Min 02/17/2026 441City of Wichita Falls
)/c4i4a5. City Council Meeting Minutes
�� TEXAS February 17, 2026
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1. Call to Order
The City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, met in a regular session on the
above date in the Seminar Room at the MPEC with the following members present.
Present: Mayor Tim Short
At-Large Austin Cobb
District 1 Whitney Flack
District 2 Robert Brooks
District 3 Jeff Browning
District 4/Mayor Pro Tem Mike Battaglino
District 5 Tom Taylor
Absent:
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. Invocation
Pastor Gene Holley, Life Church, gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Presentations
a) Recognition of Foreign Exchange Students - Dave Clark
Dave Clark introduced and recognized foreign exchange students living in Wichita Falls.
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager, announced that no discussion or action would
occur on Item 10A. He advised that any individuals wishing to address the item may do
so during Citizen Comments. The applicants withdrew their request after the agenda was
posted and plan to resubmit at a later date with restrictions limiting the use to a data
center.
Mayor Short acknowledged community concerns regarding the ongoing investigation
and the inability to release the body-worn camera footage at this time, stating the
Council shares the public's frustration. He reported that the City has initiated a
comprehensive review of policies and procedures, including mental health response,
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February 17, 2026
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supervisory practices, training, and accountability, with assistance from the Helen
Farabee Centers, and that updates are being posted on the City's website. He also
noted the implementation of FlashVote to enhance public engagement and affirmed the
City's commitment to continue this work and remain transparent.
5. Citizen Comments
Jack Browne, citizen and Planning and Zoning Commission member, spoke in support of
pursuing data center development, citing the city's available land, utility infrastructure,
water supply, and potential economic and infrastructure benefits. He also commented on
the role of artificial intelligence in driving industry growth and noted that modern facilities
use closed-loop cooling systems with limited ongoing water demand.
Stephanie Harris spoke about the Victoria Lang incident and expressed concern about
police accountability, the delay in making the matter public, and the need to release body
camera footage. She stated that while mental health training is important, the primary
issue is officer conduct and oversight, and called for stronger measures to address
excessive force and for charges to be pursued against the officers involved.
Sonja Calliste, family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, addressed the Council regarding
the Victoria Lang incident and expressed concerns about the lack of documentation of a
welfare check, a mental health assessment, and de-escalation measures, as well as the
absence of a female officer at the scene. She questioned the depth of officer training,
psychological screening, and ongoing competency evaluations, and emphasized the
potential harm such encounters can have on individuals with mental illness. She urged
the City to ensure a thorough investigation, accountability if misconduct is substantiated,
and stronger policies prioritizing mental health awareness, assessment, and de-
escalation.
Sandra Gross spoke about the 2026 Martin Luther King Multicultural Parade and Black
History Month events. She expressed appreciation for the City's past support of the MLK
prayer breakfast and Juneteenth and requested similar visible partnership for the parade,
including the use of the City stage at 8th and Scott on February 21st from 1:00 p.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Crystal Washington spoke about the Victoria Lang incident and expressed concerns
about police accountability, disciplinary practices, and what she described as over
policing in certain areas of the city. She called for criminal charges against the former
officers involved and emphasized the broader impact of law enforcement actions on
families and youth in the community.
Michael Damron addressed the Council, shared personal reflections on his experiences
working in Texas, expressed general support for law enforcement and the principles of
justice, and requested consideration for assistance.
John Hutchinson addressed the Council regarding the Victoria Lang incident and
criticized City leadership for what he described as a lack of transparency and delayed
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release of body camera footage. He called for immediate accountability and stated that
the matter would remain a community and election issue until further action is taken.
Robert Mitchell spoke about the Victoria Lang incident and expressed concerns about
the Police Department's and City Council's handling of the matter. He alleged a lack of
accountability, questioned the acceptance of an officer's resignation, raised concerns
about Internal Affairs complaint investigations, and stated that the situation could result in
a significant financial impact to the City. He also voiced support for Councilor Brooks and
opposed what he described as efforts to exclude him from participation.
Valerie Rhodes addressed the Council regarding the proposed data center development,
stating she supports the potential for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure
improvements in the area. She also expressed concerns about the concentration of
industrial uses near her neighborhood and the impacts on minority communities, and
requested consideration of mitigation measures such as sound and physical barriers,
lighting controls, performance standards, and improved maintenance of surrounding
infrastructure.
Mark Calvano, a developer from San Francisco, spoke regarding solar development and
data centers. He requested consideration of a zoning overlay to allow property owners to
develop solar projects without individual zoning changes, stating this could generate
private investment, jobs, electricity, and support future data center growth. He also
commented on the importance of diversifying the local economy, the advantages Texas
has for data center development, and noted that newer facilities use closed-loop or
water-free cooling technologies.
Consent Agenda — Items 6 - 9
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, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a) City Council Meeting February 3, 2026.
