On Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, a public hearing will be conducted. It will concern the 10-year renewal of Cable One, Inc., for its cable TV permit. Issues to be discussed include identifying the future cable-related community needs and interests; and reviewing the performance of the cable operator under the existing permit. The permit fee (percent of defined gross revenues) by Federal Law cannot exceed 5 percent and is passed onto the consumer on the monthly bill. The current fee is 3 percent.

The City Council will hear remarks from the representatives from Cable One and City staff. Then they will hear comments from the audience and other council members. After all the information is presented, the council will consider, discuss and vote to take appropriate action, if any.

Following this public hearing, the meeting of the Municipal Trust Authority (MTA) will be held at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the normal financial items on the consent agenda, the members will vote to authorize the Electric Department to send out bids for the repair of damages caused by circuit 15, Oil Circuit Reclosures (OCR) failure. Joe Don Dunham, Finance Director, will present the financial report.

Immediately following the MTA meeting, the regular council meeting will be called to order with a presentation by Mayor T.L. Gramling for the employee of the quarter for Oct., Nov., and Dec. 2009. The consent agenda has the normal financial items to be considered. Various items will be covered during the meeting: the English Village 6th Addition Park issue, an agreement between the Altus Schools and the City of Altus, Hangar 33, and 4 Altus City Planning items. During the executive session, the council will consider the City of Altus vs Southwest Technology Center pending lawsuit, and the evaluations of the Airport Director and the Utility Manager. The Mayor will make an appointment of an acting judge for a trial of 3 cases, with the same defendant . This situation has caused a judge and an alternate judge to recuse themselves for this instance.

The City Administrator, Mike Nettles may make some comments, followed by possible comments by the individual council members.

The City of Altus encourages participation from all of its citizens. If participation at any public meeting is not possible due to a disability, notification to the Mayor's office at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting is encouraged to make the necessary accommodations. The City may waive the 48 hour rule if signing is not the necessary accommodation. Call 481-2202 to make the necessary arrangements. They will accommodate you anytime and in every way possible. Just call and let them know your needs.