BRENHAM POLICE CHIEF DETAILS SECURITY MEASURES PLANNED FOR HOT NIGHTS, COOL TUNES
Heading into the first weekend of downtown Brenham’s annual summer concert series, local law enforcement is working to make sure the occasion goes smoothly.
Brenham Police Chief Ron Parker briefed the Brenham City Council today (Thursday) on what actions first responders are taking to ensure that Hot Nights, Cool Tunes, as well as any other major event, is safe for all who attend.
Parker said these security procedures are not new, but he wanted to share them in light of recent incidents around the country.
Parker said the mission of the police department and the city as a whole is multi-faceted, as they seek to provide for the safety and welfare of all citizens and visitors to the event, keep the public and stakeholders informed of any emergency responses, establish an event security plan in conjunction with city and county departments, respond to all emergencies and requests for assistance, implement evacuation procedures if warranted, minimize loss of life and property in the event of an emergency, and perform an investigation and apprehend any suspects should criminal activity occur.
According to Parker, the police department will have an onsite command post that will be staffed with a police supervisor throughout the concert. The command post will also serve as a receptacle for any lost and found items, lost children, and general information. Meanwhile, uniformed officers and Citizens on Patrol will be present throughout the crowd to respond to any signs of trouble. If an incident occurs involving firearms or a vehicle used as a weapon, special operations officers will respond.
Unmanned aerial drones will observe the crowd, stage and parking areas for any threats, while Washington County Emergency Management will deploy surveillance cameras monitored by dispatchers. Radio communication will be maintained to report any incidents.
The fire department will have a fire engine on standby in the immediate area, and will assist with any emergency evacuations that may be required. It will also aid patients alongside EMS, which will have a mobile ATV for quick response and medics near the stage area.
Parker said he has been in touch with federal and state intelligence centers, and they are not reporting any viable or credible threats to the event. Should threats arise, officials from the police department, sheriff’s office and emergency management will be notified.
Parker expects heat to be the most significant concern for Saturday's concert, and encourages all guests to keep cool and stay hydrated.
Also at today’s meeting, the council:
- Accepted a bid from Clark Construction of Texas for Onyx Resurfacing on Spinn Street, Tison Street, LJ Street, Hillside Drive, Clearspring Drive and Robinhood Road. A change order approved by the council reduces the cost for the project from $305,809 to $230,263, but it also reduces the number of street sections to be addressed from eight to six. Work on Pecan Street and Atlow Drive will be postponed.
- Approved an ordinance to regulate the speed of traffic on Aviation Way, a private road within the Brenham Municipal Airport. The ordinance sets a 30-mph speed limit on Aviation Way, authorizes the placement of speed limit signs, and establishes a penalty for violators.
- Took no action on a Chapter 380 agreement between the city and Brenham Market Square, LP.
- Met in executive session to discuss the possible sale, exchange, transfer and/or acquisition of real property located in the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1. No action was taken.
