Runaway Bay March City Council Recap

Regular Session | March 17, 2026

Quick Summary:

·       Federal funding secured and major projects moving toward construction phase

·       Jim Walters Road repair update

·       Addressing Data Centers in Wise County

·       Water Quality Update

Public Forum

• Bailey Farley spoke regarding Martins Road, asking about the use of city funds for paving.

• City response will be addressed separately

Consent Items (Approved)

• February 3, 2026 – Work Session & Special Session minutes

• February 23, 2026 – Regular Session minutes

Consideration & Action Items

A. Accounts Payable Report (February 28, 2026) - Approved

B. February 2026 Financial Report - Approved

·       A deposit of $17,971.50 was received as a reimbursement from TML for Lift Station #7

·       Additional funds received from the Wise County District Clerk Excess Tax Fund:

• $16,065.45

• $1,764.52

• Total: $35,801.47

C. Service Agreement – Freese and Nichols - Approved

The Mayor turned the floor over to Travis Kelly and Jeff Hammond of Freese and Nichols, who presented an update on federal funding, infrastructure planning, and current project progress.

A full copy of the presentation slides included below.

Presentation by Travis Kelly:

Background & Initial Engagement

Runaway Bay residents first met Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) in Fall 2022 during a large town hall meeting that included Congressman Ronny Jackson, State Representatives Lynn Stucky and Tan Parker, and representatives from the Texas Water Development Board. Since then, FNI has assisted the City not only with engineering and design, but also with the complex grant application process, including preparation of the Private Information Form (PIF), a 60-page document outlining the City’s needs and eligibility.

EPA Grant Funding

• FY2024 Federal Budget

  • $1.75 million secured

  • $350,000 local match

• FY2026 Federal Budget

  • $1 million secured

  • $200,000 local match

• Total secured EPA-related funding: approximately $2.75 million

• Total available through EPA programs: approximately $3.3 million

• Additional details:

  • Approved expenses reimbursed at 80%

  • Full payment required prior to reimbursement

  • Competitive bidding required

  • Environmental approval granted April 18, 2025

  • Freese and Nichols engaged June 17, 2025

  • Additional $7 million request submitted March 3 (FY2027)

  • 90-day waiting period required after approval before accessing funds

USACE (Army Corps of Engineers) Funding

• City notified of funding availability in February 2025

• Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) required before work could begin (executed February 12, 2026)

• Pre-award work is not permitted

• Funding breakdown:

  • $6.75 million allocated

  • $750,000 reserved for administrative costs

  • Approximately $6 million available for project costs

• Additional requirements:

  • Up to 75% reimbursement of eligible costs

  • NEPA environmental documentation required

  • Procurement must comply with state and local regulations

Program Requirements & Process

• Federal funding programs involve:

  • Complex requirements and federal regulations

  • Strict eligibility standards for all projects

  • Extensive checks, balances, terms, and conditions

• General process includes:

  • Application completion and project identification

  • Securing funding availability

  • Design and planning

  • Competitive procurement

  • Ongoing reporting and administration

·       Additional Notes

o   The City does not qualify for certain low-income grant programs

Presentation by Jeff Hammond (Freese and Nichols):

EPA Update

• Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) assessment underway to identify improvements

• 17 lift stations evaluated:

  • Ranked high, medium, low priority

  • High-priority stations will be addressed first

• Inflow & Infiltration (I&I):

  • Conducted under EPA-related efforts

  • Focused on identifying inefficiencies and system needs

Current Projects

• Facility Condition Assessment: Complete

• WWTP Chlorine Building Improvements

  • Design ~90% complete

  • Under EPA review

  • Anticipated to advertise April 2026

• R.H. Borden I&I Assessment

  • Agreement executed February 24, 2026

• Jim Walters Lift Station Improvements

  • Design ~50% complete

• Port O’Call South Lift Station Improvements

  • Design ~50% complete

Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Assessment

Phase 1

• Site preparation

• Manhole Virtual Model (MVM) scanning

Phase 2

• Sensor installation

• Data collection

• 24/7 monitoring

• Followed by:

  • Workshop

  • Final analytics

  • Final report

USACE Update

• Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) process described as complex

• PPA executed

• Kickoff meeting held March 10, 2026

• NEPA compliance pending, may impact schedule

Project Schedule & Planning

• Projects will follow an aggressive 3-year schedule:

  • Design

  • Bidding

  • Construction

• Scheduling will be coordinated for efficiency and compliance

Financial & Program Management

• Emphasis on cash flow management

• Long-term planning includes:

  • Rehabilitation and Collection System Master Plan with Rate Study

  • Includes both water and wastewater systems

  • Currently under internal review

Presentation Continued – Travis Kelly

• EPA and USACE funding will be managed together as one overall program, though administered separately at the federal level.

