The Littlefield Economic Development Corporation Type “A” met at 12 noon Thursday, March 24, 2022, in the Chamber of Commerce Office, 601 E. 4th Street, for the purpose of considering all matters and related incidents to the City of Littlefield.
Board members present were Joel Griffith, president; Gary Jones, treasurer; Chase Bryant, new board member; Graham Henley, and Justin Balderas, Executive Director. Lori Zinn, vice president, was absent.
Others present were City Manager, Mitch Grant, and City Secretary, Janine Butler.
President Joel Griffith called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m., and offered the invocation.
Graham Henley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
No one requested to make a public comment on any of the agenda items.
Joel Griffith welcomed newlyappointed Chase Bryant to the board.
Gary Jones made the motion to approve the minutes of the Jan. 28th meeting. The second motion was made by Graham Henley, and the motion passed unanimously.
The board heard the financial report from Treasurer Gary Jones, which was unanimously approved following the motion by Graham Henley and the second by Chase Bryant.
Executive Director Justin Balderas reported he had: talked with Chris Pattison with DM3 Power, regarding wind data and the MET tower; attended TEDC Winter conference; researched Chapter 380 Agreements and discussed them with the City Manager; worked on incentive policy; worked with DeLynn Butler on the LEDC A website; reported that the water well drilling has begun and the first payment to Thunder Well was made. He was also involved with the Airport Shareholder live webinar. The motion to approve the Director’s report was made by Graham Henley, and Gary Jones made the second motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The board interviewed Luis and Beatriz Flores, about their business, Triple AAA Cabinets Design. They work in Littlefield, but are working on one of the homes in the Lubbock Parade of Homes. They have purchased property in Littlefield for larger work space, and have two employees.
Justin Balderas gave an update on Project Oasis, and reported that the water well project has begun. The pipeline has been laid and wells drilled.
Director Balderas reported that DeLynn Butler has completed working with the LEDC “A” website, and has done a great job with it.
Balderas stated the engineering and planning is about 75% complete on the Airport T-Hangar project, and the city is now wating for bid packet for RFP.
Balderas has been in contact with the Harris family who owns the land on which the MET Tower stands several miles west of the Littlefield city limits. It has been there more than 12 years, and they would like it removed. Gary Jones made the motion to have it removed, salvage it and donate it to Texas Tech University. The second motion was made by Graham Henley, and the motion passed unanimously.
Balderas advised the board that incentive payments have not been made to the Harris family for a few years, for the rent of the land on which the MET Tower stands.The motion to approve a $3,000 payment was made by Graham Henley. The second motion was made by Chase Bryant, and the motion passed unanimously.
Justin Balderas presented an inquiry for public infrastructure in an undeveloped Highway 385 Business park project. After questions and answers, no action was taken.
A Closed Meeting, pursuant to Texas Open Meetings Act: was called for:
a. Section 551.087 Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations. Possible Project
b. Section 551.074 Deliberations Regarding the Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Reassignment, Duties, Discipline or Dismissal of An Officer or Employee of The LEDC: Director
President Joel Griffith closed the regular session and opened an executive session at 13:01 p.m.
President Joel Griffith closed the executive session and reopened the regular session at 13:20 p.m.
Action pertaining to the Executive Session, Agenda Items 8 a & b.
8. a. Graham Henley made the motion to approve action as discussed. Gary Jones made the second motion. The motion passed unanimously.
8. b. Chase Bryant made the motion to accept Executive Director Justin Balderas’ resignation. The second motion was made by Graham Henley. The motion passed unanimously. Board members wished him “Good luck Justin.”
President Joel Griffith adjourned the meeting at 13:22 p.m.