asst. to editor

City Administrator Mike Nettles will see grade and step pay increases after the unanimous approval of his annual evaluation by the City Council on Tuesday.

Following an executive session as part of the regular meeting, the board also approved requests by Police Chief Mike Patterson and Detective Bob McGill for legal representation by the City in regard to a pending lawsuit filed by Randy L. Ray in federal district court in Oklahoma City.

In other business, the Council approved arrangements for the Safety Town project located near Imagination Station and the Museum of the Western Prairie to be revived.

The Altus Kiwanis Club decided to seek another sponsor for the project after many years of operating it; however, the Altus Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #120 will take it over and provide safety programs for kids one weekend a month at the facility.

Several agenda items received unanimous approval including a request for continuation from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to continue utilizing Howell and VanCuren for engineering/design services for the next phase of the Navajoe Gateway project; appointing Shoestring Enterprises, LLC as an agent to make tax-exempt purchases for a CDBG water line replacement contract in the amount of two hundred thousand, five hundred forty-six dollars ($200, 546.00); and approval of a Special Use Permit with the USA Bureau of Reclamation, and authorization of signatures by the Mayor and City Clerk related to the North Park Lane project and Altus Canal, and installation of a water line in additional right-of-way to be acquired by the city.

Although an item regarding negotiations with the Elks Lodge and the Altus Municipal authority for management of the golf course was tabled, Mayor T.L. Gramling did appoint a Golf Course Committee comprised of not only himself, but also Don Johnson, David Webb, and Bob Beers, along with City Administrator Mike Nettles.

Altus Fire Chief J.R. Wheeler reminded everyone that this is Fire Prevention Week, and the Fire Department Clowns will be presenting their annual fire prevention shows on Friday at the City Auditorium.

It is also Public Power Week, according to Electrical Superintendent Dan Scott and he announced that Altus Power is urging everyone to give blood at its Oklahoma Blood Institute blood drive also taking place on Friday.

Oklahoma Main Street Director Linda Barnett and Main Street Altus Director Amy Jo Cobb made a presentation of what is called a $10-million Plaque” to the City in special recognition of its support of the Main Street Altus program.

Barnett noted that the average monthly re-investment by the City into the central business district amounts to $123,000 since 1992.

In addition, more than 18,000 volunteer hours have been given to Main Street Altus in the past six years.

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