. He discussed
the amendments proposed by the committee, public input, and the Planning & Zoning
Commission's and staff's recommendation to approve.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:00 a.m.
Item 9a(ii)- Ordinance 53-2025
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Appendix B: Zoning, creating a special
overlay district for the Heart of the Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Area, amending
development regulations, zoning boundaries, and a Land Use Plan update.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 53-2025.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor 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 9b(i) — Public Hearing on an Ordinance rezoning +/- 0.18 acres of land located
at 400 Fort Worth St. (Lot 14, Block 11, Kemp) from Light Industrial (LI) to Single
Family -2 (SF-2) zoning district to allow for the construction of a single-family
dwelling (detached)
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:01 a.m.
Mr. Medellin discussed the proposed rezoning for Habitat for Humanity's property at 400
Fort Worth Street to allow for a single-family dwelling. Planning and Zoning unanimously
approved the rezone, and staff recommended approval.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:02 a.m.
Item 9b(ii)- Ordinance 54-2025
Ordinance rezoning +/- 0.18 acres of land located at 400 Fort Worth St. (Lot 14, Block 11,
Kemp) from Light Industrial (LI) to Single Family -2 (SF-2) zoning district to allow for the
construction of a single-family dwelling (detached).
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 54-2025.
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 9c(i) — Public Hearing on an Ordinance rezoning +/- 1.22 acres of land located
at 1101, 1103, 1105, 1107, 1109, 1111, & 1113 Alma St. (Lots 8-14, Block 4,
Southland) from Limited Office (LO) to General Commercial (GC) zoning district
and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Commercial
(Com) to allow for the construction of a medical office
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Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:03 a.m.
Mr. Medellin discussed the proposed rezoning of property owned by United Regional for
an expansion of a 53,000 sq. ft. imaging center and the need for zoning changes to
facilitate this project. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the
rezoning, and staff recommended approval.
There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:05 a.m.
Item 9c(ii)- Ordinance 55-2025
Ordinance rezoning +/- 1 .22 acres of land located at 1101, 1103, 1105, 1107, 1109, 1111 ,
& 1113 Alma St. (Lots 8-14, Block 4, Southland) from Limited Office (LO) to General
Commercial (GC) zoning district and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density
Residential (LDR) to Commercial (Com) to allow for the construction of a medical office.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 55-2025.
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 9d(i) — Public Hearing 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 9:06 a.m.
Rita Miller, Neighborhood Services Manager, presented the background and timeline and
stated that they anticipate sending out bids for demolition by the end of the year.
Alex Borrego, Code Compliance Supervisor, presented the background and timeline for
the structures recommended to be declared dangerous.
Mr. Borrego presented the following properties recommended for demolition:
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1723 6th Street, accessory structure- Date of notice October 24, 2023, and July 31 , 2025,
and no taxes are owed.
1707 7th Street, commercial main structure - Date of notice October 30, 2023, and July
31 , 2025, water disconnected on December 10, 2019, structure fire on September 9,
2020, and no taxes are owed. The owner is actively repairing the property, but was not in
attendance. A restoration permit was obtained recently. Mr. Borrego recommended
striking this property from the list.
700 Denver Street, main structure- Date of notice December 6, 2023, and July 31 , 2025,
water disconnected July 16, 2013, structure fire October 12, 2023, and $3,831 .13 in taxes
are owed.
702 Denver Street, main structure- Date of notice December 6, 2023, and July 31 , 2025,
water disconnected January 30, 2008, and $532.66 in taxes are owed.
2308 8th Street, main structure - Date of notice April 4, 2025, water disconnected
December 27, 2024, structure fire December 6, 2024, and no taxes are owed.
1317 11th Street, commercial main structure - Date of notice March 27, 2025, water
disconnected February 21 , 2025, structure fires on October 17, 2024, and February 19,
2025, and no taxes are owed.
LeeAnn Burnett, 317 Windjammer Way, Lakeside City, Anchor Realty, discussed
conversations with various city officials, discussed photos provided today, and the current
insurance claim. Ms. Burnett provided a letter from Omar Ochoa Law Firm regarding the
current litigation for the insurance claim that prevents this property from being
demolished. She has ensured that the property is maintained and secured, and stated
that it is on the market with multiple interested parties. She asked that the property be
removed from the list and stated she was willing to provide weekly or biweekly updates
on the property.
