City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Mayor Tim Barker declared a Regular Meeting duly open for the transaction of business at 7: 00 P. M. at City Hall, 120 E. Caney Street, Wharton, TX. Councilmember Burnell Neal led the opening devotion, and Mayor Tim Barker led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers present were: Mayor, Tim Barker, and Councilmembers Terry Freese, Burnell Neal, Russell Machann, Steve Schneider, Larry Pittman, and David Voulgaris. Councilmember absent was: None. Staff members present were: City Manager, Joseph R. Pace; City Attorney, Paul Webb; Finance Director, Joan Andel; Paula Favors, TRMC, CPM, MMC; Assistant to City Manager, Brandi the Jimenez; Building Official, Claudia Velasquez; Assistant to the Building Official, Shelby Robertson; and Police Chief, Terry David Lynch. Visitors present were: Samantha Counts, Crisis Center Services and Outreach Director with the Crisis Center, Traci Myers, Director of Wharton County Junior College Senior Citizens Program, Susie Carlson, and Colby Primeaux with the Wharton County Leader Journal Roll Call and Excused Absences. All Councilmembers were present. Public Comments. Mayor Tim Barker called for Public Comments. No comments were given. Wharton Moment. Mayor Tim Barker called for Wharton Moments. 1. Councilmember Russell Machann stated the Rotary Gala would be held at the Wharton Civic Center on Saturday, September 27, 2025. 2. Police Chief Terry David Lynch encouraged everyone to attend National Night Out, which would be held on October 71h at the Wharton County Junior College Parking Lot. Public Hearing 1. Public Hearing: A Public Hearing on the proposed tax rate for the 2025 tax year. Mayor Tim Barker opened the Public Hearing at 7: 05 p. m. No comments were given. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 2 of 18 Mayor Tim Barker closed the Public Hearing at 7: 06 p. m. Proclamation 1. Proclamation: Domestic Violence. Mayor Tim Barker stated the following Proclamation: CITY OF WHARTON OFFICE OF THE MAYOR PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue across Wharton, Wharton County, the United States, and the world with implications for personal and community health; and, WHEREAS, Domestic violence does not discriminate and touches all communities regardless of age, race, disability, gender identity, or socioeconomic status; and, WHEREAS, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is nationally recognized every October, and is an opportunity to help our community promote and protect the safety and freedom of all who seek refuge from this terrible crime; and, WHEREAS, The Crisis Center of Matagorda and Wharton County is dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence by providing free and confidential services such as advocacy, education, shelter, and resources. In the past year, the Crisis Center has provided services to 1, 061 clients of domestic violence and 6, 970 nights of shelter to adults and children. Through these programs, individuals and families can feel a sense of hope, safety, and protection; and, WHEREAS, Research shows incidents of domestic violence are reduced by creating communities where people are connected, supportive, and care for one another. The City of Wharton encourages members of the community to work together to increase domestic violence awareness; and, WHEREAS, During the month of October, the Crisis Center will promote public awareness of domestic violence as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Center will host" Walk a Mile in Their Shoes," a one- mile walk from the Center on Fulton Street to the county courthouse in support of victims and survivors. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, citizens are encouraged to participate in " Go Purple Day," a National Day of Action, by wearing purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness. NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM BARKER, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Wharton, Texas, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month" In the City of Wharton, in recognition of the important work done by survivors, domestic violence programs, and victim service providers, we urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled activities and programs sponsored by" The Crisis Center of Matagorda and Wharton County" and other community organizations to work toward the elimination of domestic violence. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 3 of 18 IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Wharton to be affixed d this 22°day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty- five A. D. Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Financial Report for August 2025. Finance Director Joan Andel presented the City of Wharton Financial Report for August 2025. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the City of Wharton Financial Report for August 2025. Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The second item on the agenda was to review and consider an ordinance adopting the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Annual Budget for the City of Wharton, Texas; appropriating the sums established therein; and directing the City Secretary to file copies as required by law. Finance Director Joan Andel stated that during the Regular City Council Meeting held on August 25, 2025, the City Council received under separate cover a copy of the Proposed Budget for the City of Wharton, Texas, Fiscal Year October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Finance Director Andel said that during the Regular City Council Meeting held September 8, 2025, the City Council held a Public Hearing to receive public input regarding the City of Wharton' s Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve City of Wharton Ordinance No. 2025- 20, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 2025- 20 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026 ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS; APPROPRIATING THE SUMS ESTABLISHED THEREIN; AND DIRECTING THE CITY SECRETARY TO FILE COPIES AS REQUIRED BY LAW. WHEREAS, The City' s budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, which is attached hereto, was duly submitted to the City Council more than thirty ( 30) days prior to September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, A Public Hearing was duly called and held on said budget not less than seven days nor more than fourteen days after the date of publication giving notice of such meeting and prior to the time the City Council of the City of Wharton levied taxes for such current Fiscal Year; and, WHEREAS, All parties desiring to participate and be heard at said Public Hearing having been heard until no more evidence was offered, and such hearing having been concluded, and the City Council of said City having made such changes in such Budget as in its judgment the law warrants and the best interest of the taxpayers of the City of Wharton, Texas, demand, said Budget with such changes being attached hereto, as aforesaid. