27-02-2025
Transformation Park security will include cameras, metal detectors, scanners, personnel
In a dynamic session at the new city hall, the Amarillo City Council set the stage Tuesday for a transformative era in community safety, digital governance, and public health. The council unveiled a $250,000 investment in Transformation Park's security upgrades, introduced a sweeping Digital Dignity, Rights and Privacy Ordinance with a clear implementation timeline, and advanced key public health measures — all designed to foster a safer, more transparent, and resilient Amarillo.
A cornerstone of the meeting was the approval of the $250,000 resolution for Transformation Park — a community facility slated to provide safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support services. The funding will finance a state-of-the-art security system that includes new surveillance cameras, upgraded internet connectivity, metal detectors, and bag scanners, while also creating two to three security jobs. Transformation Park Executive Director Mark Zimmerman explained that these enhancements were not part of the original project plans, noting, 'It wasn't in the city's construction budget and it wasn't in our budget, so it was an essential add-on to ensure our facility can serve the community safely.'
'We want our residents, volunteers, and staff to feel safe in every way,' Zimmerman said. 'By addressing potential issues proactively, we can help minimize calls that eventually require police intervention. This system isn't just a security upgrade — it's an investment in the safety and future of our community.'
The newly installed cameras will monitor the facility's perimeter and extend coverage along a two-block radius. Their positioning is designed with privacy in mind: 'Near the bus station, we have an empty field on one side and a cabinet shop on the other, so the cameras won't be pointing into anyone's backyard,' Zimmerman explained. Footage will be directly tied into the Amarillo Regional Crime Center, ensuring prompt police response when needed.
'Every step we take today lays the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive community tomorrow,' Zimmerman remarked. 'Investing in security is investing in dignity and respect for everyone who walks through our doors.'
Addressing broader concerns about digital privacy, Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley stressed that safeguarding personal data is as critical as ensuring physical security. 'Our commitment to public safety extends into every aspect of our community — from physical security to digital privacy,' Stanley said. 'As we embrace advanced technologies, we must be vigilant in protecting the sanctity of our personal data. I'm proud that our approach, likened to a 'ten commandments' on digital privacy, places human-centered technology and transparency at its core.'
Assistant City Manager and Chief Information Officer Rich Gagnon outlined the newly unveiled Digital Dignity, Rights and Privacy Ordinance, detailing its robust framework designed to protect citizens' digital rights.
In addition to mandating annual accountability reports, quarterly advisory board meetings with residents, legal and technical experts, and strict vendor documentation protocols, the ordinance comes with a clear timeline. Immediate actions include a complete legal review and refinement of the ordinance's language, with the draft soon to be posted on the city's digital rights website for public review. Public engagement will follow through additional in-person meetings, with the first Council reading scheduled for the final meeting in March and final adoption targeted for the first meeting in April.
Implementation will then kick off with annual updates and accountability reporting, ensuring the ordinance evolves with technological advancements and community needs. 'A citizen's rights in digital spaces are as inviolable as in the physical realm,' Gagnon asserted.
A public health grant was taken off the consent agenda for further review by Mayor Stanley to address public concerns.
Council members reviewed the FY26 Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Grant Renewal for $261,049 — a grant that requires no local match. Public Health Director Casie Stoughton explained that the funds will cover staffing and supplies, such as syringes and office materials, necessary for administering vaccines through the state's Texas Vaccine for Children program. During discussions, questions were raised about informed consent and vaccine safety, particularly concerning the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mayor Stanley addressed these concerns directly. 'I personally am not an advocate for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, but as your mayor, my role is to ensure that all public health measures are implemented with full transparency and robust informed consent protocols,' he said. 'We must respect every individual's right to choose while ensuring our health department exceeds state requirements to protect our community from any potential risks.'
Economic development was another high priority on Tuesday's agenda. Interim AEDC President and CEO Doug Nelson presented revisions to the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation's bylaws, which now provide a more specific operational roadmap than the previous, generalized framework.
'These new bylaws not only offer clearer guidelines for our staff and board but also enhance transparency throughout our budgetary processes,' Nelson said. He emphasized that correcting redundant headings and reordering paragraphs in the public information section were crucial steps toward streamlining outdated ordinances and fostering more agile economic development projects.
Councilmember Tom Scherlen, who was hospitalized following Friday's special meeting, was absent from the session. Officials report that he is showing progress in his recovery and expects to be released soon.
Looking ahead, Transformation Park is preparing for its ribbon cutting on April 12, with plans to welcome the first cabin community residents by April 16. 'We are going to begin interviewing potential residents and discussing our expectations next week,' Zimmerman said. 'A few weeks later, we'll open the safe space for the first 50 individuals.'
The facility is part of a broader community initiative to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable populations, including those facing mental health challenges and addiction.
In an era of rapid technological change and evolving public health needs, Tuesday's meeting underscored Amarillo's commitment to a multi-pronged approach — balancing enhanced public safety, digital privacy, and transparent vaccine protocols with proactive economic development. 'Our policies must protect both our physical and digital lives,' Mayor Stanley said. 'By keeping our citizens' privacy intact and ensuring that public health measures are sound, we're building a safer, more resilient Amarillo for everyone.'
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This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Council approves $250K for Transformation Park security
