City takes next step for law enforcement

Michelle Minton and husband, Mayor Charles Minton, pose after the mayor was sworn into officer after his re-election. Courtesy photo

By Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — The Shepherd City Council took the next required steps for the creation of its Police Department on Nov. 14.

The council adopted an ordinance that establishes a police chief and the scope of duties, and appointed Precinct 2 Deputy Constable Clint Headley as chief.

City Secretary Debra Hagler said the ordinance allows Headley to hire another officer to bring department up to two full-time officers. The old City Hall building was used as an office for the constable, and now will become the Police Department building.

Hagler said the department will be up and operational once the city receives the necessary credentials from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

In a related matter, the council approved a new law that establishes a curfew for minors within the city.

During weekdays — Mondays through Fridays — children under 17 years of age must be indoors, and remain until 6 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the curfew is 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The ordinance states the city has “determined that there is an increase in juvenile violence, juvenile gang activity and crime committed by persons under the age of 17.” It also states that the ordinance is necessary due to the lack of maturity and experience of juveniles, making them susceptible to participate in unlawful and gang-related activities, and to become victims of crime as well.

In other business, the council:

•canvassed and certified the results of the Nov. 8 city election;

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•approved placing $6,000 of road material on the beginning of the road to Shantal Pope’s property;

•approved an agreement to participate with BuyBoard, a purchasing collective for municipalities;

•authorized Rocking B Subdivision, which will have 17 homesites for potential builders;

•tabled action on development approval for Greg Biddles to build rentals to determine drainage issues;

•signed an agreement with San Jacinto County Permitting and 911 Mapping departments;

•approved adding a fee for second or subsequent inspections at $50;

•tabled a matter on permitting noncompliance;

•tabled approval on an extension of a sewer line;

•approved use of the Community Center by Shepherd ISD for a staff support dinner; and

•set a staff Christmas party for 6 p.m. on Dec. 10.