City Council Recap | May 19, 2026
Public Forum:
Cindy Fuller reminded residents about the upcoming Hometown Hero Celebration on May 30, honoring our local first responders. Flyer included for more details.
Fuller also encouraged Wise County residents to take advantage of the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance made available through the Governor’s Disaster Declaration. Assistance is available to homeowners and renters impacted by the April 25 tornado. Not just residents in Unit 5, but all of Wise County. Residents are encouraged to help spread the word. Flyer included for more details.
Canvas of General Election Held May 2, 2026:
Consider/Approve Ordinance No. 640 certifying election results – APPROVED
Oath of Office for Newly Elected Mayor & City Council:
Mayor – Herman Berry White III
Council Member Place 2 – Richard Griffin
Council Member Place 4 – Phill Reickenecker
Consent Items:
Consider/Approve minutes from the April 15, 2026 Regular Session – APPROVED
Consideration & Action Items:
Consider/Accept April 30, 2026 Accounts Payable Report – ACCEPTED
Consider/Accept the April 2026 Financial Report – ACCEPTED
Sales tax revenue came in higher this reporting period
Consider/Approve Ordinance No. 641, Mayor’s Duties – APPROVED
Runaway Bay does not operate under a “strong mayor” form of government.
Ordinance clarifies and extends existing administrative responsibilities of the mayor’s office.
Updates from Mayor and Council Members:
Phill Reickenecker | Parks Board
Exciting improvements continue at the Runaway Bay Ballfields as the drainage project moves forward.
Tim Liberto was recognized for doing an excellent job overseeing the project.
Residents are encouraged to follow the Parks Board on Facebook for updates.
Next Parks Board meeting: Tuesday at 6 PM at the Norma Coble Civic Center.
Richard Griffin | EDC
Continuing budget discussions for local special events.
Donations for the annual fireworks show are currently being accepted.
Raffle tickets are also available. Flyer included.
Next EDC meeting: June 9.
Carolyn Moody | Cemetery Board
Continuing partnership with the Bridgeport Garden Club while working on the Butterfly Garden project.
Next Cemetery Board meeting: Thursday, May 21 at 6 PM at the Civic Center.
Steve Holt | GRBA
Patriotic décor will begin going up around the city soon.
Upcoming Community Events:
Hometown Hero Celebration – May 30 | 4 PM–7 PM | Cricket Ridge Park
Patriotic Golf Cart Parade 5:00 PM | Kids Bike Lineup: 4:30 PM – June 27
Meet at Bay Community Church parking lot
Steve Reynolds | Police & Fire Department
22 calls for service, 3 fires, and 1 stranded boater.
Praised local first responders for their efforts during tornado recovery operations.
Announced the City has completed storm limb pickup operations. Residents may still take debris to the burn pile site by obtaining a key through City Hall.
Thanked volunteers and city staff for their efforts restoring the community following the tornado.
TXDOT Update:
Lane closures and delays along Highway 380 are expected to begin next week.
The project will involve removing approximately 4 inches of pavement and resurfacing in one-mile segments at a time.
Roddy Boston | Public Works
Updates provided on grant-funded infrastructure projects and the Chlorine Building project timeline:
· May 21–22 – Chlorine Building bid opening evaluations and contractor notice of intent
· May 29 – Meeting for 90% design review for Jim Walters and Port O’ Call South Lift Stations
· May 29 – Submittal to TCEQ
· June 23 – Bid solicitation package ready
· June 26 – Anticipated completion of TCEQ review and 100% design completion
· July 2 – August 2 – Bid package posted publicly in paper
· August 24 – Bid opening | Evaluations | Notice of intent/contractor selection
· August 24–26 – Final contractor review process
· Discussed the ongoing I&I Study being conducted by RH Borden. It has provided valuable data identifying problem areas within the sewer system, particularly faulty manholes and areas impacted by roots and cracks. Public Works crews have already begun addressing several issues identified through the monitoring process. Residents may notice crews removing or adjusting sensors in coming weeks as repairs continue and additional data is collected. Upcoming infrastructure work is expected along Port O’ Call, Tryall Drive south of Highway 380, and Jim Walters Drive as the City continues planning and prioritizing repairs and upgrades to the wastewater system.
Mayor Herman White
Recapped the past 2½ years of water infrastructure improvements throughout the city. Explained that Runaway Bay previously experienced frequent water line breaks. By locating 64 valves throughout the system, crews are now able to isolate issues more efficiently, affecting fewer residents during repairs while improving response time and workflow.
Thanked the City’s Digital Communications Coordinator, Amber Thompson, for keeping residents informed through Facebook updates and the Runaway Bay Bulletin.
Spoke proudly about the actions of local first responders following the April 25 tornado:○ Neighbors helping neighbors during tragedy.
First responders arriving during hail and severe weather conditions.
Crews rescuing victims and performing CPR during critical moments.
Emphasized that when seconds count, those responses save lives.
Humanitarian Recognition Presented from Senator Tan Parker For leadership and service following the April 25 tornado.(Photos Included)
Recipients:
Mike Boucher – Runaway Bay Fire Chief
Christopher Petty – Assistant Fire Chief
Jay Lynch – Fire Department
Daniel Butler – Fire Department
Rosemarie Pepperdine – Fire Department
James Gates – Police Department
Rob Powell – Police Department
Nick Hall – Police Department
Cindy and Rob Fuller – GRBA
Cara Watkins – GRBA
Leah Gardner – GRBA
Camree Gunter – Resident
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