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 4 of 18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: Section 1. THAT the findings set out in the preamble of this ordinance are true and correct. Section 2. THAT the Budget of the City of Wharton, Texas, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, be and the same is hereby, in all respects, finally approved and adopted, including any changes approved by the City Council; and the same shall be and is hereby filed with the City Secretary of the City. Section 3. THAT the General Fund is hereby established to account for resources associated with traditional government activities, which are not required legally or by sound financial management to be accounted for in another fund. The General Fund is hereby approved with $ 7, 261, 399 estimated revenues and $ 9, 161, 267 in appropriations, and with transfers- in approved at $ 1, 953, 770 and transfers- out approved at$ 53, 902. The amounts are specified for departmental purposes named in said budget, and they are hereby appropriated to and for such purposes at the departmental level. Section 4. THAT, the PEG ( Public, Educational, Government television access) fund is created to account for all funds received from the 1% franchise fee provided through the local cable provider. The PEG Fund is hereby approved with $ 1, 200 in estimated revenues and $ 1, 200 in appropriations. Section 5. THAT the Hotel Motel Fund is created to account for the occupancy tax levied on hotel rooms within the City as adopted by city ordinance and consistently with Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. The Hotel Motel Fund is hereby approved with $ 355, 952 in estimated revenues and $ 355, 952 in appropriations, which includes transfers- out approved at $ 295, 652 with a beginning fund balance of approximately $ 84, 666. Section 6. THAT the Narcotics Seizure Fund is created to account for the resources and uses of assets seized in illegal narcotics activities. The uses are limited to law enforcement activities. The Narcotics Seizure Fund is hereby approved with$ 4, 700 estimated revenues, $ 4, 700 appropriations, with a beginning fund balance of approximately $ 15, 821. Section 7. THAT the Debt Service Fund is hereby created to account for the accumulation of resources collected for Interest and Sinking requirements and for the disbursement of those resources for debt requirements. The Debt Service Fund is hereby approved with $ 2, 596, 494 in estimated revenues and$ 2, 557, 494 in appropriations. The estimated beginning fund balance is $ 591, 616. Section 8. THAT the Capital Improvement Fund is created to account for infrastructure improvements authorized by the City Council. The Capital Improvement Fund is approved with $ 100, 000 in estimated revenues and expenses. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 5 of 18 Section 9. THAT the Water and Sewer Fund is created to account for the resources and uses associated with the delivery of utility services to citizens of Wharton as an enterprise fund. The Water& Sewer Fund is hereby approved with $ 7, 309, 062 in estimated revenues. The Water& Sewer Fund is hereby approved with$ 7, 309,062 in appropriations, which includes a franchise fee of 8% of water and sewer sales, approximately $ 570, 925, and transfers- out approved at $ 1, 497, 770. Section 10. THAT the Solid Waste Fund is created to account for the financial activities of the City' s solid waste collection contract and delivery to citizens of Wharton as an enterprise fund. The Solid Waste Fund is approved with $ 1, 903, 690 in estimated revenues and $ 1, 903, 690 in appropriations, which includes a franchise fee of 3% of solid waste revenues or approximately $ 94, 900, and transfers- out approved at 100, 000. Section 11. THAT the Emergency Medical Services Fund is created to account for the financial activities of the emergency medical services provided to the city and surrounding areas as an enterprise fund. The Emergency Medical Services Fund is approved with $ 3, 671, 442 in estimated revenues and $ 3, 671, 442 in appropriations and includes transfers- out at$ 156, 000. Section 12. THAT the Civic Center Fund is created to account for the financial activities of the Civic Center as an enterprise fund. The Civic Center is approved with$ 428, 280 in estimated revenues and $ 428, 280 in appropriations. Transfers- in are approved at 342, 854. Section 13. THAT the Airport Fund is created to account for the financial activities of the Wharton Regional Airport as an enterprise fund. The Airport Fund is approved with$ 420, 800 in estimated revenues and $ 420, 800 in appropriations. Section 14. THAT the City Secretary shall file copies of this Ordinance and of such budget with the County Clerk of Wharton County, Texas. