[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6498363,"mediaKeyId","5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9","parentId",5826048,"title","Council authorizes Lubbock Power & Light to engage Latham & Watkins for generation-asset sale work","audioSeconds",83,"startMs",3203000,"endMs",3286000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9&start=3203&end=3286","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9/thumbnail_3203000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6498363/Lubbock/Lubbock-County/Texas/Council-authorizes-Lubbock-Power-Light-to-engage-Latham-Watkins-for-generation-asset-sale-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498363-adc0362f2761fa9f7227a806d93ae498/orig.mp4?Expires=1773557197&Signature=R9XBkFUF~rtSkRUVr3ozg9vxAcV-RYbHxaBIg5ADft-XnxHH1j0g~KsMVsFBqiXAqRlKQ-hpdnPyj~3k3nK18nOsoA5GMzqPrbm1Bu9~2PdHVaUiMWVK06YDNDOKOVK5rR4h7HSOr8dKK7eLocl8~Hu3--9ffEC6BT8hGhz0nqVaBuF3OdIEKp8MsokRyfBvJRxA~W2SytJoBtwRz6QslMyVmZ44zRz35bgMjW~Y2X2sr6FrkRPnaCQCEoLsYq22uXx61wp6~kEaOIm2GDQLdoGp~jv9kOLpZPOqnISus0BkEaqpy~yPP51UwyjdtBxZGub~w51LxgtSepp8iA2TGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lubbock","date","2025-09-24T17:15:22.707Z","article","The City Council on Sept. 23 approved a resolution authorizing Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) to enter an engagement agreement with Latham & Watkins LLP for legal services related to negotiations on power‑generation asset sales.

Joel Ivey, chief administrative officer for LP&L, told the council the utility exited active generation in October 2003 and has been seeking buyers or operators for remaining generation assets. “We actually exited the generation business in October 2003. And since then, we've been looking for ways to divest our generation assets,” Ivey said. He said LP&L has already completed some sales and is negotiating another opportunity for which outside counsel assistance is needed.

Ivey described the requested authorization as enabling LP&L to contract with Latham & Watkins to assist in the ongoing sale negotiations; the Electric Utility Board had unanimously recommended approval. He said staff hopes to finalize a sale within roughly the next year, depending on negotiations.

The council voted unanimously to authorize the engagement agreement. No substantive details of the prospective sale were disclosed in open session; Ivey said staff would provide additional information as negotiations progress and as disclosure rules allow.

The resolution directs LP&L to proceed with the engagement under the oversight of the city’s legal and utility staff and follows the Electric Utility Board’s recommendation to pursue outside counsel for transactions of this complexity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting September 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Council approved a resolution authorizing Lubbock Power & Light to engage the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP to provide legal services related to negotiations for sale of power generation assets; LPNL staff said the utility exited generation in 2003 and continues efforts to divest remaining assets.","taxTitle","Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas","taxId",2806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498367,"Council ratifies non‑monetary meet-and-confer agreement with Lubbock Professional Police Association",631,2297000,2928000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9&start=2297&end=2928","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9/thumbnail_2297000.jpg","/articles/6498367/Lubbock/Lubbock-County/Texas/Council-ratifies-nonmonetary-meet-and-confer-agreement-with-Lubbock-Professional-Police-Association","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498367-ec107fb6354d521b62b7bd89fe7e409f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773557197&Signature=o2L4VwBQXjwFG3aKURtX4aUgpRux9sY~TxCPPLE4YEev35LOahrTg-N9n56ALeqiHD7JB0piVFFNjXkU0sVb07umbN-uVapb0uh0t2vRMZPLF-cC3jp0LcZY0qZU1uTzqGDYNiAnMOY~I11IP8zo4X9ZRRUgwqP9M1BhuPqGJMFCN-QAtTg9ZqYLkrTWlhjGk9ytycCRcXxs4MwN-jlFoTrUe7B-p6z6ha5GPEjZJiNmbA2fdKleaQyIrHZUKNK5MMeczgryp6tMPrxJi7tFn4F1dBMpS3mJhCmiK1skPpNYp02~CWBkPINVQH-z0kUVdnLU1vRlTumJ9ldL2J~G0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lubbock City Council unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 23 ratifying a one‑year meet‑and‑confer agreement between the City of Lubbock and the Lubbock Professional Police Association (LPPA).

City Manager Atkinson briefed the council on the agreement and described it as a non‑monetary package that modifies portions of Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code (civil service) to aid recruitment and retention. “This is probably a very unique meet and confer agreement in that it is a non monetary agreement,” Atkinson said.

