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4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 04/02/2026 MINUTES OF THE WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (WF4BSTC) APRIL 2, 2026 PRESENT: Glenn Barham, President § WF4BSTC Members Michael Grassi, Vice-President § Nick Schreiber, Secretary-Treasurer § Craig Reynolds § Darrell Coleman § Tim Short, Mayor § Mayor& City Councilors Mike Battaglino, Councilor, District 4 § Jeff Jenkins, City Manager § City Staff James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager § Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager § Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager § Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney § Stephen Calvert, CFO & Finance Director § Tyson Traw, Engineering Director § Kalee Robinson, Parks & Rec Director § Mitch Bates, Interim Police Chief § Chris Horgen, Public Information Officer § Paige Lessor, Executive Legal Assistant § Joel Jimenez, DAV Chapter 41 President § Members of the Public John Richoux § Lynn Walker, writer § Times Record News ABSENT: Stephen Santellana, 4B Board Member § Steve Garner, 4B Board Member § 1. Call to Order. Mr. Glenn Barham called the meeting to order at 2:32 p.m., noting that a quorum was present. 2. Report of Financial Condition. Mr. Paul Menzies reported that sales tax revenue is performing well, with collections approximately 7% ahead of the same period last year through the first third of the fiscal year. He noted that the Corporation currently has approximately $6.4 million in available cash for new projects, including prior approvals from the previous meeting, such as funding for the Art Walk and the annual commitment of up to $1.4 million toward certificates of obligation for City capital improvement projects. Mr. Darrell Coleman made a motion to approve the financial report as presented. Seconded by Mr. Michael Grassi, with no further comments or questions from the Board or the Public, the motion carried 5-0. WF4BSTC Minutes Page 1 of 4 4/2/2026 3. Consent Agenda: a) Approval of Minutes of March 5, 2026. Mr. Craig Reynolds moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Seconded by Mr. Coleman, with no further board or public comment, the motion carried 5-0. 4. Public hearing regarding a funding request from Miniature Wonders to support their planned destination and tourism project in Kiwanis Park. Mr. Barham opened the public hearing at 2:35 p.m. Mr. Menzies introduced the Miniature Wonders funding request, noting that the City entered into a lease agreement with the organization in late 2025 for approximately 15 acres at Kiwanis Park for the proposed project. He explained that fundraising efforts are currently underway and that the request before the Board is part of that process. Mr. Menzies clarified a discrepancy in the agenda packet, stating that while the item reflected a request of $575,000, the correct amount is $535,000. He explained that the request includes up to $360,000 for perimeter fencing and approximately $175,000 for water and sewer utility extensions. He then turned the presentation over to the Miniature Wonders representatives. Miniature Wonders Presentation Mr. Brett Hanes, a representative of Miniature Wonders, presented a request for funding to assist with a planned destination tourism project to be located on approximately 15 acres at Kiwanis Park. The organization has secured a multi-year lease with the City and is developing what would be a first-of-its-kind outdoor miniature attraction in the United States, featuring an estimated 300 exhibits constructed at a 1:25 scale.The exhibits will include replicas of local, state, national, and international landmarks, organized into themed sections representing Wichita Falls, Texas, the United States, and the world. The project is designed to serve as a family-friendly destination that combines cultural history, education, and entertainment, with the goal of increasing tourism, encouraging longer visitor stays, and enhancing community pride. Planned features include a train system throughout the park, interactive exhibits, and amenities to accommodate visitors of all ages. Mr. Hanes emphasized the project's potential to support local businesses, attract additional investment, create jobs, and complement existing attractions in Wichita Falls. Mr. Hanes reported that development efforts are actively underway, with approximately 20 exhibits completed or nearing completion and additional models in production using a combination of 3D printing and other construction methods. The total project budget is approximately $9.13 million, and the organization has secured more than $600,000 in contributions and pledges to date, along with ongoing efforts to obtain additional funding through grants and private partnerships. The organization is requesting a total of $535,000 in funding from the 4B Sales Tax Corporation to support critical infrastructure needs, including up to$360,000 for perimeter fencing and approximately $175,000 for water and sewer utility extensions. Mr. Hanes stated that these improvements are necessary to protect exhibits, provide basic amenities, and allow the project to move forward toward construction and opening. They further noted that support from the Corporation would help accelerate the project timeline, strengthen future fundraising efforts, and demonstrate community and institutional support for the development. Questions from the Board WF4BSTC Minutes Page 2 of 4 4/2/2026 Mr. Barham requested clarification on the project site within Kiwanis Park, confirming the 15-acre