City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF CITY OF WHARTON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 09, 2026 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, CouncilmembersTerry Freese, Burnell Neal, Russell Machann, Larry Pittman, and David Voulgaris. Councilmember absent was: Steve Schneider. Staff members present were: City Manager, Joseph R. Pace; Finance Director, Joan Andel; City Secretary/ Assistant City Manager, Paula Favors; Planning and Development Director, Gwyn Teves; Assistant to the City Manager, Brandi Jimenez; Police Chief, Terry David Lynch; EMS Director, Christy Gonzales; and Public Works Director, Roderick Siemen. Visitors present were: Wharton Economic Development Director, Courtland Holman, Susie Carlson, Walter Garrett, Joshua King, and Colby Primeaux with the Wharton County Leader Journal. Roll Call and Excused Absences. Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to excuse Councilmember Steve Schneider. Councilmember Russell Machann seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Public, Comments. Mayor Tim Barker called for Public Comments. No comments were made. Wharton Moment. Mayor Tim Barker called for Wharton Moments. 1. Mayor Tim Barker stated the sidewalk project was moving along at a quick pace. He said that when completed, it would add 3 %2 miles of sidewalks to the City. 2. Councilmember Russell Machann requested prayers for Councilmember Steve Schneider and his family as he was battling a health issue. Review and Consider: The first item on the agenda was to review and consider the reading of the minutes from the regular meetings held on January 12, 2026, and January 26, 2026. After some discussion, Councilmember City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 2 of 10 Russell Machann moved to approve the minutes from the regular meetings held on January 12, 2026, and January 26, 2026. Councilmember Terry Freese seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The second item on the agenda was to review and consider a request from Mr. Matt Riehs on behalf of LHT 1 LLC for the replat of property on CR 136, Jackson, Lot C, for a subdivision within the ETJ of the City. Director of Planning & Development Gwyn Teves presented a copy of the request from Mr. Matt Riehs on behalf of LHT 1 LLC for the replat of the property on CR 136, Jackson, Lot C, for a subdivision within the City' s ETJ. 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. Matt Riehs, on behalf of LHT 1 LLC, to replat the property on CR 136, Jackson, Lot C, for a subdivision within the City' s ETJ. 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 authorizing and ratifying the repairs on Ambulance Unit 1122 for the Emergency Medical Service Department from Don Davis Dealerships, and authorizing the City Manager ofthe City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said ratification. EMS Director Christy Gonzales presented a quote from Don Davis Dealerships for repair services on Ambulance Unit 1122. EMS Director Gonzales stated that, due to the urgency of the situation, the ambulance service proceeded with a purchase order dated January 20, 2026. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 09, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 09 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING THE REPAIRS ON AMBULANCE UNIT 1122 FOR THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT FROM DON DAVIS DEALERSHIPS, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID RATIFICATION. WHEREAS, Unit 1122 for the Emergency Medical Service Department needed emergency repairs; and, WHEREAS, The total cost of the repairs was in the amount of$ 6, 944. 40; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council ratifies and approves the repairs on Ambulance Unit 1122 for the Emergency Medical Service Department in the amount of $6, 944. 40 and wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said ratification. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS as follows: City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 3 of 10 Section I. The Wharton City Council hereby ratifies and authorizes the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to the repairs on Ambulance Unit 1122 for the Emergency Medical Service Department through Don Davis Dealerships in the amount of$6, 944. 40. Section II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 9th day of February 2026. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BA R Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fourth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council authorizing the submission of an application to the Office of the Governor, Operation Lone Star, for the Wharton Police Department, and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said submission. Chief of Police Terry David Lynch stated that in the past, the City Council had approved the Wharton Police Department to apply for the Lone Star Grant. Chief Lynch said that the grant was successfully awarded to the Wharton Police Department by the Governor' s Office. He said the Department was asking for approval to apply for the FY2027 Lone Star Grant, which covers the purchase of a fully outfitted patrol vehicle, tools, and supplies for one full-time or part-time officer, as well as all fuel, training, and outfitting for that officer. Chief Lynch stated that the grant was a zero- match in funding levels, ranging from a minimum of 20,000 to a maximum of$ 5, 000, 000. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 10, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 10 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, OPERATION LONE STAR FOR THE WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID SUBMISSION. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 4 of 10 WHEREAS, The City of Wharton City Council wishes to apply to the Office of the Governor, Operation Lone Star, for the Wharton Police Department to enhance interagency border security operations by including the facilitation of direct actions to deter and interdict criminal activity and detain non-citizen inmates; and, WHEREAS, Said grant is for a one ( 1) year period beginning September 1, 2026, and ending on August 31, 2027; and, WHEREAS, If awarded, the grant would fund a fully outfitted patrol vehicle, tools, and supplies for one full- time or part- time officer, as well as all fuel, training, and outfitting for that officer; 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. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS: SECTION I. The Wharton City Council hereby approves the submission of an application to the Office of the Governor, Operation Lone Star, for the Wharton Police Department. SECTION II. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 0 day of February 2026. