Runaway Bay City Council Regular Session - December 16, 2025 The Runaway Bay City Council will hold a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Norma Coble Civic Center, located at 51 Runaway Bay Drive, Runaway Bay, Texas. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meeting Details Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Norma Coble Civic Center 51 Runaway Bay Drive, Runaway Bay, TX Agenda Highlights Public Forum Residents who would like to address the City Council during the Public Forum, must arrive 5-10 early and sign up prior to the start of the meeting. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Consent Items Consideration and approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025 Regular Session Consideration & Action Items Acceptance of the November 30, 2025 Accounts Payable Report Acceptance of the November 2025 Financial Report Consideration and approval of the Proposed Project Agreement between the City of Runaway Bay and Freese and Nichols Updates from the Mayor and/or City Council Members Informational updates may include community events, acknowledgments, upcoming meetings, and other items of public interest, in accordance with Texas Government Code §551.0415. No action will be taken during this portion of the meeting.

The Christmas season is officially arriving in Runaway Bay! Join us for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and an evening of holiday fun for the whole family. 📅 Date: Wednesday, December 3 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM 📍 Location: 1 Stop Enjoy a festive night featuring: 🎶 Caroling by Just Jesus Church 🔥 A cozy fire pit ☕ Hot chocolate to keep everyone warm 🎅 Santa arriving by fire truck Bring your family, friends, and neighbors as we light the Christmas tree together and kick off the season with community cheer, music, and plenty of holiday spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you in Runaway Bay! 💙✨

The holiday season is in full swing, and our community has a wonderful lineup of festive events for families, friends, and neighbors. Join us throughout the week as we celebrate the traditions, lights, and magic of Christmas in Runaway Bay! 🎄 Wednesday, Dec. 3rd - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 1Stop Join us at 6:00 PM for one of Runaway Bay’s most heartwarming traditions - the Christmas Tree Lighting at 1Stop. This year’s celebration will feature: ✨ Caroling by Just Jesus Church 🔥 A cozy fire pit ☕ Delicious hot chocolate 🎅 Santa arriving by fire truck It’s the perfect way to welcome December with family and neighbors as we gather together to light the tree and share the spirit of the season. 🚒 ✨ Friday, Dec. 5th - GRBA Lighted Christmas Golf Cart Parade The Greater Runaway Bay Alliance invites you to the annual Lighted Christmas Golf Cart Parade, starting at the Norma Coble Civic Center. Event Schedule: 🏆 Judging begins at 6:45 PM 🚐 Parade starts at 7:00 PM 🍪 Refreshments and awards served inside prior to the parade This dazzling parade travels under the protection of our Police and Fire Departments and brings together beautifully decorated golf carts of all themes and colors. Whether you’re cruising in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a joyful evening for all ages. Candy will be handed out to the kids - and the kids at heart! 📬🎅 Saturday, Dec. 6th - Letters to Santa Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: 612 Runaway Bay Drive Experience the wonder of the holidays as you drive through a beautifully lit Christmas forest on your way to visit Santa! Children are invited to drop off their letters, take a memorable photo with Santa, and enjoy the cozy sounds and sights of the season. This magical evening includes: ☕ Warm hot cocoa 🎶 Holiday music 🎨 A festive craft station where kids can create like Santa’s elves 🎁 A special surprise for every child from Santa himself