location and its relation to the overall park footprint. Mr. Menzies asked about the anticipated project timeline, to which Mr. Hanes explained that progress toward construction and opening is currently dependent on securing funding for perimeter fencing. He noted that installation of the fence is a critical first step, as it is necessary to protect exhibits and allow for on-site development. Until then, the organization continues producing models and advancing planning efforts. Mr. Coleman inquired about projected attendance, admission pricing, and operational sustainability. Mr. Hanes stated that, based on comparable attractions and population data, estimates suggest approximately 200,000 visitors annually. He indicated that anticipated admission pricing would be under $15 per person, with reduced rates for children and potential annual passes for local residents. Mr. Reynolds asked questions regarding fencing design and the durability of exhibits, particularly in outdoor conditions. Mr. Hanes responded that the initial fencing would consist of iron posts with future enhancements, such as decorative columns, to be added as funding allows. He also explained that exhibits are constructed using outdoor-rated 3D printing materials, coated and painted with automotive-grade finishes to withstand heat and weather, though ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement will be necessary. Mr. Nick.Schreiber raised several questions regarding project design, funding structure, and phasing. He asked about the inclusion of shade structures, noting the local climate, and Mr.Hanes confirmed that shade features are included in the budget but will be installed after exhibit placement is finalized. Mr. Schreiber also examined the funding request in relation to the overall project budget of approximately$9.13 million, questioning the percentage of public funding being requested for early phases and whether future funding requests would follow. Mr. Hanes clarified that the current request of $535,000 is limited strictly to infrastructure improvements— fencing and utility extensions—and does not include exhibit production costs, though additional requests may be made in later phases. Mr. Schreiber further asked about project phasing and timeline expectations. Mr. Hanes explained that the project is currently focused on fundraising and exhibit production, with multiple 3D printers operating continuously. He stated that the installation of fencing would allow the project to move into on-site development, including the placement of exhibits and the construction of walkways. Ms. Donna Adams added that the organization has already made significant progress, including purchasing equipment, constructing exhibits, and initiating building construction. She indicated that the project anticipates a potential soft opening as early as September, coinciding with delivery of the train and installation of initial exhibits, with limited operations and reduced pricing during early phases. Mr. Michael Grassi asked about fundraising progress and long-term sustainability. Mr. Hanes responded that the organization has secured over $600,000 in contributions and pledges to date, supported by a group of founding partners, and intends for the project to operate as a long-term attraction under a multi-decade lease with the City. He emphasized the goal of establishing a lasting destination for Wichita Falls. Questions from the Public Mr. Joel Jimenez inquired about opportunities for public input and suggested adding local elements to the project. Mr. Hanes encouraged community involvement and invited the public to visit their workspace to view exhibits and provide suggestions. WF4BSTC Minutes Page 3 of 4 4/2/2026 Councilor Mike Battaglino asked questions regarding exhibit durability and site conditions, including wind exposure. Brett Hanes explained that exhibits will be securely anchored to concrete foundations and designed for outdoor conditions. Mr. John Richoux raised concerns regarding project assumptions, including attendance projections and overall financial benefit to the community, and questioned the return on public investment. In response, Ms. Adams and Mr. Hanes emphasized the project's nonprofit nature and its anticipated economic and tourism-related benefits to Wichita Falls Another individual asked about potential impacts on nearby residents, including noise from the train and proximity to homes. Mr. Hanes responded that the train would be small-scale and that some nearby residents had expressed support. Mr. Barham asked if there were any further questions or comments, then closed the public hearing at 3:19 p.m. 5. Executive Session. Mr. Barham adjourned the meeting into executive session at 3:20 p.m. pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.087, 551.071, and 551.072. He announced the meeting back into regular session at 3:46 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated, and no votes or further action were taken on these items in executive session. 6. Consideration of a funding request from the Miniature Wonders to support their planned destination and tourism project in Kiwanis Park. Mr. Coleman made a motion to table this item until the next regularly scheduled meeting, requesting that additional information be provided to the Board. Seconded by Mr. Grassi, the motion carried 5-0. 7. Adjourn. No further discussions took place, nor actions taken. Mr. Barham adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m. Glenn Barham, President Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation WF4BSTC Minutes Page 4 of 4 4/2/2026