City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2025 Mayor Tim Barker declared the Regular Meeting duly open for the transaction of business at 7: 00 P. M. Councilmember Russell Machann led the opening devotion, and Mayor Tim Barker led the pledge of allegiance. Councilmembers present were: Mayor Tim Barker, Councilmembers Burnell Neal, Russell Machann, Larry Pittman, Steve Schneider, and David Voulgaris. Councilmember absent were: Terry Freese. Staff members present were: City Manager Joseph R. Pace; Finance Director, Joan Andel; Assistant City Manager/ City Secretary, Paula Favors; Assistant to the City Manager, Brandi Jimenez; Police Chief, Terry David Lynch; Emergency Management Coordinator, Lt. Ben Guanajuato; Planning and Development Director Gwyn Teves, Lt. David Hunter, Patrol Officer Corbin Montalvo, Sgt. Marshall Johnson, Patrol Officer Wesly Hall, Patrol Officer Zachary Smith, and Building Official, Claudia Velasquez, Assistant to the Building Official Shelby Robertson. Visitors: Wharton County Sheriff' s Department, SGT. Alex Rivera, Sheriff Shannon Srubar, Chief Deputy Jason Mican, Deputy Miles Deleon, Deputy Timothy Helton, Deputy Josh Martinez, Captain Roddy Rodriguez, Courtland Holman, Executive Director of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation, Olan Benge, Carol Lynch, Susie Carlson, Karen Smith, Executive Director of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Colby Primeaux with the Wharton County Leader Journal. Roll Call and Excused Absences. Councilmember Russell Machann moved to excuse Councilmember Terry Freese. Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Public Comments. Mayor Tim Barker called for Public Comments. No comments were given. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 2 of 10 Wharton Moment. Mayor Tim Barker called for Wharton Moments. The following Wharton Moments were given: 1. Karen Smith, Executive Director of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce, stated that Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, would be the Parade and asked everyone to come out and attend. 2. Mayor Tim Barker asked for prayers for former Councilmember Don Mueller' s daughter, Judy, who was placed in hospice. Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Financial Report for October 2025. Finance Director Joan Andel presented the City of Wharton Financial Report for October 2025. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the City of Wharton Financial Report for October 2025. Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The second item on the agenda was to review and consider Officer and Deputy Life- Saving Commendations. Police Chief Terry David Lynch stated that he wanted to recognize three law enforcement officers for duties above and beyond by being directly instrumental in saving the life of Ms. Chrissy Trevino during the apartment fire at Riverbend Apartments on November 5, 2025. Police Chief Lynch recognized the following officers: Officer Juan Hernandez— Wharton Police Department Officer Zachary Smith— Wharton Police Department Corporal Timothy Helton- Wharton County Sheriff's Office Chief Lynch presented each officer with a commendation certificate. After some discussion, no action was taken. The third item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Olan Benge for replat of 737 Salisbury Ln., 1. 94 acres of land situated in the Randal Jones % League, Abstract No. 36, City of Wharton, Wharton County, Texas. Planning and Development Director Gwyn Teves presented a copy of the request from Mr. Olan Benge for replat of 737 Salisbury Ln., 1. 94 acres of land situated in the Randal Jones'/ Z League, Abstract No. 36, City of Wharton, Wharton County, Texas. Mrs. Teves stated that the Planning Commission met and recommended that the City Council consider approving the request. After some discussion, Councilmember Larry Pitmann moved to approve the request from Mr. Olan Benge for replat of 737 Salisbury Ln., 1. 94 acres of land situated in the Randal Jones '/ 2 League, Abstract No. 36, City of Wharton, Wharton County, Texas. Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Jimmy Schulz on behalf of Schulz Investments LLC for replat of 600 Texas St. & 1005 Center St, Rust, 4, Block 15, Lot 1, 2A for subdivision. Director of Planning& Development Gwyn Teves presented a copy of City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 3 of 10 the request from Mr. Jimmy Schulz on behalf of Schulz Investments LLC for replat of 601 & 603 N. Resident St, Wharton, Block 31, Lot 5 for subdivision. Mrs. Teves stated that the Planning Commission met and recommended that the City Council consider After approving the request. some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the request from Mr. Jimmy Schulz on behalf of Schulz Investments LLC for replat of 600 Texas St. & 1005 Center St, Rust, 4, Block 15, Lot 1, 2A for subdivision. Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fifth item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Virgile Talley on behalf of Leslie Driscoll of 421 Sunset Dr., Blasingame Subdivision, Lot 28, for the following variances: A. A variance of 21 feet from the required 25- foot front setback, resulting in a 4- foot setback B. A variance of 4 feet from the required 5- foot side setback, resulting in a 1- foot setback for installation of a carport. Director of Planning & Development Gwyn Teves presented a copy of a request from Mr. Virgile Talley on behalf of Leslie Driscoll of 421 Sunset Dr., Blasingame Subdivision, Lot 28. Mrs. Teves stated that the Planning Commission met and recommended that the City Council consider approving the request. After some discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to approve the request from Mr. Virgile Talley on behalf of Leslie Driscoll of 421 Sunset