Nixon Featherfest moves downtown

NIXON — For those of you who are already thinking of a good parking place at the city’s showbarn for next year’s Featherfest, well...hold that thought.

City Administrator Manuel Zepeda said the event is moving to the downtown area, a decision that allows more visitors.

“I think there will be more space to accommodate more people downtown than at the showbarn,” Zepeda said. “Plus, it will be easier to get to after the parade.”

Featherfest made its return in 2014 after a 25-year break. It has taken place at the Nixon showbarn and features rides, games and live music. The “reincarnation’s” third installment will occupy the city’s downtown area in September 2016.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how that will do,” Zepeda said.

Zepeda also said during Tuesday’s city council meeting that the city’s annual audit is nearing completion. 

“The auditors are still working on the audit,” Zepeda said. “There are four areas that still can be completed, and they’re asking for additional data. From the time they left, last week, until now — I have obtained that information, and will get it to them [on Dec. 11].”

Zepeda said auditors need to review the city’s lift station grants, which were previously audited by the state comptroller’s office. 

“Those are now finished and in order,” Zepeda said. “Now our city auditors need to look at it.”

City officials are also considering the idea of installing security cameras in the area of 3rd and 4th streets — the locations of several recent burglaries. However, other options are also being considered.

“[Police Chief Mario] Hernandez said he would prefer body cameras on the officers. It might be more advantageous. Research on other cities put up cameras shows that crime just moves to other locations, especially a little town where you can’t put cameras everywhere. The crime just goes somewhere else. So we’re looking into the body camera option as well.”

Zepeda said body cameras would come in handy during interviews with an arrested suspect, where proper documentation is essential.

“I agree with Chief Hernandez,” Zepeda said. “I think this is something the council needs to look into.”

City Council will hold its next meeting on Jan. 12.