State Capital
The governing body of the City of Littlefield, Texas met at 6 p.m. on May 23, 2023 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 p.m. and Mayor Pro Tempore Kenny Rucker led the invocation. Mayor Turpen led the pledge of Allegiance.
No one requested to comment during the public comments of all agenda items and there were no new city employees to introduce.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and approve the minutes from the April 25th and May 11th meetings.
Council Member Michael Rangel made the motion to approve the minutes and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed with 3 ayes and 2 absent.
Item seven 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; Monthly Financial Reports; Sales Tax Collection; Property Tax Collection reports; LEDC A and B minutes, if Boards met.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the reports and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion passed with 3 ayes and 2 absent.
Item eight on the agenda was to consider and approve April Expenses.
Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the expenses and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed with 3 ayes and 2 absent.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and approve All-Ways Towing Expenses. There was one expense to approve.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the expense and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion passed 3 ayes and 2 absent.
The next order of business was to consider and approve the Appointment of Mayor Pro Tempore for the next year. Council Member Rangel made the motion to appoint Kenny Rucker as Mayor Pro Tempore for the next year. Mayor Turpen seconded the motion. The motion passed 3 ayes and 2 absent.
Next on the agenda was to consider and approve a Resolution Waving Permit Fees for Littlefield I.S.D. Bond Project.
City Manager Mitch Grant cannot waive the fees without City Council action. Council Member Michael Rangel abstained from discussion and the vote. Mayor Turpen recessed meeting at 6:11p.m. Mayor Turpen reopened the meeting at 6:13 p.m. and went to Agenda item 14 and will return to this item later. Mayor Turpen returned to this item after agenda item 16.
After some discussion, Mayor Turpen made the motion to not waive permit fees and it was seconded by Council Member Eric Saenz. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 abstained, 1 absent.
The next order of business was to consider and approve Transfer of ORIGINAL TOWN LITTLEFIELD, BLOCK 9, LOT 12, 801 W. 3rd St., to Littlefield I.S. D.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to transfer the property at 801 W. 3rd to Littlefield I.S.D. and it was seconded by Council Member Saenz. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 abstained, 1 absent.
Next the council, was to consider and approve a Lease for 54 AERO L.L.C. to Construct a Private Hangar at the Airport.
Mayor Turpen abstained from discussion and voting. This would be a land lease for a new private hangar with four additional 3-year terms included. Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve this lease with recommended wording and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion passed with 3 ayes, 1 abstained, 1 absent.
HIGHLIGHTS
The next item of business was to consider and approve Memorandum of Understanding with Littlefield Methodist Church for Parking for Aquatic Center Patrons.
Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed unanimously.
The next item was to consider and approve Change Order for Annual Seal Coat Street Resurface.
City Manager Mitch Grant explained the change order is slightly less per yard and allows an increase of yardage for seal coating.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to approve the change and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion passed with 3 ayes and 2 absent.
Next on the agenda was to consider and review plans Regarding Utility Infrastructure and Discuss Financing Option.
City Manager Mitch Grant introduced Brad Angst, Financial Consultant with Stifel Investment Banking Co. Brad Angst was on telephone and computer presentation for various ways to finance for 3 million gallons ground storage tank, 2 new wells with test wells and infrastructure, dedicated loop water line to Continental Dairy, Main lift station reconstruction and Laguna lift station reconstruction.
He presented the priorities and various financing suggestions including bonds, TDA Grant, TxCDBG funds, and/or reserve funds. No action taken at this time. City Manager was instructed to provide study of options to pay for these Utility infrastructure improvements at next meeting.
The Council went into Executive Session: Discussion with Attorney Regarding Pending Legal Matters. Texas Government Code, Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney.
Mayor Turpen closed the regular session and opened the executive session at 7:25 p.m. Mayor Turpen closed the executive session and reopened the regular session at 7:41p.m. No action was taken. The next matter of business was to consider and approve Action for Pending Legal Matters.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with a lawsuit to collect Hotel Occupancy Tax from a local hotel and it was seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker. The motion passed with 4 ayes and 1 absent.
Mayor Turpen adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
By Gary Borders