The Brownfield City Council convened in a regular session on the morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, to consider and discuss five items of business. After calling the meeting to order and conducting the invocation and pledges, the Council heard from two citizens during the public comment segment regarding item #7, titled “Discuss and Consider Placement of the Pickleball Courts as Funded in the 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Plan.”
The first speaker, Sable Cruz, expressed concern about the placement of the pickleball courts. She noted, “I saw on the agenda that the Council will be discussing the placement of the pickleball courts, and I know there was a specific location designated for them at one point. Something happened, and now the discussion is back on the table.” Cruz referred to a Council meeting on April 5, 2024, where the idea of constructing pickleball courts was introduced. At that time, then-Mayor Tom Hesse suggested that the skate park be removed to make space for the new courts. Cruz emphasized, “I know it was discussed that the skate park could be replaced with the pickleball courts, and I hope you don’t make that decision. I think it’s great that we are getting pickleball courts—they will benefit the community—but I just hope they won’t come at the expense of the skate park.”
The second speaker, Izzy Ramirez, also addressed the Council. Ramirez, a skater who contributed to the design of the skate park, voiced his opposition to relocating it.
The Council then moved on to recognize one of the police officers at the Brownfield Police Department. Matt Vadonaldo was named “Best Local First Responder” in the Best of Terry County 2025 from the Brownfield News. Valdonado addressed the chambers and was proud of this and named several other law enforcement officers who had a part in making him who is today.
During the meeting, the Council heard from the Director of Electric Utilities, Cat Gonzalez, who presented the Electric Department’s quarterly report for October 2025 to December 2024. Gonzalez reported a total of 56 callouts, which included 20 for repair or replacement services, four for transformer changes, 10 blown transformer fuses, one house fire, three pole replacements, one phase on the ground, nine opened breakers, two broken jumpers, and six blown line fuses. Additionally, City Manager Jeff Davis presented a “Notice of Rate Change” from Lyntegar Electric Cooperative, indicating that the City of Brownfield, which uses Lyntegar for its electric service, will see a rate increase of approximately 2.6%. The Council approved the quarterly report.
Next, the Council received the quarterly report from the Director of Water & Wastewater, James Nix. Nix noted that there were five major excavations at the intersections of B and Grace, Cub and Buckley, 14th and Hill, 3rd and Stewart, and 1st and Hill. The Water/Wastewater Department completed 205 dig tests, 62 work orders, and approximately 100 radio callouts. The Department also serviced all water stations.
The Council then discussed funding from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund (HOT Funds). The proposed allocation of HOT Funds is intended to replace the existing entryway sign at Hamilton Park with a digital billboard. According to Chapter 351.101(a)(9) of the Texas Tax Code, HOT revenue can be used for signage that promotes tourism by directing visitors to local sights and attractions. The new digital billboard will enhance visibility and provide dynamic messaging to highlight events, hotels, and points of interest for visitors. The Council had previously discussed this item to gather more information and ideas regarding the design of the sign. After reviewing several options, the Council decided to proceed with a marquee and static sign. Renderings of the new sign will be made available soon, and the Council approved the use of HOT Funds for this project.
The City of Brownfield received an application from Pamela Williams for a Type 2 Special Event to be held in Coleman Park from June 19 to 21, 2025. Under the City of Brownfield’s Zoning Ordinance, Type 2 Special Events must be reviewed by the Building Inspector and are subject to approval by the City Council. The Council approved the Type 2 Special Event permit for Pamela Williams for the Juneteenth Celebration taking place at Coleman Park on June 19-21, 2025.
The final item on the agenda was for the City Council to review and consider potential locations for the installation of pickleball courts, as outlined in the approved 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Plan. Davis presented two options for site locations, taking into account factors like accessibility, community use, associated costs, and logistical considerations. The options included a location next to the Coleman Park Party House and another in the southern portion of Coleman Park. After extensive discussion, the Council decided to place the pickleball courts in the southern portion of Coleman Park. (Image below for pickleball courts)
The meeting was then adjourned. Present were Mayor Eric Horton, District 1 Councilman Paul Vasquez, District 2 Councilwoman Mary Valdonado, District 4 Councilman Marshall Martell, and District 5 Councilman Mark Williams. Absent from the meeting were Mayor Pro Tem Leon Pope, District 3 Councilman Lee Gamez, and Councilman At-Large Jimmy Garza. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:30 AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
