The City of Pampa commissioners and Mayor Mike Borger held a special meeting on Monday, August 4, beginning with budget talks with Finance Director, Theresa Daniels.
Next items were to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2025 regular commission meeting and to consider excusing the absences of Commissioner Keough and Commissioner Horst from the June 23, 2025 regular commission meeting; both were approved.
Next was to consider adopting on second and final reading Resolution No. R25-021, approving an Economic Development Agreement between the PEDC and Shimmels, LLC, to which Commissioner Wendi Horst expressed concern and raised a question regarding the potential new establishment.
“Speaking with some of the business owners down there, they’re worried about the kids running around and tearing stuff up because in all reality, you can have a person watching over them, but you can’t tell those kids that they can’t leave. So what is going to be done in order to prevent them from causing destruction? Because we all know kids do these things.”
“I can’t speak on behalf of Kaleb,” PEDC Executive Director Ryan Bradley said. “That was not an immediate concern we had, but I’m glad that you brought it up to us. Other than the way they’re going to schedule it-they’re going to maintain it and I believe they’re going to have security cameras and stuff like that set up. I know that’s not preventative, it’s after the fact. But as far as preventing it, I would imagine that they’re going to give everyone a shot the first time, but then wouldn’t let them come back as part of an agreement. But other than that, I can’t speak for Kaleb.”
“I understood they were going to be required to have a membership, is that correct?” City Manager Shane Stokes asked.
“Yes, that is correct, I believe so.”
“So that might help-if you have to have that membership and you go out and do something silly and get it revoked, then that might be an incentive for them to behave while they’re down there.”
“When they’re in the facility, did they talk about the supervision? Who’s going to be on site, an adult?” Mayor Mike asked.
“Yes, there would be an adult on site. I did also receive one concern about parking, but I believe there will be parking on the street. That was just one concern someone had between the time Glennette spoke and here now.”
After no further discussion, the Resolution was passed with one ‘no’.
Next was to consider approving the list of disbursements dated June 2025, which was approved.
Next was to consider adopting Resolution No. R25-022, approving a Multiple Use Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for installation, maintenance, and use of license plate readers, with Pampa Police Department Lieutenant Brian Massey speaking about the Resolution.
“This is something we thought we were already finished with. This multi-use agreement with TxDOT had previously been executed by the Chief back in I believe April, and TxDOT threw in some negotation with DPS and has changed up the process and added that this needed to go before the governing body and instead of having the Chief’s signature on the agreement, it has to have the City Manager’s or the Mayor’s signature.”
“To refresh your memory on this, this is a grant project that we became partners with the Panhandle Auto Theft and Burglary Task Force. They received some grant funding to install 127 license plate readers around the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. We have eight of those cameras. Three of those eight are on a state roadway, being highway 70 (Hobart through town.) The three locations is Hobart and Kentucky, Hobart and 23rd, and Perryton Parkway and the Loop that the agreement covers. This is just basic protection for TxDOT that if anything is damaged in their right-of-way, who’s going to be responsible for it.”
“What is the cost?” Mayor Mike asked.
“The first year of this was free, the grant covered 100% of it, and now that it has stepped down to the city base, it’s 20%.”
“It averages out to about $5,100 that we pay,” PPD Chief Lance Richburg said. “Potter County is kind of the hub of this entire operation across the panhandle, and so we pay into them and they manage the entire program across the upper 26.”
“So this is us paying them for them to have coverage on whether we’re responsible or not?” Wendi asked.
“Our portion that we’re paying them covers the cameras and the usage of the program in Pampa. It’s just there’s one single entity that covers this whole grant company in the state, and Potter County agreed to be that particular entity. Each entity like us pays in a portion to Potter County, but we’re just paying the part for our camera systems.”
With no further discussion, the Resolution was passed.
Next was to consider approving on first reading Resolution No. R25-023, approving a project with the Pampa Economic Development Corporation to provide funding to the City of Pampa for the purchase of heavy equipment.
“I’m here on behalf of the EDC and we respectfully request your support for a $250,000 grant to assist you, the City of Pampa, for the purchase of heavy equipment that will be dedicated to cleaning up our community, clearing up overgrown vegetation, and demolishing unsafe and abandoned structures,” Ryan Bradley said. “Specifically the three pieces of equipment they’re looking to get is a skid steer, an attachment for it, and a grapple trailer. This project has been reviewed and approved by the EDC Board of Directors in accordance with our bylaws. We held a public hearing on July 17 at 5:00 PM during which no public comments were submitted or voiced. This reflects both transparency in our process and a positive reception in our community. This is an initiative that we all agree is about the beautification and revitalization of our town. It’s about restoring pride in our neighborhoods and improving public safety. With this equipment, we expect that we will be able to clear the overgrowths on lots and public spaces, help demolish abandoned buildings and the structures we want to get rid of, and more importantly, improve the overall appearance of our town. We believe this will spark a momentum that will help us move forward and bring in more economic development.”
“Ryan, I really appreciate your group helping us make Pampa more beautiful,” Mayor Mike said. “You’ve done several things already, so keep on. I really appreciate it.”
With no further discussion, the Resolution was approved.
The last item on the agenda was to approve a Mutual Release and Agreement to terminate the Economic Development Agreement between the PEDC and Country II, Inc.
“To assist us in finalizing a settlement agreement between the Pampa EDC and Country II, located at 805 N. Hobart, regarding the original funding commitment of $1.2 million in 2018,” Ryan said. “As you all are aware, Country II has been a long-standing partner in our community’s growth, providing jobs, and investing in local infrastructure and contributing to the vitality of our region. While the original funding amount was based on projections and expectations made in good faith, evolving market conditions, Covid, and operational realities, both parties revisit these times. The initial intent was for a fully forgivable loan of $1.2 million over 10 years, and we are now in year 7 of this agreement. Country II has approached the EDC and requested a settlement amount and after thorough discussions and careful consideration, the revised amount of $850,000 has been proposed and agreed upon by both parties. This figure reflects a fair and balanced solution, one that honors the dealership’s contributions while ensuring the fiscal responsibility of both the EDC and the City. This proposal has been reviewed and approved by the PEDC Board in accordance with our bylaws. A meeting was held on July 17 at 5:00, during which John Johnson, Country II’s President was present and the terms of the agreement were discussed in open session. The Board unanimously voted in favor of the settlement. Supporting this settlement will allow the EDC to regain access to $850,000 of resources for continued development opportunities. This will help fund several projects, committees, and intiatives the EDC is developing for our community for the growth ahead. I urge you to see this not as a concession, but as a strategic move forward-one that protects taxpayer interest while preserving a valuable relationship with a business that has invested in our community.”
“When we approve this, when will you get the check?” Mayor Mike asked.
“Fourteen days from the date everything is signed.”
With no further discussion, the Resolution was approved.
With no further items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned.
