Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 11/10/2015MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
November 10, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Steve Garner, Chair
Penny Miller, Secretary
Michael Chapman
Kathie Forehand - Chaddick
Pete Gill
Larry Scott
Jake VanDonge
Tom Lang, Ex- Officio
Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney
Jack Murphy, Director Parks and Recreation
Davis Powell, City Engineer
Westin Gilbert, Engineer
Brian Hooker
Tina Henderson, Fundraising Committee
Charles Finnell
Claire Kowalick, Times Record News
Tedd Pepps, Wildlife Management, USDA
Katherine Smith, Wild Bird Rescue
ABSENT: Sam Bownds, Daniel Fitzwater, Ford Swanson
I. Call to Order and Introductions
M Members
N staff
■ Council
■ Guests
Steve Garner called the meeting to order. Members, staff and guests introduced
themselves.
11. Approval of Minutes
Tom Lang moved that the minutes of the October meeting be approved. Penny Miller
seconded. The motion passed.
111. Fundraising
Tom Lang reported that the $20,000 grant we applied for through the Reservoir Fish
Habitat Partnership (Friends of Reservoirs) is the second highest priority nationally.
Texas Parks and Wildlife will administer the grant. It requires a $20,000 match. Steve
Garner stated that we need to engage specifically to match this amount. It doesn't have
to be all from one person. This grant includes educational signage. It must be spent by
WICHITA COMMITTEE November 10, 2015
Charles Finnell discussed the importance of the watershed to the project. Pecan,
Panther and Holliday creeks flow into Lake Wichita. Mr. Finnell donated 25 acres to
Midwestern State University for prairie restoration. This property is near the head of
Holliday creek and work being done by TXDOT should increase water flow. Tom Lang
stated he would like to see this type of work done throughout the watershed. This
property could be a showcase for other landowners to see what is possible.
Katherine Smith is President of the Wild Bird Rescue board. They are working on
securing a new building for Wild Bird Rescue they are currently working with an
architectural firm and the city on the footprint, parking, etc. She wanted to know if MSU
is interested in a classroom space. Steve Garner will pass on contact information for
MSU to Ms. Smith. She expressed some past concern with activity in the area of the
boat ramp at the rear of the property. Penny Miller stated that there had been some
issues in the past, but it seemed the Wichita Falls Police Department was increasing
patrols —fewer problems have been noted by her lately. Ms. Smith would like to see
Wild Bird Rescue better coordinate their plans with the Lake Wichita Revitalization
project.
Steve Garner gave the Lake Wichita presentation to the MSU Student Government
Association, Josh Jacobs arranged the meeting. Although he has graduated, he is still
actively working to seek out those interested in helping with the project.
Dr. Norris from Australia, was stateside for several weeks to research water projects.
Our project was the one he was most looking forward to looking at. He stated that this
project was more well- organized, thought out and supported than any project he looked
at.
Vi. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
/-16;Z
Date
LAKE WICHITA COMMITTEE November 10, 2015 Page 3