Min 06/16/2026 City of Wichita Falls
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6City Council Meeting Minutes
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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
Councilor At-Large Austin Cobb
Councilor District 1 Whitney Flack
Councilor District 3 Jeff Browning
Mayor Pro-Tem/Councilor District 4 Mike Battaglino
Councilor District 5 Tom Taylor
Absent: Councilor District 2 Robert Brooks
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. Invocation
Major Roman Leal, Salvation Army, gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Presentations
a) Proclamation — Juneteenth Celebration, Spirit of Excellence
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in
Wichita Falls, Texas.
b)Proclamation — National Homeownership Month, City of Wichita Falls Neighborhood
Resources Division
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 2026 as National Homeownership
Month in Wichita Falls, Texas.
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June 16, 2026
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c) Proclamation — Housing Choice Voucher Awareness Day, City of Wichita Falls
Housing Department
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming June 17, 2026, as Housing Choice
Voucher Program Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Items 10a and 11a were moved up and presented at this time.
10a) Resolution 63-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Task Order
with HDR Engineering, Inc. for engineering services related to flood mitigation
alternatives in the amount of $298,700.00
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 63-2026 authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Task Order with HDR Engineering, Inc. for engineering services
related to flood mitigation alternatives in the amount of $298,700.00.
Tyson Traw reviewed Wichita Falls' history of flooding, highlighted the community's
long-term investments in flood mitigation, and explained that future projects will require
state and federal funding partnerships. Mr. Traw stated the study will focus on the
Wichita River and East Plum Creek
Emily Daniel, P.E., Certified Floodplain Manager, with HDR, outlined the firm's
qualifications and summarized the proposed study. She explained that HDR will
update the City's flood modeling using current technology, evaluate previous studies,
and develop an implementation strategy that identifies funding opportunities for future
flood mitigation projects.
Valerie Rhodes asked whether the proposed two-dimensional flood study would be
limited to the Wichita River and East Plum Creek within the city limits, sought
clarification regarding flooding in Wichita County and whether the County would be
partnering with the City on the project, and inquired about the areas expected to
benefit from the proposed flood mitigation efforts..
Pete Bolf asked whether the proposed study and potential improvements to East Plum
Creek could address flooding conditions affecting his property and inquired whether
FEMA was involved in the project.
Ms. Daniel explained that the study will evaluate the interaction of East Plum Creek,
the Wichita River, and Holliday Creek to identify potential flood mitigation
solutions. Mr. Traw added that if a feasible mitigation project and funding partner are
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June 16, 2026
Page 2 of 10
identified, the project could improve flooding conditions affecting Mr. Bolf's property.
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 Browning,
Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
11a) Staff Update - Neighborhood Enhancement Initiative
Fabian Medellin, Director of Development Services, presented the Code Compliance
Division's Neighborhood Enhancement Initiative (NEI), a proactive, team-based
approach to addressing high weeds and grass violations in targeted neighborhoods.
He reported that the initial effort on the East Side, covering approximately 3,000
parcels, identified 141 additional violations. Mr. Medellin also noted ongoing efforts to
maintain City-owned properties, expanded use of third-party mowing contractors to
expedite abatements, plans to integrate code cases into the City's GIS mapping
system, and the initiative's future expansion to other areas.
Councilors expressed support for the Neighborhood Enhancement Initiative and
emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining neighborhoods.
Discussion included encouraging neighbors to assist one another, exploring public
outreach and social media efforts to improve voluntary compliance, and engaging local
landscaping businesses to help residents in need. Staff also clarified that adjacent
property owners are responsible for maintaining the right-of-way between the curb and
sidewalk.
Valerie Rhodes asked whether any of the newly identified high weeds and grass
violations involved City-owned property. Staff responded that none were City-owned.
Ms. Rhodes also encouraged residents to use the Access Wichita Falls app to report
violations and suggested exploring volunteer or community partnerships to assist
elderly and financially challenged residents with lawn maintenance.
Crystal Washington asked for clarification regarding the City's process for enforcing
high weeds and grass violations, including notification requirements, repeat
abatements, and the placement of liens on properties with recurring violations.
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Rita Miller, Assistant Director of Development Services, explained that property
owners receive notice and an opportunity to correct violations. If the violation is not
remedied, the City uses a third-party contractor to mow the property and places a lien
on the property for the associated costs. Repeat violations are also addressed, with
additional charges and liens accruing until the property is sold or transferred.
