Min 08/18/2026 City of Wichita Falls
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14/4 5�/ City Council Meeting Minutes
vV `( TEXAS August 18, 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.
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
Absent:
Mayor Short called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. Invocation
Pastor Michael Hanson, First Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Presentations
a) Employee of the Month — Taylor List, Records Clerk Supervisor, Police Department
Mayor Short recognized Taylor List as Employee of the Month for August 2026 and
shared a brief video. He congratulated Ms. List and presented her with a plaque, a letter
of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and thanked her for her service.
b) Proclamation - Military Working Dog Retirement Day
Mayor Short read a proclamation proclaiming August 18, 2026, as Military Working Dog
Retirement Day in Wichita Falls, TX, in honor of Kevin.
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August 18, 2026
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5. Citizen Comments
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, stated that the budget public hearing advertised for today
was left off the agenda by mistake and encouraged anyone in attendance who wanted
to speak on the budget to do so during Comments from Citizens.
Aaron Nally discussed concerns regarding his police case involving falsified
government records and public corruption, as well as his planned civil suit against the
City of Wichita Falls.
Gary Easter commended the City for its efforts and discussed the need for continued
attention to mental health, particularly among youth and the homeless population. He
encouraged additional educational programs and resources to address mental health
concerns in the community.
Roger Reeves, representing Thomas Fowler American Legion Post 169, announced
plans to provide breakfast for local first responders on September 11 , 2026, in
recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11 , 2001 . He invited police, fire,
sheriff's personnel, dispatchers, and City Council members to participate.
Cheryl Sheppard expressed concern regarding a proposed landfill near her property
and reported that she had been a victim of identity theft nearly a year ago. She
expressed frustration with the lack of follow-up from the Police Department and
requested assistance. Staff indicated that someone would contact her regarding the
matter.
Heather Langford expressed concerns regarding the proposed budget, property tax
revenue, utility and service fees, and planned certificates of obligation for capital
projects. She urged the Council to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate, reconsider
proposed fee increases, and provide greater transparency regarding the budget's
overall impact on residents.
Eu'Meka Brandon encouraged greater community unity and accountability as the City
experiences growth and change. She recommended continued evaluation of
improvements in the Police Department following the recent audit and encouraged
consideration of additional housing programs and educational efforts to address
disparities in homeownership.
Pam Hughes-Pak, representing Atmos Energy, provided information regarding the
company's partnership with the City, infrastructure investments, safety initiatives, and
community support. She reported that Atmos Energy has invested approximately $64.9
million in capital improvements within Wichita Falls since 2021 , including more than $9
million in the past year, and has contributed approximately $513,000 to nonprofit
organizations benefiting Wichita County.
Consent Agenda - Items 6-9
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve the Consent Agenda.
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August 18, 2026
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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, August 4, 2026
7. Receive Minutes
a) Wichita Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization, April 15, 2026
b) Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation (4A), June 18, 2026
8. Ordinances
a) Ordinance 35-2026 accepting and appropriating $37,445.00 of grant funds
pursuant to the FY 2026 Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Initiative,
appropriating said funds to the Special Revenue Fund, and authorizing the City
Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept said funds
b) Ordinance 36-2026 accepting and appropriating $41 ,374.00 of grant funds
pursuant to the FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program, appropriating said funds to the Special Revenue Fund, and authorizing
the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept
and share said funds
c) Ordinance 37-2026 to vacate and close portions of Ave Y consisting of 0.274 acres
and abandon all utility easements except for a 10' X 60' public utility easement
retention/dedication consisting of 0.014 acres for the purpose of re-platting with
City-owned property North of Ave Y and Located at 3214 Ave Y for the
development of a Bus Transit Hub; location being further described as just north
and east of the intersection of Maplewood Ave and the future South Wenonah Blvd
d) Ordinance 38-2026 reappointing Michael Whalen as a Substitute Judge of the
Municipal Court for a term of two years
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August 18, 2026
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e) Ordinance 39-2026 reappointing Diane Dockery as Judge of the Municipal Court
for a term of two years
9. Resolutions
a) Resolution 82-2026 authorizing the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 2
for the 2025 Water Budgeted Utility Improvement Project Phase 2, to Insituform
Technologies, LLC, a deduct in the amount of ($117,509.00)
b) Resolution 83-2026 authorizing the City Manager to sign all documents necessary
for the replacement of the existing HVAC water piping lines with new copper lines
at the Health Department, 1700 Third St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, through the
TIPS-USA Purchasing Cooperative from Trinity Air Conditioning, Inc. in the amount
of $233,650.00
c) Resolution 84-2026 approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities
Steering Committee ("ACSC") and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division
regarding the Company's 2026 Rate Review Mechanism Filing; declaring existing
rates to be unreasonable; adopting tariffs that reflect rate adjustments consistent
with the negotiated settlement; finding the rates to be set by the attached
settlement tariffs to be just and reasonable and in the public interest; approving an
attached exhibit establishing a benchmark for pensions and retiree medical
benefits; approving an attached exhibit regarding amortization of regulatory liability;
requiring the company to reimburse ACSC's reasonable ratemaking expenses;
determining that this resolution was passed in accordance with the requirements of
the Texas Open Meetings Act; adopting a savings clause; declaring an effective
date; and requiring delivery of this resolution to the company and the ACSC's legal
counsel
Regular Agenda
10. Ordinances
a) Ordinance 40-2026 accepting and appropriating $2,500,000.00 of grant funds from
the James N. McCoy Foundation for the expansion of the tennis facilities at the
Hamilton Park Tennis Center, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to
execute all documents necessary to accept said funds
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 40-2026 accepting and
appropriating $2,500,000.00 of grant funds from the James N. McCoy Foundation for
the expansion of the tennis facilities at the Hamilton Park Tennis Center, and
authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to
accept said funds.