• Project strategy includes:

  • Coordinated scheduling

  • Staggered project implementation

  • Efficient use of funding and cost control

Council Discussion

During Council discussion, the Mayor asked about the level of preparation required to navigate EPA processes, noting the work completed by Council and task force members, including Barry Schmipf. It was noted that the funding secured greatly reduces the burden on local taxpayers. Travis Kelly expressed appreciation to City staff and leadership, including Colby Shawn, for their work, and the Mayor emphasized the importance of continuing to move the process forward efficiently.

Council Member Petty asked how many Texas cities are currently participating in this program, to which it was stated that only 3 are involved. He also asked whether the process could have been expedited, and it was explained that federal requirements and regulations prevent the timeline from being significantly accelerated. Additional discussion noted that programs of this scale are highly complex, with some delays attributed to agencies working through their processes. It was further emphasized that opportunities like this are not common for cities of this size and that securing this level of funding represents a significant achievement for the City.

D. Cemetery Board Appointment - Approved

• Marisol Mogus appointed to the Cemetery Board

• Council members spoke in support

Remarks:

1.Wise County Commissioner Colby Shawn

The Mayor invited Commissioner Colby Shawn to provide updates on regional efforts and infrastructure topics.

Federal Advocacy & Funding

The Commissioner advised he has worked on federal advocacy since 2022, including multiple trips to Ronny Jackson’s office in Washington D.C. He emphasized funding of this scale is difficult to obtain and that the process is slow but necessary.

Jim Walters Road Update

Commissioner Shawn gave residents some good news about Jim Walters Road. He explained how Wise County commissioners are authorized to enter into road agreements with municipalities. Following the major washout that occurred last year, Colby Shawn was asked to evaluate the situation. He determined that this was not a quick or temporary fix, but rather a project requiring proper engineering. The county engineer was brought in to assess the site, and their findings confirmed that the watershed conditions require the installation of two 10x10 culverts to safely handle water flow.

That level of infrastructure comes with a significant cost (estimated at over $100,000) and presents logistical challenges as well. The county does not currently have the necessary equipment, such as a crane or excavator, to complete this type of project independently.

Just last week, the Mayor followed up once again. That conversation led to coordination with the Wise County Bridge Builder, and together they forged a path forward. With updated estimates now in place and the project within the City’s budget, Colby Shawn shared that he plans to present this item next week for potential approval. Adding that work could begin soon

Data Center Discussion

The Commissioner informed that there are no data centers currently planned in Wise County. However, a tax abatement proposal exists in Jack County for a data center and concerns discussed include: water usage, electrical grid impact and limited regulation in unincorporated areas. He reassured the community that he is requesting a study to evaluate the impacts and mentioned the possibility of requesting a special legislative session in Austin.

🇺🇸 Community Event

This year America celebrates her 250^th birthday and Wise County is celebrating America's semi quincentennial with an event leading up to July 4^th. On April 12, a worship celebration on the Decatur Square at the Wise County Courthouse. The celebration focuses on themes of faith, freedom, and community, honoring the nation's 250-year history.

• America 250 Celebration

  • April 12, 2026

  • Wise County Courthouse

  • 5:00 PM

www.onewiseundergod.com

Wise County America 250

Finally, Commissioner Shawn encouraged patience as projects move forward and reiterated to the residents to contact him if they have any further questions.

2. Ryan Halligan – Public Works / Water System Update

The Mayor recognized Public Works Superintendent Ryan Halligen, who provided an update regarding the City’s water system and a recent regulatory notice issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Ryan explained that the notice relates to total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which are regulated under federal and state guidelines. TTHMs can form when chlorine, used during the disinfection process, reacts with naturally occurring organic material in the water. He emphasized that this is a well-known and regulated issue in water systems and is not unique to Runaway Bay.