Council Members asked additional questions regarding the timing of abatements,
ongoing maintenance of repeat violation properties, and the use of third-party
contractors. Ms. Miller confirmed that each violation is documented before abatement,
properties are re-mowed as necessary when they return to violation status, and
charges continue to accrue against the property.
5. Citizen Comments
Ronnie Baker expressed concerns about recent safety issues on the Circle Trail,
including an incident involving a juvenile on a motorcycle that nearly collided with
cyclists. He requested increased police patrols along the trail to improve public safety.
Steve Garner recognized the North Texas Home Builders Association for hosting
another successful Parade of Homes and commended the participating local builders.
He also emphasized the need for affordable housing in Wichita Falls, highlighting new
residential developments offering homes at more attainable price points for first-time
and middle-income homebuyers.
Jon Bradley, Legislative Director for the Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters
Association, thanked the City Council, City staff, and community members for their
support and attendance at the recent park dedication and renaming ceremony honoring
Kelly Crush, stating that the event was well attended and greatly appreciated.
Al Vitolo, President of the Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF
Local 432), discussed the Association's independence from the City and the Wichita
Falls Fire Department in response to recent allegations of misconduct. He stated that
the Association's communications and political activities are conducted independently
and emphasized the importance of due process, factual investigations, transparency,
and the First Amendment rights of firefighters and Association members.
Consent Agenda — Items 6-9
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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 Browning,
Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a) City Council, June 2, 2026
7. Receive Minutes
a) Central Wichita Falls Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, March 3, 2026
b) Wichita Falls - Wichita County Public Health Board, March 13, 2026
c) Tax Increment Financing #3 Board, March 19, 2026
d) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, April 14, 2026
8. Ordinances
a) Ordinance 27-2026 canceling the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on July
7, 2026
b) Ordinance 28-2026 making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the
amount of$195,281 for the Sexually Transmitted Disease/Human
Immunodeficiency Virus Disease Intervention Specialists Contract from the Texas
Department of State Health Services for Fiscal Years 2026 & 2027; authorizing the
City Manager, or his designee, to execute all documents necessary to accept said
funds
c) Ordinance 29-2026 making an appropriation to the Special Revenue Fund in the
amount of$15,229.71 for grant revenue from the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) for the Operation Slow Down 2026 Grant and authorizing
the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept
said funds
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9. Resolutions
a) Resolution 56-2026 authorizing award of 27 bids to various vendors for the City's
annual supply of bulk chemicals for water and wastewater treatment in the amount
of $4,990,139.38
b) Resolution 57-2026 authorizing award of bid to APSCO, Inc. in the amount of
$139,768.00 for the award of the City's estimated annual supply of water meter
boxes and lids
c) Resolution 58-2026 authorizing the submittal of a grant application to FEMA for the
FY 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant
d) Resolution 59-2026 authorizing the submittal of a grant application to FEMA for the
FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant
e) Resolution 60-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction
Manager at Risk (CMaR) agreement with The Fain Group, LLC for the Falls
Rehabilitation Project in the amount of 4% of actual construction costs
f) Resolution 61-2026 reappointing Jeffery Jenkins to Place 3 on the Wichita County -
City of Wichita Falls Hospital Board of Directors with a term to expire July 1, 2028
g) Resolution 62-2026 authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Water
Infrastructure and Supply Grant from the Texas Water Development Board in the
amount of$20,916,600
Regular Agenda
10. Resolutions
b) Resolution 64-2026 authorizing the execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Contract
between the City of Wichita Falls and the Texas Department of State Health
Services for mobile food inspection services; authorizing the City Manager, or his
designee, to execute all necessary documents
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 64-2026 authorizing the
execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Contract between the City of Wichita Falls and
the Texas Department of State Health Services for mobile food inspection services;
authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all necessary documents.
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Samantha Blair, Environmental Health Administrator, presented the proposed
agreement with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to perform
mobile food vendor inspections under House Bill 2844. She explained that the
legislation establishes a statewide licensing program, limits local regulatory authority,
and allows DSHS to reimburse local jurisdictions for conducting inspections. Ms. Blair
stated the agreement provides $26,801 for inspections, highlighted the public health
benefits of utilizing local inspectors familiar with area vendors, outlined the City's
outreach efforts to assist vendors with the transition to the new statewide licensing
program, and noted the substantial increase in permitting fees.