Dr., Blasingame Subdivision, Lot 28, for the following variances: A variance of 21 feet from the required 25- foot front setback, resulting in a 4- foot setback B. A variance of 4 feet from the required 5- foot side setback, resulting in a 1- foot setback for installation of a carport. Councilmember Burnell Neal 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 accepting the H- GAC- Victim' s Assistance Officer Grant for the Wharton Police Department for one( 1) year and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said grant. Police Chief Terry David Lynch presented a copy of a memo from him regarding the H- GAC Victim' s Assistance Office Grant for the Wharton Police Department. Chief Lynch said the Wharton Police Department had reapplied for the Victim' s Assistance Officer position through the H- GAC Governor' s Victim' s Assistance Grant Program, and the Department was approved for the position years ago and was operational, having appointed Jessica Dittrich to that position. He said the grant term was for one year( FY2026), and H- GAC approved this grant renewal request in the amount of$ 93, 543. 75 ($ 74, 835. 00 with a match of$ 18, 708. 75) for FY2026. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 23, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 4 of 10 RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 83 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING THE H- GAC- VICTIM' S ASSISTANCE OFFICER GRANT FOR THE WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ONE( 1) YEAR AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID GRANT. WHEREAS, The City of Wharton finds it in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Wharton that the Victim Assistance Officer be operated for the 2026 Fiscal Year; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council agrees that in the event of loss or misuse of the Office of the Governor' s funds, the Wharton City Council assures that the funds will be returned to the Office of the Governor in full; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council designates Mayor Tim Barker as the grantee' s authorized official. The authorized official is given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate the grant on behalf of the applicant agency. 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, on behalf of the City of Wharton, all documents related to said grant. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 24`" day of November 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary i City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 5 of 10 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 authorizing the purchase of three( 3) workstations from Zetron and two ( 2) consoles from Motorola for the Wharton Police Department through Texas Communications and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents related to said purchase. Police Chief Terry David Lynch stated the current dispatch workstations and consolettes were 18 years old, having been purchased in 2007. Chief Lynch said the equipment had long since passed its end of life and had exhausted all available replacement parts. He said the three replacement workstations were Zetron, totaling 191, 921. 00, and the two required Motorola, consoles were totaling $ 25, 146. 21. Chief Lynch stated that Texas Communications was the provider for all the equipment and installation, and was a qualifying cooperative vendor with a total cost of$ 217, 067. 21, which had been budgeted for the current fiscal year. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 84, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 84 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THREE ( 3) WORKSTATIONS FROM ZETRON AND TWO ( 2) CONSOLES FROM MOTOROLA FOR THE WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT THROUGH TEXAS COMMUNICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID PURCHASE. WHEREAS, A quote was received for the purchase of three ( 3) workstations from Zetron and two 2) consoles from Motorola for the Wharton Police Department; and, WHEREAS, Texas Communications is the provider for all the equipment and installation, and is a qualifying cooperative vendor; and, WHEREAS, The three( 3) replacement workstations are from Zetron, totaling$ 191, 921. 00. The two ( 2) consoles are Motorola, totaling $ 25, 146. 21. Texas Communications is the provider for all the equipment and installation, and is a qualifying cooperative vendor. The total cost is $ 217, 067. 21; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Texas Communications for the purchase of three ( 3) replacement workstations and two ( 2) consoles in the amount of 217, 067. 21 for the Police Department; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said purchase. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: SECTION I. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to purchase three 3) workstations from Zetron and two ( 2) consoles from Motorola for the Wharton City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 6 of 10 Police Department from Texas Communications in the amount of$ 217, 067. 21. SECTION II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents related to the purchase of the equipment. SECTION III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 24th day of November 2025. CITY OF WHARTON TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Burnell Neal 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 establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with Wharton County to update the Wharton County Hazard Mitigation Plan, committing funds of$ 12, 500. 00, and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said Memorandum of Understanding. Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Ben Guanajuato stated that in 2016, the City, in partnership with Wharton County, completed and adopted the Wharton County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Lt. Guanajuato said that FEMA required this plan to be updated, approved by TDEM and FEMA, and readopted every five years to qualify for grants. He noted that Wharton County had coordinated with a consultant to complete the update and was requesting that the City of Wharton partner with them and the Cities of East Bernard and El Campo to complete the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan and to cover a portion of the costs. Lt. Guanajuato stated the City of Wharton would be responsible for a financial contribution of $ 12, 500. 00. After some discussion, i City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 7 of 10 Councilmember Burnell Neal moved to approve the City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 85, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 85 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH WHARTON COUNTY TO UPDATE THE WHARTON COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, COMMITTING FUNDS OF 12, 500. 00, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. WHEREAS, The City of Wharton City Council wishes to participate with Wharton County, the City of El Campo, and the City of East Bernard to complete an update to the Wharton County Hazard Mitigation Plan; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton City Council wishes to commit funds to the update totaling 12, 500. 00; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents relating to said memorandum. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: SECTION I. The Wharton City Council hereby approves participation with Wharton County, the City of El Campo, and the City of East Bernard to complete an update to the Wharton County Hazard Mitigation Plan. SECTION II. The City of Wharton City Council wishes to commit to the update totaling$ 12,500.00. SECTION III. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said Memorandum of Understanding. SECTION IV. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 24th day of November 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 8 of 10 PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The ninth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving amendments to the By- Laws of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation. Wharton Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Courtland Holman presented a draft of the amended Wharton Economic Development Corporation By- Laws. City Manager Joseph R. Pace stated that an EDC Committee was created to review the changes, and that Senior Staff and City Attorney Paul Webb also reviewed them. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2025- 86, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 86 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE WHARTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. WHEREAS, The Wharton Economic Development Corporation (" Corporation") is a non- profit corporation organized under the provisions of the Development Corporation Act, Chapter 505 of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton Economic Development Corporation' s Board of Directors has reviewed the current Bylaws of the Corporation and determined that certain revisions are necessary and appropriate to correct typographical and formatting errors, clarify procedural provisions, and incorporate additional information to ensure compliance with applicable state law and City policies, and has approved the Amended Bylaws of the Corporation; and, WHEREAS The Wharton City Council has reviewed the approved Amended Bylaws of the Corporation and wishes to amend the Bylaws of the Corporation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby approves the Amended Bylaws of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation as presented in the attached Exhibit" A." Section II. The Wharton Economic Development Corporation shall be bound by the terms as set forth in the Amended Bylaws. Section III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 9 of 10 Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 24th day of November 2025. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The tenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the cancellation of the December 22, 2025, Regular Wharton City Council Meeting. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to cancel the December 22, 2025, Regular Wharton City Council Meeting. Councilmember Burnell Neal seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eleventh item on the agenda was to review and consider an update of the City of Wharton Grant Programs. Planning and Development Director Gwyn Teves presented 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 an update on the City of Wharton' s ongoing projects. City Manager Joseph R. Pace presented an update on the City of Wharton' s ongoing projects. After some discussion, no action was taken. The thirteenth 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 Larry Pittman moved to approve the following: Resignation: Ms. Kaitlyn Humberson from the Mayor' s Committee on People with Disabilities. Appointment: Ms. Kathy Alexander to the Mayor' s Committee on People with Disabilities. Councilmember Burnell Neal seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the Department Head Reports: l City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- November 24, 2025 Page 10 of 10 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. 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. Adjournment. Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7: 31 p.m. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS gY• TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: Qljo'DQI- P- PA A FAVORS -- City Secretary f