Council approves joint election with FISD
The Friona City Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 619 Main Street on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 6:30 to discuss a number of issues and hear reports from the Fire and Police Departments.
After approving the minutes of the January 9, 2017 meeting, the council considered and approved an order calling for city officers’ election and a joint agreement with Friona Independent School District election to be held on May 6, 2017.
Notices for the upcoming election are posted in English and Spanish on the door of City Hall.
Friona Police Chief Isidro Jimenez presented the 2016 Racial Profiling Report to the Council for their approval. They approved the document. The document stated the Friona Police Department has adopted a detailed written policy on racial profiling. The document is available to the public.
According to Jimenez’s report, the number of motor vehicle stops included: 1,158-citation only, 4-arrests only, 47-both citation and arrest for a total of 1,209 stops. Broken down in race or ethnicity: 34-African; 5-Asian; 449-Caucasian; 719-Hispanic; 1-Middle Eastern; 1-Native America. Race or ethnicity known prior to stop: 9-yes; 1,200-no. Searches conducted: 3-yes; 1,206-no. Consent to search: 1-yes; 2-no.
Jimenez also reported on the Friona Police Departments activities during the month of January. The Police Department logged in 237 calls including fire, EMS, and police. Officers made nine arrests, issued 33 citations and 49 warnings. They made 79 stops in January. Those arrest offenses were: 2-no driver’s license; 1-driving while license invalid; 2-assaults; 2-driving while intoxicated; 1-driving while intoxicated 3rd or more; 1-racing; 1-resisting arrest; 1-sexual assault of a child; and 1-evading arrest.
Friona Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Taylor reported on the departments activities in January. The Fire Department responded to three calls in January. There was a building fire on January 1 with 18 firefighters responding with six trucks. There were two automobile accidents. The first was on January 8 with 16 firefighters responding with four trucks. The second accident was on January 29 with 15 firefighters responding with four trucks.
The Council approved January 2017 accounts payable and financial statements.
Council member approved the awarding of the 2017 Sealcoat Project to Freeman Paving.
All Friona City Council meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be held Monday, March 13, 2017.
