In the first item of new business, the Council approved renting the Watonga Clinic to Dr. Byron Carpenter for one year for one dollar with stipulations: (1) no subleasing, (2) he remains on staff at Watonga Hospital, (3)he utilizes hospital facilities.
Gayle Yearwood, spokesperson for Dr. Carpenter, stated that those terms would be approved by Dr. Carpenter and that Dr. Carpenter would cooperate with the Watonga Hospital in every way. The motion was approved 8 to 0.
The City authorized payment to Wee Construction for laying water lines in the amount of $61,341.50. The vote was 8 - 0.
Council accepted the resignation of Ron Gabe from the Planning and Zoning Commission with regret and expressed appreciation for Ron Gabe. Vote 8 - 0.
The Board approved a contract with Lawyer Jim W. Lee to represent Watonga in the Citizen Lawsuit on a 50% (net proceeds) contingency fee.
The Council will be checking statutes on motorized scooters inside the city limits.
After adjournment of Watonga City Council the Public Works Authority met and authorized Chairman Richard Hightower to negotiate a contract to lease the corporate hangar at the airport. Rent will be $100 until renovations can be made; then rental will be $500, rentor to pay utilities. Only other business was renewal of airport liability insurance with Hoberecht Insurance in the amount of $4,070. Vote was 7 - 1; Rick Cowan abstained due to family ties. All abstaining votes are registered as a 'no'.
In other business, the Council accepted the donation of the former gas station at 201 East Main from Watonga State Bank. The Corporation Commission says any liability would belong to the last entity that put fuel in the underground tanks. The last appraisal of the property was $35,000.
The Council approved, on a narrow vote, raising Terry Lauminick's salary to $14.38 per hour. Some of the members wanted a more gradual increase contingent upon his completion of an advanced electrical workers course.
The Council also agreed to hire Cobb Engineering for the Streetscape Project.
At the end of the City Council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Richard Hightower said a new law has gone into effect severely restricting Municipal Fire Departments on outdoor burning. The Mayor said all the requirements have been fulfilled concerning the Lawrence DeWolfe property. He will be sent a letter giving him 60 days to vacate the property before it is demolished.
The utilities report which was prepared by the accountant will be presented to the Council in February.
Hightower also said the new water wells have burned up 4 pumps in the past 5 years. This is possibly because the wells are not plumbed square and their only real option is a submersible pump costing about $8,000 apiece.
The Mayor said the city attorney will check all requirements necessary for a liquor license in town, in view of the county's approval of liquor-by-the-drink on December 9th.
November 18, 2003
After 30 minutes of discussion last night, the Watonga City Council decided that financial director Tom Roane should be the 'straw boss' with the city being the general contractor for the library expansion. The project was expected to cost $150,000; but the only bids received were for heat and air work and plumbing. All those bids were rejected. Therefore, the city will not be bound by competitive bidding regulations. They can order materials and hire contractors as they see fit. The 25 by 60 foot building will share a common roof with the present library. A completion date was not set.
November 4, 2003
During last night's meeting, Watonga City Council members referred all bids for plumbing and mechanical work for the library expansion to the library committee for study.
The Council agreed to the demolition and removal of the property at 221 West 'A' Street. The property burned down in July. The cause was never determined. The code enforcers will also dispose of the 7 vehicles on the property.
Council members awarded a bid for laying water line to "Wee" Construction of Washington, Oklahoma for $64,000; a bid for drilling 2 water wells was awarded to Resource Builders of Edmond for $204,000.
No action was taken on increasing the deductible for personal injury insurance and errors and omissions coverage. It would have saved only about $2,000 per year.
LaMoyne Slay was appointed to the Watonga Housing Authority Board.
Mayor Richard Hightower told the Council that the annexation of Roman Nose Park may not proceed as quickly as planned since there must be 60 days notice to all the property owners. After that, the City must wait until the next quarter to add them to the tax rolls.