Mr. Jenkins discussed how this is not an ideal situation and encouraged vendors to
reach out to state legislators with concerns, and stated that the City is willing to work
with state leaders to make this right.
Major Leal asked how this would affect non-profit organizations, and Ms. Blair stated
that this topic is currently under review in Austin.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Browning,
Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Staff Reports
b) City Manager Update
1) Police Chief Search Process
2) Communications Award
Jeffery Jenkins, City Manager, provided an update on the Police Chief recruitment
process, encouraging residents to participate in an upcoming FlashVote survey and
noting that finalist interviews, including a public meet-and-greet, are planned before a
selection is presented to the City Council for approval. He also recognized the
Communications Department, congratulating Chris Horgen and Samantha Forester for
receiving an Award of Excellence from the Texas Association of Municipal Information
Officers for the City's social media campaign, noting that the honor was selected from
more than 700 award applications submitted statewide.
12. 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 recognized Fire Chief Melton and the Fire Department for two recent
successful cardiac arrest resuscitations and for their response to a structure fire that
included the rescue of a family and their dog. He also encouraged residents to
celebrate the Fourth of July safely and wished everyone a happy Independence Day.
Councilor Flack encouraged residents to stay engaged with the City by participating in
FlashVote, using the Access Wichita Falls mobile app, attending the Citizens Academy,
and applying to serve on City boards and commissions through the City's website. She
also announced that she would host a District 1 Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at
Lamar Baptist Church and invited residents to attend.
Councilor Browning wished Councilor Cobb a belated happy birthday.
Councilor Taylor recognized resident Desi for his service to the community and his
willingness to assist neighbors, commended City staff for the new City website and its
improved accessibility, and announced that his District Town Hall would be held the
following Monday. He noted that the event would begin with a presentation on bicycle
and pedestrian safety, followed by the town hall meeting, and encouraged residents to
attend to share their ideas, ask questions, and meet with City staff and officials.
Councilor Battaglino recognized the volunteers and organizations that supported Adrian
Colbert's youth football camp, announced upcoming community events including the
Juneteenth celebration, the Look Twice, Ride Smart, Save Lives bicycle safety event,
the Fourth of July Parade and Fourth in the Falls celebration, wished everyone a happy
Father's Day, and invited residents to attend his upcoming town hall meeting on July 20.
Mayor Short wished Stephen Calvert a happy birthday, recognized the Fire Department
for two recent lifesaving responses, expressed appreciation for staff's work supporting
mobile food vendors, and thanked Desi for being a good neighbor.
13. Executive Sessions
a) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551 .087, to
discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the
governmental body has received from a business prospect that the
governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the
territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is
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conducting economic development negotiations and/or to deliberate the offer
of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect.(including, but not
limited to, Oklaunion Power Stations LLC)
b) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code §551 .071 ,
consultation with attorney on 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.
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:51 a.m. in accordance with the
Texas Government Code §551.087 and §551.071 , with no comments from the public.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11 :56 a.m. and announced
that no votes or polls were taken.
14. Pre- Budget Workshop
a) Pre-Budget Workshop for Fiscal Year 2027 to confirm strategic priorities
Mr. Jenkins introduced the Fiscal Year 2027 pre-budget workshop, outlining the City's
financial outlook, budget priorities, and timeline for budget development. Stephen
Calvert, Chief Financial Officer, and Kaitlin LeVasseur, Budget Manager, presented an
overview of the economic and financial conditions affecting the proposed budget,
including the impact of House Bill 9 on property tax values, strong sales tax growth,
inflationary pressures, and the City's continued focus on innovation and long-term fiscal
sustainability. Staff reviewed the financial status and key priorities for the General Fund,
Water and Sewer, Sanitation, Stormwater, and Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, including
proposed investments in capital improvements, streets, utilities, public facilities,
employee compensation, infrastructure, and long-term water supply. Staff also
discussed the City's compensation strategy, employee benefits, revenue and pricing
philosophy, and the proposed budget calendar. During Council discussion, members
requested additional information regarding utility rate adjustments, property tax
scenarios, and capital project priorities. Staff advised that final tax rate
recommendations will be developed following receipt of certified property values and
reiterated its intent to reinvest growth-related revenues into one-time capital
improvements while maintaining long-term financial stability.
15. Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 1 :01 p.m.
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PASSED AND APPROVED this 21st day of July 2026.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRMC, C
City Clerk
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