City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 26, 2026 Mayor Tim Barker declared a Regular Meeting duly open for the transaction of business at 7: 02 P. M. at City Hall, 120 E. Caney Street, Wharton, TX. Councilmember Russell Machann led the opening devotion, and Mayor Tim Barker led the pledge of allegiance. Councilmembers present were: Mayor, Tim Barker, and Councilmembers Terry Freese, Russell Machann, Burnell Neal, Steve Schneider, Larry Pittman, and David Voulgaris. Councilmember absent was: None. Staff members present were: City Manager, Joseph R. Pace; Finance Director, Joan Andel; City Secretary, Paula Favors, TRMC, CPM, MMC; Director of Planning and Development, Gwyn Teves, CPM; Assistant to City Manager, Brandi Jimenez; Police Chief, Terry David Lynch; Building Official, Claudia Velasquez, and Assistant to the Building Official, Shelby Robertson. Visitors present were: Walter Garrett, James Perez, President of the Wharton CountyHispanic P Chamber of Commerce Karen Smith Executive Director of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce, Susie Carlson, and Blake Meuth. Roll Call and Excused Absences. All members 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. City Manager Joseph R. Pace stated the City had been monitoring the winter storm and encouraged everyone to try to stay safe and warm. Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Financial Report for December 2025. Finance Director Joan Andel presented the City of Wharton Financial Report for December 2025. After some discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to approve the City of Wharton Financial Report for December 2025. Councilmember Steve Schneider seconded the motion. All voted in favor. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 2 of 22 The second item on the agenda was to review and consider the City of Wharton Municipal Election 2026: Ordinance: An ordinance ordering a City Officer's Election to be held as a joint election with Wharton County Elections Department for the purpose of electing the positions of Mayor and Councilmembers; Providing for the date, time, and place of the election, Notice of the Election, Filing Applications; Drawing for Ballot Positions, Use of Accessible Voting System, Appointment of Election Workers, Early Voting and Making Election Returns. Una ordenanza ordenando una eleccion de funcionarios de la ciudad a celebrarse de forma conjunta con el departamento de elecciones alcalde y del condado de Wharton con el proposito de elegir puestos de concejales; asignando la fecha, Horas, Y presentacion de solicitudes, sorteo para lugares en la balota, use de sistema de votacion accesible, Nombramiento de los trabaj adores de la eleccion, votacion anticipada, Y entrega de los resultados de la eleccion. City Secretary Paula Favors presented a draft ordinance, in English and Spanish versions as required by law, ordering a City Officer' s Election to be held as a joint election with the Wharton County Elections Department. Mrs. Favors stated that the City Council positions up for election were four ( 4): Mayor- At- Large and Districts No. 2, 4, & 6. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Ordinance No. 2026- 01 & 2026- 01B, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 2026- 01 AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A CITY OFFICERS ELECTION TO BE HELD AS A JOINT ELECTION WITH WHARTON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THE POSITIONS OF MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR THE DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF THE ELECTION, NOTICE OF THE ELECTION, FILING APPLICATIONS, DRAWING FOR BALLOT POSITIONS, USE OF ACCESSIBLE VOTING SYSTEM, APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WORKERS, EARLY VOTING, AND MAKING ELECTION RETURNS. BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas: Section 32 ofthe City Charter provides that regular elections to elect members of the city council shall be held on the first Saturday of May each year. At the regular election in each even- numbered year, the voters shall elect a mayor and three councilmen. At the regular election in each odd- numbered year, the voters shall elect three( 3) councilmen. The mayor and councilmen shall serve for terms and numbered places as provided in Article II of this charter. The city council may, by ordinance or resolution, order special elections, fix the dates, give notice, and provide all means for holding such special elections." Joint Election Wharton County Elections Department will be conducting the duties as described in the Joint Election Agreement. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 3 of 22 Position An election shall be held in the City of Wharton, Texas, for the purpose of electing the following officials for the City: Mayor— At Large Councilmember— District No. 2 Councilmember- District No. 4 Councilmember at Large- Place No. 6 Date An election shall be held in the City of Wharton, Texas, on May 2, 2026. Time The polls shall open for voting at 7 a.m. and shall close at 7 p.m. Location The election shall be held at: LOCATION OF POLLING PLACE ( UBICACIONDEL LUGAR DE VOTACMA) Wharton Civic Center— Duncan Auditorium 1924 N. Fulton St. Wharton, Texas 77488 Wharton County Library— El Campo Branch 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Wharton County Library— East Bernard Branch 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 Notice of City Officers' Election The Mayor shall cause a notice by publication of this election to be published at least once in a newspaper that is published in the City of Wharton, Texas, and that is in the jurisdiction of the City of Wharton, Texas, which publication shall be not earlier that the 30th day nor later than the loth day before election day. The Mayor shall also give notice of the election by causing a copy of the notice of election to be posted not later than the 21st day before election day on the bulletin board located at the City Hall, 120 East Caney, Wharton, Texas, and used for posting notices of meetings of the Wharton City Council. The notice shall include the location of the polling place. Eligibility to Vote The election shall be held in accordance with the Election Code of the State of Texas. Only qualified resident voters of the City of Wharton, Texas, shall be eligible to vote in the election. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 4 of 22 Candidate Names The City Secretary shall, in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Texas Election Code, order the candidate names to be printed on the ballots for said General Election. Filing Candidates must file applications for a place on the ballot with the City Secretary of the City of Wharton, Texas, beginning on January 14, 2026, and continuing through 5: 00 p.m. on February 13, 2026. A declaration of write-in candidacy must be filed not later than 5: 00 P. M. on February 17, 2026. Candidates for City Councilmember must designate the position filed for either Mayor— At Large, Councilmember— District No. 2, Councilmember- District No. 4, or Councilmember at Large- Place No. 6. Drawing for Ballot Positions On February 19, 2026, at 10: 00 a.m., a drawing will take place in the office of the City Secretary for the purpose of determining the order of the candidates' names as they are to appear on the ballot. The City Secretary shall post a notice of the date, hour, and place of the drawing and this notice shall remain posted continuously for at least 72 hours immediately preceding the scheduled time of the drawing. Ballots Paper ballots shall be used for the purposes of provisional and mail- out for early voting and provisional for election day. Accessible Voting System Section 61. 012 of the Texas Election Code requires that the City of Wharton must provide at least one accessible voting system in each polling place used in a Texas election on or after January 1, 2006. This system must comply with state and federal laws setting the requirements for voting systems that permit voters with physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot. The Office of the Texas Secretary of State has certified that the ExpressVote BMD voting machines are an accessible voting system that may legally be used in Texas elections. Sections 123. 032 and 123. 035 of the Texas Election Code authorize the acquisition of voting systems by local political subdivisions and further mandate certain minimum requirements for contracts relating to the acquisition of such voting systems. The City of Wharton shall lease or rent from the County of Wharton as authorized by Section 123. 032. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 5 of 22 The City of Wharton hereby adopts for use in Early Voting and Election Day Voting the ExpressVote BMD voting machines as approved by the Secretary of State to comply with HAVA requirements. Elections Recording Management Tabulation System The City of Wharton shall lease or rent from the County the ERM (Elections Recording Management) systems for tabulation purposes, if needed. Election Officers The Wharton County Elections Department( WCED) will be responsible for the appointment of the presiding judge and alternate judge. The following-named persons are appointed officers for the election: Early Voting Presiding Judge: Bertha Abraham Early Voting Alternate Presiding Judge: To Be Determined Election Day Presiding Judge: Melvin Sands Election Day Alternate Judge: To Be Determined WCED shall arrange the training. WCED is responsible for notifying the election presiding and alternate judges of the eligibility requirements of Subchapter C of Chapter 32 of the Texas Election Code, and will take the necessary steps to ensure that the presiding and alternate judges appointed are eligible to serve. The presiding judge, with the assistance of WCED, will be responsible for determining the eligibility of each appointed clerk hired to assist the judge in conducting the election. Early Voting Wharton County Elections Administrator is Marsha Barbee, appointed early voting clerk, and is authorized to appoint other deputies to serve as early voting clerks. The early voting by personal appearance for the above- designated election shall take place at: EARLY VOTING LOCATION ( Ubicaci6n de las casillas electorates de votaci6n anticipada) Wharton County Library— El Campo Branch— Mayor' s room 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Wharton County Annex D, Classroom 115 315 E. Milam Street Wharton, Texas 77488 Wharton County Library— East Bernard 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 Justice of the Peace# 3— Louise 340 N. Main Street— Louise, Texas 77455 Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted at the main location, Annex D, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., beginning on April 20, 2026, and continuing through April 24, 2026; Saturday, April 26, 2026, between 8 a. m. and 5: 00 p.m.; Monday, April 27, 2026, and continuing through Tuesday, April 28, 2026, between the hours of 7 a. m. and 7 p. m. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 6 of 22 Voters may send ballot applications and mailed ballots to the Wharton County Elections Administrator' s office at P. O. Box 390, Wharton, TX 77488, or contact 979- 532- 0193, email: marslla. barbee, 1.co. wharton. tx. us, or website: https:// www. co. wharton. tx.us/ page/ wharton. Elections. Early Voting Ballot Board An Early Voting Ballot Board is hereby established for the purpose of early voting results. The Wharton County Elections Administrator shall appoint the Presiding Judge of the Early Voting Ballot Board. The Wharton County Elections Administrator shall act as the Early Voting Ballot Board Clerk. Compensation for Election Officials and Clerks The election officials and clerks shall be compensated in the following manner: The Election Judge for the May 2, 2026, General Election shall be paid $ 9.25 per hour. The Election Judge shall also be paid$ 25. 00 for delivering the precinct records, keys to the ballot box or other election equipment, and unused election supplies after the election. The Alternate Judge for the May 2, 2026, General Election shall be paid$ 8. 75 per hour. The Election Clerk(s) for the May 2, 2026, General Election shall be paid $8. 75 per hour. Writ of Election The Wharton County Elections Administrator shall deliver to the above- appointed presiding judge for the election not later than the 15th day before election day. Returns Section 41 of the City Charter provides that city elections shall be canvassed within one( 1) week after the election; however, pursuant to changes in the Texas Election Code, Section 67. 003, the local canvass shall convene not earlier than the third day or later than the 1 Ph day after day." The period for the official canvass shall be from May 5 — 13, 2026. The the election officers holding the election shall make returns of the results thereof to the Mayor of this City, as required by the Election Code of the State of Texas. Order The City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, shall order the election in accordance with the foregoing provisions. Severability City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 7 of 22 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. Passage and Approval PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Wharton, Texas, on this 26th day of January, 2026. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS ATTEST: By: Tim Barker Paula Favors Mayor City Secretary APPROVED AS: Paul Webb City Attorney CIUDAD DE WHARTON, TEXAS ORDENANZA No 2026- 01B UNA ORDENANZA QUE ORDENA UNA ELECCION DE FUNCIONARIOS MUNICIPALES A CELEBRARSE DE FORMA CONJUNTA CON EL DEPARTAMENTO DE ELECCIONES DEL CONDADO DE WHARTON CON EL PROPOSITO DE ELEGIR LOS PUESTOS DE ALCALDE Y CONCEJALES; QUE ESTABLECE LA FECHA, HORA Y LUGAR DE LA ELECCION, EL AVISO DE LA ELECCION, LA PRESENTACION DE SOLICITUDES, EL SORTEO PARA DETERMINAR EL LUGAR EN LA BOLETA, EL USO DE UN SISTEMA DE VOTACION ACCESIBLE, EL NOMBRAMIENTO DE TRABAJADORES ELECTORALES, LA VOTACION ANTICIPADA Y LA ENTREGA DE LOS RESULTADOS DE LA ELECCION. El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, ORDENA: La Secci6n 32 de los Estatutos de la Ciudad establece que se realicen elecciones ordinarias para elegir miembros del concejo municipal el primer sabado de mayo de cada ano. En la City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 8 of 22 elecci6n ordinaria de cada ano par, los votantes elegiran un alcalde y tres concejales. En la elecci6n regular de cada aiio impar, los votantes elegiran tres ( 3) concejales. El alcalde y los concejales se desempenaran en sus puestos durante el periodo de tiempo y en los puestos numerados segun se establece en el Articulo II de esta carta. El concejo municipal puede, ya sea por medio de una ordenanza o de una resoluci6n, ordenar elecciones especiales, fijar las fechas, dar aviso y ofrecer todos los medios para realizar tales elecciones especiales". Elecci6n Conjunta El Departamento Electoral del Condado de Wharton llevara a cabo las funciones descritas en el Acuerdo de Elecci6n Conjunta. Puesto Se celebrara una elecci6n en la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, con el prop6sito de elegir a los siguientes funcionarios de la Ciudad: Alcalde— En General Concejal - Distrito No 2 Concejal— Distrito N° 4 Concejal En General— Puesto N° 6 Fecha Se celebrara una elecci6n en la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, el 2 de mayo de 2026. Horario Las urnas abriran para votar a las 7: 00 a. m. y se cerraran a las 7: 00 p.m. Lugar La elecci6n se celebrara en: UBICACION DEL LUGAR DE VOTACION Auditorio Duncan del Centro Civico de Wharton 1924 N. Fulton St. Wharton Texas 77488 Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton— Sucursal El Campo 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton— Sucursal East Bernard 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 Juez de Paz n.