The Levelland City Council held a regular meeting earlier this month with housekeeping items on the agenda such as approving a resolution to extend the May 29 Disaster Declaration and continued activation of the Levelland Emergency Management Plan.
It is to be extended to Dec. 18, and James Fisher said as long as they have debris, they need to continue the documents so they’re eligible for reimbursement and funding.
The council also approved the authorization to initiate competitive procurement for vehicles and equipment included in the newly applied budget year.
Levelland City Manager James Fisher said several of the items seen were considered in the budget that went into effect Oct. 1. However, if they go over the $50,000 threshold, they will have come back in front of the council.
Several of the items listed are looking at using ARPA funds, he said. Even though the items are budgeted, if they could have the availability under ARPA for excess, they could move some of the items over.
The council also approved an action to award bids for police vehicles. Fisher said the city issued requests for bid proposals on five police vehicles, and four qualified bids were returned. After review, they recommended the bid be awarded to Premier DCJR in Lamesa.
Fisher said the vehicles, 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuits, could arrive about 90 days after the bid is awarded and the company is notified – quarter two of 2025.
The council approved an ordinance that prohibits smoking and other tobacco products in and around City buildings.
Fisher said the ordinance would clean up existing regulations, as well as add ecigarettes and vaping to the content. Additionally, smoking would be prohibited within 50 feet of city owned buildings.
He said the main concern is to keep the products away from the public that is entering the buildings, as some people may have allergic reactions and experience other issues associated with the smoke.
“Creating that zone where people can come in and not have to worry about that is what’s important,” Fisher said.
The ordinance stated tobacco use included smoking, chewing or dipping tobacco, as well as snuff.
The document was read to council members during the meeting, where it stated that the regulations will take effect immediately from its passage and publication.
The council proposed adding city-owned vehicles to be included in ordinance, and it was approved on a first read.
The council approved the adoption of an ordinance that suspended the effective date of Atmos West Texas’ proposed rate increases. Fisher said the West Texas Division of Cities also recommended the suspension.
According to the document, the original rate change would be Dec. 19, but the city is authorized to suspend it by 90 days.
The agenda stated that the suspension would permit the city time to study the request and establish reasonable rates, among other actions.
The council adopted a software and applications policy for Levelland.
Fisher said a senate bill prohibits the use of TikTok and other applications on government devices, and it requires the city to adopt a policy regarding it.
He said the policy will be added to the social media policy that will eventually be brought before the council, but at the meeting, approval of the adoption of a policy for the city was requested.
Staff holidays for the 2025 calendar year were approved by the council. A floating holiday was applied to the Friday after Christmas 2025. It would leave one floating holiday for employees in 2025.
An agenda item previewed an update on the May 29 weather incident, but Fisher said no update was available, as they are still trying to get documents sent in.
Fisher presented a city manager report to the council.
A Listen Up Levelland event on Dec. 6 at 7:30 at City Hall will give the opportunity to introduce the new police chief, as well as hear from the community about any concerns.
He reminded the council of the new chief’s swearing in, as well as upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas activities.
Additionally, he said the week of Dec. 2, he hopes to have the lighting of the outdoor City Hall Christmas tree.
A notice to proceed was issued for landfill construction and the airport layout funding request is being sent in December, he said.