It’s been a long time in the making, but Monday evening, Cushing leaders voted to approve not one – but TWO conditional use permits for the purpose of constructing hotels in Cushing.
The first of the two hotels will be located at 2232 E. Main. Mr. Pete Desai and his attorney, Mr. Neelam Patel were present at the meeting to answer any questions if necessary. According to a report from the planning commission, Desai said the hotel would be an independent hotel, but would be built to meet franchise hotel standards should the owner decide to make it into a franchise in the future.
The second hotel, to be located at 508 E. Main, will be a franchise hotel (Best Western) with approximately 50 rooms. Commissioners not only approved the conditional use permit to begin building, but passed an ordinance to close Hough Street between the hotel property and Naifeh’s Deli. Closing Hough will allow additional parking for both businesses. Mr. Harry Patel was present to answer any questions in regard to the hotel requests.
Chairman of the Board Evert Rossiter thanked each of the representatives for bringing the hotels to Cushing. “We appreciate it so much,” Rossiter said.
Both hotels are expected to open some time in 2012.
Other agenda items included the approval of the purchase of two 2011 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles – equipped and ready – for a total of $68,048.44.
“Last year we used one company to take care of the additional equipment instead of doing it piecemeal,” Spears said. “It worked out well and saved some money.”
A resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue a purchase order to Grissom, LLC in the sum of $27,568.14 for two 2011 John Deere front mowers met with some opposition as Carey Seigle cast the lone nay vote to approve the purchase. Seigle also opposed Item 4 J. on the agenda regarding the release of an oil and gas bond of Black Cat for the Mary Griffin Number 1 Well. No reasons were given by Seigle for casting the nay votes.
All other agenda items passed unanimously, with the exception of a resolution regarding insurance during the building phase of the public safety center. The commission is awaiting more information from insurance carriers.
At the beginning of Monday’s meeting, Cushing’s Hypatia Club presented an offer for the commission to consider – a $20,000 donation to get a splash pad/park in Cushing.
Hypatia members Patti Ahrberg and Pat Fechner spoke to the board about the benefits of a free splash pad/park in Cushing and requested a study session. Ahrberg gave a brief history of the long-standing relationship of the Hypatia Club and the City in regard to Cushing parks. “Since 1917, Hypatia has long supported city parks,” Ahrberg said.
Fechner presented each of the commissioners, as well as the City Manager and City Attorney, a copy of a proposal, citing the definition, its targeted users and most of all its benefits. “It would improve the quality of life in Cushing by providing a free, safe place to play and cool down – especially for our younger children,” Fechner said.
Commissioners agreed to schedule a study session within the very near future and invite in a representative of Vortex (a company that installs splash pads) to address any technical questions regarding splash pads.
In the Cushing Hospital Authority portion of Monday’s meeting, Marian Gilkerson, executive director of the Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation, presented a check in the sum of $82,962.40 to the City to provide funds for the purchase of a surgical bed and extension and for physical therapy equipment at Cushing Regional Hospital.
City meetings are open to the public and typically held the third Monday of each month.
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