Min 08/04/2026 City of Wichita Falls
i )j.j 576City Council Meeting�+Minutes
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August 4, 2026
Nue5,kie.4a/den Opportunities:
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.
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
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
2. Invocation
Minister Ben Williams, Edgemere Church of Christ, gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Presentations
a) Employee of the Month
This item was moved to the next meeting because the employee was unavailable.
b) Proclamation - American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State Day - Shanna
Miller, American Legion Auxiliary
c) Proclamation - American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State Day - Libby Harp,
American Legion Auxiliary
Mayor Short presented items 4a and 4b together and read a proclamation proclaiming
August 4, 2026, as American Legion Auxiliary Bluebonnet Girls State Day in Wichita
Falls, Texas.
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August 4, 2026
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d) Proclamation - National Health Center Week, Community Healthcare Center
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming August 2 - 8, 2026, as National Health
Center Week in Wichita Falls, Texas.
e) Proclamation - Falls Town FC 07/08 Girls Day, Falls Town FC 07/08 Girls
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming July 11, 2026, as Falls Town FC 07/08
Girls Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
5. Citizen Comments
Leilani Barnett spoke in support of public education and expressed concerns about the
effects of school voucher programs on public school enrollment and funding. She
emphasized the importance of adequately funding public schools and encouraged
support for candidates who prioritize public education.
Gloria Rangel reported recurring sewer backups in her home and requested assistance,
explaining that she is no longer physically or financially able to clean the affected area.
Staff stated that Risk Management had investigated the claim and determined the City
was not negligent or liable for the damage.
Crystal Washington expressed concern about the City's response to the previous
speaker and encouraged staff to help connect elderly residents with available
resources. She also raised concerns about housing conditions, infrastructure, and what
she described as inequitable investment in the Eastside. Ms. Washington urged the
Council to consider the needs of Eastside residents when discussing litigation,
development funding, and future City priorities.
Stephen Garner recognized Frank & Joe's for its 10th anniversary and highlighted the
opening and record-setting early sales of The Peach Cobbler Factory. He praised the
owners' investment in Wichita Falls and encouraged support for local businesses.
Mike Mitchell, 1805 10th Street, recognized his daughter, Lorelei Mitchell, for
completing basic cadet training at the United States Air Force Academy. On her behalf,
he presented Academy challenge coins to Mayor Short and Councilor Battaglino in
appreciation for helping her pursue her goal of attending the Academy.
Consent Agenda Items 6-9
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August 4, 2026
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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 Meeting, July 21 , 2026
7. Receive Minutes
a) Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee, March 10, 2026
b) Wichita Falls Economic Development (4A), April 29, 2026
c) Employee Benefits Trust Board, May 5, 2026
d) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation (WF4BSTC), May 7, 2026
e) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation (4A), May 21 , 2026
f) Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation (WF4BSTC), June 4, 2026
8. Ordinances
a) Ordinance 33-2026 calling a General Election by the qualified voters of the City of
Wichita Falls to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the purpose of electing
a Mayor, Councilor District 3, Councilor District 4, and Councilor District 5; and
authorizing a contract with Wichita County to furnish election services and
equipment
9. Resolutions
a) Resolution 75-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional service
agreement with Nelco Media, LLC for $221 ,332.90 for PIO Office studio
reassembly
b) Resolution 76-2026 making appointments to various Boards and Commissions
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c) Resolution 77-2026 approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls
Type B Sales Tax Corporation (4B) by authorizing funding up to $24,000 to OG
Cellars LLC to assist with fire suppression system upgrades at their new tasting
room at 2611 Plaza Parkway (Century Plaza) in Wichita Falls
d) Resolution 78-2026 approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls
Type B Sales Tax Corporation (4B) by authorizing funding up to $366,806 to the
City of Wichita Falls to assist in an overhaul of the City's outdoor warning system
(tornado sirens)
e) Resolution 79-2026 approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls
Economic Development Corporation (WFEDC, 4A) by authorizing funding up to
$128,000 to Wichita Falls Manufacturing, Inc. to assist in the retention of the
existing workforce located at the company's facility at 2000 Old Burkburnett Hwy in
Wichita Falls
Regular Agenda
10. Public Hearing and Ordinance
a) Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Ordinance 34-2026 rezoning +/- 8.14
acres of land located at 2944 Seymour Hwy. (23.32 acres out of Abstract 377, J V
Wheeler and Business Personal Property) from General Commercial (GC) to a
Manufactured Home Residential (MHR) zoning district to allow for an RV park
expansion
Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 9:03 a.m.