° 3— Louise 340 N. Main Street— Louise, Texas 77455 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 9 of 22 Aviso de Elecci6n de Funcionarios Municipales El Alcalde emitira el aviso de la elecci6n mediante la publicaci6n del mismo por to menos una vez en un peri6dico publicado en la ciudad de Wharton, Texas, y que este en la jurisdicci6n de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas. Dicha publicaci6n no debera efectuarse con una antelaci6n mayor a 30 dias ni menor a 10 dias de la fecha del dia de la elecci6n. El Alcalde tambi6n dara aviso de la elecci6n mediante la publicaci6n del mismo con una antelaci6n no menor a 21 dias antes del dia de la elecci6n en el tablero de anuncios ubicado en la Alcaldia, 120 East Caney, Wharton, Texas, utilizado para publicar los avisos de las reunions del Concejo Municipal de Wharton. El aviso contendra la ubicaci6n del lugar de la votaci6n. Elegibilidad para votar La elecci6n se realizara de acuerdo con el C6digo Electoral del Estado de Texas. Solamente los votantes calificados residentes de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, seran elegibles para votar en la elecci6n. Nombres de los Candidatos La Secretaria Municipal, de acuerdo con los terminos y disposiciones del C6digo Electoral del Estado de Texas, ordenara la impresi6n de los nombres de los candidatos en las boletas para dicha Elecci6n General. Periodo de presentaci6n Los candidatos deben presentar sus solicitudes para obtener un lugar en la boleta a la Secretaria Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, a partir del 14 de enero de 2026 y hasta las 5: 00 de la tarde del 13 de febrero de 2026. La declaraci6n de solicitud de candidato anotado se debe presentar antes de las 5: 00 de la tarde del 17 de febrero de 2026. Los candidatos para Concejales Municipales deben designar el puesto al que se estan postulando, ya sea para Alcalde para todos los votantes, para Concejal Distrito N° 2, Concejal Distrito N° 4 o Concejal - Distrito N° 6 para todos los votantes. Sorteo para los Determinar los Lugares en la Boleta City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 10 of 22 El 19 de febrero de 2026, a las 10: 00 de la manana se celebrara un sorteo en las oficinas de la Secretaria Municipal con el prop6sito de determinar el orden en que los nombres de los candidatos apareceran en la boleta. La Secretaria Municipal publicara el aviso de la fecha, hora y lugar del sorteo, que debera permanecer publicado continuamente durante al menos 72 horas previas a la hora programada para tal sorteo. Boletas Se utilizaran boletas de papel para los votos provisionales y por correo para la votaci6n anticipada y para los votos provisionales para el dia de la elecci6n. Sistema de Votaci6n Accesible La secci6n 61. 012 del C6digo Electoral de Texas requiere que la Ciudad de Wharton ofrezca al menos un sistema de votaci6n accesible en cada lugar de votaci6n utilizado en cualquier elecci6n de Texas a partir del 1° de enero de 2006. Este sistema debe cumplir con las leyes federales y estatales que establecen los requisitos para sistemas de votaci6n que permitan a los votantes con discapacidades fisicas emitir un voto secreto. La Oficina del Secretario de Estado de Texas ha certificado que las maquinas de votaci6n Express Vote BMD constituyen un sistema de votaci6n accesible que puede ser utilizado legalmente en las elecciones de Texas. Las secciones 123. 032 y 123. 035 del C6digo Electoral de Texas autorizan la adquisici6n de sistemas de votaci6n por parte de las subdivisions politicas y ademas ordenan ciertos requisitos minimos para los contratos relacionados con la adquisici6n de tales sistemas de votaci6n. La Ciudad de Wharton arrendara o alquilara del Condado de Wharton segue to autorizado por la secci6n 123. 032. La Ciudad de Wharton por medio de la presente adopts las maquinas de votaci6n Express Vote BMD para su use en la Votaci6n Anticipada y en el Dia de la Eleccio'n segun to aprobado por el Secretario de Estado pars cumplir con los requisitos HAVA. Sistema de C6mputo para la Gesti6n de Registros Electorales La Ciudad de Wharton arrendara o alquilara del Condado los sistemas ERM ( Gesti6n de Registros Electorales) para los fines de c6mputo, si fuera necesario. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 11 of 22 Funcionarios Electorales El Departamento Electoral del Condado de Wharton( WCED) sera responsable del nombramiento del juez titular y del juez suplente. Las siguientes personas son nombradas como funcionarios para la elecci6n: Juez Titular de la Votaci6n Anticipada: Bertha Abraham Juez Titular Suplente de la Votaci6n Anticipada: A ser determinado Juez Titular el Dia de la Elecci6n: Melvin Sands Juez Suplente el Dia de la Elecci6n: A ser determinado El WCED dispondra el entrenamiento. El WCED es responsable de notificar al juez titular y al juez suplente de los requerimientos de elegibilidad del Subcapitulo C del Capitulo 32 del C6digo Electoral de Texas, y tomara las medidas necesarias para asegurar que el juez titular y el juez suplente nombrados sean elegibles para desempefiar el cargo. El juez titular, con la asistencia del WCED, sera responsable de determinar la elegibilidad de cada secretario nombrado para asistir al juez en todos los aspectos para llevar a cabo la elecci6n. Votaci6n Anticipada La Administradora Electoral del Condado de Wharton es Marsha Barbee, nombrada como secretaria de votaci6n anticipada y queda autorizada a nombrar a otros asistentes para desempeiiarse como secretarios de votaci6n anticipada. La votaci6n anticipada en persona para la elecci6n antes indicada se realizara en: LUGARES PARA LA VOTACION ANTICIPADA) Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton, Sucursal El Campo— Oficina del Alcalde- 200 W. Church. El Campo, Texas 77437 Anexo D del Condado de Wharton, Sala 115 315 E. Milam Street Wharton, Texas 77488 Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton, Sucursal East Bernard 746 Clubside Drive East Bernard, Texas 77435 Juez de Paz n.