Mr. Naveen, the property owner, discussed the photos he took yesterday that were
provided to the Council. He stated that the fire damage is localized to two areas and there
is less than 10% overall damage to the property. The property was under contract before
the fires.
Mayor Short asked what caused the fire, and Mr. Naveen stated that the first fire was
electrical and limited to one bedroom, and the second was caused by vagrants during
cold weather. There was a brief discussion regarding the photos provided by Mr. Naveen.
Councilor Taylor asked if this property was occupied before the fire in October, and Mr.
Borrego stated it was.
Mr. Naveen stated that one reason the insurance claim was denied was inadequate
smoke detectors, but he has proof that they were installed. There are thirteen units, and
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ten or eleven were occupied with no issues. He discussed recent work completed to
improve the property.
Mayor Short asked Mr. Hegglund if the letter from Mr. Naveen's attorney had any bearing
on the City's demolition process. Mr. Hegglund stated that he reviewed the letter in June
and attempted to contact the attorney, but did not receive a response. The City is not a
party to the lawsuit and is not required to adhere to the preservation letter due to the
structure's danger. Their attorney can request an injunction from the court if they would
like to stop the process.
Councilor Cobb asked if there had been code compliance issues before the fire.
Craig Berend, Fire Marshal, stated that he was not aware of any issues before the fire,
but reiterated the difficulty of keeping the homeless and vagrants out of the building with
the upcoming winter months and the potential for injury.
Ms. Burnett discussed one of the prospective buyers and his intent to rehabilitate the
property.
Councilor Cobb discussed concerns about the extent of damage, the amount of work
needed, and the potential for injury.
Ms. Burnett stated that she is marketing the property for a medical business with the intent
to demolish the existing structure and build a new facility.
Councilor Flack recommended allowing restoration and asked about the timeline for a
restoration permit if it is granted.
Ms. Miller stated that they would have 30 days to pull a restoration permit and 90 days
for substantial completion toward compliance. She noted that this property was previously
discussed for demolition in June, and no substantial work has been completed since then.
Councilor Cobb stated that various plans for the property have been discussed today and
expressed his concerns about no progress being made.
Mr. Naveen stated he does not have the funds to demolish the property. He discussed
the recent fire and the need for more time to rehabilitate, effectively market, and sell the
property, which he still has unsecured loans on.
Mayor Short asked if there was an insurance payment and or any urgency to rehabilitate
the property after the first fire.
Mr. Naveen stated that both insurance claims for the fires were declined, he is currently
in litigation with the insurance company, and the property was in the process of being
sold before the second fire occurred.
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There was a brief discussion regarding no progress being made in the five months
between the two fires.
Councilor Brooks expressed his concerns about the danger of the structure and potential
fire hazards.
Councilor Taylor discussed the lack of progress made, expressed his concerns for public
safety, and discussed the length of time a lawsuit may take. He does not recommend
extending the time.
Mr. Naveen said there is an order for remediation for the lawsuit later this month, and Ms.
Burnett has demonstrated that she is securing and maintaining the property.
Councilor Flack expressed her desire to allow a restoration permit to be obtained.
Councilor Cobb agreed with Councilors Taylor and Brooks that the property should stay
on the demolition list.
Mayor Short noted that they do not intend to restore the property and are looking to sell.
Ms. Burnett asked for 30 days to get the property sold. She took on the property in August
and has kept up with the maintenance, and is open to suggestions on ways to secure the
property to prevent further safety issues.
Councilor Taylor expressed concerns about the process and the idea of starting this
process over with the new owner if the property is sold, which is not acceptable.
Fire Chief Melton stated that the only way to secure it is to rehabilitate it, and there have
been smaller fires inside the building since the last major fire. You cannot secure a
structure that has burned twice, and this is a concern for citizens, and is a life safety risk
for everyone involved.
404 Scott Avenue, commercial main structure — Date of notice December 7, 2023, and
July 31 , 2025, water disconnected June 9, 2015, and no taxes are owed.
