Following the call to order, invocation, pledges, public comments (none were received), and approval of the December 18, 2025 meeting minutes, the Brownfield City Council addressed several key items during its recent meeting.
The Council first recognized James Nix as the 2025 City Employee of the Year. Nix was formally honored at the City of Brownfield Open House held on December 12, 2025, in recognition of his dedication and service to the city.
Next, Lorena Valencia, Executive Director of the Brownfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center (VIC), presented the quarterly financial reports. Valencia reviewed current fund balances and account statuses. During the discussion, City Manager Jeff Davis outlined upcoming repairs planned for the VIC, including the installation of ADA-accessible ramps to improve community access and repairs to the back parking lot. The Council unanimously approved the financial reports.
The Council then considered filling a vacant seat on the Brownfield Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Board of Directors. In May 2025, the Economic Development Corporation transitioned from a Type A to a Type B EDC, allowing for the addition of two board members and permitting up to five City Council members to serve on the board. At that time, Mayor Eric Horton and Councilwoman Mary Valdonado were appointed. Following the passing of Councilwoman Valdonado, her seat remained vacant.
During the discussion, Mayor Horton recommended Councilman Paul Vasquez, while Councilman Marshall Martell also expressed interest. Councilman Tom Hesse recommended Martell as well. After deliberation, the Council unanimously approved the appointment of Paul Vasquez to fill the vacant BEDC board seat.
The Council then approved the first reading of a resolution regarding an economic development agreement with Ace Hardware. BEDC Executive Director Gina Kelly explained the procedural requirements under state law, noting that a Type B EDC must provide a 60-day notice from the time an incentive is published on the EDC agenda, and that two readings of the resolution must occur within that timeframe. Additionally, the EDC must have a formal contract with the business requesting incentive funds.
Kelly, Davis, and Mayor Horton detailed Ace Hardware’s plans to relocate into the former Walmart building. According to investor John Lott, the property owner plans to invest approximately $1.5 million into renovations, including building improvements and potential parking lot repairs. Ace Hardware is expected to sign a 10-year lease and plans to employ 6 to 7 full-time employees and 3 part-time employees. The proposed incentive package totals $262,578, contingent upon job retention and tax compliance. The Council approved the first reading of the resolution.
The Council then heard quarterly reports from Brownfield Police Chief Chris Kotzur. During October, November, and December, officers responded to 1,429, 1,116, and 1,230 calls for service, respectively. Reported offenses included four sexual assaults, three robberies (all occurring in December), 13 assaults, one burglary, 31 thefts, and four stolen vehicle cases. Domestic-related calls totaled 29 over the three-month period. Officers also handled numerous non-criminal calls, including 51 civil standbys, 10 MHMR transports, and 386 animal control calls.
Enforcement activity during the quarter resulted in 171 citations, 108 arrests or charges, and 49 warrants served across city, county, and other jurisdictions. Traffic activity included a combined total of 70 accidents involving city officers and DPS. Chief Kotzur also highlighted extensive community involvement, including presentations at ACES on identity theft and personal safety, participation in the “Touch a Truck” event at Tractor Supply, Halloween trunk-or-treat activities, hosting regional TLETS training, and assisting with Goodfellows, the Christmas light parade, and other community outreach events.
The final report was presented by Code Enforcement Officer Rick Guerra. Throughout 2025, the Code Enforcement Division conducted 4,835 inspections and issued 479 certified letters. Cases addressed included 1,881 weeds and grass violations, 154 public nuisance cases, 31 junk vehicle cases, 18 view obstructions, and 15 substandard structures, three of which were abated. Officers made 678 contacts with property owners and issued 1,207 door notices, resulting in 2,140 cases achieving compliance. Additionally, 11 cases were forwarded to Municipal Court, 13 administrative search warrants were executed, 31 vehicles were tagged, and contract mowing services totaled $13,777, underscoring the city’s commitment to maintaining safe and clean neighborhoods.
The Council entered into closed session; however, no action was taken. The meeting was adjourned. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Councilman Marshall Martell was not present at the meeting.
