Clarendon spotlights child abuse

The Clarendon City Council put a spotlight on child abuse before tackling a wide-ranging agenda covering the parks system, the airport, and the dog-catcher’s truck during their regular meeting March 12.

Mayor Jacob Fangman opened the meeting with a proclamation declaring April to be Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the city.

Fangman said there were 33,249 confirmed victims of child abuse in Texas in fiscal year 2025, including 501 cases in Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts, and Wheeler counties.

The proclamation highlighted the work of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers who are assigned by a court to speak up to ensure a child’s voice is heard and urged all citizens to dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for all children and families. The full proclamation is on page eight of this week’s Enterprise.

In other city business, aldermen appointed Laverne Pinion and Misty Speed as the judged and alternate judge for the city’s upcoming election on May 2.

Leasing AED devices was discussed, but no action was taken. Council members directed Administrator Brian Barboza to consult local paramedics to see which locations in the city – specifically the library, City Hall, and the aquatic center – would be the best location for such devices.

Barboza proposed a draft of a parks plan proposal to guide the city over the next two to four years. The plan would cover Prospect Park as well as property on the north side of town the city is acquiring, which currently has some old playground equipment. Alderman Ashlee Estlack said the city needs to get public input and stakeholder input through an advisory committee, similar to the one that guided the construction of the aquatic center – which is also part of the parks system. Fangman said the city will form a parks and recreation committee.

The council approved a resolution authorizing a grant application for plans and survey work at the Smiley Johnson Municipal Airport. This project will lay the groundwork for replacing the runway in the next three to five years.

The council considered a proposal to lease a new truck and ACO box for the animal control officer but opted instead to buy a vehicle outright and make payments back into the city’s rolling stock fund.

At the close of the meeting in Mayor’s Comments, Fangman spoke at length about conversations he has had with Barboza and City Secretary Machiel Covey, as well as other city employees, about working together and improving working relationships within the city. The mayor said all parties have agreed and are making efforts to “put their best foot forward” for the good of the city and to serve the citizens.

Alderman Estlack thanked the mayor for his leadership and the employees’ willingness to work together.

“I’m ready to get back to what streets are next to work on and what waterlines are next and get back to improving our citizens’ lives,” she said.