Community Highlight: Haylee Olsen   This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the residents because you make Runaway Bay feel like home. Today, we want to shine a light on a young resident who absolutely crushed her College Government Module by doing something rare - she reached out, asked questions, and got involved.   Earlier this month, Haylee emailed Mayor Herman White after struggling to find information on how our local government works. Instead of guessing, she took the initiative to learn directly from the source. Mayor White invited her to City Hall, where she sat down with Judge Karen Green, City Secretary Misty Choate, and additional staff for a one-on-one conversation about the inner workings of our little town.   Haylee didn’t stop there. She turned that visit into an A+ assignment (our assessment and recommendation) that highlights our city structure, elected officials, ongoing projects, and issues. She also expressed interest attending a City Council meeting to continue her incredible example of civic engagement!   Below is the email she sent to the mayor and her full government module, shared with her permission:     EMAIL TO THE MAYOR: "Hello, I wanted to write and say thank you again for meeting with me, I really appreciated the time and effort you guys put into answering my questions and helping me complete my assignment. I wanted to send it to you guys so you could see how I incorporated your input and views. Thank you for this opportunity!"     GOVERNMENT MODULE 11 DISCUSSION 13 RESPONSE BY HAYLEE OLSEN: Hi everyone! The town I live in is a small town called Runaway Bay of about 1,500 residents. The type of government we have in our little town is General Law and not home rule. In our city council we have 4 members, Richard Griffin, Todd Low, Steve Holt, and Chris Petty. A mayor, Herman white, Mayor Pro Tem, Carolyn Moody, our Municipal Judge, Karen Green, and a city secretary, Misty Choate. The requirements to serve on our city council are, to be a registered voter in Wise County, be at least 18 years old, must be a resident of Runaway Bay for at least 12 months, and no prior major criminal convictions such as a felony, especially in recent years. I struggled to find information about our city council members and how they are elected, so I contacted our mayor who invited me to City Hall for a meeting with our judge, and other city hall employees, as well as himself. I learned that our city council members will be elected on May 3rd. Terms for our council members are generally 2 years. When I spoke with Judge Green, she had mentioned we use staggered terms. Members have 2-year terms so that there is always someone on our council that knows what is happening with planning and events, and we do not get behind and unable to function properly. During this personal meeting they also invited me to a city council meeting, which I plan to attend soon. I researched our past city council meeting prior to this discussion and during this city council meeting there was discussion over a program called Wreaths Across America, improving the city burn pile to improve our safety, our closed down golf course & rezoning, the local Smoke on the Water event coming up, approval over finance reports, approval of accounts payable reports, and our city’s water supply and shortages, among many other pressing issues. There was lots of stress on protecting the cities' financial stability with improvements and grants. During this council meeting the topics that had stood out most to me personally were the discussions of the closed-down golf course. There has been major controversy in our community over this golf course, and people feel very strongly of it being reopened or rezoned. The other issue that I found important was the topic of our water. We get regular boil water notices due to water lines being worked on in Runaway Bay, and the discussion over improvement of this topic was very comforting, and the topic of grants helping to fix the infrastructure our small town was reassuring. This entire experience was extremely overwhelming in the best way possible. Getting to meet with Judge Green, Mayor White, and additional employees was probably the most exciting experience out of this entire semester. The amount of educational information I gained by reaching out was very helpful. I learned so much about Runaway Bay, the way our city functions, and the strong and welcoming community that has been built. I am not a very extroverted person so going to a personal meeting was eye opening and informational. Overall, this discussion has been one of my favorite discussion posts this semester and I am proud to be a resident of my small city, Runaway Bay.                                                  ___________________________________   Haylee’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone, meet with city leaders, and learn firsthand how local government works represents the kind of community spirit we are thankful for this holiday season.   We hope her example encourages other residents to be just as curious, engaged, and adventurous. Your city doors are always open.   From all of us at City Hall, Happy Thanksgiving, Runaway Bay! 🧡🦃

City Hall will close at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26, and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular business hours will resume Monday. Emergency Contacts While Offices Are Closed: • Public Works On-Call: 940-389-0255 • Police Non-Emergency: 940-627-5971 • Emergency: 911

Get involved. Stay informed. Help shape your city. Runaway Bay is built on community involvement, and our monthly board meetings are one of the best ways to stay connected to what’s happening across the city. Residents are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Monthly Meeting Schedule (all at 6 pm, Norma Coble Civic Center): • 1st Tuesday – Planning & Zoning • 2nd Tuesday – Economic Development Corporation • 3rd Tuesday – City Council • 3rd Thursday – Cemetery Board • 4th Tuesday – Parks & Recreation These meetings cover important decisions about development, city improvements, community projects, and future planning. If you’ve ever wondered how things get done in Runaway Bay, this is your front row seat. We hope to see you there!

