Curfew continued, Phipps announces resignation
The Friona City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 10 in the Council Chambers at 619 Main Street with all members in attendance.
Friona City Manager Patricia Phipps announced that she plans to resign from her position effective December 31, 2017. Phipps has been with the City of Friona for 32 years and has served as the City Manager for 8 years.
“We are sorry to see you go,” stated Councilman Greg Lewellen.
“It was an honor,” replied Phipps.
The council authorized a subcommittee of two members to conduct a search for suitable candidates to replace Phipps.
In other business, the council approved the continuing of the Juvenile Curfew Ordinance (#01-01) which states that a curfew is in effect for the following days and times: Sunday through Thursday, 10:59 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. of the following day and Friday & Saturday, 11:59 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the following day. Violators will face a penalty to not exceed $500.
Friona Police Chief Isidro Jimenez assured the council that the curfew was working and there had not been any issues with violators.
Jimenez reported that the local police force had responded to 200 calls during the month of June. They made 78 stops and issued 45 warnings, 30 citations and made five arrests. The officers drove 3,591 miles protecting the city.
The Chief also announced that the department will be losing another officer, Raul Martinez, this month but will have a dispatcher that will be attending school to become an officer.
The council approved a variance for Fred and Shirley Ferguson to build closer than five feet from the property line. All the required signatures were furnished.
After a brief discussion, the council approved the accounts payable, June 2017 financial statement and the 3rd quarter financial statement beginning April 2, 2017 and ending June 30, 2017.
Approval was given to cover the increase to the 2017-18 employee medical coverage. The insurance will see an increase of 24 percent.
The City Council will meet again on Monday, August 14. All meetings are open to the public.
