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Min 03/03/2026 City of Wichita Falls j, 4/4 7(S City Council Meeting Minutes T x A s March 3, 2026 $/u,Sk/e5.4a/derk 0Tarf waif'es: 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 Councilor At-Large Austin Cobb Councilor District 1 Whitney Flack Councilor District 2 Robert Brooks Councilor District 3 Jeff Browning Mayor Pro Tem/Councilor District 4 Mike Battaglino Councilor District 5 Tom Taylor Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. 2. Invocation Pastor Craig Lile, Faith Baptist Church, gave the invocation. 3. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Presentations a) Employee of the Month - Michael Graddy, Fire Department Mayor Short recognized Michael Graddy as Employee of the Month for March 2026 and shared a brief video. He congratulated Mr. Graddy and presented him with a plaque, letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and thanked him for his service. City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 1 of 8 b) Proclamation -Women's History Month, Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming March 2026 as Women's History Month in Wichita Falls, TX. c) Proclamation - March for Meals Month, Meals on Wheels Wichita County Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming March 2026 as March for Meals Month in Wichita Falls, TX. Mayor Short moved to item 10 c. 10.c Council Meeting Streaming Update Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, provided an update regarding recent technical issues with the City Council meeting livestream. He explained the troubleshooting efforts conducted with City staff, IT personnel, outside consultant Jason Mayfield, and the City's streaming vendor, Swagit. The City identified issues related to internet bandwidth and a secondary upload process that began approximately one hour into the meeting, which caused the livestream to glitch while recordings remained intact. Mr. Jurecek stated that corrective steps have been taken, including upgrading internet service, adjusting recording procedures, and implementing additional monitoring and redundancy measures to improve the reliability of future livestreams. Mayor Short returned to item 5. 5. Citizen Comments Sandra Gross addressed the Council and thanked the City of Wichita Falls, including Mayor Tim Short, Councilor Michael Battaglino, Retired Chief Manuel Borrego, and Parks and Recreation Director Kalee Robinson, for their support of the 2026 Unity in the Community events. She highlighted the Rhythm of Texoma Showcase, the Black History Gospel Celebration, and the 2026 MLK Multicultural Parade, and proposed future plans beginning in 2027 to expand the celebration with additional events and to rename the parade the Black History Parade. City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 2 of 8 Mike Mitchell addressed the Council and shared several positive updates occurring in the community. He highlighted the success of the Red River Regional Science and Engineering Fair and noted that a Christ Academy student will represent Wichita Falls at the International Science Fair in Phoenix. He also mentioned the upcoming Rotary Duck Race scheduled for May 30 at Castaway Cove, gave recent announcements from Scouting America supporting military families, and invited the public to attend the City Revitalization Committee meeting. Mr. Mitchell also noted that the City's tree abatement program is expected to reopen soon. Shannon Jackson, owner of S. Jackson Transportation Services and a member of the East Project Networking Committee, addressed the Council regarding volunteer efforts to restore and maintain East Lawn Cemetery. He noted the cemetery, which has served generations of Black families in Wichita Falls since 1956 and includes more than 200 veterans' graves, has experienced years of neglect. Mr. Jackson clarified that the City of Wichita Falls does not have jurisdiction over or responsibility for the cemetery. He explained that the East Project Networking Committee organizes volunteer workdays on the third Saturday of each month to mow, trim, and maintain the cemetery grounds, and encouraged community members to participate. Reverend Ricky McGee addressed the Council and expressed appreciation to the Mayor, City Council, and City staff for their work in the community. He announced that Community Relations Day will be held on April 4 at 12:00 p.m. at the MLK Center, and encourage city leaders, Fire Department, Police Department, and all city staff to participate. He stated the event will include opportunities for community engagement, including a "Walk the Block" initiative to encourage dialogue between residents and public safety personnel, along with food and fellowship to promote unity in the community. Natalie Hill addressed the Council about a personal experience with the Wichita Falls Police Department related to an incident on August 23, 2025, involving her son, who she said was experiencing a mental health episode after being off his medication. She described the police response at her home, her arrest, and conditions during her time at the Law Enforcement Center. She also stated that she was later given a restraining order that prevented her from returning to her home for three months and required her to handle her household responsibilities from another location. City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 3 of 8 Crystal Washington addressed the Council regarding ongoing concerns related to the Victoria Lang case, stating that members of the community are still waiting for answers and accountability. She referenced comments made during a prior meeting and expressed concern about what she described as tone policing by some Council members, which she said discouraged some residents from attending or speaking at the meeting. Ms. Washington emphasized that the community's efforts are not anti- police, stating that residents support law enforcement but want officers to exercise better judgment, accountability, and discernment when responding to situations. She encouraged continued cooperation between City leadership, the police department, and the community, noting that everyone must work together to address concerns and move forward. David Coleman addressed the Council and encouraged residents to get out and vote and stay involved in the community. He highlighted the Hotter'N Hell Hundred cycling event, noting that it is one of Wichita Falls' signature events and brings the community together while showcasing the city's hospitality to visitors from across the country. He stated that USA Today is currently conducting a poll for the best road bike event in the country and encouraged residents to vote for Hotter'N Hell through a link on the event's Facebook page. Mr. Coleman also mentioned that