October 28, 2003
The special meeting of the Watonga City Council last night only lasted 11 minutes. The Council voted to begin annexation procedures for Roman Nose Park. The City is required to make arrangements for fire and Police protection; also water, sewer, electric, and trash service. Mayor Richard Hightower said the City is already supplying water to the 530-acre park and the park most likely has their own trash service and sewer service and their electrical supplier is OG&E. The City of Watonga leased the land to the state in the 1950s and those leases do not expire until 2035. The leases say the state is responsible for any improvements in buildings and road maintenance. The mayor said the City can begin collecting sales tax on the property beginning in January.
October 21, 2003
Watonga City Council members heard from Greenfield representative Dawn Grove about the prospect of selling water to that town. The Council agreed. Greenfield is applying for 3 grants to cover the cost of the pipeline; around $300,000.
The Council rejected a motion to charge a $3500 electrical deposit to Beaulliue, Inc., owners of the former Hollytex Building. No other motion was presented.
Council members decided to buy their liability vehicle, and property insurance from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group; total cost is $81,000 per year.
The City set trick-or-street night for October 31st from 5:30 until 9 pm.
The Council expressed an interest in acquiring the property at 6:20 N. Workman and will release the $1500 lien levied against the land for cleanup.
The Council rejected the bids for airport improvements on the advice of Laird-Bice and Reeder Engineering because they were too high. The proposal will be re-bid next spring.
Council members took no action on bids for drilling water wells and laying the water line because the Department of Commerce Funds are not yet available.
During the Watonga City Council meeting Tuesday Mayor Richard Hightower said there will be a special meeting next Tuesday to discuss the annexation of Roman Nose State Park.
The Mayor said the lighting project at Huff-Lorang Park will be moved 'to the top of the list' as soon as funds are available.
The Mayor also told the Council that the cleanup of the town is proceeding and many of the barnyard animals are gone from the city limits.
Councilman Rodney Jacks said the concrete floor for the concession stand at the park is being poured and looks great.
Mayor Hightower also took a moment to thank the citizens that voted to continue the on-cent sales tax in the recent election.
Hightower said they have been given the green light to continue with the Street-Scape Project. The next step will be consulting and preliminary design work done by Cobb Engineering. The same firm that worked on the I-40 bridge collapse at Webbers Falls.
October 7, 2003
At last night's meeting, Watonga City Council members heard from Wes Linder about a 'weed abatement' notice he received on August 29th; but the City had already mowed the property about 5 days later.
The Council decided to apply a $14,000 refund from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group to their future premiums.
The City appointed David Hopper as a 'acting incumbent' Municipal Judge to replace Kyle Goerke who will be on active military service in Afghanistan for the next year.
Council members paid an invoice from RBD and Company of $24,000 for part of the work they have done on the Quorum Management-Watonga Hospital lawsuit. The final bill will probably be around $40,000.
The City amended the animal ordinance that would allow one large barnyard animal if the property owner has at least one acre of land. It will also require a one-time license that is not transferable.
The Council issued a bid notice for work on the library expansion. The bids will be opened November 4th.
Council members agreed to refund the deposit of $21,000 to the bankruptcy court handling the accounts of L. D. Brinkman; but the question was raised about getting another deposit from Beaullieu, the current owner of the building.
September 16, 2003
Last night, the Watonga City Council spent nearly an hour and a half in executive session discussing the "notice of demand" issued by a group of citizens encouraging the city to take action to recover mnies from Quorum Management Company or those citizens would tackle the job themselves. The Council took no action; but they asked the City Attorney to do further research to help them arrive at a decision.
In other business, the Council agreed to pay their share of wages for an Ameri-Corps employee who had worked at the Ferguson Home, $925.
The Council decided to contract with Sheresa Brewer to manage the pro shop at the Golf Course for $8 per hour.
At the end of the meeting, the Mayor also informed the Council that Kyle Goerke had resigned from the Hospital Board.
