The Altus Municipal Authority and City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, July 17. All members were present for the AMA meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The trustees approved the Consent Agenda which included the purchase orders for FY 2011-2012 for the Enterprise Fund totaling $2,088,370.88.

The trustees voted to authorize staff to solicit bids for the purchase and installation of a new 70-foot Platform Scales and weight software for Landfill. Kenny Combs, Sanitation Department Supervisor told the trustees the item has been on the last three budgets. He wishes to call for bids to see what’s available and then it would come before the AMA again.

With one bulldozer still in operation at the Landfill, Combs asked the trustees to vote to authorize staff to solicit bids to re-power the Landfill’s Caterpillar 826 compactor (engine and transmission) and replace two (2) compaction wheels. They approved seeking bids for repairing the current compactor and to also see what a rebuilt one would cost.

Voting to award and contract to Western Prairie Services of Duke for construction of a water line to serve the Magnolia Holdings property on North Park Lane was tabled. The project is in the amount of $129,062.50 and includes Bid Alternate #1. City Administrator Elizabeth Gray said there was no money in the budget for this item.

There was no new business, and the AMA adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Note: The minutes for July 3 Regular and July 12 Special Meetings for the Altus Municipal Authority will be combined and presented for approval at the August 7 meeting.

The City Council meeting began at 6:50 p.m. with all members present.

The council members received a presentation from Sgt. Michael Bell and Tonya Pogue of the Jackson County Community Health Action Team (JCCHAT) of information regarding the Healthy Communities Incentive Grant program availability. Bell explained that with a few actions on the part of the City, funds are available for various projects relating to helping Altus be a healthier city. Bell asked that a committee be formed for this effort and he volunteered for the committee. No vote was taken.

The Consent Agenda was approved in its entirety. It included: approval of purchase order for FY 2012-2013 for the General Fund totaling $128,152.93, approval of purchase orders for FY 2012-2013 for the Workers Comp Fund totaling $49,212.44, approval of purchase orders for FY 2012-2013 for the Airport Fund totaling $58,600.05, approval of purchase orders for FY 2012-2013 for the Emergency 911 Fund totaling $427.00, approval of an estimated payroll for July 19, 2012 as follows: Salaries - $320,358.00, Part Time Wages - $ 16,185.00, Overtime - $ 6,125.46, Contractual OT - $ 12,923.46, Incentive, License Pay - $ 6,653.00, Employer Paid Taxes - $ 23,829.00, Employee Paid Taxes - $ 63,762.47, Employer Paid Benefits - $118,750.00, Employee Paid Benefits - $ 48,053.70, Workers Comp - $ 13,627.00, For a total estimated amount of: $630,267.09; Payroll figures for June 21 prior estimate/actual: Salaries - $349,135.00/ $342,910.13, Part Time Wages - $ 13,220.00 /$ 19,922.14, Overtime - $ 6,125.46 / $ 7,427.16, Contractual OT - $ 12,923.08 / $ 11,897.65, Incentive, License Pay - $ 7,243.00 /$ 6,911.05, Employer Paid Taxes - $ 25,202.00 / $ 24,106.36, Employee Paid Taxes - $ 66,389.72 /$ 68,156.41, Employer Paid Benefits - $124,804.00 / $113,495.59,Employee Paid Benefits - $ 55,447.64 /$ 51,135.92, Workers Comp - $ 14,922.00 / $ 17,241.75, For a total amount of: $675,411.90 /$663,204.16 with a percentage of difference 1.84% lower than prior estimate; and acknowledging monthly reports and minutes as follows: CableOne, City & School Swimming Pool, Fleet Maintenance Fuel Report.

The council considered their OML membership for the year.

Council approved Ordinance No. 2012-21, accepting the recommendation of the Altus City Planning Commission changing the zoning classification of 1211 Sandra Drive, in Altus from Planned Unit Development (PUD) to an Auto-Urban Commercial (AC) District.

The companion item regarding a contract with Western Prairie Services of Duke, Oklahoma for construction of a water line on North Park Lane was tabled.

In executive session the council received an update between the City of Altus and the FOP #120.

IN open session, they received a recommendation from the Mayor regarding filling the position of Fire Chief.

The council discussed the six month evaluation of the City Administrator, Elizabeth Gray.

They also discussed the annual contract with the City Attorney, Catherine Coke.

In open session, no vote was taken on the FOP update.

The new Fire Chief was approved.

Gray’s evaluation was approved by council but there was no formal vote taken.

The annual contract with the City Attorney, Catherine Coke came up for vote. A motion was made that the council not renew her contract. Members voting for the motion were: Henry, Rowland, Osborne, Simco, Smiley. Those voting against the motion were: Patterson, Steen and Shelton. The contract was not renewed. Coke’s own attorney asked for a point of clarification if that meant that she would no longer be working for the City at the end of her contract Oct. 31. Mayor Webb said, “No, there will be further communication from the City regarding the contract within 90 days.” In a statement today to the Altus Times, Webb said, “This action does not remove her from duty so within the next 90 days there will have to be further discussion as to the future working relationship and employment agreement between the city and its attorney.”

In new business, Economic Development Director Sean Garrison introduced the need for improvement in the roads leading to and from the Cotton Compress. Trucks are breaking axles in the ruts. These are one-half City and one-half County roads. Garrison and Webb said this is an opportunity for many entities to come together to solve this dilemma, which is clearly an economic development issue. This will be brought back before the council .

In the Mayor’s appointments, he reappointed Board of Adjustment members: Jim Norris, Judy Dodson and Heath Sirmons. Webb is seeking additional members as alternates. They do not need to be from a certain ward.

In the City Administrator’s comments and reports, Gray congratulated Jerry Abbott and thanked the council for their confidence in her.

During City Council member’s comments and reports:

Mike Patterson said he appreciated working with Gray.

Rick Steen congratulated Jerry Abbott. He also said, “It’s good to not be looking in the rear-view mirror all the time.”

Rick Henry asked if a citizen’s utility questions were answered. Janice Berryhill had stepped out so James Wilson came to the microphone. One question was how is the City standing on utility collections? Wilson said there is a 99 percent historical collection, which in line with the national average. Question two involved the fee to get electricity back on after being shut off for lack of payment. It’s $30.

B.F. Jr. Rowland wished congratulations to the new Chief. He told Gray he’s appreciated working with her. He appreciates all the work City employees do. He thanked Bob Stephenson for showing up on his day off to show him and Chad Osborne around the water plant.

Chad Osborne asked if the Davis Park is closed.There’s a group that wishes to use it.

Perry Shelton answered that he’d driven by and seen the lights on in the evening.

Scot Simco congratulated Jerry Abbott and his family present. He recognized former Chief Wheeler. He said hopefully they’ll be able to get some new fire trucks.

Jack Smiley said he’d just be repeating what everyone else has said.

Perry Shelton said, “Ditto.”

Mayor Webb’s comments and reports included his praise of the AFD.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Note: minutes for July 3 Regular and July 12 Special Meetings for the City Council will be combined and presented for approval at the August 7 meeting.