Fabian Medellin, Director of Development Services, presented a request to rezone
approximately eight acres of the Wichita Falls RV Park property on Seymour Highway
from General Commercial to Manufactured Housing Residential to allow expansion of
the existing park and establish one consistent zoning designation for the tract. The
Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Eleven notices
were sent to adjacent property owners, with one response received in favor and none in
opposition.
Councilor Browning confirmed this would be a permanent expansion.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:08 a.m.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 34-2026 rezoning +/- 8.14 acres
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August 4, 2026
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of land located at 2944 Seymour Hwy. (23.32 acres out of Abstract 377, J V Wheeler
and Business Personal Property) from General Commercial (GC) to a Manufactured
Home Residential (MHR) zoning district to allow for an RV park expansion.
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
11. Resolutions
a) Resolution 80-2026 authorizing a contract for the replacement of the City's Outdoor
Warning System through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)
Purchasing Cooperative to OmniWarn LLC, in the amount of $1 ,834,032
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 80-2026 authorizing a contract for
the replacement of the City's Outdoor Warning System through the Houston-Galveston
Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Cooperative to OmniWarn LLC, in the amount of
$1 ,834,032.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb. 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
b) Resolution 81-2026 authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the
2026 Asphalt Rehabilitation Project to Freeman Paving, L.L.C. in the amount of
$2,274,352.95
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 81-2026 authorizing the City
Manager to award bid and contract for the 2026 Asphalt Rehabilitation Project to
Freeman Paving, L.L.C. in the amount of $2,274,352.95
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and, with no comments or questions from
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the public, carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Browning,
Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. 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 reminded everyone to slow down in school zones as the new school
year begins, wished students and staff a successful year, and expressed his
appreciation for everyone who attended the meeting.
Councilor Flack echoed the reminder to slow down in school zones and watch for
children. She thanked staff and expressed support for the siren project, noting the value
of the project timeline and long-term maintenance plan in improving public safety.
Councilor Browning stated that the meeting was positive and expressed his
appreciation.
Councilor Taylor agreed that it was a positive meeting and said the proclamations
served as a reminder that Wichita Falls is a great city for families to build their lives. He
discussed quality of life as an important responsibility of government and praised the
progress made in using the Capital Improvement Plan as a meaningful tool for funding
and implementation. He also emphasized that good, safe streets are important for
children traveling to and from school and for residents walking in their neighborhoods.
Councilor Battaglino highlighted the opening of The Peach Cobbler Factory, the
upcoming McNiel Elementary ribbon cutting, and Thursday's Art Walk. He also
announced that ghost bikes honoring McKaylee Reese and Kevin Reese would be
placed near Bacon Switch Road and FM 1954 next Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and
encouraged the public to attend and remain mindful of cyclists. He concluded by
recognizing Councilor Flack, Chief Melton, and John Henderson for their work on the
outdoor warning siren project.
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Mayor Short thanked staff for ensuring the outdoor warning siren project met public
safety standards. He offered condolences following the death of Coach Bell and
recognized Officer Jaden Escobedo and the Wichita County Sheriff's Office for assisting
with the funeral services. He also clarified that the reported sewer backup had been
investigated and was determined not to be caused by the City.
13. Executive Sessions
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:46 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code §551 .071 and §551 .087.
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 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, OG Cellars LLC and
Wichita Falls Manufacturing, Inc.)
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,
Victoria Lang litigation demand letter).
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 10:12 a.m. and stated that no
votes or polls were taken, and the proceedings would remain confidential as provided
by law.
14. Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 10:13 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 18th day of A gust, 2026.
Tim Short, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRW, MMC
City Clerk
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