The City Council met with the Altus Municipal Authority at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, in Council Chambers, and held a regular meeting to discuss and vote on items on the consent agenda.

The City Council authorized the AMA to purchase a fire aerial truck and other water infrastructure projects for an amount not to exceed $1.5 M. Funds will be borrowed from the reserve fund to be repaid with loan proceeds.

There were not enough concilmen present to approve authorization for the AMA to issue funds from its Junior Lien Utility Revenue Note, Series 21013A. A special meeting will be held Feb. 5, to consider and discuss that item.

Approval to award a contract, bid alternate #1 for $129,062.50 to Western Prairie Services, LLC, of Duke, was issued.

Also during the AMA regular meeting, Council approved minutes from the previous meeting, a claim from Upbeat Inc., for $30,024.50 for expenses for the Altus High School Renovation and Addition paid from Sales Tax Revenue Note, Series 2011, and purchase orders for the Enterprise fund for $1,184,986.14.

Council then awarded bid #97080 for seven 25 kVA and four kVA 120/240 Pole Mount Transformers, and bid #97090 for one 300 kVA and one 500 kVA 480Y/277, 3 phase, pad mount transformers to Techline, Inc. of Alstyne, Texas for $37,132.

They also considered, discussed and approved the agreement on the sale and transfer of 25.86 acres of the 700 Block of N. Market Rd,from the AMA to the Wichita, Tillman & Jackson Railway.

Council motioned for an executive session to discuss matters pertaining to economic development. Council then voted for open session and approved letters of engagement, with attorney Daniel E. McMahan, McMahan & Vernon, P.C.There was no new business concerning AMA, so the meeting adjourned and moved to the regular City Council meeting.

Items on the consent agenda were approved, including minutes from the previous regular meeting on Jan. 8, and special meeting on Jan. 16. Purchase orders were approved for the general fund, workers comp fund, assurance fund, airport fund, and emergency fund.

City Council also considered and voted to approve revised dates for the recommended 2013 Holiday schedule for City of Altus employees.

Council approved the the concept for a partnership between Shurway, Inc., and the City for the development of the Hunter Point bridge project. Urgency of the project was expressed to allow all weather access to emergency services. Expected time frame is two weeks for bid and a contract to be in place, then 60 days until completion.

Council also approved the construction of a new water main installation, and the hiring of subcontractors, through Western Prairie Services, LLC, of Duke.

An executive session was motioned for and approved, and council discussed matters pertaining to a pending EEOC complaint against the City of Altus, filed by Janice L. Estelle. Council reconvened in open session and voted to approve EEOC Mediation.

There was no new business. As for Mayor’s appointments, Elizabeth gray noted that Cable 1 has raised their rates, and wanted to clarify to the public that the City does not have control over this decision. Gray also mentioned a Supervisor Course Program of which their were 13 graduates, “I am very proud of those employees who stuck with it.”

Scot Simco said that he appreciates the workers who have been addressing the city’s water leaks. “They are doing a great job. Keep your heads up.”

Rick Steen referenced Presidents Obama’s 2nd Inaugural ball, and commented that Oklahoma, Altus especially, can be a shining star for the Nation, and “it is as important as ever to save Oklahoma, and to get our financial house in order.” He added that we are on the right track.

After brief comments regarding recent water leaks in the English Village, the meeting adjourned.