The agreement includes three primary changes presented to council:
- Flexibility to administer civil‑service entrance examinations “at any time or location” to qualified groups or individual candidates, enabling more frequent and targeted testing; this language comes from the agreement text described by staff.
- Expanded authority for lateral hiring that allows qualified, experienced officers to be hired with full credit for prior service when placed on departmental pay steps, facilitating transfers from other agencies.
- Formalization of a physical fitness program piloted by the chief that offers paid time off as a performance incentive; paid time off earned under the program cannot be cashed out.

Michael Everett, president and chief negotiator for the Lubbock Professional Police Association, said the changes aim to improve recruiting and retention. “The lateral hiring process shows huge promise and would mean a whole lot to our department,” Everett said. When asked about vacancies, Everett told the council: “Currently, we have 24 open positions.”

Atkinson said the agreement avoids exchanging other rights and has been vetted by outside counsel. He described the package as a way to move forward on recruitment without creating immediate financial obligations while preserving the option to resume full financial negotiations with the associations later. Several councilmembers thanked the association and city staff and reiterated support for completing a financial component when budget conditions permit.

The council approved the resolution by unanimous vote. The resolution authorizes ratification of the one‑year meet‑and‑confer agreement as presented; no changes to pay or other monetary terms were included in this action.

Staff and union leaders said they intend to resume discussions on compensation when the city’s fiscal outlook allows; the council’s action is limited to the non‑monetary changes in the agreement.","City Council unanimously ratified a one‑year, non‑monetary meet‑and‑confer agreement with the Lubbock Professional Police Association that expands testing flexibility, enables lateral hiring credit and formalizes a physical fitness program; union president said the department currently has 24 open sworn positions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498371,"Council unanimously approves three zoning changes after consolidated public hearing",447,1832000,2279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9&start=1832&end=2279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9/thumbnail_1832000.jpg","/articles/6498371/Lubbock/Lubbock-County/Texas/Council-unanimously-approves-three-zoning-changes-after-consolidated-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498371-98f6f06b88249ecde0b2e734b587b945/orig.mp4?Expires=1773557197&Signature=dalVOvO4Ys-KOvtUOlOFrKAxXf1B3XsPz0sH3mn8aNC6UMcdqMXmzovUBYPwnh6QFkYLjBMWwUE-xtUB4LE4H7jGmE1sqt3aKdxrkkFR8dLma9-6XRZmbE56~rZlrUV3yT0xTRYGAVNRI5mDnFAG8TGst2WsZ7TZgfe4VL-hg8xkM1Z001TXfqClv6xR0Zp2RMtJrRbQMBGG40Sgkma3pnD~y0PM00WhXI1nXHwIOnkEbmxZwt9eAAmo6TQmvNCMyG2-bRSxlFHC8WHTpKQGUCY0k2UZ4LZR3fYDCbVybfuATt1AlmK5KUC-M2tKrkRJrsGmlUiy111kzq1-Z11jWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lubbock City Council unanimously approved three zoning cases (7.2–7.4) during its regular meeting on Sept. 23 after a consolidated public hearing and staff presentations.

Greg Hernandez, planning and zoning manager, presented summaries of the three applications and staff findings. Case 774C (Iglesias de Odios Vivo) requested a change from light industrial to neighborhood commercial for property west of Martin Luther King Boulevard and south of 50th Street; staff noted the future land use map designates the area for industrial uses but recommended approval because the requested district is compatible with adjacent residential and existing land use.

Case 3116‑M (SK Architect Group LLC for J.S.J.W. Holding LLC) sought a change from heavy commercial to neighborhood commercial for land south of 130th Street (future Loop 88) and west of Indiana Avenue; staff said the request conforms to the future commercial designation and is appropriate given nearby zoning and the future loop.

Case 3533 (Mountain Top Engineering LLC for Nimashban and Bihaves Patel) requested changing the property at North Milwaukee Avenue and 104th Street from low-density single-family (SF‑2) to neighborhood commercial. Staff told council that while the future land use plan designates the site for low-density residential, the site’s location on Milwaukee Avenue and proximity to existing commercial uses supported the requested rezoning.

Hernandez told the council the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of each case by 7–0 votes. The council opened a consolidated public hearing; no one spoke in favor or opposition. Council then approved the three items in a single motion. The meeting record shows the motions passed unanimously.

No specific development plans were identified during the hearing for the Patel rezoning, which staff said appeared to be a pre‑rezoning step by the applicant. Planning staff said mailed notice had been sent for each case (30, 15 and 9 notices respectively) and that the only returned comment for case 3533 was from the applicant’s property in favor of the request.

