City Council approves bids for community center renovation
The Friona City Council met in regular session on Monday, January 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 619 Main in Friona, Texas. The meeting began with a roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments. Minutes of the December 9, 2019 regular city council meeting were reviewed and approved. Minutes of the December 12, 2019 joint meeting with the FEDC were reviewed and approved.
Stormi Choate, chair of the Visitor Impact Commission, presented two recommendations by the Commission to the City Council concerning bids for the renovation of the Friona Community Center. The Council approved the bid of $102,108.00 by Hamilton Steel & Concrete for the Roof Repair/Replacement Project. The Council also approved the bid of $41,066.64 by Bob’s Heating & Air for the HVAC Repair/Replacement Project. The projects are slated to begin following the Chamber of Commerce Banquet in March. Funding for both projects is in the Community Center budget in the general fund.
Library Director Anahi Gomez informed the Council of a proposed idea to build a new Book Shoppe at the southwest corner of the library where the garden is currently located. Discussions with the Friends of the Library organization have been ongoing and the general consensus is that it would be a very useful addition.
Approval was given to Ordinance No. 20.01.12 which designates a Records Management Officer and establishes a Records Management Program. City Secretary Rosa Mendez is the new Records Management Officer. Approval was also given to dispose of any records that are scheduled for destruction.
The independent contractor agreement between the City and Larry Martin was approved for another 2 years. Larry is a retired City employee but is currently a member of the Friona EMS staff. EMS Director Nik Baucom, told the Council that his goal is to have 2 “Paramedic Level” trucks available at all times. Also, construction is moving forward at the new EMS building.
The Council approved recommendations from the Ad-Hoc Committee to the Friona Economic Development Corporation and the City of Friona’s Commitment to Housing Development Projects. The recommendations would allow the City to show proposed builders that it would have an approximate 15% stake in the costs of bringing a new housing project to Friona. The Ad-Hoc Committee consists of Council Member Alan Monroe, FEDC VP Andy Alexander, City Manager Lee Davila, and FEDC Executive Director Chris Alexander.
Approval was given for the Accounts Payable for December 2019, the Financial Statement for December 2019, and the First Quarterly Financial Statement October 2019 through December 2019.
The Council discussed the upcoming 2020 City of Friona election and critical deadlines.
The terms of Mayor Ricky White, Council Member Brent Loflin, and Council Member Greg Lewellen are expiring.
All meetings are open to the public. The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive session at any time. Go to cityoffriona.com to find the agendas and minutes from previous meetings. Information in this article is only a summary. Any questions concerning specific actions should be directed to the City Council.
