The following article is based on draft minutes from the July 28, 2026, Littlefield City Council meeting. The minutes have not yet been approved by the City Council and are subject to change.
The governing body of the City of Littlefield, Texas, met at 6 p.m. on July 28, 2026, at the City Council Chambers, 525 Phelps Avenue, to consider all matters and related incidents of the City of Littlefield.
Mayor Eric Turpen called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Mayor Pro Tempore Kenny Rucker delivered the invocation, and Mayor Turpen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
During public comments, Veronica Mendoza addressed the council regarding concerns about the condition of the roadway near her residence on South Wicker Street. Mendoza expressed concerns regarding deteriorating streets, mosquito spraying in her neighborhood, and vehicles parking in a way that blocked access to her driveway. Mayor Turpen directed City Manager Ray Resendez to follow up with Mendoza regarding her concerns.
The next item on the agenda was the introduction of new city employees. Landfill Supervisor Maribel Fisher introduced Andrew Santos and Alfonso Torres as new landfill operators. Mayor Turpen welcomed both employees to the City of Littlefield.
Item six on the agenda was to consider and take necessary action on the June 23, 2026, meeting minutes. Council Member Jason Ayala made the motion to approve the minutes, and Council Member Eric Saenz seconded the motion, passing the motion unanimously.
The next order of business was to consider and take necessary action on the monthly departmental reports. After reviewing the reports, Mayor Turpen asked if council members had any questions. With no questions presented, Council Member Kenny Rucker made the motion to approve the reports, which was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes. The motion passed unanimously.
Item eight on the agenda was to consider and take necessary action on June 2026 expenses. Council Member Buddy Holmes made the motion to approve the expenses, and Council Member Jason Ayala seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The council then considered and approved All Ways Towing expenses. Council Member Kenny Rucker made the motion to approve the expenses, which was seconded by Council Member Eric Saenz. Following discussion, the motion passed with one abstention.
The next item on the agenda was a Public Hearing regarding a request for approval of a zoning change from C-1 Light Retail to SF2 Single Family Residential for property located at 708 West Delano Street.
City Manager Ray Resendez explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had reviewed the request and recommended approval. Code Enforcement Officer Maribel Fisher presented the request on behalf of the property owner, explaining that the existing structure was zoned for light retail use and the owner requested the change to allow the property to be used for residential rental housing.
According to the meeting discussion, surrounding property owners had been notified of the request, and no objections had been received. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with the expectation that an adjacent dilapidated structure either be demolished or brought into compliance within approximately 12 months.
No citizens spoke during the Public Hearing, and Mayor Turpen closed the hearing to reconvene the regular meeting.
Item 11 on the agenda was to consider and take necessary action on Ordinance No. 2026-0728-1 approving the zoning change from C-1 Light Retail to SF2 Single Family Residential for 708 West Delano Street. City Manager Resendez reminded council members that the Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the request.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to approve Ordinance No. 2026-0728-1, adopting the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mayor Pro Tempore Kenny Rucker seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
The council then held a Public Hearing regarding a request for a Special Use Permit allowing a private/ public community center in a C-1 Light Retail District located at 118 East Marshall Howard Boulevard.
City Manager Resendez presented the request and explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed factors including compatibility with surrounding properties, traffic, parking, public safety and community needs. Resendez informed the council that the commission recommended denial of the request due to concerns raised by nearby residents.
Concerns included possible late-night noise, parking overflow, increased traffic through residential alleys, alcohol-related concerns, property values, public safety and the location’s proximity to nearby residences.
Several residents spoke during the Public Hearing, raising concerns about noise, lighting, traffic and previous events that continued into early morning hours.
A neighboring business representative spoke about the need for additional event space in the community but suggested possible restrictions, including operating hours and parking controls, could help address concerns.
Chad Wright, the applicant for the community center request, addressed the council and apologized for previous complaints. Wright explained that several changes had been made, including written rental agreements, noise limitations, restrictions on DJs and amplified music, earlier closing times, improved building insulation, parking restrictions, barriers preventing alley access and additional rules regarding litter, alcohol and property maintenance.
Following the Public Hearing, council members discussed the request and questions were raised regarding the legality of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation after concerns were brought forward regarding the residency qualifications of one commission member.
M ayor Turpen recessed the meeting and convened an executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding the issue. After returning to the regular meeting, Mayor Turpen announced that no action was taken during executive session.
Due to the questions surrounding the Planning and Zoning Commission’s composition and whether previous actions were legally valid, the council decided to postpone action on the community center request until legal guidance could be obtained.
Because the same Planning and Zoning Commission had also recommended approval of the 708 West Delano Street zoning change, Mayor Turpen requested that the council reconsider its previous action on that item.
Mayor Turpen made a motion to rescind the council’s previous approval of Ordinance No. 20260728-1. Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The zoning request will be reconsidered after legal review and any necessary action by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The next item on the agenda was to consider and take necessary action on revised EMS interlocal agreements with Hockley County and the City of Anton. EMS Director Kami Jones explained that the revised agreements corrected an issue involving seven Anton Independent School District football game service calls that are separately funded by Anton ISD.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to approve the revised agreements, which was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes. The motion passed unanimously.
The council then considered an Interlocal Governmental Operations Contract with the South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG) for recruitment services. City Manager Resendez explained that the city has experienced difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified Animal Control Officers and that SPAG would assist with recruitment efforts.
Council Member Buddy Holmes made the motion to approve the agreement, which was seconded by Council Member Jason Ayala. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 16 on the agenda was to consider and take necessary action on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Landfill Financial Test. Resendez explained that the state requires the city to annually certify that adequate financial resources are available for landfill closure and post-closure obligations.
Mayor Pro Tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the financial test, and Council Member Holmes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The council also considered appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission. City Manager Resendez explained that vacancies currently exist on the commission. City Secretary Otoniel Gonzalez confirmed that Toni Montes and Jake Dewit met city residency and voter qualifications.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to appoint Montes and Dewit to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and Council Member Holmes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The council then received an update and discussion regarding “Our Place,” a local nonprofit organization.
Janet Davis and George Davis went on to address the council regarding concerns about recent communication, board meetings, organizational governance, and the possible dissolution of the nonprofit. The two requested assistance in determining the organization’s status and reviewing its governing bylaws.
Council members discussed the importance of preserving the facility for community use while also recognizing that the city should not interfere with the organization’s internal governance. Resendez said city staff would work with the organization to better understand its bylaws, structure and future plans before bringing recommendations back to the council.
No action was taken on the item.
The final item of business was to consider and take necessary action on the budget workshop and public hearing dates for the proposed 2026- 2027 fiscal year budget. Following discussion, Mayor Eric Turpen made the motion to schedule a Special Budget Workshop for Aug. 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. Council Member Jason Ayala seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Mayor Turpen then made the motion to establish the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget and Tax Rate for Aug. 25, 2026, at 6 p.m. Council Member Buddy Holmes seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
With no further business to discuss, Mayor Turpen adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.