° 3— Louise 340 N. Main Street— Louise, Texas 77455 La votaci6n anticipada en persona se llevara a cabo en el lugar principal, Anexo D, entre las 8 a.m. y las 5 p.m., a partir del 20 de abril de 2026, y hasta el 24 de abril de 2026; el Tunes 27 de abril de 2026, y continuara hasta el martes 28 de abril de 2026, entre las 7 a. m. y las 7 p. m. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 12 of 22 Los votantes deben enviar las solicitudes de boletas y las boletas enviadas por correo a la oficina de la Administradora Electoral del Condado de Wharton: P. O. Box 390, Wharton, Texas 77488. Tambien puede comunicarse al 979- 532- 0193, enviar un correo electr6nico a marsha. barbee@co. wharton. tx. us o visitar el sitio web: https:// www. co. wharton. tx.us/ page/ wharton. Elections. Junta de Votaci6n Anticipada Por medio de la presente se convoca una Junta de Votaci6n Anticipada con el prop6sito de obtener los resultados de la votaci6n anticipada. La Administradora Electoral del Condado de Wharton nombrary al Juez Titular de la Junta de Votaci6n Anticipada. La Administradora Electoral del Condado de Wharton actuary como Secretaria de la Junta de Votaci6n Anticipada. Compensaci6n para los Funcionarios y los Secretarios Electorales Los f incionarios y los secretarios electorales seryn compensados de la siguiente manera: El Juez Electoral de la Elecci6n General del 2 de mayo de 2026 recibiry una remuneraci6n de $ 9.25 por hora. El Juez Electoral recibiry tambien un pago de $ 25. 00 por entregar los registros de los precintos, las Haves de las urnas u otro equipo electoral y los suministros electorales que no se hayan usado despues de la elecci6n. El Juez Suplente para la Elecci6n General del 2 de mayo de 2026 recibiry una remuneraci6n de $ 8. 75 por hora. Los Secretarios Electorales para la Elecci6n General del 2 de mayo de 2026 recibiryn una remuneraci6n de $ 8. 75 por hora. Orden de Convocatoria a Elecciones La Administradora Electoral del Condado de Wharton entregary dicha orden al juez titular para la elecci6n en un plazo no mayor a 15 dias antes del dia de la elecci6n. Resultados La Secci6n 41 del Estatuto de la Ciudad dispone que las elecciones municipales sean escrudinadas en el termino de una( 1) semana despues de la elecci6n; sin embargo, de acuerdo con los cambios en la Secci6n 67.003 del C6digo Electoral de Texas, el recuento local debery recopilarse en un plazo no menor a tres dias ni mayor a once dias despues del dia de la elecci6n". El periodo para el recuento oficial sery desde el 5 hasta el 13 de mayo de 2026. Los funcionarios  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 13 of 22 que lleven a cabo todo to concerniente a la elecci6n deberan entregar los resultados de la misma al Alcalde de esta Ciudad, segun to requiere el C6digo Electoral del Estado de Texas. Orden El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, ordenara la elecci6n de acuerdo con las disposiciones antes mencionadas. Divisibilidad Si algun tribunal de jurisdicci6n competente resuelve que cualquier secci6n, subsecci6n, oraci6n, clausula, frase o parte de esta ordenanza resulta invalida o inconstitucional, dicha parte sera considerada como una disposici6n separada, distinta a independiente, y dicha resoluti6n no afectara la validez de las partes restantes de la misma. Promulgaci6n y Aprobaci6n PROMULGADO Y APROBADO por el Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de Wharton, Texas, este dia 26 de enero de 2026. CIUDAD DE WHARTON, TEXAS DA FE: Por: Por: Tim Barker Paula Favors Alcalde Secretaria Municipal APROBADO: Paul Webb Abogado Municipal Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The third item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving a Joint Election Agreement with the Wharton County Elections Department for the City Election, and the Mayor of the authorizing City of Wharton to execute the agreement. City Secretary Paula Favors presented a copy ofthe Joint Election Agreement with the Wharton County Elections Department for the City Election, scheduled for May 2, 2026. Mrs. Favors stated City Attorney Paul Webb had reviewed the Joint Election Agreement and recommended that the City City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 14 of 22 Council approve it. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 06, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 06 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A JOINT ELECTION AGREEMENT WITH THE WHARTON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CITY ELECTION; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT. WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve the joint agreement with the Wharton County Elections Department for the City election; and, WHEREAS, The City of Wharton and the Wharton County Elections Department wish to be bound by the conditions 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 approves an agreement between the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Elections Department for the City election. Section II. That the City of Wharton and the Wharton County Elections Department are hereby bound by the conditions set forth in the agreement. Section III. That the Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor of the Wharton to execute the agreement. Section. IV. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this the 26th day of January 2026. CITY OF WHARTON By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST:  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 15 of 22 PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Blake Meuth on behalf of Resilience Homes for a 3. 5' variance to the required 5' minimum side yard setback, resulting in a 1. 5' setback for a patio home development: A. 321 Mayfair Circle, Mayfair Addition, Lot 13. B. 326 Mayfair Circle, Mayfair Addition, Lot 12. C. 320 Mayfair Circle, Mayfair Addition, Lot 11. D. 312 Mayfair Circle, Mayfair Addition, Lot 8. Director of Planning& Development Gwyn Teves presented a copy of the request from Mr. Blake Meuth setback, on behalf of Resilience Homes for a 3. 5' variance to the required 5' minimum side yard in 1. 5' resulting a setback for the above- mentioned. Director Teves stated that the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council consider approving the request. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the request from Mr. Blake Meuth on behalf of Resilience Homes for a 3. 5' variance to the required 5' minimum side yard setback, resulting in a 1. 5' setback for a patio home development for afore mentioned items A. through D. Councilmember Terry Freese seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fifth item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Eloy & Mrs. Lori Enriquez of 2109 S. SH 60, Croom Plantation, Lot 8A-3, for a 12' variance from the required 35' minimum front yard setback for installation of a side Director of Planning& porch. Development Gwyn Teves presented a copy of the request from Mr. Eloy & Mrs. Lori Enriquez of 2109 S. SH 60, Croom Plantation, Lot 8A-3, for a 12' variance from the required 35' minimum front yard setback for installation of a side porch. Director Teves stated that the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council consider approving the request. Councilmember Larry Pittman moved to approve the request from Mr. Eloy & Mrs. Lori Enriquez of 2109 S. SH 60, Croom Plantation, Lot 8A- 3, for a 12' variance from the required 35' minimum front yard setback for installation of a side porch. Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The sixth item on the agenda was a request from Mr. James Perez, President ofthe Wharton County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, regarding a Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and assistance for the following: A. Close Houston Street between Milam Street and Burleson Street on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8: 00 a.m. to Sunday, May 3, 2026, 12: 00 a.m. B. Close Fulton Street between Milam Street and Burleson Street on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8: 00 a.m. to Sunday, May 3, 2026, 1: 00 a.m. C. Waive the City of Wharton Noise Ordinance to allow DJ Music and live performances.  City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 16 of 22 D. Waive the City of Wharton Alcohol Ordinance to allow public alcohol consumption in the Monterey Square Area only. E. Waive all local permit fees. F. Provide one ( 1) roll- off dumpster. G. Provide twelve ( 12) trash barrels and trash bags to help keep the Downtown Area clean. H. Provide barricades for the above- mentioned street closures. I. Provide access to the electrical breaker or outlets on Fulton Street. J. Advertise the celebration on the I- 69 Digital Billboard. K. Provide any financial or in-kind support to help offset the costs of the event. Mr. James Perez, President of the Wharton County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, presented a request regarding a Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, Mayy 2 2026. Mr. Perez stated that he made his request to the Commissioner' s Court for approval to hold the event at Monterey Square and to use the electrical breakers on Fulton Street, both belong to the as County. After some discussion, Councilmember Burnell Neal moved to approve the request with the change of F., providing two dumpsters instead of one ( 1) roll- off dumpster, and to deny K. Councilmember Russell Machann seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The seventh item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Walter Garrett to address the City Council regarding the following: A. City Ordinance to include extraterritorial jurisdictions ( ETJs). B. Fire safety recommendation for the City and extraterritorial jurisdictions regarding hay meadows. Mr. Garrett addressed the City Council regarding a request for the consideration of making land owners in the extraterritorial jurisdictions( ETJ) comply with the City Ordinance