(Cushing, Okla.) Cushing Board of Commissioners started their regular monthly meeting on a high note with a proclamation proclaiming December 16, 2014 as “Loyd T. Harris Day” in the City of Cushing. Harris, who turned 90 on December 16th, was born in Cushing and is a 1943 graduate of Norfolk High School. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 during World War II. After leaving the service, Harris worked in the oil fields in and around Cushing, volunteered for the City of Cushing volunteer fire department and in 1975 began working for the City of Cushing power plant as an oiler. Since his retirement in 1987, Harris has continued to serve his community and is currently a member of the Cushing Senior Citizens Advisory Board as well as his church, Park Place Baptist Church.
Harris’ son, Mike Harris, accepted the proclamation from Mayor Joe Manning, saying, “He, and our entire family, appreciates this so much.”
Following the proclamation, commissioners were told the first item of business – an appearance from representatives of Gold Star Land Services to answer questions regarding the planned 3-D geophysical surveys on city/authorities owned property – had to be postponed due to the representative being out of state. City Manager Steve Spears said Gold Star would make an appearance at next month’s meeting that will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.
Commissioners went on to approve the authorization of an election to be held for the purpose of electing one candidate to the office of Commission Seat No. 1 and Commission Seat No. 2. Those seats are currently held by Evert Rossiter and Joe Manning, respectively.
Also approved, a bookkeeping item amending the budget to accommodate a library grant for children’s programs, books and periodicals for the Cushing Public Library; the appointment of John Fechner to serve a new three year term and Chantz Candler to serve the remainder of an unexpired term on the Cushing Regional Airport Advisory Board; and the appointment of Francis Westberg and Gerald Jolley to serve new three year terms on the Cushing Housing Authority.
In other business, commissioners approved two ordinances – one amending Cushing City Codes regarding LP gas and another amending the definition of the term “fireworks” and further defining the term “novelty,” as well as providing for public fireworks displays by an outdoor display operator licensed by the state.
Fire Chief Chris Pixler explained that currently City Code limits the possession of LP Gas to 10 gallons anywhere within the City limits, with the exception to the lot owned by MFA Propane. It does not allow for the operation of LPG cylinder exchange programs or LP Gas dispensing facilities for public resale. Fire department staff visited LPG policies and ordinances of other communities ranging in size from Drumright to Oklahoma City. The recommendations for changes were based on the information gathered.
“We feel these amendments will allow a more business friendly option to serve our citizens, while maintaining safety in the community with the available public safety resources,” Pixler stated.The other ordinance amendments regarding fireworks is due to changes made by the State of Oklahoma and the federal government to the definition and classification of fireworks. The State recently passed a statute requiring a state license for “Outdoor DisplayOperators” conducting public displays.
Pixler also explained the term “novelty” vs “fireworks” by giving the example of novelties being “poppers” often used during celebrations. “What people know as ‘fireworks’ are still not legal in the city limits,” Pixler said.
In the City Manager’s report, Steve Spears passed out flyers regarding the annual Holiday Cleanup. Free dumping at the transfer station, located at 515 N. Luella, will be allowed from Dec. 22nd – Jan. 3rd, by showing your i.d. and your most recent utility bill. Hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normal transfer use policy must be followed and you must be a resident of Cushing.
In comments from commissioners, Commissioner Don Amon commended the City for repairs made on Harmony Road, saying, “I had a grown man hug me, he was so happy!”
He, and later Commissioner Terry Brannon, mentioned citizens asking about the possibility of getting at least a paper recycling dumpster placed somewhere in the City.
Brannon, in his comments, also mentioned the work Cushing PD and Spears are doing in looking at viable options for a new animal shelter. A study session on the project is expected to be scheduled in the near future.
In Cushing Municipal Authority business, trustees approved a resolution authorizing the issuing of a purchase order to Beasley Technology, Inc. in the sum of $11,885.00 for the purchase, set-up and configuration of a new server and operating system for the billing and collections department. Spears said the department has been having issues with the server and that its replacement has been budgeted.
After acknowledging Hillcrest Healthcare System will continue its lease with the City of Cushing, Hillcrest Hospital Cushing’s CEO Kevin Hawk gave an update on the hospital during the Cushing Hospital Authority part of the meeting.
Hawk started by talking about the recruitment process that has been ongoing since his arrival in 2012. Two of the newest, Dr. Gary Cole, General Surgeon and Dr. Brant Buchinger, OB/Gyn, joined the staff earlier this year and coming in January, HHC will welcome a new pediatric/internal medicine physician, a full-time radiologist and an ear, nose and throat specialist who, initially, will come to Cushing to see patients on a limited basis.
Hawk also said he is currently in the process of recruiting two family physicians and an orthopedic surgeon in 2015 and in August 2016, Dr. Amanda Miles, originally from Perkins, will join Dr. Buchinger.
Dr. Buchinger, who was also at the meeting, was introduced and allowed to say a few words about his move to Cushing and the future with HHC.
“I’m excited to be here,” Dr. Buchinger told commissioners. “I think it’s amazing what we can do at this hospital.”
The quality and availability of medical staff is one of the things that sets HHC apart from most small town hospitals and is something Cushing can take pride in.”I’ve been in this field for 32 years and I can say unequivocally, we have the finest group of physicians I’ve worked with,” Hawk said. “We have a lot of wonderful people that work at Hillcrest Hospital Cushing.”
Hawk also told of new equipment purchases this year – digital mammography and most recently the replacement of the CT scanner.
“Training on the new CT is going on at this very moment,” he said, noting two of the benefits of the new CT are less radiation and clearer imaging.
Commissioner Evert Rossiter asked him about the prospect of getting a kidney dialysis center in Cushing and was told there is indeed someone very interested in putting a center in Cushing.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,”Hawk said.
When asked for his vision of future plans for HHC and the medical community, Hawk said he believes the focus will shift more toward preventive care and educating people on how to better care for themselves.
“I believe the best is yet to come,” Hawk concluded.
Cushing Board of Commissioners hold their regular monthly meetings the third Monday of each month, however, January’s meeting has been moved to Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 because of observance of Marin Luther King Day, Jan. 19th. Meetings are open to the public.
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