(Cushing, Okla.) At first glance of the agenda, Resolution No. 37-2010 seemed to be a shoe-in to receive a unanimous “yes” vote. However, things are not always as they seem. After commissioners raised several questions regarding the purchase of six (6) X26 Tasers for the Cushing Police Department, City Manager Steve Spears recommended the resolution declaring GT Distributors to be the “sole provider” of X26 police tasers to be tabled until further discussion.
Among the questions was whether or not there were other “tasers” on the market. Police Chief Terry Brannon explained that Taser is the original “brand” and that although there are similar devices on the market, Taser is the one used by most law enforcement officials and that GT Distributors, Austin, TX, is the sole authorized police distributor for Oklahoma.
“I’m not aware of any law enforcement agency that uses anything other than Tasers,” Brannon said. “Taser stands behind their product and I think that would be important to the commission – just from a litigation stand point.”
Commissioner Joe Manning suggested that because there are other such devices on the market, GT Distributors could not be deemed the sole provider and Commissioner Carey Seigle thought a comparison should be done between Taser and another brand – Stinger – if for no other reason than expense. Seigle pointed out that a significant difference in cost could make a difference in what was purchased.
“After fielding questions from the Commission, it became clear that since another electronic control device existed, and was available to law enforcement, we had an obligation to conduct a comparable analysis of that product, too,” Chief Brannon told KUSH. “The impression that was left had some wondering if I had purposely attempted to circumvent the appropriate purchasing requirements – and that was clearly not the case.”
He also noted the documentation from TASER International submitted with the recommendation for the purchase (which is reviewed by the city manager before being added to the agenda) states “GT Distributor is the sole authorized police distributor for Oklahoma.”
“Immediately after the Commission meeting, Steve and I met, and we both agreed my intent was never to mislead anyone – including him – which he conveyed to the Commission immediately after the meeting,” Brannon continued. “I appreciate Steve taking the opportunity to come and talk to me immediately after the meeting because it reaffirmed his commitment to me and my ability to lead the police department above reproach.”
Commissioners did approve an annual purchase of uniform shirts and pants for the Cushing Fire Department – 21 long-sleeved uniform shirts, 21 short-sleeved uniform shirts and 63 pair of uniform pants from Wayest Safety, who came in with the lowest bid of $8,389.50.
The resolution to submit an application to the Department of Human Services for a 14 passenger bus with lift for the Senior Citizens Center was approved unanimously. City Manager Spears said it could take one to two years to get it funded but that it was important to “get into the pipeline.” The funds are federal, but will come through the state.
In spite of two no votes (commissioners Carey Seigle and Joe Manning), two conditional use permits were re-issued for mobile homes located at 501 N. Violet and 408 South Steele. Both were up for their five year review.
Other agenda items approved included:
The execution and filing of lien releases on the following properties built utilizing OHFA grant funding: 615 E. Maple, 815 N. Steele, 313 W Main Place and 1025 E. Maple.
The execution of a grant agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to install taxiway guidance signs on airport runways and the installation of runway end identifier lights (REILs). Five percent of the total cost ($178,500.00) will come from budgeted funds and the remainder 95 percent from the grant.
The execution of change order no. 2 in the sum or $16,829.16 with Quapaw Company for additional authorized work for the 2010 street improvement project.
The appointment of Debbie Danderand to serve the remainder of an unexpired term on the Cushing Library Board.
Commissioners also approved ordinances rezoning property located at 700 block of E. North Street from an agricultural zone to light industrial, property located at 848 E. North Street from agricultural to heavy industrial and property at 700 block of N. Wilson Street from agricultural to light industrial. The zoning, along with the approval to grant a conditional use permit for the purpose on construction, will allow Continental Concrete the room to expand and build a storage facility. Continental Concrete requested the rezoning in order to become compliant – even though it was already grandfathered in.
Cushing Board of Commissioners meet the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
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