Min 10/06/2026 - City of Wichita Falls
4i 7, City Council Meeting Minutes
TEXAS October 6, 2026
BI Skres 4eiden Opportwew.
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 Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium — City Hall 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., welcomed attendees back to the
newly renovated Memorial Auditorium—City Hall, and recognized former City Council
members in attendance.
2. Moment of Silence in Memory of Former Councilor Steve Jackson
Mayor Short asked attendees to participate in a moment of silence in honor of former
District 5 Councilor Steve Jackson.
3. Invocation
a) Pastor Ray Dixon of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church gave the invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Short led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Presentations
a) Employee of the Month - Lauren Love, Library
Mayor Short recognized Lauren Love as Employee of the Month for October 2026
and shared a brief video. He congratulated Ms. Love and presented her with a
plaque, a letter of appreciation, dinner for two, and a check, and thanked her for her
service.
6. Citizen Comments
Valerie Rhodes complimented the newly renovated City Hall and recognized Breast
Cancer Awareness Month. She expressed concerns about the lack of economic
development in the Eastside, and urged the City Council to remove barriers to
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October 6, 2026
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development, provide available federal funding, address Plum Creek drainage issues,
and ensure equitable investment.
Consent Agenda
Marie Balthrop, City Clerk, presented the consent agenda and noted that item 10b is
being removed.
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 Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a) City Council, September 15, 2026
8. Receive Minutes
a) Tax Increment Financing #3 Board, June 2, 2026
b) Wichita Falls - Wichita County Public Health Board, July 10, 2026
9. Ordinances
a) Ordinance 53-2026 amending Article 10, "Hiring," Sections 7, "Physical Entrance
Exam-Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)," and 8, "Entrance Hiring Process,"
of the Labor Agreement negotiated between the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita
Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Fire
Fighters, Local 432, pursuant to Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government
Code, the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act.
b) Ordinance 54-2026 repealing Ordinance No. 05-2024, returning the location of
regular and special City Council meetings to City Hall/Memorial Auditorium;
designating a posting location for open meeting notices; and providing an effective
date.
10. Resolutions
a) Resolution 110-2026 appointing Ray Forsythe, Jr. to an unexpired term on the
Wichita-Wilbarger 9-1-1 District Board with a term to expire May 15, 2028.
b) Resolution 111-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) Jet Vac Water Recycling
Unit through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative
Purchasing Program from Houston Freightliner, Inc. in the amount of $591 ,191 .00
— Removed from agenda, not approved.
c) Resolution 112-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) Flowserve Horizontal
Split Case Pump for the Lake Arrowhead Pump Station through the BuyBoard
Purchasing Cooperative from Smith Pump Company, Inc., in the amount of
$164,000.00.
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d) Resolution 113-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) Flowserve Horizontal
Split Case Pump for the 287 West Pump Station through the BuyBoard Purchasing
Cooperative from Smith Pump Company, Inc., in the amount of $163,000.00.
e) Resolution 114-2026 authorizing the purchase of a waterproof coating application
for the clarifier at the Jasper Water Treatment Plant, through The Interlocal
Purchasing System (TIPS) from Chamberlin Dallas, LLC, in an amount not to
exceed $350,000.00.
f) Resolution 115-2026 authorizing the purchase of twelve (12) 2027 Ford Utility
Police Interceptor AWD K8As through The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS)
from Sames Bastrop Ford, Inc. in the amount of $596,674.80.
g) Resolution 116-2026 authorizing the purchase and installation of Police Equipment
for twelve (12) Police Patrol Units through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative
from Dana Safety Supply, Inc. in the amount of $222,830.48.
h) Resolution 117-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2027 Vermeer VX50
Hydro Excavation Trailer through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from
Vermeer Equipment of Texas, LLC d/b/a Vermeer Texas - Louisiana, in the amount
of $107,165.83.
i) Resolution 118-2026 authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2027 John Deere 335 P-
Tier Compact Track Loaders through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing
Program from Yellowhouse Machinery Co. in the amount of $236,550.00.
j) Resolution 119-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2027 Kenworth T380 w/
Terex HRX60 body through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative from Texas
Kenworth Company, LLC, d/b/a MHC Kenworth in the amount of $380,292.40.
k) Resolution 120-2026 authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2027 John Deere 320 P-
Tier Heavy Lift Backhoes through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program
from Yellowhouse Machinery Co. in the amount of $335,000.00.
I) Resolution 121-2026 authorizing the purchase of one (1) John Deere 335 PTier
Compact Track Loader through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program
from Yellowhouse Machinery Co. in the amount of $118,275.00.
m) Resolution 122-2026 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional
Services Agreement with Biggs & Mathews Environmental, Inc. to provide
professional services for a landfill gas collection and control system at the City of
Wichita Falls Landfill in the amount of $156,100.00.
