Download & Print
January 22, 2025
Notes from Bandera City Council
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
After their installation about one year ago, the raised pavement delineators at Main Street and Hwy. 173 are set to be removed.
“We’re all receiving calls. I was under the impression that they were put in place for safety issues. I don’t feel, and a lot of others don’t feel that those were the right solution,” Bandera City Council Member Brett Hicks said, adding the poles could be causing collateral safety problems.
Hicks said the Texas Department of Transportation would remove them from the shoulders at the intersection upon request from the city.
Mayor Denise Griffin said she believed the poles were installed to prevent motorists from making illegal turns or cutting off drivers turning right.
“Traffic laws allow passing on improved shoulders. Here in Bandera, we’re limited on space. Having the pile-ons have been a hindrance regarding traffic control,” the deputy marshal said. “My personal recommendation is they do need to go.”
Council Member Lynn Palmer motioned to approve the removal of the raised pavement delineators, which carried by unanimous vote.
In other business, council approved a resolution establishing a social media policy that allows designated personnel to remove comments that contain profanity, or are considered harassing or personal attacks.
Currently, City Treasurer and Deputy Court Clerk Allyson Wright and City Specialist Susan Hutcherson have the city’s social media permissions.
“This will allow us to remove content that fits in the criteria of profanity,” Wright said.
Council Member Debbie Breen cautioned care when deleting public comments.
“People have a right to opinions. I don’t want to cut off that feedback,” Breen said.
City Attorney Natalie Thamm, who recommended the policy, said its purpose was not to start a censorship campaign, but rather provide the city a tool to monitor what gets posted. Thamm said the policy would be posted on the city website and social media pages, adding anything removed should be screen captured and saved as public record. Council Member Jeff Flowers requested a written policy and procedure outlining the steps for reporting, capturing and documenting comments.
“We’re all receiving calls. I was under the impression that they were put in place for safety issues. I don’t feel, and a lot of others don’t feel that those were the right solution,” Bandera City Council Member Brett Hicks said, adding the poles could be causing collateral safety problems.
Hicks said the Texas Department of Transportation would remove them from the shoulders at the intersection upon request from the city.
Mayor Denise Griffin said she believed the poles were installed to prevent motorists from making illegal turns or cutting off drivers turning right.
“Traffic laws allow passing on improved shoulders. Here in Bandera, we’re limited on space. Having the pile-ons have been a hindrance regarding traffic control,” the deputy marshal said. “My personal recommendation is they do need to go.”
Council Member Lynn Palmer motioned to approve the removal of the raised pavement delineators, which carried by unanimous vote.
In other business, council approved a resolution establishing a social media policy that allows designated personnel to remove comments that contain profanity, or are considered harassing or personal attacks.
Currently, City Treasurer and Deputy Court Clerk Allyson Wright and City Specialist Susan Hutcherson have the city’s social media permissions.
“This will allow us to remove content that fits in the criteria of profanity,” Wright said.
Council Member Debbie Breen cautioned care when deleting public comments.
“People have a right to opinions. I don’t want to cut off that feedback,” Breen said.
City Attorney Natalie Thamm, who recommended the policy, said its purpose was not to start a censorship campaign, but rather provide the city a tool to monitor what gets posted. Thamm said the policy would be posted on the city website and social media pages, adding anything removed should be screen captured and saved as public record. Council Member Jeff Flowers requested a written policy and procedure outlining the steps for reporting, capturing and documenting comments.