The Friona City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 14, 2021 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. Alderman Jeff Stowers was absent and Alderman Greg Lewellen attended virtually.
There were no public comments. Mayor Ricky White issued a proclamation declaring June as "National Dairy Month" in Friona. Certificates of appreciation will be sent to the eight local dairies.
A public hearing was opened to receive comments from citizens concerning a zoning designation change for a possible new "east" Allsup's convenient store on the lot just east of the current store. Joe Mejia addressed the Council and voiced his concerns and concerns of those who live adjacent to the proposed new store. Danny Campbell, a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, also addressed the Council about issues relating to the new store and past issues with the "west" Allsup's store. There were no other public comments.
By a 3-1 vote, the Council approved a zoning designation change for half the City block of Subdivision 470, Lot 24, Block 12, plus one-half of all bounding streets, alleys, and public ways from "B" District - Two-Family Dwelling District to "D" District - Local Retail District. The request was made by Atwell LLC for Allsup's Convenient Store #905. Alderman Bruce Fleming opposed the motion.
A bid of $108,884 from Vazquez Builders for the Kitchen Remodel Project at the Friona Community Center was approved. City Manager Lee Davila said that work on the project would begin immediately. The project is projected to be finished before the Cheeseburger Festival on July 17th.
The Council unanimously approved the Friona Economic Development Corporation's recommendation to provide Parmer County Pioneer Heritage Museum with a $25,000 forgivable loan to help fund repairs on the American Legion Building which was deeded to the museum. Alderman Bruce Fleming abstained from voting because he is a member of the Board of Directors of the museum.
Aldermen Alan Monroe and Bruce Fleming were sworn in for their 2021-2023 terms. Alderman Greg Lewellen was re-elected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2021-2023.
Fire Chief Danny Campbell informed the Council that the fire department was still looking to build a new fire station. Possibilities include moving to a different location or rebuilding at the current location on Main. So far, property with suitable access to Highway 60 has been difficult to find and/or purchase.
Minutes of the May 17, 2021 were reviewed and approved. The Accounts Payable for May 2021 and the Financial Statement for May 2021 were also approved.
All meetings are open to the public. The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive session at any time. Visit cityoffriona.com to find 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.
The Friona Public Library hosted the second program of the summer on Wednesday, June 9 at the City Park. Will Parker and the Make Believe Band performed for the kids that are participating in the summer reading program.
Will Parker is a children's songwriter and musician from Houston, Texas who writes and performs music for "kids ages 1-100." Will performs his songs with his guitar, harmonica, and his "imagination."
During the show, the children engaged with Will's music through singing, dancing, and imaginative play. The kids had a lot of fun during Will's morning concert, especially during the song "Hip Hop Bunny Hop." Approximately 130 kids and 25 adults were in attendance in the park.
Work has begun on renovations at the American Legion building. The building was deeded to the Parmer County Pioneer Heritage Museum and plans are to use the extra space for more exhibits. A large military exhibit showcasing Parmer County veterans is in the planning stages. The current ceiling is being removed and spray foam insulation will be applied. The roof will then be repaired. If you would like help with the project to restore the American Legion building, please send your donation to Parmer County Pioneer Heritage Museum, %Bruce Fleming, 1205 W. 9th Place, Friona, Texas 79035.
On the longest day of the year, also known as the Summer Solstice, summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere. This day brings us more daylight and warmth than the rest of the year. This year, the Summer Solstice falls on the same day as Father's Day, giving Dads the longest day of celebration!
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The Victory Family Worship Center will host their Discover Campfrence (camp/conference) from Thursday, June 24 to Saturday June 26, 2021. There is no cost to register and children from grade K through 6th grade are eligible to attend the event. Registration for the camp is available at www.thevictory.tv. For more information, call (806) 250-2207.
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Don't forget that Kendrick Oil will have their Customer Appreciation Cookout in honor of their 70 year anniversary. The cookout will be on Friday, June 18 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at 801 Main Street.
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Each year Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The story of Juneteenth begins in Texas when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, with an announcement. As the community listened to the reading of General Orders, Number 3, the people of Galveston learned for the first time that the Civil War was over. After more than a century of slavery and years of war, it was official. All slaves were now freedmen.
