On Monday evening, Friona City Council members (l-r) Alan Monroe, Bruce Fleming, Esmeralda Mills, and Cindy Moreno presented Melodie Graves with a proclamation from the the City of Friona declaring February as Black History Month. Melodie is a motivational speaker and inspirational community activist from Amarillo and spoke at Friona High School earlier in the day.
The Friona City Council met in regular session on Monday February 13, 2023 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.
The session opened with an opportunity for public comment. Marie Samarron addressed the council concerning the possibility of installing speed bumps on 4th Street. There are no intersections in the 3-block stretch and speed as well as safety for children has become a concern. Interviewing residents on the street for their input and checking on costs involved were among the areas of agreement.
Also, Mayor Pro Tem Alan Monroe read a proclamation declaring February as Black History Month in Friona. The proclamation from Mayor Lewellen was presented to Melodie Graves (see photo above). Mayor Pro Tem Monroe pointed out that Friona has the distinction of being the first school in the State of Texas to integrate.
The regular session began with the reading and approval of the Minutes of the January 9, 2023 meeting.
Council members got to review plans and artist's renditions concerning the Community Center Renovation Project. Some of the features include outdoor seating, handicapped parking areas, front door drop-off area, and concealment of trash bins and A/C units. Drawings and renditions will be published when available.
Motions to call for a City Officers' Election as well as joint election agreement with FISD and Parmer County Hospital District were approved. This may be the first joint election agreement ever between the city and the hospital district.
A Mural Project with Mason Fleming was approved. Possible venues are still being considered. Bruce Fleming abstained from voting.
Hi-Plains Civil Engineers, Ltd. gave a presentation regarding a draft water study report. The City of Friona is in good shape in regards to water supply and delivery. At current levels, Friona would not run out of water until the year 2070. Estimated population at that time is 6,698 residents. Short-term needs are more elevated storage (water tower) and replacing old pipe with slightly larger pipe when repairs are needed. Council action will not be taken until the next meeting. The City of Friona was given high marks for its forward-looking plans regarding the water supply.
Friona Police Chief Isidro Jiminez presented the department's racial profiling report and it was approved by the Council.
Motions to approve an FEDC incentive agreement with TW&M Properties LLC concerning the housing project west of Legacy Pointe Senior Apartments and an agreement between the City of Friona and TW&M Properties LLC was approved. Council Member Cindy Moreno abstained from voting on both motions.
The Council authorized the City Manager to solicit bids for a Bathroom Remodel/Replacement Project for the Friona Community Center. The City Manager was also authorized to solicit bids for Daycare Service Provider. Plans are to have it operational by the time school starts in September.
An agreement with O'Reilly's Auto Parts could not be reached and the company has chosen not build a store in Friona. Plans are underway on other possible uses of the old 4-Way property and also for city property located at the old Campbell Electric building.
In other business, the accounts payable for January 2023 were approved. The financial statement for January 2023 was also approved.
The next City Council meeting has been rescheduled for March 20, 2023.
All meetings are open to the public. Information in this article is only a summary.
Hospital Auxiliary News - Connie Neelley informed the Friona Star this week that the generous citizens of Friona gave $3,156.24 to Project Christmas Card this year. The funds will be used to purchase a small ultrasound machine for the emergency room at Parmer Medical Center. Connie said that the Parmer County Hospital Auxiliary would like to thank everyone who donated and make Friona a special place to live.
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Filing period ends Friday - The candidate filing period for positions on the Friona Independent School District Board of Trustees, Friona City Council, and Parmer County Hospital District Board of Directors ends on Friday, February 17th at 5:00 p.m. The general election will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The FISD Board of Trustees has two positions up for election this year. The terms of Jamie Lewellen and Wade Schueler are expiring. School board members serve three year terms. Anyone who is interested in filing for the election can contact Claudia Castillo at the FISD administration office at 909 E, 11th, Friona Texas or call 250-2747.
There are three positions up for election on the city council. The terms of council members Bruce Fleming, Esmeralda Mills, and Alan Monroe are expiring. Council members serve two year terms. To file as a candidate, go by City Hall at 623 Main, Friona, Texas or call 250-2761 for information about the election.
The Parmer County Hospital District Board will have two positions open for election. The terms of Ricky Barnett and Danny Kendrick are expiring. Board members serve two year terms. Individuals interested in running for the hospital district board can contact Rocio Carrasco at Parmer Medical Center, 1307 Cleveland, Friona, Texas, call 250-2754 for information, or pick up forms at City Hall at 623 Main, Friona, Texas.
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The Star has moved - the Friona Star has officially moved to its new home. It is now located, with Intheden Graphics, at 1215 Elm Ave. You can park on the north side (14th St.) and walk up the sidewalk to the office door.
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New tenants at old Star building - Dr. Shane Hand and the Amarillo Family Wellness Group have moved to the old Star building at 208 E. 11th. Dr. Hand works in Friona on Wednesdays. When you enter the front door take a left to enter the waiting room. Plans are being finalized for another tenant to utilize office space in the center right portion of the building.
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Save the Date - The 67th Annual Friona Chamber of Commerce & Ag Awards Ceremony is set for Tuesday, March 7th. The theme this year is "There's No Place Like Home" and suggested attire is casual. Tickets are $30. Order yours today.
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The Main problem - Work has begun on the Downtown Revitalization Project and causing some parking and navigational issues. Some underground work is necessary before new sidewalks can be installed.
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Let it snow...and rain - So far this year we have received two good snows and an unexpected thunderstorm. Hopefully we are on track to receive more rain this year. The predictions are that the weather pattern will change to a more favorable outlook of precipitation for us.
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Time 2 Laugh - (1) What type of sandals do frogs wear? Open-toad! (2) What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? A stick! Source: https://www.rd.com/list/short-jokes.
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National Days
February 16- Almond Day
February 17 - Caregivers Day
February 18- Battery Day
February 19 - Arabian Horse Day
February 20 - Presidents Day
February 21 - Sticky Bun Day
February 22 - Ash Wednesday
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John Everett and Sandra Lookingbill were announced as "King and Queen For a Day" at the Prairie Acres Valentine Party on Tuesday.
Friona Primary School Principal Deirdre Osborn announced this week that the annual Primary School Book Fair will be held on February 20-24 and will be open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. There will be a wide variety of books for all age groups.
Osborn encouraged everyone to bring the entire family, including grandparents and friends, on "Family Day" which is Friday, February 24th from 7:45 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.
The proceeds from the book fair in the past have benefited the students and the campus. Some of the items purchased with the proceeds include: books for students, playground equipment, benches at the entries, lending library, and shade trees.
All major credit cards, cash, and personal checks will be accepted. You can also order online at www.scholastic.com/fair.
Principal Deirdre Osborn emphasized, "This is one of our major fundraisers, so please come out and support our school as well as children's literacy." Osborn added, "We look forward to seeing you there!"
On Thursday, February 9th, Caleb Geske signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the Wayland Baptist University Pioneers. The signing ceremony was held in the Friona High School gym and was attended by family, friends, and current Chieftain teammates.
Caleb has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old and has attended several baseball camps including two at Wayland Baptist University. In fact, WBU was the first camp he ever attended. Pioneer Associate Head Coach Brett Cook had been recruiting Caleb and when WBU made an offer this past week, Caleb knew that was where he wanted to continue his baseball career. Besides being a first baseman for the Pioneers, Caleb plans to study Criminal Justice while attending college.
Caleb signs as his parents, Eric and Candace, look on.
Caleb is joined by classmates to celebrate his signing with Wayland.
Roger & Susie Almonrode were pronounced King and Queen at the Senior Citizens Meal on Monday.