Photo by Jean ChenNash Farm is located on 626 Ball Street between Homestead Lane and College Street.
A public hearing on the hours of operation for Nash Farm sparked a heated discussion among Grapevine city council members at the monthly city council meeting.
It was recommended by Nash Farm staff and committee to change the hours of the farm to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The farm would be closed on city holidays, as well as an additional two weeks in February for in-depth maintenance and construction projects.
The establishment is currently opened from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
Jim Lauderdale, Nash Farm manager, said the hours need to be amended due to insufficient staff available to maintain current hours and to protect valuable resources, livestock and exhibits that are subject to be stolen or damaged.
The motion to accept the hours presented was declined and another motion spearheaded by council members Chris Coy and Darlene Freed to accept the hours as is, but have one day a week open until 8 p.m., was also declined and met with some debate.
Mayor Tate said he didn't see how one day would make much of a difference. While council member Mike Lease argued that people would adjust to the times, just like they adjust to businesses that close at 5 p.m.
Freed said she would have a hard time passing a motion that doesn't allow extended hours.
Nash Farm, located at 626 Ball St., is near residential houses, which is another reason the Mayor agrees with the hours as proposed.
"We have to be considerate of those people who live near the farm," Tate said. "They need a break too. I'm sure they are tired of having people driving up and down their street at all times of the day and night."
However, the council did agree to table the issue for a workshop discussion.