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The drama is back! The Friona Fine Arts Council's Summer Drama Workshop returns for its 51st season July 5th-17th. Registration is just $25 per child. Directors this year are Allison Johnston, Joy Morton, and Shawn Oakley Farrar. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Allison Johnston at 806-220-1610 or Joy Morton at 806-250-3797. Due to construction at the high school, all SDW activities will take place at the Friona Junior High auditorium.
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The 6th annual Kidz Building Camp will be from July 20th-24th. The camp will be from 5:00 pm -9:00 pm Tuesday-Thursday at the Boy Scout Hut on 603 W. 15th Street. The sleepover will be on Friday, July 23, with breakfast following the next morning. The camp is a free event and kids ages 5-12 are eligible to attend. Volunteers are needed to help run the event. You can sign up at https://form.jotform.com/211445047301039. For more information, contact the Friona Chamber of Commerce at 806-250-3291 or FEDC@WTRT.NET
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All systems are a go for the All School Reunion this fall. The Main Event will be held on Saturday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Center with catering by Desperados. Tickets are $20 per person. Mail payments to Kim Smiley at 2546 CR 27, Friona, TX 79035 by September 1st. Call Sharon White at 806-265-7031 for more information. She is the President of the Ex-Students Association.
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Start getting your teams ready for the Cook-off at Friona's 15th Annual Cheeseburger Festival. The teams will be competing for $1,000 in prize money! Cooking team entry forms are available at www.friona-chamber.com.
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National Days
June 17:
Career Nurse Assistants' Day
June 18:
Wear BLUE Day
June 19:
Juneteenth
June 20:
Father's Day
June 21:
Daylight Appreciation Day
June 22:
HVAC Tech Day
June 23:
Pecan Sandies Day
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The Parmer County Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the County Courtroom of the Parmer County Courthouse in Farwell, Texas. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Texas Flag.
There were no public comments. Minutes from the May 24th meeting were read and approved. Commissioners approved the payment of the accounts payables as presented by County Treasurer Sharon May. The Treasurer's payroll report was also approved.
Wendy Case and Janelle Duffey gave Commissioners an update on Extensions activities. IPM Agent John Thoebe was unable to attend the meeting and will provide an update to the Court at a later date.
Wendy Carthel addressed Commissioners concerning renovations to the American Legion Building in Friona. The building has been deeded to the Parmer County Pioneer Heritage Museum and will be used to exhibit the military service of Parmer County residents. Wendy was asking if the Court help fund some of the renovations. Commisioners were interested in the project but decided to table the agenda item until they are finished with the budgetary process for next year.
Discussion and consideration of compensation for the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 position was tabled to give Commissioners more time to do research concerning the office.
The contract for Court Collection Services with GHS was approved. Approval was also given for a Bond for Parmer County Deputy Clerk BreAnn Saenz.
No action was taken concerning the Parmer County Burn Ban. It is still in effect until August. There will be no ban on fireworks but the Commissioners would like to remind everyone to use extreme caution when enjoying fireworks this year since we are still in a drought. Also, permission was given to fire departments to conduct firework shows in their communities.
One of the reasons that Parmer County recently joined the National Association of Counties (NACo) was to have guidance from the organization in determining how to spend the $1.8 million the county will receive in the next two years from the American Rescue Plan that was passed recently. Items of interest are "negative pressure" cells in the jail, equipment for first responders, and improved broadband county-wide.
Sheriff Randy Geries reported that he was currently housing 17 inmates in the Parmer County Law Enforcement Center. Approval was given by the Court for the disposition of surplus inventory. This involves the trading or destruction of outdated equipment. State law requires that the Court must approve the process. Commissioners also approved the purchase of a second new vehicle for the Sheriff's office. The higher than normal value of used vehicles and the discounts on current year model vehicles will allow the county to upgrade at a much lower cost.
Sheriff Geries said the cash price of the new 2021 4-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe would be $36,000 and he was still working on a possible trade-in. Since there is industry-wide uncertainty about the availability and cost of 2022 vehicles, Commissioners decided that the price was too good to pass up.
Parmer County has changed the address of its website. You now type in www.parmercounty.texas.gov to gain access to county information and services. The next scheduled Commissioners Court meeting is Monday, June 28th.
All meetings are open to the public. The Commissioner's Court reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time. The agenda may be found on the Parmer County website. Information in this article is only a summary. Any questions concerning specific actions should be directed to the Commissioners Court.
