The governing body of the City of Littlefield met at 6 p.m. on December 19th, 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.
Mayor Eric Turpen called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and Mayor Pro Tempore Kenny Rucker led the invocation. Mayor Turpen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
No one requested to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.
There was one new employee to introduce, John Tijerina.
Item six on the agenda was to consider and approve the minutes from the November 28th 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 3 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent.
The next item of business was to consider and approve 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.
Council Member Holmes made the motion to approve departmental reports and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 nays and 2 absent.
Item eight on the agenda was to consider and approve November Expenses.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the expenses and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 0 nays and 2 absent.
Item nine on the agenda was to consider and approve AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LITTLEFIELD, TEXAS, REPEALING AND REPLACING ORDINANCE NO. 970612-01; ESTABLISHING RATES FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF LITTLEFIELD EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Michael Rangel made the motion to approve the ordinance and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the second motion. The motion passed with 4 ayes and 1 absent.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and approve the resignation of City Secretary.
Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the resignation and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 nays and 1 absent.
Item 11 on the agenda was to consider and approve a resolution requesting authorizing removal of Janine Butler, City Secretary, on all Signature Cards and Financial Accounts at First Bank & Trust TX Effective December 31, 2023.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the resolution and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel made the second motion. The motion passed with 4 ayes and 1 absent.
The next order of business was to go into closed session regarding personnel matters: City Secretary Appointment. (TGC Sec. 551.074.)
Mayor Turpen closed the regular session and opened the executive session at 6:10 p.m. Mayor Turpen closed the executive session and reopened the regular session at 6:31 p.m.
Item 13 on the agenda was to consider and approve appointment of City Secretary or Interim.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to appoint Niel Gonzalez as City Secretary and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Turpen adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.