After intense discussion, and following a 3-2 vote, Fairfield City Council approved to enact a juvenile curfew inside the city limits, during the February 9, 2021 Regular Session, at the recommendation of Police Chief David Utsey.
Vandalism and burglary are the main issues, according to Chief Utsey. “We want to stop these before they happen,” he said, regarding the need for a curfew.
City Administrator Nate Smith reminded Council that, that every city experiences periods of high crime. “We are just having to do this now,” he said, “where other cities have been doing [curfews] for years.”
Jeff Price – Councilman Place 1 voiced a concern that a curfew would reflect negatively on the City. “I don’t know that it prevents crime,” he said.
“It is a slippery slope,” agreed Landis Bayless – Councilman Place 4.
The curfew would prevent minors under 17 years of age from remaining in a public place during set hours. This would be from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Exceptions would include school, church or employment activities. Minors accompanied by their parents would also be excluded from curfew.
The juvenile curfew for the City of Fairfield was approved with Councilpersons Jeff Price and Randy Johnson voting against, and Councilpersons Bobby Nichols, Landis Bayless, and Angela Olgesbee voting for the measure.
According to state law, after being in effect for three years, the Fairfield Council would be required to hold a Public Hearing in order to continue the curfew.
The City will also be required to document whether crime has increased, or decreased, as a result of the curfew.
While giving Department Head reports, City Administrator Smith revealed that the recent income survey “did not go well.” Of the 480 random surveys, only 24 where mailed back.
As reported last month, these surveys are related to the City’s application for a state government grant that will help pay for the refurbishment of the Love Street Water Tower.
This project has been in the works for several years, and was one of the City projects that were part of Proposition A, which was voted down by Fairfield residents during a Special Election held in November of 2019.
Had voters passed Proposition A, it would have allowed the City of Fairfield to issue up to $2.65 million in certificates of obligation to fund the water tower and various street / drainage projects, in addition to the unpopular plans to purchase and renovate property for a new City Hall.
Two years ago, the Love Street Water Tower project was estimated at $400-450,000 to complete.
Council made a few suggestions to educate citizens on the need for completing the surveys. Having a better marketing plan, offering an explanatory video, and sending city workers door-to-door were some of the ideas presented.
In other business, the following actions were approved:
–Appointment of Jacob Ramsey as Assistant City Attorney.
–Renew permit at the Mims Creek Wastewater plant.
–Approve Resolution to allow for Grant Application for Police Computers.
–Signing of Interlocal Agreement with City of Rosebud for their $7,000 purchase of two surplus aerators from Fairfield.
–Acceptance of retirement of Beck Boyd.
Fairfield City Council meets in Regular Session on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
Visit the City’s website at fairfieldtexas.com for agendas and information.
