Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 09/09/2025 MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
September 9, 2025
PRESENT:
Josh Whittiker, Chair •Members
Steve Garner, Vice Chair
David Coleman, Secretary
Austin Cobb, City Council Liaison
Mike Battaglino, City Council Member
Jack Roe
Sharon Roach
David Bender
Mark Moran
John Pezzano
Kalee Robinson, Parks Director ■City Staff
Tyson Traw, Public Works Deputy Director
Wes Duffer, TX Parks & Wildlife ■Guests
James York, TX Parks & Wildlife
Austin Keesee, Austin Stone & Monument
Tavin Dotson, Ducks Unlimited
Matt Hefton, Ducks Unlimited
Tosha Kurtz, Legion Post 169
Roger Reeves, Legion Post 169
ABSENT: Adam Arruda, Amy Bobrowitz, Matt Marrs, Alicia Castillo
1. Call to Order: Josh called the meeting to order at 11:30
2. Approval of Minutes: July meeting minutes were approved unanimously. A meeting
was not held in August 2025.
3. Project Updates:
3.a. Veteran's Plaza Master Plan: Austin Keesee presented two new design concepts for
the Thomas Fowler monument, in addition to the original design created during the
master planning process. There was uniform agreement that the best design is Austin's
"obelisk" design, with black stones flanking a white stone obelisk. Austin stated the
stones are all domestically sourced and would take about four months for delivery, with
the final installed cost being between $40,000 to $50,000. David Coleman will get a cost
estimate from Marrs Patriot Construction for construction of the third plaza, to match the
other two plazas, for potential installation of the Thomas Fowler monument, in accord
with the Master Plan.
September 9, 2025
3.a.i. Daughters of the American Revolution Patriots Marker Project: The DAR has
raised funds to place a Patriot Marker at Lake Wichita Park, and Steve will provide more
details at next month's meeting.
3.b. Lake Deepening: Steve spoke with Dr Clyde, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
project manager for deepening Lake Wichita, who stated that the ACOE is moving
forward with the initial study, called a Determination of Federal Interest, which will be fully
funded by the ACOE. Dr Clyde spoke to Blake Jurecek, Asst City Manager, who
confirmed that the City of Wichita Falls is still committed to this project.
Wes pointed out that our ACOE 404 Permit states that dredge spoils will be removed by
wheeled or tracked vehicles, the permit does not allow hydraulic dredging. David C
pointed out the dredging project will be an ACOE contract, and the ACOE will determine
the construction methods to be allowed, and they might have to grant themselves an
exception to the permit that they issued. Much more discussion will be required when the
initial study is complete, and a construction contract is created.
3.c. Parks Master Plan: Tyson stated that Notice to Proceed with construction was just
issued for the Circle Trail segment behind Camp Fire
4. Discussion of Brick Sales and Fundraising Initiatives:
David requested the group ratify a $250 expense for engraving a brick for Gage Ingram,
the Navy Seal who lost his life in the Arabian Sea, and whose family requested a brick be
engraved in his honor. Ratification was granted unanimously.
David stated we received a check from Legion Post 169 for $279.41 for the Thomas
Fowler monument, and that we have approximately $92,000 available in the Wells Fargo
account.
5. Other Business Matters: Josh stated that for future meetings, draft minutes will be
emailed to all Committee members for their review prior to the meetings. David stated
that Legion Post 169 will conduct a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial
Plaza on Nov 11, at 5:30pm.
Matt Hefton, with Ducks Unlimited, stated that he and Tavin intend to help with the
conservation of wetlands, and eradication of salt cedars or other invasive plants. Steve
offered to set up a site visit for them to see Lake Wichita and environs.
5.a. Update on Mike Kephart's Sisk Road Land Improvements
Steve Garner stated the project is now complete, the illegal dam has been removed. All
work was on private property, performed entirely by the land owner.
6. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm.
Yitee
Josh Whitti r, dhair Date
September 9, 2025