The council’s votes conclude the council-level action for these rezoning requests; any future development will be subject to applicable site-plan review and permit processes.","After a consolidated public hearing, City Council approved three separate zone changes — cases 774C, 3116‑M and 3533 — moving parcels to neighborhood commercial or similar districts; no members of the public spoke and Planning and Zoning had recommended approval for each case.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6498376,"Lubbock planning staff presents draft zoning map analysis; council asks for district-by-district outreach",445,96000,541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9&start=96&end=541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5826048-cea41391fbb6f3cbc514add6e47a75e9/thumbnail_96000.jpg","/articles/6498376/Lubbock/Lubbock-County/Texas/Lubbock-planning-staff-presents-draft-zoning-map-analysis-council-asks-for-district-by-district-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6498376-048ba322a77e8a289e35ecd67c28b94f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773557197&Signature=R0xf-vXJX8450MxXBJ-yoc68ve5qMSV1CJntGcnK36S8rhWRD8CpAFlMdEheaa9NarDScA9VpuOjhsEMlaII77-O58Ym60jTrVI6JuXDkLujgQBYcqx0uQB6Txk6zv-KbVgD-iYwPyX-0HBKgl8bAAO-NQ25T8SwXm3yWCiLKEpBQH3vkcUH~EJ1cQbO5faxKLCdojC0xz-~ULtjsOy8Qzc2PkwBZnQm40mY~9jAbEwDKD~sTIHShT50mGdkO~CBP2Y38x7oVVMY2Fh1~8ljMeDcwZ69VpORs5d5sbwfsdqUMN07IyXq8eB330ptmd4tpOBHm4kTPtryeeJ4QVduig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Lubbock planning staff presented a draft zoning map analysis at a Sept. 23 work session and asked for City Council direction on whether to move recommended zone changes through the formal rezoning process.

Kristen Sager, director of planning, told the council the analysis flows from the city’s comprehensive plan adopted in December 2018 and the recent Unified Development Code (UDC) update. “Today is a work session. There is no action being taken. We are just looking for discussion, feedback and direction,” Sager said.

The analysis, prepared with consultant SafeBuilt, reviewed more than 105,000 parcels within city limits and identified roughly 1,250 parcels with recommended zoning changes to align zoning with existing land use or future land use designations. Sager said the work is intended to reduce nonconforming situations and implement the UDC and future land use map; examples cited include industrial zoning over parcels developed for commercial or residential uses in Canyon West and portions of the medical district that remain zoned high-density residential from a former code.

Sager described a six-stage consultant process — data gathering, analysis, study of results, focused area review, findings and recommendations — and noted SafeBuilt created an interactive GIS website tied to the analysis. She said staff estimates the standard rezoning notice would require roughly 4,200 letters to adjacent property owners within 400 feet and presented a draft schedule that would move district by district starting with January Planning and Zoning Commission filings.

Councilmembers welcomed the district-level approach but pressed staff on outreach and timing. Councilmember Glasheen said breaking the work up by district “is logical” and would spread the workload. Mayor Proteo and the mayor pro tem said district-by-district outreach would make the process more personal and urged staff to engage neighborhood associations and use social and digital media to keep the public informed.

Councilmember Collins asked whether the review would change zoning for vacant land and whether a rezoning could raise a parcel’s allowed intensity (for example from single-family to high-density). Sager said staff focused on three main categories: existing buildings with mismatched zoning, properties annexed and zoned SF‑2 that developed nonresidential uses, and vacant land potentially zoned industrial that better reflects residential uses. She said a vacant parcel could be recommended for a less-restrictive district in the analysis, but any formal rezoning would follow the standard public-notice process, which gives adjacent owners written notice and an opportunity to comment.

Several councilmembers recommended improving the mailed notice by adding a QR code or direct link to the interactive map so recipients can easily see proposed changes around them. Councilmember Kachen suggested working closely with council representatives from each district to help digest maps and identify where additional town halls might be needed.

Sager said public outreach to date included an online survey open six weeks, a town hall held Aug. 21 and a Planning and Zoning Commission work session on Sept. 4. She asked council whether staff should proceed with district-by-district rezoning cases or consider other formats; councilmembers generally supported the district approach while stressing careful, clear outreach.

Staff indicated it will return with a proposed schedule, sample notices that include web links and QR codes, and district maps showing every property included in each proposed packet before formal filings with Planning and Zoning and the council.

The work session concluded with no action taken; staff sought direction only and will proceed according to council guidance on timing and outreach.","City planning staff presented a draft zoning map analysis recommending rezoning roughly 1,250 parcels to better match current land use and the 2018 comprehensive plan; councilmembers urged district-level outreach, clearer notices and use of an interactive map before formal zone cases are filed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes Lubbock Power & Light to engage Latham & Watkins for generation-asset sale work

Council ratifies non‑monetary meet-and-confer agreement with Lubbock Professional Police Association

Council unanimously approves three zoning changes after consolidated public hearing

Lubbock planning staff presents draft zoning map analysis; council asks for district-by-district outreach