Council make Chief Jimenez official
The city council met in regular session Monday December 8 in council chambers, 619 Main St. Councilman Greg Lewellen was absent. Mayor Rick White presided.
Bi-Wize owner Josh Moore and pharmacist Andy Alexander spoke during the public comments portion of the agenda. Mr. Moore expressed several items of protest that Prairie Acres awarded a one-year contract to K & K Pharmacy of Muleshoe to fill prescriptions for the nursing home's skilled patients. A skilled patient is short term patient that stays in Prairie Acres for rehab, similar to the swing bed program.
Both Bi-Wize and K & K Pharmacy had submitted contract proposals to Prairie Acres. K & K asked for a one-year contract. Bi-Wize asked for a 5-year contract. K & K's contract bid for the skilled patient prescriptions was $10 per day. Bi-Wize proposed $19 per day. In addition, Prairie Acres administrator Billy Ray Johnston said K & K agreed to provide free flu shots for residents and provide a new medication cart.
Prairie Acres residents still have the option to purchase their prescription medicines from the pharmacy of their choice, including Bi-Wize. Josh Moore said Bi-Wize still provides the nursing home with a stocked meds kit and provides direct billing to residents. They also remain available to provide emergency and after hours prescriptions and delivery.
In other business the council:
-- heard the police department report. In November the department made 18 arrests, issued 68 traffic citations and 164 warnings.
-- A variance request from Homer Haile to build a carport at the State Farm office was discussed and action was delayed until the January meeting, awaiting final approval from adjacent property owners.
-- A permit for a December 18-19 sidewalk sale at Interior Expressions on Main St. was approved.
-- Accounts payable and financial statements for November were discussed and approved.
-- The council went into executive session about 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Chief of Police position. When they returned to open session, Isidro Jimenez, who has been serving as interim police chief, was officially appointed as Friona's Chief of Police.
The next meeting of the city council is Monday January 12, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. All council meetings are open to the public. Happy New Year!
