Levelland council approves minutes, special event, disaster‑declaration extension, ordinances and hires new police chief

The Levelland City Council took several formal actions at its Nov. 1 meeting, passing motions and ordinances by voice vote and unanimous consent on multiple items.

Minutes and routine approvals Council approved the minutes of the Oct. 21 regular meeting and two special meetings (Nov. 7 and Nov. 8).

Special event permit The council approved a Special Events Committee recommendation to permit a benefit concert organized by Danny Anderson for Chris Jones, including a limited street closure, insurance and security requirements.

Disaster declaration extension (Resolution 2024‑38) Council adopted Resolution 2024‑38 to extend the May 29, 2024 disaster declaration and the activation of the city’s emergency-management plan through Dec. 18 to preserve eligibility for potential reimbursement and funding.

Procurement and bid awards Council authorized staff to initiate competitive procurement for vehicles and equipment listed in the FY 2024–25 budget (items include SCBA equipment, vehicles, pumps, mowers, and a sanitation rear loader). Council also awarded the police‑vehicle bid to Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep (Lamesa) for Dodge Durangos, citing lower cost and faster delivery compared with alternatives.

Ordinances and policy Council approved on first reading Ordinance 1085, amending the city code to prohibit smoking, chewing, and vaping within city buildings and within 50 feet of entrances and to include city‑owned vehicles (ordinance passed as amended on first reading). Council adopted Ordinance 1086 to suspend the effective date of a requested Atmos West Texas rate increase to allow the city time to review the proposed changes and to authorize participation in rate‑case proceedings; the ordinance authorizes hiring outside legal and consultant services and seeks reimbursement of reasonable city rate‑case expenses from Atmos. Council also adopted a software‑applications policy implementing Senate Bill 1893 that prohibits TikTok and other specified apps on city‑owned or leased devices except when necessary for law‑enforcement or security purposes.

Personnel and other items Council approved the 2025 staff holiday calendar and unanimously consented to the appointment of Erica O’Brien as police chief following the meeting’s executive session.

Votes and procedure Most motions were carried by voice vote; when unanimity or a clear outcome was stated in the transcript the article notes it. For items where transcript recorded only "Aye" on the roll call but no roll‑call tally was provided, the minutes reflect that the motion carried as announced.

What’s next Several items (notably ARPA allocations and an out‑of‑city water‑service policy) were left for further staff work and return to council; ordinances approved on first reading will require a second reading before final adoption where applicable.