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS B y• Jam TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 5 of 10 Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The fifth item on the agenda was to review and consider a resolution of the Wharton City Council authorizing the purchase of NetDocuments Software for the Wharton Police Department and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents related to said purchase. Chief of Police Terry David Lynch stated the Police Department expends a significant amount of staff time creating, duplicating, labeling, and tracking multiple DVDs containing videos, reports, and supporting documentation for authorized personnel involved in prosecution. Chief Lynch said that this process was labor-intensive, inefficient, and increasingly outdated given current technology and security standards. He said that NetDocuments would allow the department to provide secure, access- controlled links to authorized users ( City Court, County prosecutors, investigators, and designated partners) to review digital evidence, such as body-worn camera footage, in-car video, photographs, and case documentation, and access can be restricted, audited, and revoked as needed to ensure both data security and After some discussion, of-custody integrity. chain- Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 11, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 11 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF NETDOCUMENTS SOFTWARE FOR THE WHARTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID PURCHASE. WHEREAS, A quote was received for the purchase of NetDocuments for the Wharton Police Department; and, WHEREAS, NetDocuments would allow the department to provide secure, access- controlled links to authorized users ( City Court, County prosecutors, investigators, and designated partners) to review digital evidence, such as body- worn camera footage, in-car video, photographs, and case documentation. Access can be restricted, audited, and revoked as needed, ensuring both data security and chain- of-custody integrity; and, WHEREAS, The total is $ 13, 022. 45 ($ 5, 413. 74 for the first year and $ 7, 608. 70 for implementation) with annual maintenance thereafter is projected at$ 5, 413. 74; 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 NetDocuments for the Wharton Police Department. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 6 of 10 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 9th day of February 2026. CITY OF WHARTON TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman 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 roof repairs at Well No. 2 Water Department Facilities Buildings at 210 North Cloud Street and authorizing the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said repairs. Public Works Director Roderick Semien stated that quotes were received for the roof repair at the Well No. 2 Water Department Facilities building at 210 North Cloud Street. Public Works Director Semien said the price covered the removal and installation of materials for all three buildings, as follows: 1. Hunter' s Air Heat& Roofing Inc $ 11, 215. 00 2. Coastal Roofing Specialist$ 10, 350. 00 3. Apollo Roofing $ 14, 560. 00 Director Semien stated the City Staff was recommending Coastal Roofing Specialist for the repairs. After some discussion, Councilmember Terry Freese moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 12, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 12 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE ROOF REPAIRS AT WELL NO. 2 WATER DEPARTMENT FACILITIES BUILDINGS AT 210 City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 7 of 10 NORTH CLOUD STREET AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID REPAIRS. WHEREAS, Quotes were received for the roof repairs at Well No. 2 Water Department Facilities Buildings at 210 North Cloud Street; and, WHEREAS, Coastal Roofing Specialist was deemed the best, lowest qualified bidder in the amount of$ 10, 350. 00; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Coastal Roofing Specialist for the roof repairs at Well No. 2 Water Department Facilities Buildings at 210 North Cloud Street in the amount of$ 10, 350. 00; and, WHEREAS, The. Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said repair. 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 said repairs at the City of Wharton Well No. 2 Water Department Facilities Buildings at 210 North Cloud Street with Coastal Roofing Specialist in the amount of$ 10, 350.00. SECTION II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents related to said repairs. SECTION III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 9th day of February 2026. CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember David Voulgaris 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 roof repairs at the Parks Facilities Building and authorizing the City City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 8 of 10 Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said repairs. Public Works Director Roderick Semien presented quotes that were received for the roof repair at the Parks Department Facilities Building. Public Works Director Semien stated the price would cover the removal, disposal, and installation of materials for the office building, and they were as follows: 1. Hunter' s Air Heat& Roofing Inc $ 13, 460. 00 2. Rick' s Roofing $24,000.00 3. Apollo Roofing $ 12, 563. 00 Director Semien said the City Staff was recommending Apollo Roofing for the repairs. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve City of Wharton Resolution No. 2026- 13, which read as follows: CITY OF WHARTON RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 13 A RESOLUTION OF THE WHARTON CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE ROOF REPAIRS AT THE PARKS FACILITIES BUILDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF WHARTON TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED TO SAID REPAIRS. WHEREAS, Quotes were received for the roof repairs at the Parks Facilities Building; and, WHEREAS, Apollo Roofing was deemed the best lowest qualified bidder in the amount of 12, 563. 00; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to approve Apollo Roofing for the roof repairs at the Parks Facilities Building in the amount of$ 12, 563. 00; and, WHEREAS, The Wharton City Council wishes to authorize the City Manager of the City of Wharton to execute all documents related to said repair. 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 said repairs at the City of Wharton Parks Facilities Building with Apollo Roofing in the amount of$ 12, 563. 00. SECTION II. The Wharton City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all documents related to said repairs. SECTION III. That this resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage. Passed, Approved, and Adopted this 9th day of February 2026. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 9 of 10 CITY OF W/HARTON, TEXAS By: TIM BARKER Mayor ATTEST: PAULA FAVORS City Secretary Councilmember Larry Pittman seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The eighth item on the agenda was to review and consider the Wharton Economic Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Amended Budget. Executive Director Courtland Holdman presented a copy of the Wharton Economic Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Amended Budget. After some discussion, Councilmember Russell Machann moved to approve the Wharton Economic Development Corporation Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Amended Budget. Councilmember David Voulgaris seconded Councilmember Larry Pittman voted the motion. against the motion. Councilmember Burnell Neal and Councilmember Terry Freese voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried. The ninth item on the agenda was to review and consider City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committee Reports: A. Wharton Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors Selection Committee meeting held on January 26, 2026. After some discussion, no action was taken. The tenth 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, no action was taken. Adjournment. Councilmember David Voulgaris moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7: 10 p. m. City of Wharton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes- February 09, 2026 Page 10 of 10 CITY OF WHARTON, TEXAS yy/ By: TIM BARKER Mayor AT EST: PA LA FAVORS City Secretary i i1