City Council Meeting Recap | October 20, 2026
Public Forum: Jason DeRoy spoke on behalf of the newly formed Patrons of the Pool - a community group dedicated to supporting Runaway Bay’s public swimming pool while helping reduce the financial burden on the City. They are exploring several initiatives, including a professional assessment, potential grant opportunities and community fundraisers.
Consent Items:
A. September 16, 2026 Special Session Minutes – APPROVED
Consideration & Action Items:
A. September 30, 2026 accounts payable – ACCEPTED
B. September 2026 financial report – ACCEPTED
Councilmember Holt noted tap fee revenue in the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJ) has increased 130%
C. Ordinance No. 645 – Reserve Police Force – APPROVED
Establishes updated regulations for the City’s reserve police force in accordance with changes to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements.
Chief Reynolds explained that Runaway Bay currently has two reserve officers. He emphasized that the ordinance is an administrative update prompted by TCOLE regulations. It does not represent a change in the department’s current operations.
Updates from Mayor and City Council
Richard Griffin | Economic Development Corporation (EDC) – no meeting was held, no updates to report
Carolyn Moody | Cemetery Board – presented by Barry Schimpf
The monarch butterflies have arrived! The Butterfly Garden at the Eternal Oaks Cemetery, with the help of the Garden Club, is welcoming monarchs
Phil Reicheneker | Parks and Rec – presented by Tim Liberto
Highlighted the installation of the new City Park sign and ongoing discussions of basketball and pickleball courts
Discussed the possibility of a new spinner equipment at Charles Todd Park
Announced the first 14U Softball tournament at Liberto Ballfield this past Sauturday. Let's go, Runaway Bay Bombers!
Christopher Petty | Fire Department
20 medical calls | 12 fire calls
Thanked the community for its incredible turnout and support at the 10th Annual Fish Fry
Halloween Safety: The Fire and Police Departments will be out patrolling the neighborhood, helping keep trick or treaters safe while handing put candy. We'll also have the engine at Just Jesus Church.
Steve Reynolds | Police Department
35 citations
110 warnings
64 code enforcement
15 animal control
28 agency assists
5 reports filed
2 felony arrests
1 misdemeanor arrest
Update from TxDOT:
Crews are expected to begin laying hot-mix asphalt on the main travel lanes this week, starting near Hastings and working eastward.
Anticipate daily traffic delays for approximately 3 weeks.
Mentioned intent to permanently lower speed limit on 380 in city limits
Steve Holt | Great Runaway Bay Alliance (GRBA)
Upcoming Events:
November 16 | 6PM: Annual Membership Meeting featuring Wise COunty Judge JD Clark
November 10 | 11:30AM - 4:30PM: Carter BloodCare Blood Drive - contact Carolyn Dent
December 4 | 7PM: Lighted Golf Cart Parade – December 4 - recognized Earl and Pansy Green for sponsoring the event plaques
Roddy Boston | Infrastructure Task Force
Water treated over the past 3 months:
July: 2.371 MGD (million gallons per day)
August: 2.283 MGD
September: 2.373 MGD
Chlorine Building Project:
Completion of the project is anticipated within 30 days with only a few items remaining, including a door and minor electrical work.
Texas Commission of Environmental Control (TCEQ) Enforcement Update:
The enforcement case is scheduled for November 4 and the City’s Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) is expected to be accepted, which will allow the funds spent on the chlorine building to go towards the City’s $43,780 fine.
As a result, the City will not have to pay the fine
Lift Station Improvements:
A pre-bid meeting was held this week for the lift station project, with more than 60 packets distributed to contractors
Contractors toured the proposed work areas, including Jim Walters and S. Port O Call
Manhole Rehabilitation Project:
The advertisement is scheduled to run for 30 days in the Star Telegram and the City has already received more than 7 inquiries
Mayor Herman White
Thanked the members of the Infrastructure Task Force (Steve Reynolds, Roddy Boston, Barry Schimpf, Richard Griffin) for their dedication, research and planning efforts saving the city millions of dollars on infrastructure projects.
Discussed the City’s new financial software, Fundview, which provides daily year-to-date financial reporting and reconciliation, improving the City’s ability to monitor its finances.
Recognized Municipal Judge Karen Green for her outstanding work during the financial transfer and audit. The auditor described her Court records as some of the cleanest and most organized documentation they had ever seen
Judge Green recognized City Staff, Maddie Fagan and Wendy Sosa, for their hard work and assistance
Norma Coble Civic Center Retaining Wall
Mayor White addressed safety concerns regarding the retaining wall next to the Civic Center. The EDC has authorized funding to address the issue.
Hayter Engineering completed an assessment identifying portions of the wall leaning 13 inches from their original position. The report also raised concerns about potential impacts to the building’s foundation.
The engineer recommended constructing a new reinforced concrete retaining wall 5 feet in front of the existing wall. Additional engineering analysis will be necessary before moving forward.
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