Jason Angus

Reporter

jangus@civitasmedia.com

Altus Municipal Authority and City Council regular meetings were held, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Council Chambers and discussed items on the consent agenda.

The AMA meeting was called to order and roll was taken. Rick Henry was absent. Previous minutes and purchase orders for the Enterprise Fund totaling $442,177.04 were approved.

AMA authorized the issue of it’s “Junior Lien Utility Revenue Note, Series 2013A, exclusively to fund for a Stuphen Heavy Duty Firefighting Platform and other fire safety equipment, road projects within the city, water distribution line improvements, and incurred costs for issuance of the Series 2013A Note. They also considered and voted for Shoestring Enterprises to replace a damaged waterline of the 2400 Block of E. Broadway for an amount not to exceed $19,150. Also, a contract between the City of Altus and Trusty Construction of Lewisville Texas for Overhead Utility Project- Electrical Services was approved for an amount not to exceed $47,600.

There was no vote to enter executive session, or any new business, so the AMA regular meeting adjourned and the regular meeting of the City Council commenced.

Per consent agenda, Council members approved previous minutes, and purchase orders for the General Fund for $150,254.53, Workers Comp Fund for $40,197.64, Donation Fund for $85, and the Airport Fund for $88,828.28. Estimated payroll for Jan. 17, and Feb. 14 were also approved.

Council also approved the incurrence of indebtedness by the AMA through the issuance of its “Junior Lien Utility Revenue Note, Series 2013A, in an amount not to exceed $1, 550,000. They also approved to amend the fiscal year 2012-2013 annual budget by $3,800 for a Community Expansion of Nutrition Assistance Grant.

Approval to permanently place “No Parking” signs on the 200 Block of Sequoya Ln was granted. Police Chief Tim Murphy explained that citizens have complained about a parked truck jeopardizing the safety of motorists attempting to drive around the vehicle, being a hazard. Vehicle owner Jason McGinn and wife Denise stood before the Council to comment. “My vehicle has been hit twice since I’ve been asked to move it, but wasn’t hit once when it was parked out front of my house.” And further explained that the “no parking” signs are negatively affecting his family. Any guests, family, or friends will be unable to park anywhere right in front of his home. He also mentioned, as being an Altus Police Officer, he must park the Police vehicle in the driveway, and his personal vehicle in the street, and now is illegal to park in front of his home. He also feels the property value of his home will decrease for having if future owners cannot park in front of the house. Police Chief noted that since the temporary signs have been placed, there have been no verbal complaints. After consideration, all voted to approve except Scot Simco.

The item to approve to adopt an updated “Police Standard Operation Procedures Manual” was tabled until the next meeting to present a revised version of the manual at the request of Perry Shelton.

Council reviewed, discussed and tabled an offer from Verizon Wireless to install a 120 foot wireless telecommunications tower taking up 5,625 square feet in the City golf course for $500 a month, until Verizon is willing to negotiate further.

Members also approved an agreement with the Altus Public Schools to allow its junior and high school golf teams to use The Greens of Altus golf course for weekday practice through May 24, for a one-time fee of $1,000, and also approved a contract between the City of Altus and Trusty Construction of Lewisville Texas for Overhead Utility Project- Electrical Services was approved for an amount not to exceed $47,600.

Council acknowledged the recent increase in Gate fees for recreation as voted on by the Altus Recreation Advisory Committee, increasing the Gate fees $2 per adult and $1 per child, and also approved amend an ordinance to increase Youth Program Participation fees by $5 for baseball, softball, and basketball, setting a $60-65 participation fee for football. and deleting City participation fees for wrestling and soccer. A revision to the amendment was made to null the deleting of adult programs for softball leagues, recommended by the ARAC.

Mayor David Webb presented two appointments.

Elizabeth Gray recognized the Parks Department and volunteers for receiving a trophy award for “Christmas in the Park.” It was the best in SWOK. J.R. Rowling appreciates the work of the Water and City crews for their efforts in English Village. Rick Steen is happy the City is moving forward with recent projects of economic development, and Mike Patterson commented about a specific heater running in an empty building that is wasting money to keep it running.

The mayor had no additional comments and the Council voted to adjourn.