(Cushing, Okla.) Cushing voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 10th to decide on two things: the purchase of a ladder truck and the renovation/refurbishing of City Hall. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Funding for both is already in place, therefore no new taxes would be involved. A vote of the people is required on these two important issues because of a City Charter provision requiring voters’ approval of any City expenditures exceeding $185,000.
Ladder truck purchase:
If approved by voters, up to $550,000 would be the allowed amount for the purchase of a used, 95 ft. or greater quint ladder truck. The new aerial equipment would replace an out-of-service 1966 model snorkel purchased in 1985. According to Fire Chief Chris Pixler, the old truck has had numerous, and costly, mechanical issues that have effected its ability to respond and consequently, compromised the safety of personnel. Pixler also told KUSH parts are no longer available for the 48 year old truck.
According to Pixler, the quint truck would be used to:
*Mitigate fire and rescue efforts in large commercial structures in downtown, as well as new businesses such as the Best Western Hotel and the upcoming Holiday Inn Express.
*Provide better manpower utilization by responding to residential structure fires allowing roof ventilation to be achieved with one firefighter. This cannot currently be accomplished which has a negative impact on structural firefighting.
*Provide response that will meet new requirements defined in ISO’s “Fire Service Rating Schedule” that affects most residential insurance rates.
Although the $550,000 has already been budgeted for the quint truck in 2015, it still requires the approval of voters (due to the City Charter provision) in order to proceed.
If anyone has any questions regarding the proposed ladder truck purchase, they may contact Fire Chief Pixler at 918-225-3361.
Renovation of City Hall
Budgeted amount: $2.2 million
The renovation of City Hall is also on Tuesday’s ballot and will require voter’s approval in order to proceed with any authorization of work to the 45 year old building and the buildings once occupied by Cushing Police and Fire Departments.
The renovation and refurbishing would allow citizens and visitors to have a “one stop shop” by relocating the offices of Code Enforcement, Court Clerk and City Attorney to what is known as the “old police and fire department” quarters. Currently, those offices are located in a downtown building rented by the City. It would also allow records and other necessary items currently stored in the “old Gailey building” to be stored on site.
Other renovations would include making it more energy efficient with double pane glass with proper seals, insulation to outside walls, pitched roof for proper draining and proper insulation, energy efficient lighting, and energy efficient heating and air conditions, with cost saving zoning.
For more information on City Hall improvements contact City Manager Steve Spears at 918-225-2394.
Here is the breakdown of where the estimated $2.2 million would be spent:
Exterior improvements – City Hall
Demolition (architectural panels, windows and fascia): $35,104
New Metal Roof: $215,065
Doors and windows: $47,310
Masonry: $110,850
Bonding, Insurance, G.C. (General Contractor) overhead & profit: $56,293
Estimating Contingency* (15%): $69,693
Total estimate for exterior improvements: $534,315
*Estimating Contingency is an estimate of unforeseen expenses or cost differences that may or may not occur.
Interior improvements – City Hall
Demolition: $24,700
Concrete, Masonry, Metals, Woods, Thermal/Moisture: $19,254
Doors and Windows: $30,624
Finishes (Paint, floor tile, carpet, ceilings, toilet tile, partitions): $122,499
Specialties (fire extinguishers, signage, toilet partitions, toilet room accessories): $15,685
Plumbing and mechanical: $211,000
Electrical: $44,000
Commission room remodel (finishes and technology): $187,000
Bonding, Insurance, G.C.(General Contractor) overhead & profit: $90,266
Testing*: $600
Estimating Contingency* (15%): $111,754
Estimate Total: $857,382
*Estimating Contingency is an estimate of unforeseen expenses or cost differences that may or may not occur)
*Testing: sample testing of concrete, masonry, etc. for strength. Done by an outside party to ensure quality control.
Exterior & Interior Improvements – Old Fire Department Building
Demolition: $38, 514
New Metal Roof: $111,478
Masonry: $47,320
Concrete: $23,500
Metals, Wood: $7,200
Doors & Windows: $19,420
Finishes (Floor tile, carpet, ceilings, partitions, paint, etc.): $53,512
Specialties (Fire Extinguishers, signage, toilet room accessories, etc.): $1,240
Mechanical and Electrical (HAVC and new lighting): $114,610
Insurance, bonding, G.C. overhead & profit: $57,460
Estimating Contingency* (15%): $71,137
Estimate Total: $545,391
*Estimating Contingency is an estimate of unforeseen expenses or cost differences that may or may not occur.
Construction Estimate Total: $1,937,088
Furnishings, fixtures, & equipment (security cameras): $12,912
Architect Fees: $250,000
TOTAL ESTIMATE: $2,200,00
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