organizers, including Chip Filer, are working to make this year's event even better and to increase community participation, and he thanked the City for its continued support of the event. Consent Agenda Items 6-9 Moved by Councilor Cobb to approve 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, Mayor Pro Tem/Councilor District Battaglino, Councilor Taylor NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 4 of 8 6. Approval of Meeting Minutes a) City Council Meeting February 17, 2026 7. Receive Minutes a) Employee Benefits Trust Board September 24, 2025 b) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation November 6, 2025 c) Landmark Commission November 18, 2025 d) Tax Increment Financing Board #3 December 16, 2025 e) Landmark Commission December 16, 2025 f) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation January 8, 2026 g) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee January 13, 2026 h) Tax Increment Financing District #3 January 15, 2026 8. Ordinances a) Ordinance abandoning and vacating a storm water detention facility located at 3014 Seymour Road. 9. Resolutions a) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Joseph A. Ross, Architect Inc. for architectural and engineering services, for the Hamilton Park Tennis Center renovation project. Regular Agenda 10. Staff Reports a) City Manager's Update -Art Walk and Employee Appreciation Week City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 5 of 8 Jeffrey Jenkins, City Manager, welcomed the members of Leadership Wichita Falls to the meeting. He then provided updates regarding efforts to continue the Art Walk, noting that staff are working with potential contractors and that funding will be discussed at the 4B Board meeting, with the item expected to return to the City Council on March 17 for consideration of an agreement so the event can resume in April. Mr. Jenkins also recognized Employee Appreciation Week, thanking police officers, firefighters, and City employees for their service to the community. He introduced Connor Brown, Employee Relations Coordinator, and highlighted activities planned throughout the week to recognize City staff, including Spirit Week events and Chick-fil-A being served to employees at various work locations across City departments. b) Annual Castaway Cove Update Kalee Robinson, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced Jimmy Holmes and Steve Vaughn with the management company for Castaway Cove, who presented the annual update for the 2025 season and discussed a proposed dynamic pricing model for online ticket sales beginning in 2026. Holmes reported that the park experienced record revenues of nearly $2 million, a 13% increase in revenue, and approximately $417,000 in operating profit, with attendance increasing nearly 9% compared to 2024. The increase was largely attributed to the addition of the Riptide Racer attraction and other park enhancements. Holmes also outlined planned operational improvements and maintenance projects for 2026 and explained that the proposed dynamic pricing model would offer lower prices on slower days and adjust prices based on demand for online ticket purchases. Staff also noted that revenues generated by the park are retained for future park improvements and attractions rather than being deposited into the City's general fund. Council thanked the presenters for the update. 11. Other Council Matters a) Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City Council. No action will be taken or discussed. Councilor Cobb congratulated Fireman Graddy for being named Employee of the Month and recognized Mike Mitchell for receiving the Silver Beaver Award from the Scouts of America, noting it is the highest honor the council can bestow on a volunteer. He also reminded residents that it was the final day to vote in the primary election. City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 6 of 8 Councilor Brooks thanked those in attendance and encouraged the community to continue working together toward fairness, justice, and progress. Councilor Flack reminded everyone to vote today. Councilor Browning also encouraged residents vote. Councilor Taylor welcomed the Leadership Wichita Falls class in attendance and shared that he first became involved in the community through the program. He emphasized the importance of transparency in City Council meetings and the value of citizen participation during public comment. He also recognized Sandra Gross, Mike Mitchell, and Shannon Jackson for their service to the community and expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts to maintain East Lawn Cemetery with dignity and respect. Councilor Battaglino highlighted several upcoming community events, including the rescheduling of the Eddie Hill RC Park renaming ceremony due to weather, the Conoco Dog Park ribbon cutting and Lucky Leprechaun Dog Parade, Community Champions Day, and a neighborhood cleanup planned on Andrea Drive. He also recognized the Leadership Wichita Falls Class of 2026, acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Connie Ali following more than 40 years of service to the nation, and noted upcoming community events including Guns and Hoses and the St. Patrick's Day Downtown Festival. Mayor Short expressed appreciation for City employees and their continued service to the community. He recognized Sandra Gross for her work on the ES project and noted that additional announcements may be forthcoming. He also encouraged volunteers to assist with the upcoming East Lawn Cemetery workday on March 21 and reminded residents of the April 4 event at the MLK Center. The Mayor welcomed the Leadership Wichita Falls class and noted they would be visiting Work Services later that afternoon as part of their program. 12. Executive Sessions a) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551.087, to City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 7 of 8 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, City Art Walk and Bell Street) b) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code §551.071, 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, consultation with City Attorney). City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:40 a.m. in accordance with Texas Government Code sections 551.087 and 551.071. Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 10:30 a.m and announced that no votes or further action were taken, and reminded everyone that topics discussed during executive sessions are confidential and may not be discussed by anyone present. 13. Adjourn Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 10:31 a.m. PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd Day of March 2026. .�L Tim Short, Mayor ATTEST: z(4/-Afkr Marie Balthrop, TRMC, MMC City Clerk City Council Minutes March 3, 2026 Page 8 of 8