City Council Meeting Recap | June 16, 2026

Public Forum:

·      “Fun Officer” Rhonda Hoover introduced a new Freedom Fest fundraiser: the Fireworks Jail. She noted that Freedom Fest features the longest fireworks show in Wise County and emphasized that the event is powered by volunteers. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Beverly. Please see flyers below.

·      Ken Kilpatrick highlighted another new Freedom Fest activity: the Dunk Tank. Volunteers are still needed to sign up to be dunked. He also discussed returning favorites, including the International Turtle Races, joking that the turtles are hard at work training for the big event. Residents can support Freedom Fest by sponsoring a turtle in the race or purchasing raffle tickets for the mower giveaway.

Consent Items

·      Minuets from May 19, 2026 Regular Session – APPROVED

Consideration and Action Items

A.   Financial Statements prepared by MWH Group – APPROVED

a.     The auditor reported that the city received a clean audit for both fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Residents who would like to review the audits in full can view the document here: 2024 | 2025. The audit presentation may also be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel as part of the City Council meeting recording when uploaded.

B.    Shelby Hicks with Meals on Wheels announced the organization’s desire to expand services in Runaway Bay. Last year, Meals on Wheels provided more than 53,000 meals across Wise County, including 12 in Runaway Bay. Hicks explained that Meals on Wheels is not limited to low-income individuals. The program is designed to assist anyone who has difficulty preparing meals independently, regardless of financial circumstances. In addition to meal delivery, the organization also provides transportation services. Residents who are interested in receiving Meals on Wheels services may call 940-627-5329. Check out their website for more information https://www.mealsonwheelswisecounty.org/

C.    Eternal Oaks Cemetery presentation

a.     Barry Schimpf presented a proposal for a Commemorative Brick Garden at the cemetery. The project would allow the purchase engraved bricks to honor loved ones while helping support future cemetery improvements.

b.     He also provided an update on recent cemetery improvements and future initiatives. Topics included irrigation repairs, expansion planning, new irrigation for future sections, gazebo construction, cemetery registration efforts, signage, the Butterfly Garden, Wreaths Across America, and other beautification projects.

c.     Council noted to add item to next agenda for consideration.

D.   May 31, 2026 accounts payable report – ACCEPTED

E.    May 2026 financial report – APPROVED

F.    Reimbursement of $43,605.49 from the EDC to the City for the Bay Church infrastructure expenses – APPROVED

G.   Additional street repair expenditure of $6,900 funded by the EDC – APPROVED

H.   Ratify resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds by the EDC for the Freedom Fest 2026 -APPROVED

I.      Proposed $10,000 unbudgeted expense for Fireworks/Freedom Fest – REMOVED

a.     A motion was made unanimously to remove the item from consideration. Council discussed that City tax dollars cannot be used to fund fireworks

J.     Ratify Interlocal Agreement between the City of Runaway Bay and Legacy Contracting – APPROVED

a.     The agreement relates the refurbishment of the Chlorine Building using EPA funds. The competitive bidding process is complete and Legacy Contacting, a Decatur-based company, was selected.

b.     The $119,000 project is required to maintain compliance with TECQ standards and will be paid through grant funding and reimbursement programs.

Updates from Mayor and Council

·      Phil Reicheneker | Parks and Rec: Reported the last meeting was productive and positive. Recent improvements at Liberto Ballfield include: erosion control, fence repair and new sod which was approved by the EDC last week. They have also started organizing Summer Public Beach Clean-ups on Saturdays

·      Richard Griffin | EDC: Emphasized the ongoing need for volunteers for Freedom Fest to help make the event successful.

·      Carolyn Moody | Cemetery Board: Expressed support for the proposed Brick Garden and thanked Barry Schimpf for his presentation and continued work on behalf of Eternal Oaks Cemetery.

·      Chris Petty | Fire Dept: Reported 20 calls and 2 fires. He encouraged residents to consider joining the department, noting that volunteers receive free medical training and become part of a close-knit team. Interested individuals may pick up an application at City Hall or attend a Fie Department meeting on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Station.

·      Steve Reynolds | Police Dept: Reported 68 citations, 77 warnings and 26 agency assists. He also announced that he and Officer Chad Lanier recently attended a Crime Stoppers meeting to request funding for Runaway Bay’s first Flock camera along Highway 380. Crime Stoppers voted to fund the first three years of the program. He explained that the cameras assist law enforcement in locating missing persons, traffickers, and tracking vehicles associated with criminal activity.

·      Steve Holt | GRBA: Noted that the recent Hometown Heroes event was a success, serving approximately 100 attendees while honoring our first responders. Residents may watch the event here. Upcoming events include:

o   Trash Pick-Up this Saturday at 9am (golf carts recommended)

o   Patriotic Golf Cart Parade and Kid’s Bike Parade on June 27.

·      Mayor Herman White: Reflected on the recent ribbon cutting and Veterans Memorial Bridge dedication. The dedication is available to watch here. He expressed gratitude to local veterans and everyone who contributed to reopening Jim Walters Road. Mayor White also discussed the importance of Freedom Fest and the community tradition of the annual fireworks show. As the nation prepares to celebrate America 250, he encouraged residents to take pride in our country’s history and to come together as a community to celebrate the American Spirit. He thanked the volunteers who make Freedom Fest possible and encouraged both longtime residents and newcomers to consider volunteering or donating to help keep this tradition alive for future generations.