Brownfield City Council Met Today, New Council Members Sworn In

In a regulalry scheduled City Council Meeting, the Council swore in new and incumbent memebrs.

After the preliminary items of business, the council went to Item #5 which was to canvass the city election votes, certify the results and declare the winners. Michelle Cooper, Tom Hesse, and Chuck Nave all ran unopposed so they were automatically declared winners. Eric Horton and Isaiah Bautista ran a contested election for Brownfield City Council District 5 with Eric Horton winning the seat with 192 votes to Isaiah Bautista’s 164 votes. Eric Horton was declared the winner and the Council approved the item unanimously.

Moving on to Item #6 the four newly elected officials Michelle Cooper, Tom Hesse, Eric Horton, and Chuck Nave were given the oath of office. All four accepted the oath.

Item #7 was the presentation of plaques for the out going council members. Of the three council members leaving only one was at the meeting to receive their appreciation plaque. Ray McFarland was the only council member to receive a plaque at the meeting. McFarland came off the council due to term limits. The now-former council members Leon Pope and Tresa Sparks were not present for the presentation.

The next item of business was to elect a new mayor pro-tem. After the new council members were seated, Mayor Gonzales opened the nominations for the position. Councilman Eric Horton nominated Councilwoman Judy Besler for mayor pro-tem, with Councilman Tom Hesse seconding the motion. No other nomination was given for mayor pro-tem and the Council unanimously approved Councilwoman Besler for mayor pro-tem.

Moving on to Item #9 which was to consider and confirm the appointment of a new water/wastewater superintendent as recommended by the city manager. City Manager Eldon Jobe recommended James Nix who has been working as the interim water/wastewater superintendent. Jobe spoke about the experience Nix has from his past working for White River and the City of Ropeville. Jobe said, “for the time that James has been in this position, he has proven himself to take this job.” The motion was made to approve Nix for the position by Councilman Nave, seconded by Councilman Horton and unanimously approved by the council.

Item #10 was to approve a “Type 2 Special Event Application” for the Knight of Columbus. This was unanimously approved.

The final item of business was to consider funding for the Disconnect Disc Golf for the Disconnect Disc Golf Battle, Brownfield Tournament. The funds will be from the Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue. The organization was asking for $3000.00. The Council approved the application and the Disconnect will be granted $1500.00 for the first half and will receive $1500 after the tournament is over.

The meeting was ajournded.