The Parlier City Council took significant steps towards improving event security policies during their meeting on December 21, 2023. Council members discussed the need for a more equitable approach to security requirements for events held at city facilities, particularly in response to community complaints about inconsistent enforcement.

A key point of discussion centered on the current policy that mandates security for events based on attendance numbers. Council member Bertha highlighted the importance of creating a policy that prioritizes safety without imposing excessive fees that could deter community gatherings, such as birthday parties or funerals. She emphasized that the existing framework could be perceived as unfair, as it does not uniformly apply to all events, leading to perceptions of favoritism.

The council agreed to revisit the security policy, considering input from members who suggested that the number of required security personnel should correlate with the expected number of attendees. This approach aims to make it easier for residents to utilize city venues without facing prohibitive costs. Council members also proposed researching how other cities manage similar policies, potentially adopting a list of preferred vendors for security and other services to streamline the process.

In addition to the security discussions, the council approved a resolution related to the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS), ensuring the city’s financial obligations are met. The motion passed unanimously, reflecting a collaborative effort among council members.

As the meeting concluded, council members encouraged community participation in upcoming events, including a New Year’s celebration, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. The council's decision to review and potentially revise the security policy signals a proactive approach to addressing community concerns and enhancing the overall experience for residents utilizing city facilities.