The governing body of the City of Littlefield held their regular meeting on January 27th, at the City Council Chambers, located at 525 Phelps Avenue, for the purpose of considering all matters and related incidents to the City of Littlefield.
The meeting was called to Order at 6 p.m. and the invocation was givn by Mayor Pro Tempore Kenny Rucker. Mayor Turpen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were five individuals in attendance, who addressed item 16 during the publicm comment portion of the meeting, which was to discuss, consider and take Action on Golf Cart Ordinance 2026-0127-5.
There were a few new City employees to introduce: Aaron Rodriquez, Sergio Salinas, and Lionel Dela Franco; all employees who will be working in the Water/Utility Dept.
Item six on the agenda was to consider and take action on the Minutes from the December 16, 2025 Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the minutes and it was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next order of business was to consider and take action on the Monthly Departmental Reports: ”Police Dept.; Fire Dept.; EMS; Code Enforcement; Animal Control; Landfill; Water/Wastewater; Streets and Parks; Municipal Court; Aquatic Center Report; EDC Marketing Director; Monthly Financial Reports; Quarterly Sales Tax Collection; Property Tax Collection reports; Quarterly Investment Report, LEDC A and B minutes, if Boards met.” Council Member Holmes made the motion to approve the monthly reports and it was seconded by Council Member Jason Ayala. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and take action on the December 2025 Expenses.
Council Member Ayala made the motion to approve the December 2025 expenses and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed with five ayes.
Item nine on the agenda was to consider and take action on the All-ways Towing Expenses. Council Member Ayala made motion to approve the All-Ways Towing expenses and it was seconded by Council Member Eric Saenz. The motion passed with four ayes with Buddy Holmes abstaining from the vote.
The next order of business was to consider and take action on an Ordinance 2026-0127-1 Designating Lamb County Leader News as the Official Newspaper for 2026-2027.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made motion to approve the Ordinance and it was seconded by Council Member Saenz. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and take action on Resolution 2026-0127-2 of the City of Littlefield, City Council ORDERING THE GENERAL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD JOINTLY WITH THE LITTLEFIELD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT on May 2, 2026, for the purpose of electing the positions of two (2) members, (districts 1 and 2) to the Littlefield City Council, to hold office for a period of two years; designating locations of polling places; designating run-off dates; ordering notices of election to be given as prescribed by law in connection with such election.
City Secretary Otoniel Gonzalez, informed the council of the changes on the elections polling locations, which will be at 525 Phelps Ave. for early voting and election day.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made motion to approve the resolution ordering the 2026 general elections to be held jointly with Independent School District and it was seconded by Council Member Ayala. The motion passed with five ayes.
Item 12 on the agenda was to consider and take action on Presentation of Annual Police Report Including State Required Racial Profiling Report.
Council Member Ayala made motion to approve the Annual Police Report and the State Required Racial Profiling Report and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next order of business was to consider and take action on a Resolution 2026-0127-3 Documenting Review of the City of Littlefield Investment Policy for 2025-2026 and Documenting any Changes.
Treasurer Andrew Eisenwine, stated that there were no changes to the investment plan to be documented.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the Resolution and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next item on the agenda was to discuss and take action on Resolution 2026-0127-7 Amending the Personnel Policy Book to include a No Smoking Policy by Resolution.
The no smoking policy was discussed, with the council emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean and healthy work environments. The policy includes provisions for smoking in city vehicles used for official city business.
The council approves the no smoking policy, noting the need for clear guidelines and enforcement.
Council Member Ayala, made motion to approve the resolution and it was seconded by Council Member Saenz. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next order of business was to consider and take action on a RV Ordinance 2026-0127-4.
The proposed changes to the campground rules, including renaming the RV park areas and specifying the maximum stay limits. The changes aim to prevent long-term stays and ensure the campground is used for its intended purpose, such as special events and shortterm visits.
The council discussed the need for better regulation and enforcement to maintain the campgrounds condition and availability for visitors.
The proposed changes include the introduction of a reservation system and the possibility of using the city’s website for bookings.
The proposed RV name to be Waylon Jennings North/South area. The proposed improvements include playground equipment, refurbishing bathrooms, memorial refurbishment, cornhole/horseshoe areas, dog park, updated signage, pedestal repairs, and lighting such as solar/ motion lights.
The council agreed to approve the ordinance with updated stay limits and fees which would be free five consecutive days on the North side and $30/day up to 10 consecutive days on the South side. M a y o r Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the resolution and it was seconded by Council Member Ayala. The motion passed with five ayes.
Item 16 on the agenda was to discuss, consider and take Action on Golf Cart Ordinance 2026-0127-5.
There were five residents that were present for public comments on this agenda topic. The council heard public comments on the proposed golf cart ordinance, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting community engagement.
Concerns are raised about the proposed prohibition on operating golf carts after dark, with residents suggesting a curfew instead. The council discussed the need for clear guidelines and enforcement to ensure safety and accountability.
The council discusses the specifics of the golf cart ordinance, including the definition of a golf cart and the requirements for operation. The conversation includes the need for proper lighting, reflectors, and slow-moving vehicle triangles for golf carts. The council considers the impact of state laws on golf cart operation, including the prohibition on driving on state highways and the need for compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
The importance of balancing safety with benefits of golf cart use is emphasized. City Manager Resendez, informed the council that research whether state law permits golf cart operation after dark and confirm what the city ordinance may allow and review with city legal counsel.
The council suggested further research and revise the draft ordinance to address identified issues (nighttime legality, vehicle definitions, prohibited roads, permit revocation language, unregistered carts, school zones, fines/enforcement, and plates/inspection process) and return the revised ordinance to council next month council meeting.
No action taken at this time on this agenda item.
The next order of business was to consider and take action on Resolution 2026-0127-6 Regarding TXDOT RAMP and IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and Letter of Intent for Airport Improvement Project. City Manager Ray Resendez, informed the council that there are funds available in the IIJA for airport projects in the future. The letter of intent is clarifying that the city is expressing written interest in undertaking the airport improvement projects and utilizing funds. Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the Resolution, and the letter of intent and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed with five ayes.
The next item on the agenda was a consultation with Financial Advisor, Brad Angst with Stifel Public Finance, regarding funding for City’s Utility Projects and Water Rates.
Brad Angst, discusses funding and financing options for water projects. Financial Advisor Angst, informs the council that there are two financing options available: a seven-year note with higher annual payments but lower interest costs, and a 15-year repayment with lower annual payments but higher total interest costs.
He also provides a detailed breakdown of the city’s current debt portfolio, including the history of tax rates and the top taxpayers withing the city. The discussion includes the city’s credit rating, the availability of cheap capital, and the proposed financing scenarios for the water projects. Mayor Turpen and City Manager Resendez, discuss the council’s preference for the seven-year tax note interest costs. Mayor Turpen, explains the need to adjust water rates to generate additional revenue for the bond debt and operations. The proposed rate adjustment includes a base rate increase from $35 to $36 for residential and commercial customers with significant increases for out-of-town users. The discussion includes the importance of maintaining fairness in water rates and the potential revenue generated from the rate adjustment. No action was needed for this agenda item.
With no further business to discuss Mayor Turpen adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m.