During the meeting of the public works authority, the Board was told that Daniel Black of Geary had expressed interest in renting the corporate hangar for $500 per month. They asked the airport board to meet with him again and present a formal proposal to the authority.
September 2, 2003
At last night's meeting, Watonga City Council members heard the financial report from auditor Jim Chapman who said the budget was $45,000 above last year combined with a surplus that had declined $183,000 and there will likely be another shortfall this year. Mayor Richard Hightower said there are plans for that including extending the one-cent sales tax among others.
Council members had a 20-minute discussion on placement of a concession stand at Huff-Lorang Park, but in the end, no action was taken.
The Council decided to proceed with demolition of property at 605 N. Newer and 705 N. Burford even though the house on Burford is occupied by Lawrence DeWolfe. They felt that DeWolfe had been given enough time to correct the problems that have been occurring for the past 20 years.
The ordinance committee added some guidelines to the animal ordinance including the amount of space needed, a permit fee and the number of animals that may be kept. The Council made no changes in regards to dogs and cats.
The Council will apply for a community development block grant for $28,000 to purchase a 'quick response vehicle' which will be a new pickup.
Council members agreed to offer $5,000 for the property located south of the Street Department and the Council accepted the appraisal of $3500 for the Nusz property which was donated to them last month.
August 19, 2003
At last night's meeting, Watonga City Council members approved a resolution establishing a fair housing policy for the city which says they will enforce fair housing laws and take action against those who would discriminate against anyone because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.
The City signed a resolution proving they have matching funds for a community development block grant of $150,000. The $25,000 in matching funds will come from another grant.
The Council also passed a resolution accepting the Airport Improvement Grant of $400,000. The City will pay $40,000 in matching funds to replace the hangar aprons, and widen the taxiway.
At the end of the meeting, City Financial Director Tom Roane asked the Council for guidance concerning paying for concrete finish work at Huff-Lorang Park. The Council agreed that Tim Price could be paid in increments as the work was completed.
Mayor Richard Hightower said some property near the light and water warehouse had come up for sale for $10,000 and the item will be on the next agenda.
Hightower also said the ordinance committee needs to meet to develop guidelines concerning the keeping of barnyard animals in the city limits.
August 5, 2003
Watonga City Council members heard from Aaron Wiggins at their meeting last night asking for a 'change' in the animal control officer. Wiggins said he had been accused repeatedly of having stray animals in his yard; but he said he doesn't own any animals. Mayor Richard Hightower said he will check into it.
The Council accepted the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission to be re-zone part of Dennis Manke's property on West Second from residential to agricultural.
Council Members awarded bids for concrete finish work at Huff-Lorang Park to Price Concrete Construction for $21,000.
Councilman Geoff Alexander was appointed to the Board of Adjustment.
The City accepted the donation of property at 620 N. Workman from Lois Bingham who said, through her attorney, that she did not have the resources to maintain the property.
The Council also hired RB&G Company Consultants of St. Louis to analyze records of the hospital in preparation for their upcoming civil litigation against Quorum Hospital Management Company. The city will pay a $15,000 retainer and at least $40,000 if the case goes to trial.
July 15, 2003
After a lengthy discussion last night, Watonga City Council Members passed a number of new ordinances dealing with the keeping of barnyard animals in the city which drew the most criticism. Also, ordinances dealing with public nuisances, weeds, trash, dilapidated buildings, loud noise from vehicles, and fireworks. All new ordinances go into effect in 30 days.
The Council also decided to call for a special election October 14 for a one-cent sales tax. Half will go to general government and the other half for city parks and other capital improvements. The tax will go into effect after the Huff-Lorang tax expires in 2004.
Council members passed a measure that would create a trust authority for the purpose of acquiring a new medicare provider number in the event the hospital does not survive. Mayor Richard Hightower said the hospital is 'broke' and the city may get the bill for their legal representation which could amount to several thousand dollars.
In other business, the Council renewed their contract with Opportunities, Inc. for lease of the building at 117 East 1st.