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August 18, 2026
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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 Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Resolutions
a) Resolution approving the programs and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B
Sales Tax Corporation (4B) by authorizing funding up to $82,160.00 to the Wichita
Falls Chamber of Commerce to assist with the organization's Military Liaison
Program
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 85-2026 approving the programs
and expenditures of the Wichita Falls Type B Sales Tax Corporation (4B) by authorizing
funding up to $82,160.00 to the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce to assist with the
organization's Military Liaison Program.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor.
Cindy Shafer, CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, provided an overview
of the Chamber's Military Liaison Program and its efforts to support and strengthen
relationships between the community and local military personnel.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
b) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to award bid and contract for the 2026
Concrete Rehabilitation Project to Scales Concrete Construction Co., Inc. in the
amount of $1 ,059,593.00
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 86-2026 authorizing the City
Manager to award bid and contract for the 2026 Concrete Rehabilitation Project to
Scales Concrete Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $1 ,059,593.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Taylor and, with no comments or questions
from the public, carried by the following vote:
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August 18, 2026
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AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
c) Resolution Confirming the Appointment of Jonathan Lindsey as Police Chief for the
City of Wichita Falls
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 87-2026 Confirming the
Appointment of Jonathan Lindsey as Police Chief for the City of Wichita Falls.
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
Chief Lindsay's wife and family participated in the ceremonial badge pinning.
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office.
Chief Lindsey expressed appreciation for his appointment and said he was honored to
serve as Police Chief after 25 years with the department. He thanked department
personnel, his family, the community, City leadership, and other stakeholders for their
support and partnership, and stated his commitment to strengthening the department
and continuing its tradition of service and excellence.
12. Other Council Matters
a) Recognition of Mitch Bates, Interim Police Chief
James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager, recognized Interim Police Chief Mitch Bates
for his leadership during a period of transition and organizational review. He thanked
Chief Bates for providing steady leadership, supporting department personnel,
engaging constructively in the review process, and helping position the department for
continued success.
Mayor Short offered words of thanks and appreciation and read a proclamation
proclaiming August 18, 2026, as Mitch Bates Appreciation Day in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Interim Police Chief Mitch Bates expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve
Wichita Falls and thanked City leadership, department personnel, and the community
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August 18, 2026
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for welcoming him. He praised the community's strong sense of care and connection
and said Wichita Falls had come to feel like a second home.
b) Announcements concerning items of community interest from members of the City
Council. No action will be taken or discussed.
Councilor Cobb expressed appreciation to Ms. McCoy for her generosity, congratulated
Chief Lindsey on his appointment, and thanked Interim Chief Mitch Bates for his
leadership, new ideas, and contributions to the Police Department. He also encouraged
the community to stay safe and hydrated during the upcoming Hotter'N Hell event.
Councilor Brooks thanked the Parks and Recreation Department, local organizations,
athletic groups, and community volunteers for participating in the cleanup and painting
project at Spudder Park. He recognized their efforts in pressure washing, painting,
cleaning, and improving the area. Councilor Brooks also reflected on a recent
encounter involving a deceased homeless individual and encouraged Wichita Falls and
surrounding communities to look for meaningful ways to assist those experiencing
homelessness while treating them with dignity and compassion.
Councilor Flack welcomed attendees and encouraged motorists to be especially alert
for cyclists participating in Hotter'N Hell, emphasizing the importance of avoiding
distracted driving. She also promoted a free family cycling event hosted by Mayor Short
and MSU President Haynie, encouraging residents to come out, participate, and
support the community.
Councilor Browning reflected on the positive tone of the meeting and expressed pride in
the community and in his fellow Council members. He congratulated those recognized
during the meeting and remarked that meetings like this are among those he will miss
as his time on the Council comes to an end.
Councilor Taylor congratulated Taylor List as employee of the month, and thanked Ms.
McCoy for the grant, expressing his gratitude for their generosity and support.
Councilor Battaglino thanked the McCoy Foundation for its continued investment in the
community, congratulated Chief Lindsey on his appointment, and expressed
appreciation to Interim Chief Bates for his professionalism, dedication, and steady
leadership. He also highlighted several upcoming community events.
Mayor Short thanked the McCoy Foundation for its contributions to the community,
congratulated Chief Lindsey on his appointment, and expressed appreciation to Interim
Chief Bates for his dedication and service. He also encouraged attendance at the
upcoming Hotter'N Hell Head Start preview ride.
13. Executive Sessions
a) Executive session in accordance with Texas Government Code §551.074 to
deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline, dismissal of a public officer or employee, or to hear a complaint or a
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August 18, 2026
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charge against an officer or employee (including, but not limited to, City Manager,
City Clerk, Municipal Court Judge, City Attorney, Diane Dockery, Mike Whalen, and
Jonathan Lindsey).
b) 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, Miniature Wonders,
and Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce).
c) 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,
Lucy Park Renewables, LLC).
City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 9:56 a.m. in accordance with Texas
Government Code 551 .071 , 551 .074, and 551.087.
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11:41 a.m. and announced
that no votes or polls were taken and that the proceedings would remain confidential as
provided by law.
14. Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 11 :41 a.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 1st day of September, 2026.
hort, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Marie Balthrop, TR , MMC
City Clerk
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August 18, 2026
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