1209 Tulip Street, main structure — Date of notice December 18, 2023, and July 31 , 2025,
water disconnected January 11 , 2017, and no taxes are owed.
307 Jalonick Street, main structure — Date of notice May 31 , 2023, and July 31 , 2025,
water disconnected June 29, 2010, and no taxes are owed.
1404 Odin Street, main structure — Date of notice February 5, 2025, water disconnected
September 21 , 2022, and $1 ,724.95 in taxes are owed.
2705 Tampico Drive, main structure — Date of notice October 24, 2023, water
disconnected March 8, 2019, and July 31 , 2025, and $2,932.22 in taxes are owed.
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Rebecca Escobedo, 4702 Cape Cod Dr., was contacted by her brother in June regarding
investors who were interested in purchasing the house. The family has a realtor and was
not aware of the issues with the house, and asked for more time to sell the property.
Mayor Short clarified that the family wishes to sell the property, and not rehabilitate it, and
Ms. Escobedo confirmed. There was a brief discussion regarding the ownership of the
property, which is owned by multiple family members.
Councilor Flack asked if the water to the house had been disconnected since 2019, and
Ms. Escobedo said her father had been moved to a skilled nursing facility.
Gloria Gibson, 1130 Harlan Avenue, discussed notices sent to her and her siblings
regarding the property and her confusion with power of attorney and heirship issues. It
was noted that no one currently lives in the house.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:47 a.m.
Item 9d(ii)- Ordinance 56-2025
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 56-2025 and remove 1707 7th Street
from the demolition list.
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 10a — Resolution 108-2025
Resolution authorizing the City's acceptance and use of Defense Economic Adjustment
Assistance Grant (DEAAG) funds; and authorizing City Manager to award a bid and
contract to Kobo Utility Construction Corp. in the amount of $1 ,821 ,605.00 for the SAFB
Runway 15C/33C Airfield Strobe Light/Control Panel Repair Project.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 108-2025.
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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 10b- Resolution 109-2025
Resolution approving a Multiple Use Agreement with the Texas Department of
Transportation for Passenger Shelters and Amenities.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 109 -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 11a- Announcements concerning items of community interest from members
of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb wished everyone a good day and said he enjoyed Bingo Bags and
Badges raising money for Patsy's House, and Taco Fest is this weekend.
Councilor Brooks thanked everyone for attending and said our city is better when we
come together as one. His family landed safely in Japan, and his daughter will compete
for Team USA in the World Athletic Championship from September 18 to 19.
Councilor Flack stated she will host a District 1 Town Hall Meeting on Monday, September
22, 2025, from 6:00 — 7:00 p.m. at Lamar Baptist Church.
Councilor Browning encouraged citizens to use the Access Wichita Falls app to address
concerns.
Councilor Taylor asked that we keep the family of Reverend Thompson in our prayers, as
his funeral is being held on Saturday. Next Saturday is National Clean Up Day, and he
encouraged participation in Sunset Park in City View. He noted that it is Constitution
Week, and it is our Constitution, and we have to protect it. He applauded the efforts of
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September 16, 2025
Page 11
Code Compliance for their cleanup efforts to remove dangerous structures from our
community.
Councilor Battaglino thanked everyone for attending the final cleanup for the Colbert
Project and discussed upcoming community events.
Mayor Short wished his daughter-in-law, Macie, a happy birthday and expressed his pride
in Taliyah Brooks. He stated that our world is crazy, but he is proud that we can have
open and transparent meetings without issues, and he agrees with the Governor of Utah
that social media is cancer. People are isolated, and he encouraged everyone to interact
face-to-face and meet their neighbors. Mayor Short stated that people with different ideas
are not evil, and it is not okay to kill someone you disagree with. We are called to love our
neighbors, love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us,
and pray for those who mistreat us. He prays for our nation, our city, and the people he
disagrees with and those who disagree with him.
Item 12 — Executive Sessions
The City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:02 a.m. in accordance with
Texas Government Code §551.071 , §551 .072.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 10:38 a.m. and announced that
no votes or polls were taken.
Item 13 — Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 7th day of October, 2025.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
M1/41,1,u_/ 8�
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, I MC
City Clerk
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