City Council sets new RV park fees
The Friona city council met in regular session Monday March 14. All members were present except Bruce Fleming.
A public hearing was opened for comments on Creative Chaos' request for funding from the Friona Economic Development Corporation (FEDC). No members of the public spoke.
During the public comments portion a Mr. Al Ortiz of Mortenson Construction addressed the council about providing affordable monthly rates at the Reeve Lake RV Park. Mr. Ortiz is one of the many employees that will be in the area during construction of the wind farm. He stated rates at other RV parks in Dimmitt, Vega, and Clovis were less than a proposed $25 daily Friona rate.
The construction crews prefer a monthly rate he said. After discussion the council thanked Mr. Ortiz for his input and comments. They approved a $20 single night rate and a $15 rate for 30-days or more. The city is in the process of adding another 10 RV spaces to the 10 that are already there.
After approving previous meeting minutes the council took up the FEDC request. Adriana Stowers, owner of Creative Chaos, had asked for a $15,000 forgivable loan to purchase the building she occupies on Main St.
After discussion the loan was approved with stipulations that she maintains at least 1.5 employees or a $24,000 annual payroll and report at least $140,000 in annual sales subject to sales tax. The FEDC will have a lien on the building. As long as the requirements are met the $15,000 loan will be forgiven $3,000 per year for five years. The loan was approved by a 3-1 vote, with Alan Monroe, Martha Barker, and Greg Lewellen voting for and Nancy Davis opposed.
A resolution to rescind the May 7 city election was passed. The city will be the official election staff for the school board election since the school district does not have certified election judges.
Rate requests from Atmos Energy and Southwest Public Service were discussed and the council voted to join other communities around the state in opposing the rate increases. By joining the coalition of cities Friona saves legal fees and other costs.
Police Chief Isidro Jimenez gave a police department report. He reported 8 arrests and 88 traffic stops in February, including four stops for no driver license. A total of 162 calls for service were reported and the department drove a total of 3,041 miles patrolling the city. The department is still short one officer.
The annual audit report was given by a representative from Randall Field, P.C., the auditing firm from Muleshoe. Accounts payable and the February financial statement were discussed and approved.
The next meeting of the city council will be Monday April 11. All council meetings are open to the public.
