Meeting Summary
Announcements
- Branding & Wayfinding: The city is finalizing its branding plan, with wayfinding implementation scheduled for 📅 2016.
- Animal Control: The city aims to transition to lethal injection for euthanasia 📅 this month (February), pending contract finalization with veterinary firms. The gas chamber will not be immediately dismantled.
- Community Events:
- Pioneer Library: Continuing to host numerous activities throughout 📅 February.
- Gordon Cooper Master Gardener Landscaping Event: Scheduled for 📅 February 6th.
- OBU College of Nursing: Grand opening this 📅 Friday (likely February 5th).
- Zumba Gold Class: At the Senior Center on 📅 February 19th at 3:00 PM.
- Public Health: 📅 February is Heart Health Month; citizens are encouraged to walk and stay active.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Consent Agenda Approval: The majority of the consent agenda items were ✅ Approved. Items 1C (City Manager reappointment) and 1H (multiple bonds) were pulled for discussion and subsequently ✅ Approved.
- ODOT Project Agreement (Kickapoo Spur South to Farrell Street): The Council ✅ Approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) for a $17 million roadway improvement project. This project will include sidewalks, decorative elements, signalized intersections, drainage improvements, decorative lights, and new underground infrastructure including a water line.
- Fire Station 2 Repair Design Contract: An agreement with Fritz Bailey Architects for $106,500 to provide design and engineering documents for the repair and renovation of Fire Station 2 was ⏸️ Tabled. Commissioners expressed concerns about the cost relative to a potential new build and requested more information and discussion.
- Dobson Technologies Right-of-Way Agreement: An agreement allowing Dobson Technologies to use city right-of-way upon payment of a use and maintenance fee was ✅ Approved.
- City Attorney Contract: Following an executive session, the Council ✅ Approved a motion to end the current contract with the City Attorney on February 27th and place her on a retainer through June 30th. Details are to be worked out by Commissioner Agee and the Mayor.
- Legal Services Proposals: The Council ✅ Approved a motion to immediately seek proposals for the provision of legal services.
Financial Matters
- ODOT Project Agreement: The total estimated cost for the Kickapoo Spur South to Farrell Street project is 💰 $17 million. The city's responsibility includes the replacement of the water line (estimated 💰 $1.7 million) and providing new right-of-way. ODOT will cover 100% of the roadway construction (💰 $14.45 million), administrative costs (💰 $867,000), and final engineering design costs.
- Fire Station 2 Architect Agreement: The proposed contract for design and engineering services for Fire Station 2 was for 💰 $106,500. This cost includes potential structural and mechanical engineering fees. Commissioners questioned if this was a cost-effective approach compared to building a new station, citing examples of lower architect fees for similar projects.
- Animal Control Funding: During the City Manager's update, a question was raised regarding the funding for animal control improvements. It was noted that an increase in the budget might be necessary for the next fiscal year to support ongoing improvements and the transition to new euthanasia methods.
Public Comments
Citizens raised several concerns and offered feedback regarding the Animal Shelter:
- Don Gambrell: Thanked the city for extended shelter hours, allowing dog beds, and the recent halt in gassing animals. He inquired about the planned method of euthanasia, the removal of the gas chamber (and if it would be kept for wildlife), the supervisor structure over the head ACO, and the timeline for vet care.
- Sheila Hill: Expressed support for removing the gas chamber and asked about the alternative euthanasia method. She also noted seeing families visiting the shelter.
- Michael Rhodes: Asked for more public education on animal care, particularly for injured animals, and sought clarification on the supervisory structure at the shelter.
- Kathy Dixon: Thanked the city for extended hours but expressed significant upset over three animals being euthanized by gas shortly after a previous meeting where the gas chamber's removal by February was discussed. She questioned who was responsible for the shelter's operations.
Agenda Summary Table
| Agenda Item | Description