During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the introduction of a new ordinance aimed at amending various provisions related to park and recreation, as well as plumbing codes. The council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance, which seeks to clarify existing regulations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal for a multiple use agreement between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) concerning the installation of Flock traffic cameras. Chief Davis presented the initiative, emphasizing that these cameras are not intended for traffic enforcement but rather serve as investigatory tools to aid law enforcement in tracking stolen vehicles and responding to Amber Alerts.

The Flock camera system, funded through a grant from the Panhandle Auto Theft Task Force, will see the installation of five cameras at key entry points around the city. These cameras will read license plates and alert authorities if a vehicle reported stolen passes by. Chief Davis highlighted the potential benefits of the system, noting its role in enhancing public safety and aiding investigations into major crimes.

The city’s financial contribution to the project is set at $39,100 annually, a fraction of the total costs covered by the grant. The council expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its importance in combating vehicle thefts and improving community safety. The installation timeline for the cameras is expected to be swift, pending approval of the agreement.