Regular Agenda
11. Public Hearing and Ordinance
a) Conduct a Public Hearing and consider Ordinance 55-2026 rezoning +/- 11 .1 acres
of land located at 2911 Huntington Ln. (Lot 1 , Double T Ranch Plat out of Abstract
95) from Single Family -1 (SF-1) to a General Commercial (GC) zoning district, and
amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial to allow for
an RV park.
I. Public Hearing
II. Action
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Mayor Short opened the public hearing at 8:47 a.m.
Fabian Medellin, Director of Development Services, thanked everyone involved in
the Memorial Auditorium—City Hall renovation. He presented a property owner
petition to rezone approximately 11 acres at 2911 Huntington Lane from Single
Family-1 to General Commercial to allow for a proposed RV park with
approximately 100 sites and associated amenities. He explained that a Conditional
Use Permit would be required before development could proceed, allowing further
review of potential impacts on surrounding properties. Five property owners were
notified, with two responses received in opposition citing concerns about traffic,
lighting, and noise. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously
recommended approval, and staff recommended approval of the rezoning and
corresponding amendment to the Land Use Plan.
Crystal Washington, 827 Reynolds Lane, inquired whether any portion of the
proposed RV park property was located within a floodplain and whether
improvements would be necessary to accommodate development. She was
advised that a small portion of the property lies within the floodplain and that utility
connections would be required to meet applicable flood elevation requirements. She
also questioned whether the necessary resources were available to complete those
improvements. It was noted that this is an applicant-driven project; the property
owner will be responsible for all associated costs, and there are no incentives from
the City.
Valerie Rhodes expressed concerns about ongoing commercial and industrial
development near residential neighborhoods, including the proposed RV park and
another nearby. She questioned how much more development would occur in the
area and how it would affect police and fire services.
Mr. Medellin explained that the City has adopted separate regulations for workforce
housing associated with data center development and is working with developers to
balance housing needs with the City's long-term growth. He noted that additional
safety requirements could be addressed during the Conditional Use Permit process,
including coordination with the Police Department. He also confirmed that the
proposal had been reviewed by the City's Development Review Team, which
includes police, fire, and other City departments.
Jannette Slack spoke against the proposed rezoning, expressing concerns about an
RV park/man camp being built near homes in her rural neighborhood. She raised
concerns about increased traffic on narrow roads, lighting, noise, crime, and safety.
She also felt that nearby residents had not been adequately heard during the
Planning and Zoning Commission process and asked the City Council to deny the
rezoning to protect the neighborhood.
Councilor Browning noted that the current zoning would allow for the development
of approximately 70 homes on the property.
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Marshall Choate expressed concerns about rezoning property from single-family
residential to general commercial, noting that nearby property owners had relied on
the existing zoning when purchasing their land. The speaker questioned the
feasibility of residential development due to floodplain restrictions and raised
concerns about the long-term impacts of temporary workforce housing, including
crime, public safety, and the potential for vacant or deteriorating properties. The
speaker also questioned whether the proposed rezoning was consistent with the
City's long-term development plans and urged the City Council to consider the
impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Madison Kunkel and her husband, Curry Kunkel, the property owners and
applicants, spoke in favor of rezoning approximately 11 .13 acres at 2911
Huntington Lane from Single Family-1 to General Commercial for a proposed 100-
site RV park. She explained that the development would use only a portion of their
62-acre property and that its location near US 287 would provide convenient
highway access. She acknowledged the concerns of neighboring residents and
stated that the park would be professionally operated and maintained in accordance
with City requirements. She noted that utilities were available and that the park
would serve both temporary workers associated with economic development
projects and future travelers. She also clarified that the proposed development area
is outside the floodplain and requested approval of the rezoning.
Councilor Battaglino asked Chief Lindsey to discuss crime concerns.
Chief Lindsey acknowledged that growth could lead to more crime and an increased
need for police and fire services. While the exact impact is unknown, he stated that
the Police Department would continue to respond to calls, patrol the area as
needed, and work with the City Council to meet future needs. He also assured
residents that the department would be available to address their questions and
concerns.
Councilor Flack asked whether the surrounding properties were zoned General
Commercial.
Mr. Medellin confirmed that the surrounding properties are already zoned General
Commercial, allowing a variety of uses, including multifamily housing, offices,
restaurants, retail, and certain automotive services, provided they meet applicable
development and floodplain regulations. He clarified that the request before the City
Council today was only to rezone the property to General Commercial.
Councilor Taylor asked about the location of the nearby residential areas. Mr.
