The governing body of the City of Littlefield met in a regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2022 at the City Council Chambers, located at 525 Phelps Ave.
Members present were Mayor Eric Turpen, Michael Rangel of District 2, Buddy Holmes of District 3 and Kenny Rucker, Mayor Pro tempore, of District 4.
The member absent was Eric Saenz of District 1.
Others present were City Manager Mitch Grant, City Secretary Janine Butler, Treasurer Andrew Eisenwine, along with two staff members and one audience member.
Mayor Eric Turpen called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker led the invocation and Mayor Turpen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
No one spoke for public comment.
Item number five on the agenda was the introduction of a new city employee, Joseph Salinas, who was present.
Item number six on the agenda was to consider and approve the minutes from the Tuesday, Aug. 23rd meeting and Thursday, Sept. 1st meetings. A motion to approve both sets of minutes was made by Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker and was seconded by Council Member Michael Rangel. The motion carried unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and approve the Monthly Departmental Reports: Police Dept.; Fire Dept.; EMS; Code Enforcement; Animal Control; Landfill; Water/Wastewater; Streets and Parks; Municipal Court; Aquatic Center; Monthly Financial Reports; Sales Tax Collection; Property Tax Collection reports; LEDC A and B minutes, if Boards met. A motion was made by Council Member Michael Rangel and was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes to approve the monthly reports. The motion carried.
Item number eight on the agenda was to consider and approve the August Expenses. Mayor Eric Turpen made a motion to approve the August expenses and a secondary motion to approve Dajlr Machine-Kenny Rucker expenses. Council Member Michael Rangel made the motions to second the approval of the August expenses and Dajlr Machine-Kenny Rucker expenses. The motion passed with three votes for the approval. Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker abstained.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and approve Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board of Trustees Elections Ballots. City Manager Mitch Grant recommended Chris Coffman as nominated for Board of Trustees. Council Member Michael Rangel made the motion to approve Chris Coffman. Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Item number 10 on the agenda was to consider and approve an Ordinance of the City of Littlefield Adopting Amendment No. 3 to the Original Budget of the City of Littlefield for the Fiscal Year 20212022, Funding Accounts in Budget Due to Unforeseen Situations; Containing Findings; Providing for Severability; and Providing Other Details Relating to the Subject. Council Member Michael Rangel made the motion to approve the budget amendment, which was seconded by Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker. The motion carried.
Item number 11 on the agenda was a Public Hearing: The No-New Revenue Tax Rate for the Tax Rate for the 2022 Tax Year That Will Raise the Same Amount of Property Tax Revenue for the City of Littlefield from the Same Properties in Both the 2021 Tax Year and the 2022 Tax Year, as prescribed by Tax Code §26.06. Mayor Eric Turpen closed the regular session and opened the public hearing as 6:13 p.m. No one requested to speak. Mayor Eric Turpen closed the public hearing and reopened the regular session at 6:14 p.m.
Item number 12 on the agenda was to consider and approve an Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Use and Support of the Municipal Government, the Maintenance and Operations, Debt of the City of Littlefield and Providing for the Interest and Sinking Fund for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023; Appropriating Said Levy for the Specific Purpose, Providing for the Time and Manner of Paying the Ad Valorem Taxes Levied, Providing for Publications by Caption Only; and Providing for an Effective Date. Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker made a motion to approve the No New Revenue Tax Rate Ordinance, which was seconded by Council Member Michael Rangel. The motion carried.
Item number 13 on the agenda was to consider and approve the Directive Regarding Street Sweeper Program. After some discussion, Mayor and Council Members want more information on Elgin or Schwarze sweepers. Finance options, lease options, where to get serviced or parts were all included in the request for the next meeting’s consideration.
Item number 14 on the agenda was to discuss an Update Regarding USDA Grant and Consider and Approve any Additional Action Regarding Fire Truck Purchase. Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker made the motion to authorize the purchase of Quint fire truck for $965,682 with the pre-pay discount. The motion was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes. The motion carried.
Item number 15 on the agenda was to consider and approve 2023 Routine Airport Maintenance Program Grant Application. Council Member Michael Rangel made the motion to approve the 2023 RAMP Grant Application. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro tempore Kenny Rucker. The motion carried.
Item number 16 on the agenda was to discuss and consider Directives Regarding Crescent Park Improvements. After some discussion, Mayor Turpen gave direction to get information and projected expenses for improved lighting, pods or water source on the North side, grading middle to reduce playa lake, preemergent/ sprayer and surface on tennis courts.
Item number 17 was to move into an Executive Session regarding TCEQ and Water Related Matters. Texas Government Code, Section 551.071 Consultation with an Attorney. Mayor Eric Turpen closed the regular session and opened the executive session at 6:56 p.m. Mayor Turpen closed the executive session and reopened the regular session at 7:14 p.m. No action was taken.
Item number 18 on the agenda was to consider and approve the Appropriate Action Regarding TCEQ. No action was taken.
Mayor Eric Turpen adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.