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by a favorable majority of the members of the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, in council meeting, this 22nd day of September 2025, duly assembled in accordance with Article VI of the Charter of the City of Wharton, Texas, by the following vote: Tim Barker, Mayor YES Burnell Neal, Councilmember District 1 YES Steven Schneider, Councilmember District 2 YES Terry Freese, Councilmember District 3 YES City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 6 of 18 er District 4 Michael Voulg aris, Councilmember YES Russell Machann, Councilmember at Large Place 5 YES Larry Pittman, Councilmember at Large Place 6 YES Separability If any court of competent jurisdiction rules that any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, any such portion shall be deemed to be a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and any such ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. CITY OF WHARTON By: Tim Barker, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: Paula Favors, City Secretary Joseph R. Pace, City Manager APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED FOR FUNDING: Paul Webb, City Attorney Joan Andel, Finance Director Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The third item on the agenda was to review and consider an ordinance levying a tax rate for the City of Wharton, Texas, for the Tax Year 2025; directing the Tax Assessor- Collector to assess, account for, and distribute the taxes as herein levied; and providing repealing and severability clauses. Finance Director Joan Andel presented a draft ordinance levying a tax rate for the City of Wharton, Texas, for the Tax Year 2025; directing the Tax Assessor- Collector to assess, account for, and distribute the taxes as herein levied; and providing repealing and severability clauses. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve City of Wharton Ordinance No. 2025- 21, which read as follows: City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 7 of 18 CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 2025- 21 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING A TAX RATE FOR THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS, FOR THE TAX YEAR 2025; DIRECTING THE TAX ASSESSOR- COLLECTOR TO ASSESS, ACCOUNT FOR, AND DISTRIBUTE THE TAXES AS HEREIN LEVIED; AND PROVIDING REPEALING AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: Section 1. THAT there be and is hereby levied for the year 2025 on all real and personal property within and all real and personal property and mineral royalties owned within the city limits of the City of Wharton, Texas for the year 2025, except so much thereof as may be exempt by the constitution and of the State of Texas and of the United States, the following: Maintenance and Operations 09460/$ 100 valuation For Debt Service Requirements 32951/$ 100 valuation Total Tax Rate 42411/$ 100 valuation THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR' S TAX RATE. Section 2. THAT the Tax Assessor- Collector and/ or Finance Director is hereby directed to assess, extend and enter upon the certified tax rolls of the City of Wharton, Texas, for the current taxable year, as provided by the Wharton County Appraisal District, the amounts and rates as herein levied, to keep correct amount of same, and when collected, to be distributed in accordance with this ordinance. Passage and Approval PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by a favorable majority of the members of the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, in a council meeting, this 22nd day of September, 2025, duly assembled in accordance with Article VI of the Charter of the City of Wharton, Texas, by the following vote: Tim Barker, Mayor YES Burnell Neal, Councilmember District 1 YES Steven Schneider, Councilmember District 2 YES Terry Freese, Councilmember District 3 YES City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 8 of 18 Michael Voulgaris, Councilmember District 4 YES Russell Machann, Councilmember at Large Place 5 YES Larry Pittman, Councilmember at Large Place 6 YES Separability If any court of competent jurisdiction rules that any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, any such portion shall be deemed to be a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and any such ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. CITY OF WHARTON By: Tim Barker, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: Paula Favors, City Secretary Joseph R. Pace, City Manager APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED FOR FUNDING: Paul Webb, City Attorney Joan Andel, Finance Director Councilmember Russell Machann seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council adopting the City of Wharton Investment Policy after the Annual Review of the City of Wharton Investment Policy and setting an effective date. Finance Director Joan Andel stated the City of Wharton Investment Policy must be reviewed and adopted annually. She presented her recommendation on the policy changes. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 68, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 68 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 9 of 18 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING THE CITY OF WHARTON INVESTMENT POLICY AFTER THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE CITY OF WHARTON INVESTMENT POLICY, SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, The Public Funds Investment Act requires the City Council to review and adopt, by resolution, the investment policies, and strategies for the City of Wharton on an annual basis; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton designates the City Manager and the Finance Director as investment officers; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton approves the training courses sponsored or endorsed by the Texas Municipal League, the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas, the Government Treasurers Organization of Texas, the Texas Class Investment Group, or the North Central Texas Council of Governments as adequate to meet the investment training requirements; and, WHEREAS, The attached investment policy complies with the Public Funds Investment Act and authorizes the investment of City funds in safe and prudent investments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS that: Section I. The City of Wharton has complied with the requirements of the Public Funds Investment Act, and the Investment Policy attached hereto as" Exhibit A" is hereby adopted as the Investment Policy of the City of Wharton, effective September 22, 2025. Section II: That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 22nd day of September 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 10 of 18 Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. The fifth item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Ms. Traci Myers, Director of the WCJC Senior Citizens Program, to host a WCJC 5K Stride and Stroll on October 25, 2025, at the Riverfront Park Central Pavilion, and assistance with the following: A. To post the event( WCJC 5K Stride and Stroll 2025) on the Digital Billboard on Highway 59 by La Casona/ Walmart. B. Close part of Elm Street between Brietling Lane and Fulton Street from 6: 30 a.m. to 12: 00 p. m. C. To use city- owned barricades for the street closures at Elm Street and Brietling Lane, Elm Street and Resident Street, Elm Street and Rusk Street, and Elm Street and Fulton Street. D. To have trash barrels and extra liners provided. E. To waive all fees that may apply to this event. Ms. Traci Myers, Director of Wharton County Junior College Senior Citizens Program, presented a request to host a WCJC 5K Stride and Stroll on October 25, 2025, at the Riverfront Park Central Pavilion. Ms. Myers requested the aforementioned items A. through E. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve the aforementioned items A. through E. Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The sixth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton, Wharton County, Texas, to execute an agreement with the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture for Visitor and Convention Bureau Services for October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, Fiscal Year. Finance Director Joan Andel presented a copy of the draft agreement between the City of Wharton and the Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture for Visitor and Convention Bureau Services for October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, Fiscal Year. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 69, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 69 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, WHARTON COUNTY, TEXAS, TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE WHARTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE FOR VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 1, 2025, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, FISCAL YEAR. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Tim Barker to execute an agreement with the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture for Visitor and Convention Bureau Services; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton and the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture hereby agree to be bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page I 1 of 18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. That the Wharton City Council hereby authorizes Tim Barker, Mayor of the City of Wharton, to execute an agreement with the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture for Visitor and Convention Bureau Services for the October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, Fiscal Year. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 22nd day of September 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The seventh item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Wharton and Safebuilt Texas, LLC for plan review, inspections, code enforcement, and other professional services, and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. Building Official Claudia Velasquez presented a copy of the proposed Professional Services Agreement with Safebuilt Texas, LLC, which allowed the Code Enforcement Department to continue working with them to provide plan review, inspections, code enforcement, and other professional services. City Attorney Paul Webb stated he had reviewed and approved the agreement. Building Official Velasquez said the Finance Committee met on Monday, September 22, 2025, and was recommending that the City Council consider approving the agreement. After some discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 70, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 70 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 12 of 18 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WHARTON AND SAFEBUILT TEXAS, LLC FOR PLAN REVIEW, INSPECTIONS, CODE ENFORCEMENT, AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to engage the services of Safebuilt Texas, LLC to provide plan review, inspections, code enforcement, and other professional services for the City of Wharton; and, WHEREAS, Safebuilt Texas, LLC wishes to provide said services for the City of Wharton; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton and Safebuilt Texas, LLC wishes to be bound by the conditions of said agreement; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute an agreement with Safebuilt Texas, LLC to provide plan review, inspections, code enforcement, and other professional services for the City of Wharton. Section II. The City of Wharton and Safebuilt Texas, LLC are hereby bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22nd day of September 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 13 of 18 Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eighth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving an agreement with Angels Lawn Care for mowing services and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. Building Official Claudia Velasquez stated the Code Enforcement Department had not been able to mow the violation properties in a timely manner due to limited internal resources. Director Velasquez said as a result, nuisance lots remain unaddressed longer, creating prolonged negative effects on nearby residents. She said the Code Enforcement Department solicited quotes for third- party mowing services, and requests were sent to three different mowing services to mow, weed-eat, and blow grass clippings from the roadway. Director Velazquez stated the Finance Committee met on Monday, September 22, 2025, and was recommending that the City Council consider approving a contract with Angels Lawn Care. After some discussion, Councilmember Larry Pittman moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 71, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 71 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH ANGELS LAWN CARE FOR MOWING SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to engage the mowing services of Angels Lawn Care for properties in violation for the Code Enforcement Department; and, WHEREAS, Angels Lawn Care wishes to provide said services for the City of Wharton; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton and Angels Lawn Care wishes to be bound by the conditions of said agreement; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute an agreement with Angels Lawn Care to provide mowing services for the Code Enforcement Department. Section II. The City of Wharton and Angels Lawn Care are hereby bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22nd day of September 2025. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 14 of 18 CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Russell Machann seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The ninth item on the agenda was to review and consider the Wharton County Emergency Services District No. 3: A. Resolution:A resolution of the Wharton City Council approving an Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Medical Services between the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 3 and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. Resolution: A resolution of the Wharton City Council approving an Interlocal B. Agreement for Administrative Services between the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Emergency Services District ( ESD) No. 3 and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. City Secretary Paula Favors presented a copy of the memorandum providing the Wharton County Emergency Services District ( ESD) No. 3' s recommendation that both Items A & B above be considered for approval by the City Council. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 72 and 2025- 73, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 72 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE WHARTON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT ( ESD) NO. 3 AND THE CITY OF WHARTON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton County Emergency Services District ( ESD) No. 3 Board has hereby authorized the ESD No. 3 President to execute an agreement with the City of Wharton for emergency medical services; and, City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 15 of 18 WHEREAS, The City of Wharton hereby wishes to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Wharton County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 3 to provide Emergency Medical Services( EMS); and, WHEREAS, The ESD No. 3 and the City of Wharton wishes to bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. That the Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Emergency Services District( ESD) No. 3 for emergency medical services. Section II. That the City of Wharton and the ESD No. 3 shall hereby be bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22nd day of September 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 73 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BETWEEN THE WHARTON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT ( ESD) NO. 3 AND THE CITY OF WHARTON AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 16 of 18 WHEREAS, The Wharton County Emergency Services District ( ESD) No. 3 Board has hereby authorized the ESD No. 3 President to execute an agreement with the City of Wharton for administrative services; and, WHEREAS, The ESD No. 3 and the City of Wharton wishes to be bound by the conditions as set forth in the agreement; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. That Wharton City Council hereby approves an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Emergency Services District No. 3 for administrative services. Section II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute the agreement. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 22nd day of September 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Terry Freese seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The tenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the Texas Municipal League ( TML) Region 14 Director Election. City Manager Joseph R. Pace presented a copy of the Texas Municipal League ( TML) Region 14 Director Election Ballot. City Manager Pace stated the Officials had been nominated to serve a one-year term, and the City Council must select one official to serve on the board. He said that it was his recommendation for the City Council to City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 17 of 18 consider casting the vote for the incumbent, Sally Branson, Councilmember, Friendswood. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve casting the vote for the incumbent, Sally Branson, Councilmember, Friendswood, on the Texas Municipal League( TML) Region 14 Director Election. Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eleventh item on the agenda was to review and consider an update on the City of Wharton' s ongoing projects. After some discussion, no action was taken. The twelfth item on the agenda was to review and consider appointments, resignations, and vacancies to the City of Wharton Boards, Commissions, and Committees: A. Resignations. B. Appointments. C. Vacancies. After some discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to appoint the following: B. Appointments Term Expiring Judd Perry Planning Commission June 30, 2026 Councilmember Russell Machann seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to appoint the following: Wharton Economic Development Corporation ( WEDCo) Andrew Armour September 30, 2027 Michael Roberson September 30, 2027 Russell Machann September 30, 2027 Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Discussion was made to re- advertise for the vacancy on the EDC board. The thirteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider Department Head Reports: A. City Secretary/ Personnel. B. Code Enforcement. C. Community Services Department/ Civic Center. D. Emergency Management. E. E. M. S. Department. F. Fire Department. G. Legal Department. H. Municipal Court. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- September 22, 2025 Page 18 of 18 I. Police Department. J. Public Works Department. K. Water/ Sewer Department. L. Weedy Lots/ Sign Ordinance. M. Wharton Regional Airport. After some discussion, no action was taken There being no further discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to adjourn. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7: 35 p. m. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER 4"e. Mayor ATT T: PAUL FAVORS r . City Secretary