Sheriff Proposes Curfew, Drag Racing at Eads Board Meeting

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

September 5, 2003

The Town of Eads Board of Trustees met in regular session August 13 with board members Jan King, Charles Howard, John Philpy, Dorie Musgrave, Daryll Adamson and Mayor Larry Michael present. Board member Diane Crow was absent.

Kiowa County Sheriff Forrest Frazee informed the board that he and his officers had been discussing ideas that could possibly make it easier and cheaper to patrol the town, including a juvenile curfew. Frazee stated that children on the street after a certain time need to be sent home, and that parents are supporting the concept because they want someone else to send the kids home. Undersherrif Randy Richardson stated that a curfew "would give us an excuse to pull [minors] over and check for beer and such." Frazee that his department ends patrols at 2:00 a.m., however, "stuff is happening after that."

In response to a question from Musgrave, Frazee said he was unsure what the curfew times should be, however other communities use 10:00 p.m. for weekdays and midnight for weekends. Exceptions would be granted for students participating in school activities, who would be given 1.5 hours to go home after the activity has been concluded. In addition, minors who work at night would also be given time to go home after their shift ends. Frazee reiterated Richardson’s comment that breaking curfew would provide probable cause to check for alcohol and drugs.

Frazee also stated that minors could be out past the curfew if they are accompanied by and adult family member. Curfews would apply to minors under the age of 18.

According to Frazee, another idea being considered is organized drag racing for minors, who would race against a clock, rather than each other. Other communities have reported success with such a program, and the sheriff asked if the town would give its permission to hold events at the airport. Van Brown, Director of Public Works, stated that the airport could not be shut down. Frazee wondered if there could be exceptions if his office stayed in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration while such events were underway, and could have the runway cleared rapidly in cases of emergency. Brown stated that he would make some telephone calls to find out if such a plan would be acceptable to the FAA.

Frazee also reported that the average cost of cleaning up a methamphetamine lab is $25,000, and that the town would be financially liable for such costs at sites inside the town limits. While Frazee said he was not aware of any potential sites in Eads now, it was possible in the future. He also reported that, last year, Otero County "took out" 89 meth labs. Frazee, in response to a question from Howard, did state that there are meth labs in the county now, but declined to provide a number. He also said that the 15^th Judicial District Drug Task Force was being formed, and that the town would be contacted shortly for a financial commitment.

Frazee and Richardson abruptly left the meeting to respond to an emergency call.

The water system reconstruction project continues, with about 9,000 feet of pipe and transmission line already laid. Boring under the highway and rail lines has been completed. Two segments had already been pressure tested, and tying to service lines was expected to begin as soon as bacterial test results were returned.

Cardon and Joyce Berry were present to discuss the placement of a fire hydrant. The hydrant in question was originally set to be placed on the opposite corner, however Brown had spoken to Mrs. Berry about placing in on their corner instead because the other corner had a utility pole, street sign, and mail boxes, which could make clear access to the hydrant difficult. Mr. Berry pointed out that there are hydrants near poles in other areas already. Brown said he had changed the placement of a number of hydrants and other items before a draft plan had been finalized. After lengthy discussion, the board decided not to change the plans further.

Michael reported that a used patrol car with 14,060 miles had been purchased for $14,778 in Salt Lake City. Adamson said he thought this car should last at least four years, possibly more, as apposed to the higher mileage State Patrol cars purchased in the past – which are no longer readily available, and more expensive than they had been. The old car has transmission problems, and was put up for bid "as is." Two bids were received and opened at the meeting. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office bid $253, and Bart Michael bid $327. Board members voted to accept the high bid, with Mayor Michael abstaining from the vote.

The next regular meeting will be held September 9.