The regular meeting of the Altus Municipal Authority began at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night in Council Chambers. Councilman Jack Smiley was absent. After the consent agenda was approved, the regular meeting dates were discussed for the calendar year 2013. The Jan. 1 meeting was moved to Jan. 8, the Jan. 15 meeting was moved to Jan. 22, the March 17 meeting was moved to March 26, the April 2 meeting was moved to April 9, and the April 16 meeting was moved to April 23.

The AMA was then presented information about a cost share with Planter’s Co-Operative Association of Lone Wolf on the Planter Grain Elevator Project located at 1017 W. Hardy (access off of W. Broadway between the two sets of railroad tracks). This is based on the Altus code, section 28-24 concept of cost sharing for economic development, with the AMA using current material, inventory, labor and equipment, with certain reimbursement from Planters Co-Op. Dan Scott, electrical superintendent, addressed the AMA saying that they had sat down with Planter’s recently, and relayed that they will be paying for 100 percent of the labor, which will be $8,764.21, half of the equipment cost, which is $7,273, and will pay the $1,000 permit fees for the project.

Scott said that not only will Planter’s be using at least 8,700 hours a year of electricity just for their dryer motors, but that they will be trucking all of their grain from the area to the Altus bin to be shipped out on rail, using local trucking facilities. This includes elevators from Erick, Carter, Granite, Brinkman, Willow and others, for about three millions bushels a year.

It was noted that there would be many benefits for joining in this cost share because of an increased number of jobs, more people in town patronizing our local restaurants and businesses, plus, the City of Altus will receive a one-time benefit of $40,000 in Use Tax. All voted yes, with the exception of Chad Osborne.

The AMA then went into executive session to discuss the creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within their jurisdiction. No vote was taken on this matter.

Immediately following, the AMA meeting, the regular meeting of the Altus City Council began with councilmen Jack Smiley and Chad Osborne absent.

Under “comments from the audience”, Western Oklahoma State College baseball coach Kurt Russell was in attendance to address the Council to thank them for their support during their recent fund raising efforts.

Tom Buchanan of the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District also addressed the Council about the future of our water supply. Buchanan said that he wanted to stress the problems that everyone across the state is having, including us, and that the problem is only going to intensify over the winter and into Spring, and that the council should be looking at all water sources and do what they can for our future.

“We don’t want to wait until we are out of water,” Buchanan said. “This is real.”

The revised consent agenda was then approved, followed by the approval of the 2013 holiday schedule (same dates as noted above from the AMA meeting), regular meeting dates, the renewal of the City’s Workers’ Compensation insurance policy, and a payment to the Lugert-Altus Irrigation District for right-of-way necessary to construct the Park Lane Road Project.

Council then went into executive session to address a pending tort claim. It was denied.

COMMENTS & REPORTS:

Emergency Management Director Lloyd Colston was recognized under “comments and reports” by the Department of Public Safety.

Councilman Perry Shelton said, “Over the past three years this body has had to make decisions and is committed to the future of Altus, which is in good hands. James Wilson, our ‘budget master’ has continued to remind us to stay on track.” Shelton also said he wanted to thank the people of Altus, and those all over the country who are praying for our nation.

Councilman Scot Simco said he wanted to see us get moving on watering restrictions. “Water is key.”

Councilman Jr. Rowland said, “I want to wish all of the City employees a very Merry Christmas.”

Councilman Rick Henry noted that he thought this year’s parade was one of the best ever, and also suggested we look at running a pipe south to tie in with whatever water source is found.

Councilman Mike Patterson said he would like to see us progress on the Round Timber Project.

Mayor David Webb commented on Sunday’s Christmas parade. “It was a wonderful parade.” He also acknowledged Debbie Davis’ work on the event.