The Friona City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 617 Main in Friona, Texas. The meeting began with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. All council members were present. There were no public comments.
Before the regular hearings commenced, Mayor Greg Lewellen declared a point of privilege to recognize retiring city council member Bruce Fleming. Lewellen stated, “We have served together for over a decade and even though we have disagreed a few times I have always considered and will always consider Bruce a friend. Lewellen added, “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with him on the city council and wish him the very best in the future.”
A variance request from Alejandra Guerrero to place a trailer house at 805 Woodland Avenue to serve as a primary residence was approved.
A request by the Friona Vocational Agriculture Association for a permit to operate a fireworks stand in the city limits for 2025 was approved. All funds raised in the venture will be used to support Friona FFA, FCCLA, and the Buyer’s Club.
A motion passed to designate City Manager/Secretary Lee Davila and Finance Manager Pam Mercado as the City of Friona’s investment officers as well as approving the annual review of the city’s investment policy.
Consideration to authorize the city manager to solicit bids for a street construction project was tabled.
A motion was approved to terminate the State of Disaster proclaimed on March 17th for the City of Friona due to the severe storm on March 14, 2025.
A motion to approve an ordinance establishing rules and regulations regarding sanitation and pollution control in designated areas in proximity to the city’s public water supply wells was passed. The ordinance includes a penalty not to exceed $500, an effective date, savings clause, and provisions for a repealer and publication. The ordinance was requested by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
In other business, the accounts payable for March 2025 were approved as well as the financial statement for March 2025. Minutes of the March 10th regular meeting and the March 17th emergency meeting were approved. The next Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 12th.
In recognition of his 12 years of service as a city council member, Bruce Fleming was given a key to the city by fellow council members. In the photo — (l-r) Alan Monroe, City Manager Lee Davila, Bruce Fleming. Mayor Greg Lewellen, Cindy Moreno, Brent Loflin, Esmeralda Mills.
Best Wishes — I saw Phillip and Tanya Zeller last Friday at Bi-Wize and they told me how a motorist had pulled out in front of them in Texico as they were headed to Canon Air Force Base earlier that day. The collision damaged the right side of their vehicle and Tanya was taken to the hospital for treatment. Phillip and the girls just had various bumps and bruises. Needless to say, the accident put a dent in their Holy Smokes BBQ business. They ask for prayers concerning their pickup situation. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the whole Zeller family.
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Save the Date — The Friends of the Library Annual Meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th in the Friona Public Library. There will be refreshments and a fundraiser drawing. Tickets for the drawing are available at the library and are $10 each. The prize is “The Ultimate Entertainment Bundle” which includes a 65” TV, Nintendo Switch Lite, ROKU Wireless Soundbar, and ROKU Wireless Speakers. See you there!
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Fish Fry — Senior Citizens will have a fried fish “fundraiser” lunch on Monday, April 28th. Plates will be $10 each. Donations accepted. Everyone is invited!
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Just In — The Friona Star learned Tuesday evening of the passing of Pat Holland. She was a fixture at Senior Meals each Monday & Thursday greeting people as they came in the door. Pat was also a dedicated caregiver and had resided in Friona for the past 39 years.
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Firefighters Recognition — Fire Chief Danny Campbell and retired firefighters Jim Taylor and Larry Martin were recognized last Thursday at the Senior Meal. Thank you to all our firefighters and first responders for the work that you do in protecting our community.
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Mayor Greg Lewellen proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives from The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center were on hand to accept the proclamation. They were — (l-r) Demi Bouvia, Forensic Interviewer; Bobbi Britto, Clinical Director; Shelly Bohannon, Executive Director.
Mayor Greg Lewellen proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Deaf Smith Crisis Center representatives (l-r) Mindy Saleza and Angela Gamboa accepted the proclamation from the mayor.
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