Medellin identified the neighborhoods on the map. Councilor Taylor shared
residents' concerns about traffic but noted that it did not appear to be an issue, as
vehicles could enter and exit the proposed RV park via FM 369 without traveling
through residential areas.
Mayor Short closed the public hearing at 9:15 a.m.
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Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Ordinance 55-2026 rezoning +/- 11 .1
acres of land located at 2911 Huntington Ln. (Lot 1 , Double T Ranch Plat out of
Abstract 95) from Single Family -1 (SF-1) to a General Commercial (GC) zoning
district, and amend the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial
to allow for an RV park
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb and carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks,
Councilor Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. Resolutions
a) Resolution establishing the Emerging Technologies Advisory Commission;
providing for its purpose, membership, term, and duties
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 123-2026 establishing the
Emerging Technologies Advisory Commission; providing for its purpose,
membership, term, and duties.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb.
Mr. McKechnie explained that the Emerging Technologies Advisory Commission
would provide non-binding recommendations on artificial intelligence, data centers,
and other emerging technologies. He reviewed the proposed membership and
noted that the Commission would meet at least quarterly and expire May 6, 2028,
unless extended by the City Council.
Heather Langford questioned the qualifications of the proposed Emerging
Technologies Advisory Commission members. She raised concerns about data
centers, cybersecurity, the impact on local resources, and whether outside
developers were receiving preferential treatment. She asked the City Council to
slow down data center development until state regulations are in place.
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 execute a contract with International
Cybernetics Company, LP (ICC) d/b/a IMS Infrastructure Management Services to
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October 6, 2026
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provide a roadway pavement condition survey for Wichita Falls for the amount of
$118,910.00
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 124-2026 authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract with International Cybernetics Company, LP (ICC)
d/b/a IMS Infrastructure Management Services to provide a roadway pavement
condition survey for Wichita Falls for the amount of $118,910.00.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb.
Tyson Traw, Director of Engineering, explained that the City conducts pavement
assessments every three years to evaluate street conditions and prioritize repairs. This
year, all City-maintained streets will be assessed simultaneously to improve efficiency and
reduce costs. Mr. Traw clarified that TxDOT-maintained roads are excluded and briefly
discussed their locations.
Valerie Rhodes expressed concerns about deteriorating road conditions in East
Lynwood, including damage caused by heavy truck traffic during previous highway
construction. She also raised concerns about the condition of nearby TxDOT-
maintained roads and urged the City to prioritize street repairs within the
neighborhood.
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
c) Resolution authorizing the sole-source purchase and replacement of six (6)
variable frequency drives (VFDs) at the Cypress Reverse Osmosis Plant from
Innomotics LLC, in the amount of $1 ,962,388.00
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 125-2026 authorizing the
sole-source purchase and replacement of six (6) variable frequency drives (VFDs)
at the Cypress Reverse Osmosis Plant from Innomotics LLC, in the amount of
$1 ,962,388.00.
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
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13. Staff Report
a) Presentation by SkyBox Datacenters regarding its proposed campus in Wichita
Falls
Haynes Strader, representing Skybox Data Centers, provided an update on the
proposed data center development in the Wichita Falls Industrial Park. He
explained that the project is undergoing state regulatory review, which could affect
the construction timeline, with the first building currently anticipated in late 2028 or
early 2029. He noted that the project would be developed in phases and is
expected to bring approximately 2,000 to 3,000 construction workers and create
300 to 500 permanent jobs. He discussed the anticipated economic benefits,
including significant property tax revenue, and confirmed that Skybox is not seeking
local tax incentives. He also addressed concerns about water and electricity usage,
explaining that the facility would use a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water
consumption and that electrical infrastructure improvements would benefit the
surrounding area. He stated that Skybox would be responsible for necessary road
improvements, work with the City to manage construction traffic, and prioritize local
workers and contractors. He also emphasized the company's commitment to
keeping residents informed and addressing community concerns throughout the
project.
b) Police Chief's Update — Neighborhood Police Officer Program
Chief Lindsey introduced the Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) Program, which is
expected to begin in January. The program will assign one officer to each City
Council district to serve as a direct contact for residents, businesses, and Council
members. These officers will focus on neighborhood concerns, crime prevention,
and resolving ongoing issues without being tied to routine patrol calls. He explained
that the program is intended to strengthen relationships between the Police
Department and the community and will continue to evolve based on community
feedback. He also announced plans for a "Chat with the Chief" event, beginning in
District 2, to hear residents' concerns and gather input on the program.
14. 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 thanked everyone involved in the renovation of Memorial
Auditorium—City Hall and recognized the former Council members in attendance.
He noted that several items approved during the meeting had been planned and
budgeted for months and highlighted the City's continued efforts to improve
infrastructure. He thanked everyone for attending.