Effective 11/25/2025, the City of Runaway Bay has rescinded the Boil Water Notice for Tryall Court. All required corrective actions have been completed and lab results confirm the water is safe for normal consumption. Questions? Contact City Hall: 940-575-4745.

Due to a water main break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued a Boil Water Notice for residents on Tryall Court. Please boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for two minutes before use. This notice will remain in effect until water samples confirm it is safe. For questions, contact City Hall at 940-575-4745.

SAVE THE DATE! Get your lights ready - the Christmas Lighted Golf Cart Parade is coming up! No pre-registration required. Just meet us in the parking lot of the Norma Coble Civic Center and join in the fun. If you’d rather cheer from the sidelines, you can still be part of the excitement as the parade makes its way through town, led by our Runaway Bay Police Department and Runaway Bay Fire Department. And don’t forget... there will be candy for the kids along the route! 📅 Friday, December 5th ⏱ Judging: 6:45 PM 🚒 Parade Starts: 7:00 PM 📍 Norma Coble Civic Center Refreshments and awards will be available inside the Civic Center before the parade.

Regular Session - November 18, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.   The City Council of Runaway Bay met in Regular Session at the Norma Coble Civic Center. Below is a full recap of the evening’s discussions, presentations, and council updates. 1. Public Forum   • Jackie Ishmael Announced that Wreaths Across America will take place on December 13 at 11:00 a.m. Runaway Bay has 23 veterans to honor, and 8 families have already been contacted. Volunteers are encouraged to attend and honor our Veterans.   • Barbara Scarpinato Requested the City and the Fire Department to discuss ways to improve the burn pile and enhance safety practices.   • Kay Fite Expressed opposition to the proposed golf course rezoning, emphasizing that residents are “shareholders” in the community. She stated the plan appears more focused on selling land than serving citizens and reiterated that residents have not felt heard from golf course owners.   • Kimberlee Swoboda Also spoke against the rezoning and noted that uses such as a soccer field or retirement home could strain water resources further. She stated that 95% of Facebook comments support reopening the 18-hole course and urged the Council not to rezone. She also mentioned that she and a few other residents have raised $50,000 to challenge any potential lawsuits related to rezoning the golf course.   • David Springfield Provided a summary of the 2nd Annual Smoke on the Water (SOTW) event and thanked all volunteers. Reported that the funds will support fireworks, parks, GRBA, and the Fire Department.   • Laura Blackburn Shared her excitement and appreciation about Runaway Bay offering community events, like SOTW.   • Phil Reicheneker Recognized the team effort behind SOTW and presented Mayor White and his wife, Linda, with a plaque for all their hard work and support towards our City’s growth and success, past and present. He noted that the event center was crucial to the SOTW’s success. 2. Approval & Action Items   • October 21, 2025 Regular Session Minutes – Approved • October 31, 2025 Accounts Payable Report – Approved • October 2025 Financial Report – Approved • Ordinance No. 639 – Special Events Vendor Fees – Approved 3. Presentation by Danielle Cocanougher   Danielle reported she had no new information, noting that her presentation was a continuation from the recent Planning & Zoning Meeting. She stated that the owners have received positive feedback on social media and encouraged residents to submit additional ideas.   Concepts discussed included: Selling adjacent pieces of land to homeowners to expand property values Forming a non-profit of former golfers to manage the course Revisiting a possible donation of the course to the City (which the Council later clarified why the City cannot accept)   She also spoke extensively about the City’s water supply, potential future shortages, and how much water a golf course requires.   The floor was then opened for council questions and legal clarifications. Council Questions & Clarifications   Mayor White Clarified his professional working relationship is with Richard Ray and addressed the earlier mention of an informal donation offer, which was declined. Explained that after reviewing all deed restrictions, rezoning would not override the legal limitations attached to the golf course property. City Attorney Terry Welch - Legal Overview   City Attorney Terry Welch provided detailed clarification regarding zoning, deed restrictions, and legal liabilities: The golf course property is heavily burdened with multiple deed restrictions. Some decades old. These restrictions limit land use and remain enforceable regardless of zoning. Rezoning does not and cannot supersede deed restrictions. Ignoring deed obligations could: • Expose the City and owners to lawsuits, • Create contractual conflicts, and • Allow residents to sue for violation of deed conditions. Many restrictions require open green space and enforce non-commercial use. Due to legal limitations, the City cannot accept the golf course as a donation, as doing so could jeopardize state and federal grants we have received for infrastructure improvements. Water & Utility Clarifications TRWD (Tarrant Regional Water District) holds the contract to supply water to the golf course - not the City. The City remains under TCEQ emergency guidelines, with prior issues including 58 infractions. State and federal agencies are working closely with Runaway Bay, and compliance is essential to retaining outside support. Council Member Holt Stressed the importance of protecting the City’s financial health. Noted that assuming responsibility for the golf course would bankrupt the City. Added that Runaway Bay is unique and that joining the West Fork Public Utility Agency is not in the City's best interest at this time. The initial investment required is significant, and the City is currently focused on major infrastructure projects already underway. With federal and state grants assisting our water-related improvements, the priority is to complete those efforts without diverting resources. The option to join the agency will remain open in the future, should circumstances change and it become beneficial to reconsider.   Council Member Petty Asked Danielle whether her team would serve as the lead investor. She clarified she is not a developer. Danielle estimated operating the course would require $1.5 million annually, and rehabilitation would cost another $2 million. Petty stated he could not support this.  Council Member Griffin Reviewed the option of privatizing the golf course and that doing so would likely triple residents' taxes. Emphasized no council member is wiling to support the level of tax increase required to rehabilitate or operate the course. When the audience was asked whether they would support a tax increase to fund the golf course, the overall response was negative. Overall Council Position   The Council emphasized that while they would love to see the golf course reopened, they must: Follow all legal guidance, Protect state and federal funding, and Acknowledge that the City cannot operate the course under current constraints.     Mayor Pro Tem, Carolyn Moody further emphasized that accepting a donation of the golf course would not only burden the City financially, it would also risk the water-infrastructure grants that Runaway Bay relies on. The Council reiterated their commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources while navigating complex legal and regulatory requirements.   Council Member Updates     • EDC - Richard Griffin gave an update on Smoke on the Water and celebrated the success of this year’s event and thanked volunteers. • Cemetery Board - Carolyn Moody shared that the Cemetery Board will meet Thursday, November 20 at the Norma Coble Civic Center at 6p.m. Upcoming Event: December 13 at 11 a.m. - Wreaths Across America. • Fire Department - Chris Petty reported 31 calls, including 5 fire and the remaining being medical calls. Also noted discussions about improving the burn pile process. • GRBA - Steve Holt reported The GRBA Chili Supper raised $850. He praised Cindy Fuller, who volunteered at the front desk for two full days. Upcoming event: December 5 at 6:45 p.m. - Christmas Golf cart parade with cookies and hot chocolate.   • Police Department - No major updates reported.   • Mayor’s Acknowledgment - Mayor White expressed gratitude to the community for reaching out to him while he was ill.