7. Receive Minutes
a) Homeless Advisory Committee September 15, 2025
b) Homeless Advisory Committee November 12, 2025
c) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation November 20, 2025
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d) Planning & Zoning Commission December 10, 2025
8. Ordinances
a) Ordinance making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the amount of
$104,628.00 for the STD/HIV-DIS Prevention Services Program from the Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for Calendar Year 2026; authorizing
the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all documents necessary to accept
said funds.
9. Resolutions
a) Resolution authorizing a contract with Digital Resources, Inc. (DRI) to design,
purchase, install, integrate, and test a fully integrated audio/video system in the
new City Council Chambers through the TIPS Co-op Purchasing Program with
PEG funding in the amount of $496,500.41 .
b) Resolution authorizing the purchase of three BMW R 1300 RT-P Motorcycles from
Retail Motorcycle Ventures, Inc. in the amount of $122,333.31.
c) Resolution confirming reappointment of Laura Fidelie to the Firefighters and Police
Officers' Civil Service Commission with a term to expire December 31 , 2028.
d) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2026
Crack Seal Project to Holbrook Asphalt, LLC in the amount of $232,500.00.
e) Resolution authorizing the City of Wichita Falls's continued participation with the
Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor; and authorizing the payment of ten
cents per capita to the Steering Committee to fund regulatory and legal
proceedings and activities related to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, LLC.
Regular Agenda
10. Ordinances
There was no discussion or action taken on this item.
a) Ordinance rezoning +/- 37.61 acres of land from General Commercial (GC) to Light
Industrial (LI) located at 2100 & 2226 Airport Drive (26.91 Acres, Abstract 344 — T.
Currey, & +/- 10.7 acres out of the R. Brown Survey, Abstract 522), and +/- 60.87
acres of land from Multi-Family Residential (MFR) to Light Industrial (LI) zoning
district located at 2100 Airport Drive, 2226 Airport Drive, Property ID #107232, and
Property ID #107235 (+/-50.27 Acres, T. Currey Survey, Abstract 344; and +/-10.6
acres out of the R. Brown Survey, Abstract 522), and amend the Land Use Plan
from High Density Residential to Light Industrial to allow for the construction of a
data center.
11. Other Council Matters
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a) Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City
Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb encouraged everyone to vote.
Councilor Brooks expressed frustration with requests for patience regarding the Victoria
Lang incident and said the community has waited many years for meaningful change. He
called for arrests and accountability, stated that photos and public appearances do not
replace real action, referenced the significance of Black History, and urged the public to
focus on facts and outcomes rather than appearances.
Councilor Flack stated that differences of opinion among elected officials are a normal
and valuable part of the governmental process. She expressed confidence in established
policies, procedures, and due process, acknowledged the difficulty of waiting for
outcomes, and stated that patience is necessary to ensure the integrity of the
investigation and the proper application of the law.
Councilor Browning encouraged voter participation and strongly supported Mayor Short,
commending his involvement and service to the community. He stated that it was
inappropriate for the Mayor to be personally criticized during public comment.
Councilor Taylor emphasized the need to allow the state and other appropriate
authorities to complete their investigation so that any findings would withstand legal
scrutiny and potential appeal. He announced the upcoming TIF #3 meeting, recognized
the contributions of host families to the community, and expressed appreciation for a
recent presentation on data centers and artificial intelligence.
Councilor Battaglino congratulated City Manager Jeff Jenkins for being named the 2026
Dancing for the Stars Mirror Ball Champion, announced his participation in the
multicultural parade this weekend, where he will carry the American flag with American
Legion Post 169, and noted he would be volunteering at the Home and Garden Show.
Quoting Abraham Lincoln, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," he emphasized
the importance of unity and expressed strong support for Mayor Short, commending his
leadership and dedication to the City. He also stated that Councilor Brooks is an
important member of the Council, publicly expressed his support for him, and
acknowledged that the current matter is a heavy situation with strong emotions and a
shared desire to see justice served.
Mayor Short stated that his support for Councilor Brooks has remained unchanged and
reaffirmed that commitment. He announced his plans to attend the MLK Multicultural
Parade on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and the installation service for Reverend Ray Dixon as
pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
12. Executive Sessions
a) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code §551.071,
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consultation with attorney on matters involving pending or contemplated litigation
or other matters in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under
the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas
clearly conflicts with the Texas Open Meetings Act (including, but not limited to,
Lake Ringgold).
b) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551.087, to
discuss or deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business
prospect that the City Council seeks to have, locate, stay, or expand in or near the
territory of the City of Wichita Falls and with which the City and/or economic
development corporations created by the City are conducting economic
development negotiations (including, but not limited to, economic development
update.)
c) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551.072, to
deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property interests due to
the fact that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the
position of the City in negotiations with a third party (including, but not limited to,
Lake Ringgold)
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:37 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §552.071, §552.087, and §552.072.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11:05 a.m. and announced
that no votes or polls were taken.
13. Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 11:06 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of March 2026.
hort, Mayor
ATTEST:
4)/aA,c-V-
Balthrop, TRM , MMC
City Clerk
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