They agreed to purchase a new air conditioner for the library from Sinclair Heat and Air for $2800.
They granted lifetime golf course memberships to Mel DeSpain, Glenda DeSpain and Pat DeSpain for their volunteer work at that facility. They also accepted Mel DeSpain's donation of a workbench and vise. The city also renewed their contract with Blaine County for housing of city prisoners. The Watonga Economic Development Authority agreed to renew their contract with the Chamber of Commerce for $7,000 at their meeting Tuesday. The authority also waived their right to summons service in the lawsuit between Ventura River Rios vs. CCA & Diamondback Correctional Facility. They also accepted Pioneer Telephone's offer to deposit $443,000 into a court fund in return for the city dropping them from their suit against CCA concerning inmate telephone rates.
July 1, 2003
At their meeting last night, Watonga City Council members approved next year's budget of almost $2,000,000 with expenses remaining the same will still include a deficit of $185,000. The Council revised their motion from last week and decided to absorb the extra cost for the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund of 1.5% instead of passing it on to the employees. They also agreed to a 1.2% salary increase for full-time personnel. To make up the deficit, the City will increase water rates for all users beginning in August.
In other business, the Council authorized Mayor Richard Hightower to sign a contract calling for a community development block grant of $150,000.
The Council authorized a bid notice for concrete work at Huff-Lorang Park; sidewalks, the entryway, water drainage, a plaza and repair of damaged sidewalks and the parking lot. The bids will be opened August 5th. Council members agreed to hire Beano Brunnert for the Parks Department at $6.50 per hour. The City will also cash in one of their certificates of deposit to pay for $45,000 worth of supplies for the golf course.
At the end of the meeting, City Attorney Dan Webber presented the revised ordinances to the Council dealing with weeds and trash, dilapidate buildings, the code enforcement officer, lawsuits against violators, the public nuisance ordinance, rubbish and garbage, dead animal removal, the noise ordinance, and farm equipment in city limits. The Council will vote on the matter at their next meeting.
May 21, 2003
At their meeting last night, Watonga City Council members approved $5,000 to defray costs for a bus and driver for the Senior Citizens Center. They also approved another $6,000 to make up for a lost grant from NODA.
Council members renewed their contract for health insurance from Blue Cross-Blue Shield at a cost of almost $300,000 annually. The employees deductible has been raised from $300 to $500.
The Council decided not to renew the contractor for Greg DeSpain as Golf Course Manager. That contract will expire June 30th. The Council did renew contracts for Mel DeSpain a and Julie DeSpain; at least until June 30th.
Council members agreed to remove a dilapidated structure at 915 East 1st. The Noble House will likely be removed by the Fire Department.
The City authorized a bid notice for an agriculture lease near Huff-Lorang Park. Bids will be opened June 17. Likewise, they will advertise for bids for street repair. The bids, also, will be opened June 17th. The Council also authorized the Street Commissioner to hire 2 additional part-time workers.
The Council also agreed to transfer the title for a 1995 ambulance to the Hospital Trust Authority.
May 6, 2003
At their meeting Tuesday, Watonga City Council members heard a complaint from Millicent Youngbear concerning animal control officers, Thomas Riggs. She claims that Riggs was 'rude' to her when he asked for the city tags and vaccination tags for her dogs; then later cited her for having a vicious dog and a dog running at large. She was urged to discuss the matter with Police Chief Gary Clyden.
In other business, the Council paid their annual membership dues to the Oklahoma Municipal Leage of $1900.
The Council agreed to pay $7,700 toward the cost of replacing an air conditioner at the Hospital. The Foundation and Auxiliary will pay the other half.
Council members agreed to purchase a utility vehicle for $5,800 from Jacky's Lawn and Lube for the Parks Department. The City relinquished their interest in the Blaine-Major County landfill, which has been idle for 10 years. The property is expected to be sold to the city of Fairview and Watonga will get almost 40 per cent of the money.
