The City Finance Director, Joe Don Dunham gave a report on the purchases made since April 6. Those totaled $113,311. The council approved the report.
The council approved the Chairman to sign the credit application for the Cat Access Account to repair a Cat dozer at the landfill for $19,387.98.
There was no new business.
The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
The Altus City Council met following Altus Municipal Authority meeting, at 6:38 p.m. All council members were present.
Comments from the audience included those from Bob Stephenson and Col. Oates. Stephenson, director of Public Works, invited the council to the annual fish fry at the Mountain Park Water District. He also said the SRS, the contractors taking care of the tree debris, estimate they will be through with their first pass over the city by next Wednesday or Friday.
Col. Oates came to speak to the council regarding the west flight pattern. Oates said that this flight path is necessary to provide significant growth, especially since the base is a finalist for the MC-12W aircraft and the new KCX tanker. Without this west path, the base wouldn't have the space to support these programs. Council member David Brown asked if the aircraft had to fly at such low altitudes. Oates responded by saying that the low altitude, of 1500 feet above ground level provides realistic training for the aircrews. Council member Shelton asked if the Canadian aircraft are allowed to fly at such low altitude. No non-Altus AFB aircraft are allowed to fly that low, according to Oates. He also remarked that the recent AAFB air show had 40,000 to 50,000 in attendance.
The consent agenda was approved with the minutes of the April 19 meeting, POs for FY 2009-2010 for the General Fund of $98,266.90, Workers Comp Fund $32,0144.60, Assurance Fund $143,568.80, Airport Fund $28,560.17, Street and Alley Fund $10,724.02, Emergency 911 Fund $95; Cemetery Perpetual Fund $345.95, payroll of $370,440, and additional overtime of $9,261 for a total of $379,701.
The council approved investigating the cost of purchasing and installing tracking/monitoring devices for City vehicles. Shelton suggested these devices may improve both safety and efficiency for City vehicles.
An agenda item regarding a possible vote to implement more restrictive hiring freeze until the end of FY 2010, June 30, was tabled by a 4-4 vote with Mayor Gramling breaking the tie. Nettles was absent and some felt he was an integral part of the discussion. Those who had put it on the agenda thought they should have received notice that it would be tabled. This issue will be put on the agenda when Nettles returns. This issue continued to bother several members during and after the meeting.
The council voted to approve bid #93210 for demolition of 19 residential structures for a CDBG grant project. This process will proceed immediately and M&B Construction, which bid $73,200, will have 45 days to complete it.
Ordinances 2010-04 and 2010-05 were both approved by the council. These allowed rezoning of the SW corner of Hunter Pointe Addition, Part III of 6.75 acres and the NE corner of Hunter Pointe Addition, Part IV from Agriculture to Auto-Urban Residential.
Concern for the legality of waiving the City's new residential construction fees, kept the council from immediate action on an item. The permit fees are $610.44 for the Habitat for Humanity's new single-dwelling at 414 N. Navajoe. While the City Attorney, Catherine Coke researches the matter, Barbara Burleson, Planning director, said ten percent down would suffice. The council approved that plan of action. The owner of the new home will be Courtney Williams.
The approval of an agreement between the City and Ronald and Sheryl Willingham was finally granted. This regards 1.2 acres to Willinghams and 8.03 to the City.
An hour and a half executive session covered the discussion of the investigation by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as to possible violations of DOC guidelines/policies by Parks and Recreation Department supervisors. For the result of that discussion between the council and DOC representatives, see No DOC workers.
There was no new business.
City Administrator Mike Nettles was absent.
City Council members comments:
Peggy Risinger - The Senior Citizens Center committee will be going to tour Pioneer Center in Weatherford, Okla. She said she is looking forward to the trip.
Scot Simco - asked a question regarding the appointment of Peggy Risinger, Sid Willis and Perry Shelton to represent the council on Great Plains. He asked if this was in regards to a new contract. The Mayor responded "Yes." Perry indicated that he had been attending those meetings.
Jack Smiley - said that he's had a couple of calls on the additional $3 charge for tree debris on the utility bills. He wants to make certain the the City is doing its part too. "If we're not going to have a hiring freeze, then maybe we should give the $3 back," Smiley said. Simco said that he thought it was disrespectful to remove an item from the agenda without discussion. Mayor Gramling said it was disrespectful to schedule it when the City Administrator was not here. Smiley said that the mayor could have called him regarding tabling the item. Neither he no Shelton were notified of the change. Don Johnson said there was no discussion on tabled items. Smiley asked that the item be put back on the agenda for next time. He received an affirmative answer.
Don Johnson - none
Perry Shelton - said that he agreed with Smiley, but said that maybe they'd do better next time. He also said that the air show was great and the golf course is looking good. "God bless America. God bless Altus, AFB and God bless Altus, Okla."
David Brown - none
Rick Henry - said he is amazed when he hears people complaining about planes flying overhead. He'd hate to think what would happen if they weren't. He also said he was glad to hear Bob (Stephenson) say the first pass (at tree debris) was almost done.
Sid Willis - said that the City Hall will look nice, but north and northeast of the complex still needs work. (The council plans to address this issue in the future.)
For Mayor T.L. Gramling's parting remarks, see No DOC workers.
The council meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
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