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Florence council tables participation in 287(g) Task Force Model, retains city administrator and approves cameras
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Florence City Council unanimously tabled consideration of joining the federal 287(g) Task Force Model, retained City Administrator Tamela Louvier with direction to seek budget funding for a raise, and voted to activate at least five cameras. The council held two executive sessions under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.076 and Sec. 551.074.
The Florence City Council on May 5 unanimously tabled consideration of participating in the Task Force Model (TFM) under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act after discussing the matter during a closed executive session.
Open session resumed at 6:55 p.m. following an executive session held under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.076 (deliberation regarding security devices or security audits). Council member Mary Jane Swope moved to table the matter; Debra Bivens seconded and no council member opposed.
The council later entered a second executive session under Sec. 551.074 to discuss personnel matters involving City Administrator Tamela Louvier. After returning to open session at 7:12 p.m., the council voted to retain Louvier’s employment and asked staff to explore whether funds could be identified in the budget to provide her a raise. Mary Condon made the motion; Forrest Hyde seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Council also approved a motion to activate at least five cameras to enhance security; the motion was moved by Mary Condon, seconded by Mary Jane Swope and carried with no opposition.
The public-comment period earlier in the meeting included remarks from Cheryl Friedman, who spoke about overdose prevention and the availability of free Narcan. That comment was recorded in open session and did not result in any formal council action.
Next procedural steps: the council took no final action on the 287(g) participation question and therefore left the issue open for future consideration; retained the city administrator and requested staff pursue potential budget options for a raise; and directed staff to proceed with the camera activation plan.