The City also signed a mutual assistance agreement with the City of Weatherford. They accepted title to the property at 211 West 1st which had been donated by Coleeta Nusz and they awarded a bid for an oil and gas lease to Jay Cole Reams of Enid for $75 an acre, plus royalties.
April 1, 2003
Watonga City Council Members authorized re-zoning of a tract of land on the north side of Watonga for an assisted living center.
Also at Tuesday night's meeting, the Council will refer an item concerning purchasing lights at the ball field at Huff-Lorang Park to the Parks Committee.
There was no action taken on paying for a part-time employee at the Ferguson Museum; also no action on a proposed contract for operation of the transfer station.
The Council decided not to change the valuation of the city buildings for insurance purposes.
The City will advertise for bids for an oil and gas lease. The bids will be opened May 6th.
February 18, 2003
At their meeting last night, Watonga City Council members renewed their contract with the Chamber of Commerce for $500.
The Council authorized a bid notice for purchase of lighting for the ball fields at Huff-Lorang Park; the bids will be opened April 1st.
The City authorized Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert to begin negotiating for purchase of property on 1st Street near the warehouses for the Light and Water Department and the Street Department.
They also adopted resolutions to bring the Oklahoma Municipal League Retirement Fund in compliance with new IRS regulations.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the Watonga City Council was told that the port-a-pottys at the golf course had been removed per request from the Department of Environmental Quality.
Mayor Richard Hightower said the issue with the Police Department has not yet been resolved. Hightower says he has met with the Police Chief and the citizens who brought the allegations and he would like an independent third party to look at the issue. Hightower said the Police Committee technically doesn't have jurisdiction in matters of alleged discrimination; but it is the ultimate responsibility of the FBI.
Councilman Clay Loosen mentioned that some of the Street Lights between Noble & Prouty on Main Street were not working.
Hightower also said Airport Director Bob Oler is recovering from his bout with pneumonia and is back working part-time. During his absence, Roy Hart has been covering for him.
The Mayor also said he would schedule a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to close part of a county road north of town to large truck traffic. He suggested the hearing be March 4th at 6:30 pm.
Mayor Hightower also read a proclamation declaring the week of March 2nd through 8th as 'tornado preparedness week'.
January 21, 2003
At their meeting last night, Watonga City Council members approved a Citizens Participation Plan that was developed as the results of a public hearing January 10th. The Council also approved a grant application for $150,000 for water well development. Another grant of $25,000 will pay for most of the City's required matching funds.
The Council decided to re-advertise a 1992 Ford Car for sealed bids. The bids will be opened January 31st.
Council Members authorized closing the East-West Road 1 mile North of Watonga High School to truck traffic in excess of 3 axles.
The Council re-appointed Curt White to the Airport Board.
The City followed Attorney Dan Webber's recommendation and settled a claim for $5,000 for damage done when an AT&L Train caused damage to an electrical transformer last June.
During the Watonga City Council meeting last Tuesday, Police Chief Gary Clyden was authorized to hire a new Police Officer to replace Shawn Corrigan who has moved to Tennessee.
The Council was told that the transfer station has been up & running since January 2nd; even though there is no contract with the operating company. The Department of Environmental Quality will require that a fence be built in the area at some future date. The transfer station is expected to pay for itself in about a year because of fuel savings and the wear and tear on vehicles. Mayor Richard Hightower says they will soon announce a schedule for the public to use the dump.
Hightower also says the City will begin having regular staff meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. The latest item to come up was the City's projected $150,000 shortfall for next year. All department heads were told to watch expenses and make sure the items they buy are 'essential'.
January 8, 2003
At last night's meeting, Watonga City Council members accepted the resignation of Councilman Jamie Perryman. The council appointed Clay Loosen as council president in his place and also decided to leave Perryman's seat vacant since the filing period for municipal elections will start February 3. The election is April 1st.
Also up for election will be the seats held by Councilmen Herman Brown, Tasha Raines Clewell, James Tyner and Doyle Province. Other offices to be voted on will be Mayor Richard Hightower, Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert and City Clerk Pat DeSpain.