The City of Runaway Bay has entered the next phase of major improvements to our Wastewater System. Over the coming weeks, residents will notice increased activity around town as engineers and crews evaluate the system and begin preparing the groundwork for upcoming upgrades.   To keep the process efficient and properly sequenced, the engineering firm Freese and Nichols (FNI) is completing a full review of the system. This includes the Wastewater Treatment Plant, multiple lift stations, and major piping throughout the city. The City is also finalizing an inventory of equipment and documenting current conditions to ensure no detail is overlooked. The City formed a Wastewater Committee consisting of Roddy Boston (City Wastewater Director), Barry Schimpf (Runaway Bay Resident/Engineer), Herman White (Mayor) Steve Reynolds (Police Chief), Richards Griffin (City Council Member/Engineer) and Ryan Hallingan (Water Superintendent) to oversee this process.   Why This Work Matters   Like many growing communities, Runaway Bay has experienced increasing demands on its wastewater system over the years. Heavy rainfall events, aging infrastructure, and documented system conditions have highlighted the need for focused improvements. This work will help protect our watershed, support responsible growth, and strengthen our overall infrastructure for the future. Easement Documentation   As part of this effort, the City has obtained the necessary easement documentation related to wastewater infrastructure located on or near private property. These easements ensure engineers and contractors have the proper access needed for construction, maintenance, and long-term system reliability. Updated easements are also required by state regulators before certain improvements can move forward and grants released. Priority Projects   To close ongoing violations with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the following projects will be addressed first: Table 1: WWTP Project No. 1 - Package Plant Rehabilitation Table 2: WWTP Project No. 2 - Chlorine Building Improvements Table 4: WWTP Project No. 4 - Generator Rehabilitation Table 10: Jim Walters Lift Station - Lift Station Improvements Table 11: Jim Walters Lift Station - 12-inch Gravity Main Replacement Table 12: Port O’ Call South Lift Station - Lift Station Improvements   Once these projects are underway, upgrading the SCADA system (which manages real-time monitoring and controls) will be the next major priority. What Residents Can Expect Next   Over the coming weeks, residents may see crews working in various parts of the city as assessments and early preparation begin. Here’s what’s happening next: The City and FNI will identify which tasks can be completed by City crews and which will require outside contractors. Resource planning will begin, including labor and materials, especially for grant-funded projects that must follow specific purchasing rules. Oncor has been notified of projected power needs, and FNI is finalizing the design plans required before construction begins. We will continue sharing updates as key milestones are reached so residents can stay informed.

