After proclaiming April as “Fair Housing Month” and White Cane Month” and May 8th as “Cushing Relay for Life Day,” Cushing commissioners got down to serious business Monday night.
Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the resolution to authorize the issuance of a purchase order for an ambulance for the Cushing Fire/Ambulance Department. After receiving bids from four different vendors, it was determined the best suited for the needs of the Cushing Fire Department came from the Phoenix Group. Their bid at $123,268 not only came in as the lowest, but came in well under the $130,000 amount budgeted by the City.
Although the funding for the new ambulance was in the 2009 budget, approval would have had to go to a vote of the people had the amendment to the Charter not passed. The amendment allowed commissioners to approve purchases up to $185,000 without going to a vote of the people.
“We need to thank the voters who made it possible,” said Commissioner Joe Manning.
The “McCoy Miller Type 1 ambulance with a 170 inch box on a Ford F-450 chassis” should make its appearance in approximately 4 – 6 months.
“That ought to look good in the new fire station,” Mayor Henckel commented to Fire Chief Brent Kerr – smiling.
Henckel, who also served as Cushing Fire Chief, knows all too well the importance of good equipment.
“That 450 will give a smoother ride,” he continued – something very important when transporting a severly injured patient.
Chief Kerr agreed, pointing out that most transports – to either Tulsa or Oklahoma City – require an hour travel time.
“When you’re in pain, you want as smooth a ride as possible,” Kerr said.
Other resolutions approved by commissioners were replacement of the roofs on the Cushing Senior Citizen Center and the Gayley Building and the appointment of three members (Virginia Boyles, Jack Lackey and Lloyd Harris) to serve new three year terms on the Senior Citizens Center Advisory Board. Harris is replacing Jim Dooley who had to resign due to health reasons.
Two ordinances were also on Monday night’s agenda: an ordinance regulating the operation of mini bikes, golf carts, ATVs and utility vehicles on the streets and highways of the city and an ordinance rezoning certain property located at 1116 E. Second St. from R-2 (two family residential district) to C-1 (office district).
Commissioners voted 4 – 1 to approve the ordinance regulating golf carts and utility vehicles, adding a permit cost of $5.
Mayor Henckel pointed out that although vehicles such as golf carts and “Gators” and “Mules” will be allowed, there are still rules that apply.
“You will still need insurance and things like running lights, seat belts, a horn,” he said. “And a driver’s license.”
Commissioner Tommy Johnson held the single nay vote.
As for the second proposed ordinance, commissioners voted 4 – 1 against the rezoning of the property located at 1116 E. Second St.
Rossiter, Manning, Henckel and Johnson agreed by rezoning that property for business, it would open the door for all sorts of businesses and not just medical-related businesses or facilities – which is the long-term plan for the area.
Tommye Waltman requested the change several months ago, but commissioners refused to vote on it at the time. Waltman brought a spokesperson to Monday’s meeting to plead her case. Waltman, a realtor, recently moved her business from Main Street to the location proposed for rezoning. According to her representative, Waltman is living on the premises and running her realty company as a home business.
Commissioner Jim Hogrefe told Waltman that he’d been thinking about the rezoning since the initial proposal and had decided to vote for the rezoning. Hogrefe was the only commissioner to vote yes.
Other items on the agenda included the presentation of a $5,000 check from the Geographic Club toward the new skate park.
“It’s coming along,” Henckel said. “We told the kids they would have to be involved and they have. They’ve been holding fundraisers – like selling hot dogs at Atwoods. It’s good.”
Sharon Kerry, Kelly Dilley and Ruth Ann Johnson from the Geographic Club were there to make the presentation.
“They’ve been very generous,” Manning said.
Commissioners plan on holding a work study session Thursday, May 21 to begin planning next year’s budget.
“We encourage the public to attend,” said Henckel. “This is the time folks need to step forward about ways they would like to see their money spent.”
The next regular commission meeting will be Monday, May 18.
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