requirements on hay lots. Mr. Garrett discussed making the landowners on the Northside ( County) of the City do what the Southside ( City) has to do. He discussed what he considered appropriate safeguards, including requiring a 100- ft setback from the roadway for hay meadows to reduce the risk of accidental fires. After some discussion, no action was taken. The eighth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council approving the purchase of six ( 6) concrete planters from The Park and Facilities Catalog through the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents related to said purchase. City Secretary Paula Favors stated that the Wharton Municipal Court had a Courthouse Assessment Survey completed by the Texas Office of Court Administration ( OCA), and that several recommendations for changes were made. Mrs. Favors said the Court Security Committee had begun work on several of the recommended changes. She said the OCA found no impediments preventing vehicle penetration of the front of the building, and recommended installing large concrete planters in front of the Police Department to prevent or at least impede vehicles from striking the building' s front. Mrs. Favors presented the quote for thepurchase of six ( 6) concrete planters from The Park and Facilities Catalog through the HGAC City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 17 of 22 Cooperative Purchasing Program. She said the funds to purchase the planters would be allocated from the Municipal Court Building Security Fund. After some discussion, Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 07, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 07 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF SIX 6) CONCRETE PLANTERS FROM THE PARK AND FACILITIES CATALOG THROUGH THE HGAC COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID PURCHASE. WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to approve the purchase of six( 6) concrete planters from The Park and Facilities Catalog through the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program for the Wharton Police Department and Wharton Municipal Court; and, WHEREAS, the City of Wharton is a member of and participates in the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program; and, WHEREAS, the Park and Facilities Catalog submitted a quote in the amount of$ 10, 938; and, WHEREAS, the Wharton City Council wishes to approve the purchase of six( 6) concrete planters for the Wharton Police Department and Wharton Municipal Court in the amount of$ 10, 938; 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 authorizes the City Manager to purchase six ( 6) concrete planters from The Park and Facilities Catalog through the HGAC Cooperative Purchasing Program in the amount of$ 10, 938. SECTION H. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents related to the purchase. SECTION III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 26th day of January 2026. CITY OF WHARTON TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 18 of 22 Councilmember Steve Schneider 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 the submission of a VOCA Grant- Victim' s Assistance Officer Application for the Wharton Police Department for one year and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said grant. Chief Terry David Lynch presented a copy of a memorandum regarding the VOCA Grant- Victim' s Assistance Officer for the Wharton Police Department. Chief Lynch stated the Wharton Police Department would like to apply for the FY27 Victim' s Assistance Officer position through the H- GAC Governor' s Victim' s Assistance Grant Program. He said the department was approved for the position years ago and was currently operational, with Ms. Jessica Dittrich appointed to the role. Chief Lynch stated the grant application was for one year( FY2027), and for$ 93, 732. 00($ 70, 299. 00 with a$ 23, 433. 00 match). After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 08, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 08 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE SUBMISSION OF A VOCA GRANT- VICTIM' S ASSISTANCE OFFICER APPLICATION FOR THE WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ONE 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 will be operated for the 2027 Fiscal Year; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council agrees to provide applicable matching funds for the said project as required by the Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program grant application; 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; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council designates Finance Director Joan Andel as the grantee' s financial officer. The financial officer is given the power to submit financial and/ or programmatic reports or alter a grant on behalf of the applicant agency. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 19 of 22 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 approve submission of the grant application for the Victim Assistance Officer to the Office of the Governor. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 26th day of January 2026. 