He clarified that the notice is based on a running annual average (LRAA) rather than a single test result. While one sampling location exceeded the regulatory limit based on that average, recent testing shows levels are decreasing, and other sampling locations are currently within compliance.

Ryan shared that adjustments to treatment processes, including chemical dosing and timing, have already been implemented and are helping bring the system back into full compliance. He also noted that the City initially contacted TCEQ on this matter in October, but did not receive follow-up communication until February.

He further explained that regulatory agencies monitor these levels due to long-term exposure concerns, but emphasized that this situation does not represent an immediate health risk, and confirmed that no alternative water supply is required.

Mayor White added context, explaining that the City previously identified and reported 38 infrastructure-related violations to TCEQ. He noted that this proactive step helped position Runaway Bay to qualify for federal funding assistance, allowing the City to begin addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges.

Following the update, Council Member Richard Griffin expressed appreciation for the Public Works Department and shared that he has personally spent time walking portions of the wastewater system to better understand ongoing challenges. He also reminded residents that only toilet paper should be flushed, noting that non-flushable items creates a significant strain on the system.

SCADA Update – Roddy Boston

Roddy Boston provided a brief update on system monitoring improvements. He shared that manhole scanning is underway, allowing for better visibility of the system, and that staff continue routine checks on key infrastructure such as lift stations.

He reported that lab results are currently within normal ranges, indicating stabilization efforts are making progress. The SCADA system upgrade is approximately 90% complete, and once finalized, will enhance monitoring capabilities and improve coordination with ongoing infrastructure projects with Freese and Nichols.

6. Updates from Mayor and Council Members

EDC Update – Council Member Richard Griffin

Council Member Richard Griffin provided an update on the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), noting the ongoing efforts are organizing funds and explore new opportunities for community engagement. They are working toward establishing an organization to help coordinate and manage local events and develop new activities replace previous Smoke on the Water event.

Raffle tickets are currently being sold for a 54-inch zero-turn riding mower supporting our Freedom Fest Firework fundraising efforts. Tickets priced at $20 or 6 for $100

Cemetery Board Update – Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Moody

Mayor Pro Tem Moody shared that the Cemetery Board is doing exceptionally well and remains very active. Current efforts include ongoing improvements to the grounds, water system, and butterfly garden. She expressed appreciation for the board’s continued dedication and noted she is very proud of the work being done.

Fire Department Update – Council Member Chris Petty

Council Member Petty provided an update on the Fire Department, reporting approximately 25 calls, with the majority being medical-related. In a lighthearted moment, he joked about volunteer recruitment, noting that while help is always appreciated, it can sometimes be a challenge to get residents involved.

Police Department Update – Chief Steve Reynolds

Police Chief Steve Reynolds reported recent activity, including 98 citations issued, 101 warnings, and one accident.

Greater Runaway Bay Alliance (GRBA) Council Member Steve Holt

Council Member Holt shared several upcoming community events sponsored by GRBA:

• March is Membership Month, with opportunities to join at the individual, family, or business level

• April 11 – Highway 380 Clean-Up Day, a great opportunity for volunteer service

• May 1 – Yard of the Month recognition program

• May 5 – Carter BloodCare Drive

• May 30 – Launch of a new “Hometown Heroes” event to honor first responders

These events reflect continued efforts to strengthen community engagement and involvement throughout the city.

Mayor’s Update – Mayor Herman White

Mayor Herman White addressed recent discussions circulating on social media, noting that misinformation and negative commentary only harms our small city. He emphasized that Runaway Bay is a strong community and encouraged residents to stay focused on facts and the progress being made.

He also provided clarification on recent redistricting, sharing that Congressman Ronny Jackson will continue to serve Runaway Bay until January 2027, and expressed appreciation for his ongoing support and work with the City.

The Mayor announced plans for an upcoming event in Runaway Bay to honor Congressman Ronny Jackson, while also welcoming incoming Congressman Brandon Gill as part of the transition. Additional state leaders expected to attend include Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Tan Parker, and Representative Andy Hopper, with scheduling to be finalized. He emphasized that the event is focused on strengthening relationships and ensuring continued visibility and support for Runaway Bay as the City moves forward.

March 17, 2026 Agenda