The City decided to hire Ted Garcia part-time to sweep the streets at a cost of $3,600 per year. There was no action on items to contract with the Oklahoma Environmental Management Authority and no action was taken on rescinding a bid from Dwayne Trumbley for the purchase of a surplus car.
December 17, 2002
In another short meeting last night, Watonga City Council members agreed to hire Meyers Engineering to do a preliminary investigation and a design survey for 2 new water wells in the city at a cost of $19,000. The city will be applying for a grant from the Department of Commerce to pay for the work.
The Council also sold a surplus 1992 Ford Crown Victoria to Dwayne Trumbley for $1250.
In response to a question from Councilman Rodney Jacks, acting Mayor Jamie Perryman said the mayor would be signing papers to put the Streetscape Plan into effect his week.
It was also reported by Jacks that the transfer station is complete except for some minor dirt work on the south side of the structure.
Financial Director Tom Roane said the Watonga Main Street Organization would be applying for a grant to refurbish the Liberty Theatre and that item would be on the next agenda.
December 3, 2002
Watonga City Council members had a 13-minute meeting last night. They approved a $1500 payment to the Blaine-Major County landfill Association to pay for closing of the monitoring wells and to plug those well. Once that is completed to the satisfaction of the Department of Environmental Quality, then Watonga will have no further obligations to the group.
Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert reported that the transfer station is nearing completion. The additional footage to the building has been completed. A new door opener has been installed and the loading ramp has been completed. The city is waiting on a final inspection of the structure.
November 19, 2002
At their meeting last night, Watonga city Council members authorized placement of a Christmas Tree in the middle of Main Street between Noble and Prouty. The lighting ceremony will be next Wednesday at 6 pm.
The Council okayed the current year's audit from Jim Chapman. The city had revenues of $1.9 million for the year. That was $136,000 less than last year.
Council members authorized the City attorney to draw up a contract between the City and Billie Roane to salvage used lumber and other materials from structures that had been demolished.
The City denied a claim from Don and Wanda Roach for $6400 in damages caused by a sewer backup. The insurance investigation determined the City had no liability.
The Council authorized expenditure of $2500 for a new base station for the Police Department Radio.
The appointment of Tacy Nitzel to the Hospital Board was approved. She will fill the un-expired term of Steve Smola who resigned.
November 5, 2002
At the Watonga City Council meeting Tuesday, Tacy Mitzel was re-appointed to the housing authority for a 3-year term.
The Council declared a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria & a 1985 Ford LTD both as surplus property to be sold by sealed bids December 17.
A tort claim from Don & Wanda Roach asking for $6400 damages for sewer backup was referred to the city's insurance company.
Likewise, a tort claim from Rebekah Haney asking $600 in damage to a vehicle after hitting a pothole was also referred to the insurance carrier.
September 17, 2002
At last night's meeting Watonga City Council members took no action on a proposed addition to the transfer station. The only quote received was over $50,000. The city will check with other construction agents and see if they can get the cost down.
The Light & Water Department will begin taking applications for an employee to replace Bob Ruby who resigned.
The City granted an easement to Pioneer Telephone per their request to bury a cable east of town near the 80-acre park.
After the agenda items were disposed of, Councilman Doyle Province asked for committee to be named to determine what qualifications would be needed for a group to advertise at Huff Lorang Park. Mayor Richard Hightower assigned the parks committee to the problem with additional members to include Financial Director Tom Roane, Province, a member of the Kiwanis, Lions, Chamber and Main Street.
Hightower said the 'Street-Scape' Project is progressing. He had attended an orientation last Friday. The Mayor also recommended insurance coverage on the transfer station and the new Bio-Tower at the Disposal Plant.
September 3, 2002
At last night's meeting, the Watonga City Council was told that the transfer station is complete; but it is not long enough to store the trucks that will be using it, so EnviroTech is going to see about having it fixed for $5,000.
