(Cushing, Okla.) Cushing Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items on Monday, including an ordinance making it unlawful to burn ‘trash, lumber, leaves, straw, grass or other combustible material’ within the the city limits, except with ‘special permission’ of the fire chief.
Anyone not adhering to the ordinance will be subject to a fine of up to $500. City Attorney Stewart Arthurs said the amount of the fine would be up to the discretion of the judge and would most likely depend on whether it was a first offense or a deliberate repeat offense.
The 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 budgets were amended to reflect primarily positive changes, such as early water plant loan payoff and more revenue from electric being sold. “The budget was completed early in order to utilize the experience of now retired City Clerk, Cindy Manning, and to accommodate my vacation in May,” City Manager Steve Spears explained.
Budgets affected were for the general fund of the City, Cushing Municipal Authority and Cushing Hospital Authority. There were no changes to the Cushing Industrial Authority budgets.
Commissioners also approved resolutions for the authorization to execute a contract with Beasley Technology in the sum of $20,024 for furnishing and installing the audio/visual system and a contract with RSI, Inc in the sum of $105,116 for furnishing and installing the radio system – all at the Cushing Public Safety Center.
In his monthly report, Spears said it is getting very busy at the building site and that weekly meetings are now being held Wednesday mornings at 10 o’clock.
He also said the summer clean up campaign is scheduled with dumpsters being placed July 10th at locations around town – Hemphill Park, Kemp Park, Lions Park as well as Memorial Park – NW of the duck pond.
Spears also thanked all those who helped fund this year’s firework’s display, July 4th at the airport. Cushing Fire Department will be responsible once again for shooting of the firework’s display.
Spears also thanked Myers Welding for sending an experienced welder to do a repair at the aquatic center – at no charge. “They did it for free as a service to the community,” Spears said.
The board approved a purchase order to Oklahoma Steel Building Systems for furnishing and installing a pavilion on the old log cabin slab in Memorial Park. Total amount approved: $13,814.00.
“Yes, with pleasure,” Commissioner Hogrefe said while giving his vote. “I’m glad to see this project get done.”
A representative from CenterPoint Energy presented a check to the City in the amount of $2500 as part of the 2012 Community Partnership Grant Program. Police Chief Terry Brannon said a grant application was filed in March with CenterPoint Energy for matching funds for the purchase of air monitoring equipment that can be used during the detection and clean up of meth labs.
“Our community will benefit because it will allow public safety workers to enter a property to assist with the removal of dangerous chemicals and illegal street drugs,” Brannon wrote in the application.
Brannon thanked CenterPoint for the opportunity to offset some of the expense in meth clean up.
Cushing Board of Commissioners meet the third Monday of the month in City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
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