The Wichita Falls City Council will have a busy agenda at their next meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Seminar Room of the MPEC 1000 Fifth Street.
It is open to the public and will be livestreamed in the city’s website.
Travel center
Among its on the public agenda is the annexing of 8.32 acres of land at the intersection of Bacon Switch Road and Interstate Highway 44 for the construction of a Bengal Pantego Plaza, a truck stop and travel center to be built by a Richardson company.
Owner Faizur Rahman has said the $3 million project will include two restaurants, a convenience store, a truck repair shop and a laundry facility for truckers.
Construction is scheduled to begin July 24 with completion on May 10, 2027.
Jalonick Park grant
Councilors will also consider applying for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for recreational improvements at Jalonick Park.
The improvements would include a new restroom, replacement of a small children’s playground and addition of a swing set area. The total estimated cost is $615,000 with the city picking up half the tab if it gets approval.
Water deal
Another item is a proposal to sell up to 350,00 gallons of drinking water per day for five years at more than double the retail rate to Coastal Plains Trucking LLC to supply workforce housing locations.
The agenda item said the deal will result in no loss of water from the system.
Outside lawyers for the city
Councilors are also expected to consider authorizing the hiring of Jackson Walker LLP as outside legal counsel for up to $185,000 to represent the city in matters regarding flooding, flood mitigation efforts, and associated state and federal legal issues.
Other issues
Council members are also scheduled to get updates on the search for a new police chief, wildfire mitigation work and Multi-Purpose Events Center naming rights and conventions.
Behind closed doors
In closed door executive sessions, councilors will discuss the Oklaunion Power Station, where a change in the water sale agreement has been proposed, issues related to flood zones, and lawsuits brought against the city, including that of John Burrus, former director of aviation, traffic and transportation who sued the city for age discrimination in federal court.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Travel center, water sales and lawsuits on Wichita Falls council agenda
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News | USA TODAY Network
