The Altus City Council approved ACPC Ordinance No. 2009-24 at Tuesday’s regular scheduled meeting that will now allow a non-denominational youth center to be built where 2 dilapidated residences once stood.

Both 1101 & 1105 N. Forrest will be changed from Auto-Urban Residential (AR) to Auto-Urban Commercial (AC). This youth center was proposed by Pastor Mark Olson and Grace New Life Fellowship. Though this is technically an example of spot zoning, Burleson pointed out that an institutional use of the property is consistent with surrounding properties. There were no comments from the public regarding this proposal. The proximity of the youth center to Will Rogers Elementary School. Altus Intermediate School, Kiwanis Park and Grace New Life Fellowship will be of benefit to the community.

The City Council meeting was held in council chambers beginning with the Municipal Trust Authority meeting which was called to order with Peggy Risinger, Scot Simco and Jack Smiley absent. The consent agenda, included minutes for the meeting of Dec. 8; approval of purchase orders (PO's) for fiscal year (FY) 2008-2009 totaled $2,302.40; and FY 2009-2010 PO's for $1,200,063.22; claims for the completion of the Altus City Hall and Safety Facility, for $2,729.23. This consent agenda, minus some specific items questioned by Council member Perry Shelton, was approved. The items were discussed and then the council approved those remaining items.

City Finance Director, Joe Don Dunham, was also absent. In his stead, Mike Nettles, City Administrator made his report. The city sales tax revenues are up by 18% over the 08-09 receipts, but without MAPS, the amount is really down by 6%. The overall economy of the city is in better shape than the state. It is static, not rising or falling at this point. We have had no big changes in our reserve or our city investments. This report was approved by the council.

Bob Stephenson, Public Works Director, spoke on the next 3 items. First, the council had already granted authority to replace defective fire hydrants and control valves. Stephenson said there are 5 defective hydrants needing replacement and several control valves. Approval of signing a contract for $13,700.00 for fire hydrants and control valves was granted.

The council authorized the Environmental Committee to prepare an Request For Qualification (RFQ); for evaluation of water plant operations.

The council all approved authorizing sale and disposal of scrap metal by the Sanitation Dept., similar to the arrangement the Electric Dept. has made. This allows them to recycle metals at the higher prices, instead of waiting for the council's approval.

They voted to go into executive session at 7:00 p.m.The council was going to vote concerning a pending claim from Fox & Drechsler, Inc., Engineers for a new landfill cell, but asked for further information at the next MTA meeting in Jan. There were no votes made during executive session, and they returned to regular session at 7:19 p.m.

There were no new items and the MTA meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. and the City Council meeting was called to order. Peggy Risinger, Scot Simco and Jack Smiley were absent.

Mike Nettles recognized Phillip Beauchamp, Ramiro Martinez and Holmes Willis, for their involvement in the flu clinic held Oct. 1. A letter recognizing them by Kim Hukill, Oklahoma State Health Dept., Vaccine Coordinator for Jackson, Harmon, Greer and Tillman Counties will be placed in their personnel folders.

There were no comments from the public.

Items on the consent agenda included approving minutes for the Dec. 8 meeting; PO's for FY 2008-2009 for the General Fund $3,292.26; PO's for FY 2009-2010 $150,693.40 for the general Fund, Workers Comp Fund for $8,803.55, Airport Fund for $10,359.80; Hotel/Motel Tax Fund $10,687.60; Capital Improvement Fund $9,576.31; Emergency 911 Fund $1,108.51; Dec. 25, payroll estimate of $362,171.25, $0.00 mandated overtime and additional overtime for $10,914.75 totaling $373,086.00; and receiving report from Southwestern Youth Services, Inc. With the exception of 2 items, raised by Council member Perry Shelton, the consent agenda was approved. Then those items were discussed and also approved.

The council approved Resolution No. 2009-58 to donate surplus supplies, including uniforms, jackets, and gun holsters to the City of Snyder police Dept. to strengthen the Mutual Aid Agreement.

The Altus City Planning Commission (ACPC) has approved the preliminary plat for Hunter Pointe Addition Part VI. Barbara Burleson, Planning Director, reminded the council that this is only a preliminary plat. If there are still unanswered questions concerning flood plain status, they will be resolved at a later date. The council approved this preliminary plat.

The council approved ACPC Ordinance No. 2009-23 changing zoning on property Lots One (1) and Two (2) in Block Forty (4) of the Original Town of Altus to the City of Altus, Oklahoma, according to the recorded plat thereof, AKA: 400 West Broadway from Auto-Urban Residential (AR) to Auto-Urban Commercial (AC). This was just a formality as this property had been informally recognized as commercial for many years.

The following 3 items were tabled until the next city council meeting. They regarded the following: vacation and replat of "Park of English Village Sixth Addition" at the corner of San Ann and Horizon Drive; declaring 1.20 acres of the 9.2 acre public park known as English Village Sixth Addition Park and authorizing disposition by the City Council. This would also require a resolution and an ordinance giving a required 30 days' notice to the public use of the platted park.

There was no new business and Mayor, T.L. Gramling did not have any appointments.

Mike Nettles, City Administrator, said, "Merry Christmas to all and be safe. We'll see you next year."

Council members comments:

Don Johnson: asked if the city could afford some new furniture when they move into the new facility. "Also could we look at the old Ford building (at Falcon Road and Grady) for the Street Dept. and Fleet Maintenance?"

Perry Shelton: With lots of visitors in the park at this time of year, he has been asked, "What will you do with the aircraft in the park?" Will the city consider maintenance on the aircraft?

Mike Nettles answered Shelton's question that Bob Danzler comes in to speak with Nettles regarding this issue. In the past, MIL-Specs called for $50,000 to $1 million in repairs.

Shelton remarked. "We can't afford that. We don't want to fly it." Nettles said there will be progress on this issue after spring comes. It's too cold to work on the aircraft now.

David Brown: said " I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Drive safely."

Rick Henry: said he saw the Oklahoma Today magazine and we have a 3-page article in it featuring Main Street Altus. "There's a big picture of you, Mayor. The article looks good."

Sid Willis: said " Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone."

Mayor Gramling echoed their sentiment. "Merry Christmas and see you next year."