Councilor Brooks expressed frustration with the lack of economic development and
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October 6, 2026
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investment in Eastside and on the north side of Wichita Falls, and asked to see a
plan for those areas. He thanked Chief Lindsey, the Parks and Recreation
Department, local businesses, and volunteers for coming together to help restore
Spudder Park. He noted that residents continue to ask for the same improvements
while seeing growth in other parts of the city. He stressed that we should want
every part of the City to thrive, and asked everyone to work together to bring much-
needed improvements to District 2.
Councilor Flack thanked everyone involved in restoring Memorial Auditorium—City
Hall and said the renovation reflects the progress and positive changes taking place
throughout Wichita Falls. She acknowledged that improvements take time and
expressed excitement about the City's continued growth and future.
Councilor Browning thanked Anthony Inman and everyone involved in the
renovation of Memorial Auditorium—City Hall and expressed appreciation that it was
completed before his term ends. He acknowledged the staff's efforts with the new
technology and offered to show Tyson Traw several streets in District 3 that need
attention.
Councilor Taylor thanked everyone for sharing their comments and concerns. He
noted that many positive things are happening in Wichita Falls but stressed the
importance of making sure all areas of the city benefit from the growth. He
encouraged residents to stay informed, consider the facts, and remain open to new
ideas. He also recognized the German influence in the community, particularly
through Sheppard Air Force Base, and suggested the Times Record News start a
"This Day in History" column to highlight interesting historical events.
Councilor Battaglino highlighted several upcoming community events, including
Relay for Life, LeaderFest, Halloween at the Park, and the ACE Awards. He also
invited residents to his upcoming town hall meeting on October 19 at the American
Legion Post 169. He encouraged attendees to stay for the presentation following
the executive session, which would include information about East Lawn Cemetery.
Mayor Short thanked everyone involved in the renovation of Memorial Auditorium—
City Hall, including Parks and Recreation staff, and expressed pride in the restored
building. He also announced an upcoming community kickball tournament
benefiting Adrian Colbert and invited residents to attend the Skybox community
event at MSU from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to ask questions and learn more about the
project.
15. Executive Sessions
Mayor Short asked for comments on the Executive Session items. There were no public
comments, and the City Council adjourned into Executive Session at 10:25 a.m. in
accordance with Texas Government Code §§551 .072,551 .071 and 551 .087.
a) Executive Session in accordance with Texas Government Code § 551 .072, to
deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property interests due to
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October 6, 2026
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the fact that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the
position of the City in negotiations with a third party (East Lawn Memorial Park, 701
Lamar Street, 705 Lamar Street, and 706 Travis 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 (Contested case hearing for
Lake Ringgold and Lucy Park Renewables, LLC).
c) 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 (SkyBox Datacenters at Business Park).
Mayor Short reconvened the meeting in open session at 11 :53 a.m. and announced
that no votes or polls were taken and that the proceedings would remain
confidential as provided by law.
16. Resolution
a) Resolution 126-2026 directing the City Manager and City staff to proceed with due
diligence regarding the proposed conveyance of approximately 28.69 acres of real
property from East Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery Corporation to the City for
municipal cemetery purposes; defining the scope of such due diligence; and
providing that no acceptance of the property is made by this Resolution.
Moved by Councilor Battaglino to approve Resolution 126-2026 directing the City
Manager and City staff to proceed with due diligence regarding the proposed
conveyance of approximately 28.69 acres of real property from East Lawn Memorial
Park Cemetery Corporation to the City for municipal cemetery purposes; defining
the scope of such due diligence; and providing that no acceptance of the property is
made by this Resolution.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Cobb.
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager, explained that East Lawn Memorial
Cemetery Corporation has offered to convey approximately 28.7 acres to the City.
He noted that the resolution would allow staff to evaluate the property, costs, and
long-term maintenance responsibilities before making a recommendation to the City
Council. He clarified that the resolution does not authorize acceptance of the
property and noted that the cemetery has been poorly maintained for many years.
Crystal Washington discussed the history of East Lawn Memorial Cemetery,
explaining that it was established during segregation for African Americans who
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October 6, 2026
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could not be buried in other cemeteries. She raised concerns about the cemetery's
poor condition, including sunken and unmarked graves and drainage issues. She
questioned why ownership and maintenance had not been addressed sooner and
why the County had not taken action. She thanked the City for looking into the
property and asked whether ground-penetrating radar would be used to locate
missing graves and whether funding for perpetual care would be considered.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Short, Councilor Cobb, Councilor Flack, Councilor Brooks, Cot.
Browning, Councilor Battaglino, Councilor Taylor
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
17. Adjourn
Mayor Short adjourned the meeting at 12:01 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 20th day of October, 2026.
Tim hort, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marie Balthrop, TRM , MMC
City Clerk
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