The Runaway Bay Planning and Zoning Board met on November 4, 2025, to review development discussions regarding the RB Golf Club & Resort property. I’d like to share a brief summary and the City’s official position on the matters discussed. Golf Course Donation Offer The RB Club and Resort owners informally offered the golf course property as a donation to the City of Runaway Bay. After reviewing the condition of the existing city infrastructure and the city’s current financial priorities, Council-member Steve Holt, who is familiar with the City’s finances said, “the burden on the City’s financial resources from the cost of maintaining and operating the golf course and its related assets would negatively impact the City’s financial resources.  Secondly, this burden could negatively affect the City’s ability to qualify for grants and loans from Federal and State sources.  In short, the City can not afford to take the donation.”  Accepting the golf course donation is not in the City’s best interest at this time. While the offer was appreciated, the City is operating under a declared sewer and water emergency and simply does not have the funding or resources to operate or rehabilitate a golf course of this scale. In addition, the city does not have the payroll capacity to support staffing a golf course. Our priority must remain on maintaining water system reliability and continuing the infrastructure improvements that directly serve our residents. It’s important to note that the golf course was also offered to Weatherford College and the Trinity Waters Regional District (TWRD), and both organizations declined for similar reasons. Zoning and Land Use The property is currently zoned RSG - Recreational, Scenic, Greens. The City Council unanimously agrees this zoning should remain intact. Maintaining this designation preserves the land’s intended recreational use and aligns with the community’s long-term vision. Proposed Development Concept The RB Golf Club ownership team presented a preliminary concept (“Concept A”) proposing a restructured 9-hole golf course, with additional community amenities such as trails, fields, and mixed-use spaces. A formal rezoning proposal is expected to be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Board in January 2026. Community Feedback Residents who attended and spoke at the meeting were strongly in favor of preserving the existing 18-hole golf course and voiced opposition to the proposed rezoning or restructuring plans. The City of Runaway Bay supports our residents’ desire to preserve the course in its original form and remains hopeful that a suitable private buyer will come forward - one capable of restoring and maintaining the golf course to its full 18-hole potential. Our Commitment As your mayor, I remain dedicated to fiscal responsibility and protecting the character of Runaway Bay. Preserving our greenspaces, ensuring reliable water infrastructure, and planning for responsible growth remain our top priorities. The council and I will continue to do everything within our power to support the current and future owners and preserve it as an 18-hole course. It is central to Runaway Bay’s identity and what our residents value. We appreciate everyone who participated in this discussion and encourage continued civic engagement as this matter progresses in the coming months. Disclaimer: The City of Runaway Bay communicates only through this website, https://runawaybaytexas.com and one Facebook platform. Any other pages, groups, or online discussions are independent and do not represent the City’s views or positions. — Mayor Herman White City of Runaway Bay