The Council rejected a proposal by the Kiwanis to display their logo on 4 dugout covers at Huff-Lorang Park. The parks committee had already recommended that they be allowed to post a sign at the entrance to the park along with other groups that have contributed their efforts; but that was never turned into a motion.
Watonga Schools was authorized to use Huff-Lorange Softball and Baseball Fields for the fall sports.
The Council voted to re-zone 605 N. Workman so that David and Laura Lumpkin could open a day care center.
Council members decided to create a new position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager so they could raise Don Sinclair's salary by $2,800 per year. Police Chief Gary Clyden announced the hiring of 33-year-old Shawn Corrigan as Police Officer at a salary of $20,000 per year.
August 20, 2002
At last night's meeting, Watonga city Council members approved the budget for next year totaling $1,950,000. The city will begin the year with $130,000 more carryover than last year.
The Board authorized the city attorney to develop a resolution and ordinance to rescind the sales tax election resolution that was scheduled for next Tuesday. In a special meeting last week, the Hospital Board decided not to pursue the sales tax; but they did not rule out asking the city for concessions down the road.
The Council authorized Kevin Reeder to develop a plan for improvements at the Watonga Airport; but no dollar estimate was given.
Council members voted to demolish structures at 402, 416 and 418 West 1st belong to Calvin and Lois Pierce. All 3 will likely be burned by the Fire Department.
At the end of the meeting, Councilman Doyle Province requested that the City Financial Director explain more fully the financial report for the month and also requested a report from the golf course about usage and current projects.
Financial Director Tom Roane said Enviro-Tech is just about finished with the new transfer station south of town and it should be operational sometime next month.
August 6, 2002
At last night's City Council Meeting, they authorized airport consultant Kevin Reeder to draw up plans for the airport improvement and bring them to the next meeting. The city is eligible for a $400,000 grant; if they can come up with $40,000 in matching funds.
Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert was authorized to hire Dave Lumpkin to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Glenn Sinclair next month.
The Council decided to refer a matter concerning installation of dugout covers to their legal counsel. The Kiwanis had asked for naming rights to all the dugouts. Those dugout covers will cost $6500.
The Council heard from a local citizen who urged the Council to practice fiscal responsibility and not engage in construction of a swimming pool at this time.
Later, Ann Elston addressed the Council and while not asking for a pool, she did ask why the City isn't doing anything about finding activities for the kids. She expressed her interest in opening her own swimming pool; having a skating night at the tennis courts and opening a petting zoo.
Councilman Rodney Jacks asked when the first Streetscape Meeting was to be held and he was told it will most likely be in September.
Jacks also asked about the possibility that the National Guard will be moving from Watonga. An army official would neither confirm nor deny the statement; however, the consensus of Councilmen was that the unit will be merged with Kingfisher.
Jacks and Councilman Doyle Province asked about the city's responsibility for mowing weeds close to the highway. Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert said the property owner is responsible all the way to the street.
Jacks commended the Parks Department for using inmate labor to erect the bleachers at Huff-Lorang Park.
July 16, 2002
At their meeting last night, Watonga City Council members authorized Pioneer Telephone to bury a cable east of town near the 80-acre park.
Street Commissioner Marvin Schweigert wa authorized to advertise for 1-2 positions in his department. They will be replacing Glenn Sinclair, who says he will retire September 1st and Ted Garcia who intends to retire in December. The deadline for applications is August 2.
The Council authorized applying for another $25,000 in reap grants to help defray the cost of building new water wells. The total cost will be around $300,000. The grants will cover about half that cost.
Ann Elston, who did not appear before the Council told MY93 News outside the meeting that she objected to the city paying for sidewalk improvements and not concentrating on a municipal pool.
Also, during the meeting, Police Chief Gary Clyden said 29 more notifications will be sent to owners of vehicles in violation of the city's new 'Derelict Car' Ordinance. According to the Oklahoma Municipal League there are laws on the books to cover abandoned vehicles sitting on abandoned property.