The governing body of the City of Littlefield met at 6 p.m. on the Tuesday, July 26 th 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 the invocation was given be Eric Saenz. Mayor Turpen led the Pledge of Allegiance and there was nobody present for public comment.
There were no new employees to introduce and the minutes from the June 28 th meeting were approved as read. Council Member Michael Rangel made a motion to approve the minutes and it was seconded by Council Member Buddy Holmes. The motion carried.
Next, the Council considered and approved 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; Quarterly Report; LEDC A and B minutes, if Boards met.
Mayor Turpen thanked EMS Volunteers for the purchase of the Stryker chair. He commented on street sweeper, replacement of 1,100 water meters, and over 50 million gallons of water pumped monthly. The motion to approve the departmental reports was made by Council Member Rangel and seconded by Mayor pro tempore Kenny Rucker. The motion carried.
The Council looked over the June Expenses and the motion to approve the june expenses was made by Mayor pro tempore Rucker and seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion carried. There was also a motion made by Council Member Rangel to approve the All Ways Towing expenses and it was seconded by Council Member Saenz. The motion passed with 4 ayes and Council Member Holmes abstained.
The Council discussed AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LITTLEFIELD CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 4, “BUSINESSES REGULATIONS”, BY ADDING ARTICLE 4.08, “MOBILE FOOD UNIT”, TO ALLOW FOR AND REGULATE MOBILE FOOD UNITS; PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTIONS, REQUIRING AN INSPECTION AND PERMITS; ESTABLISHING A FEE, DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND HOURS OF OPERATION; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING A REPEALER; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
Mayor pro tempore Rucker made the motion to approve the Ordinance and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion carried.
There was one trust property sale to approve in Parcel ID: 20565. The winners were Trevor Jennings and Bridgit Jennings with a winning bid of $800. Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the sale of trust property and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion carried. Mayor changed order at this time.
The Council discussed whether there needed to be any Changes to the 2023 TPWD Park Grant Application for Laguna Park. After some discussion, Mayor Turpen stated the plan stands approved as submitted.
EMS Director Monica McGee was present to explain these agreements are renewed annually, regarding an agreement between the City of Littlefield EMS and the City of Anton. Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the agreement and it was seconded by Mayor pro tempore Rucker. The motion carried.
A motion was also made by Mayor pro tempore Rucker to approve the agreement between the City of Littlefield EMS and Hockley County. Council Member Michael Rangel seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mayor Turpen announced a public hearing: Regarding a Request for Zone Change from C-1 Commercial-Light Retail to C-2, Commercial, General District. He Closed the Regular meeting at and opened the public hearing at 6:28 p.m. No one was present to comment therefore Mayor Turpen closed the public hearing and reopened the regular meeting at 6:29 p.m.
Next they considered AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LITTLEFIELD, TEXAS: ALLOWING A ZONING CHANGE FROM C-1 COMMERCIAL-OFFICE, LIGHT RETAIL, NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES TO C-2 COMMERCIAL-GENERAL OF: #17860 COLLEGE TRACTS, E/PT OF N/2 TRACT 10, ACRES 3.2 and #17864 COLLEGE TRACTS, W/2 TRACT 11, ACRES 4.49, AMENDING THE ZONING MAP, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Rangel made the motion to approve the ordinance and it was seconded by Council Member Holmes. The motion carried.
The Mayor went back to item 12. on the agenda, which was to Consider and Take Appropriate Action on Appeal of Planning & Zoning Commission Denial of Special Use Request to Allow Travel Trailer Park at Littlefield Motel, 201 E. Marshall Howard Blvd.
At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Turpen stated the requester was not present for comment and made the motion to uphold the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial. Mayor pro tempore Rucker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Item 18 on the agenda was to Consider and Approve Submission of Qualified Person for Election as Board Trustee for Region 3 for TML Health Benefits Pool.
City Manage Mitch Grant “Elena Quintanilla of Ransom Canyon called us to be reappointed for the Health Benefits Pool. I think anybody who wants to do that should get all the support they need. She has done us a good job, so I think we need to support her.”
Mayor Turpen made the motion to approve City’s recommendation of Elena Quintanilla and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion carried.
City Manager Mitch Grant presented the Certified Appraisal Roll received from Lamb County Appraisal District Lesa Kloiber.
The Council retreated into Executive Session Regarding Economic Development Business Prospect Incentive. Texas Govt. Code. 551.087 (Economic Development)
Mayor Turpen closed the regular session and opened the executive session at 6:33p.m. the council retured from executive session at 6:57 p.m. No action was taken.
The Council considered and approveed Action Regarding Business Prospect Incentive.
Mayor pro tempore Rucker made the motion to approve incentive for Stainless Air for $200,000.00, five years and 10 jobs and it was seconded by Council Member Rangel. The motion carried.
The Council went back into Executive Session regarding TCEQ and Water Related Matters. Texas Government Code, Section 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney)
Mayor Turpen closed the regular session and opened the executive session at 6:59 p.m. Mayor Turpen closed the executive session and reopened the regular session at 7:38 p.m. No action was taken.
The Council considered and approved Appropriate Action Regarding TCEQ.
Mayor Turpen made the motion to authorize the City Manager to communicate with TCEQ and to apply for a variance.
City Manager Mitch Grant presented the proposed budget for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year and the Mayor opened it up for discussion among the Council. After discussion regarding: current rates, regional information on salaries and rates, GPS vehicle maintenance, computer for Emergency Management, Fire truck, fire hydrant testing program, roll off for Convenience Station, Park plan, flume grinder and lift station, ground water storage needed and possible bond, Mayor Turpen scheduled another budget meeting for August 9, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Mayor Turpen adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.