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 a resolution of the City Council of the City of Wharton regarding a special council to perform all legal services necessary to assist the City with the acquisition of real property and property interests for public purposes, including but not limited to eminent domain proceedings, in compliance with all applicable laws. Director of Planning& Development Gwyn Teves stated the City of Wharton had been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers( USACE) on the Wharton Colorado Levee Project. Director Teves said the City received authorization from USACE to begin Phase II and the Baughman Slough acquisitions, and, as a requirement for the acquisitions, the City Council adopted a Public Purpose Ordinance to address the potential need for condemnation proceedings. She said that, as the acquisition had been kicked off, it had become apparent that some of the properties would need to be handled through the condemnation process. Director Teves stated the City Staff requested Statements of Qualifications for legal services to handle these parcels, and proposals were received on January 2, 2026, from the following: 1. Baker Moran Attorneys at Law 2. Husch Blackwell 3. Hutcheson Bowers LLLP Director Teves said that while all firms had demonstrated sufficient experience and excellent qualifications for the condemnation process, the Staff recommended that Council finalize a City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 20 of 22 contract with Baker Moran Attorneys at Law, which was a Houston- based office with an extensive condemnation background and staffing capable of working with the City' s current acquisition consulting firm. City Attorney Paul Webb reviewed all three contracts. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve the City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026-02, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 02 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON REGARDING A SPECIAL COUNCIL TO PERFORM ALL LEGAL SERVICES NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE CITY WITH THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY AND PROPERTY INTERESTS FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS, IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS. WHEREAS, Providing adequate notice as required by Sec. 2254. 101 of the Texas Government Code, the consideration of a Contract for Legal Services to assist with Acquisition of Real Property and Property Interests for Public Purposes with Baker Moran Attorneys at Law, and, AFTER EXERCISING ITS DUE DILIGENCE, THE CITY OF WHARTON FINDS THAT: 1. There is a substantial need for legal services to be provided pursuant to the contract for legal services necessary to assist the City with the acquisition of real property and property interests for public purposes, including but not limited to eminent domain proceedings, in compliance with all applicable laws; and, 2. These legal services cannot be adequately performed by the attorneys and supporting personnel of the City of Wharton at a reasonable cost; and, 3. These legal services cannot reasonably be obtained from attorneys in private practice under a contract providing only for the payment of hourly fees, without regard to the outcome of the matter, because ofthe nature ofthe acquisition process; and, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: SECTION I. This statement set out in the preamble to this Resolution is true and correct. SECTION II. The meeting at which this Resolution was approved was, in all things, conducted in strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 26t' day of January 2026. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 21 of 22 CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Corporation Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Amended Budget. City Manager Joseph R. Pace presented a copy of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Amended Budget. After some discussion, no action was taken. The twelfth item on the agenda was an update on the City of Wharton Grant Programs. Planning and Development Director Gwyn Teves presented an update on the City of Wharton Grant Programs. After some discussion, no action was taken. The thirteenth item on the agenda was the update on the City of Wharton' s ongoing projects. City Manager Joseph R. Pace presented the update on the City of Wharton' s ongoing projects. After some discussion, no action was taken. The fourteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the appointments, resignations, and vacancies to the City of Wharton Boards, Commissions, and Committees: A. Resignations. B. Appointments. C. Vacancies. After some discussion, Councilmember Steve Schneider moved to appoint Mrs. Terri Mund to the Wharton Economic Development Board of Directors for the unexpired term ending September 30, 2026. Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fifteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committee Reports: A. Finance Committee Meeting held on January 12, 2026. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- January 26, 2026 Page 22 of 22 After some discussion, no action was taken. The sixteenth item on the agenda was to review and consider the 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. 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: 36 p. m. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARIMR Mayor AT ES P U AVORSY Ci Secretary