The Levelland City Council met on Monday for a regular meeting and public hearing.
City secretary Andrea Corley swore in the newly elected council members, Bobby Morris, District A, and Angie Yandell, District C. The council also elected Mayor Pro Tem, Michael Stuert.
A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance No. 1116 to amend zoning regulations to establish a new comprehensive zoning ordinance and map. Numerous Levelland residence voice opinions on proposed zoning changes, many of which concerned mobile homes.
Revisions and updates of zoning ordinances began in January 2025 when the city initiated a contract with Freese and Nichols to begin proposed revisions and held public meetings. This past April, notice of public hearing was sent out to all property owners. The third public hearing was held this week. City manager James Fisher recommended the city council conduct a work session on June 9 to discuss the proposed revision and zoning in general to allow council members time to review the information.
In other business, the council received bids for the fencing at the City Park baseball field. Bids included: Arrow Fence of Levelland ($108,277, 30 working days), American Fence, Orange, Texas, $248,899, 20 working days), and Bluebonnet Playground, Tomball, Texas, $142,709, 21 working days). The board approved Arrow Fence to build the fence at Barry Johnson Field and Field F which will be made of heavy gauge wire with a concrete curb on the backstops. The project was presented to the council in August 2025 and will be funded by LCDC.
Two bids were also considered for a new loader for the city landfill. The current loader is a 2007 model and needs replacement. Bids were received from Yellowhouse John Deere ($245,000, trade-in $25,000, final bid, $220,000), and Warren Cat ($242,250, trade-in $35,000, final bid $207,250). The council approved the Warran Cat bid.
The city has numerous items from through departments that need to be disposed of, including surplus items, seized vehicles, old used equipment, old meters and boxes, pickup beds, fire hydrants and other items. The council approved the city manager to dispose of the items by auction, donation, bids or other means allowed by statute.
In other action, the council approved the TxDOT Project #2505L VLND Airport Project Participation Agreement for the airport lighting project and authorized the city manager to execute all documents. Levelland and Hockley County own and operate the airport. The city intends to make certain improvements that include medium intensity runaway lights at runways, electrical vaults, Precision Approach Path Indicator, replace airfield signs at some runways. The total construction project cost is estimated at $1,860,820 and the city will be responsible for about 10% ($186,082).
The city approved the project in December 2023 and the 10% will come from the airport oil royalty’s account. A new agreement was approved in December 2023 due to construction costs and sponsor’s share having dropped in price.
With information presented by Justin Balderas, assistant city manager, a discussion was held regarding the transition and merger of the 4A Economic Development Corporation into the 4B Community Development Corporation.
On May 2, the general and special election included Proposition A to abolish the Type A economic development sales and use tax levied by LEDC at the rate of three-eighths of 1% and concurrently increase the Type B economic development sales and use tax levied by LCDC by the same rate, essentially shifting all LEDC sales and use tax to the LCDC. Voters approved the change and the city council, LEDC and LCDC will need to complete procedural steps.
Balderas said legal is currently drafting all required documents, and with LCDC having two vacant board seats, he suggested the council appoint at least two LEDC members to fill those positions. He said the council could also consider creating a new five-member task force to recommend activities that align with the new bylaws.
City manger Jame Fisher gave a report on staff updates, projects, staff and citizen recognitions and items of community interest. Fisher said the Levelland Fire Department brush truck rollin is set for May 19 at 7 p.m.; the swimming pool will open on May 23; and the Pickle Courts are complete with six courts ready for play.
Additionally, the communication tower is nearing completion and waiting on a larger crane for the final 40 feet; and the LPD had a successful catalytic converter stamping event, hosted by Quick Lane.
Fisher said the LPS held its annual banquet and awards banquet. Honorees included Brian Haralson, Officer of the Year; Kirk Bird, Dispatcher of the Year; Caleb Baker, Top Shot; and Britanny Harrison, Civilian of the Year.
The Juneteenth Celebration at L.G. Griffin Park will be held June 1920.
City offices will be closed for Memorial Day on May 25.