(Cushing, Okla.) Cushing Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to retain City Manager Steve Spears and City Attorney Stewart Arthurs for another year following an executive session Monday night during the regular monthly meeting. Spears started as Assistant City Manager/City Engineer in July of 1989 and served as interim after Andy Katz left the position in February of 2008. Spears became City Manager Dec. 21, 2009.
Arthurs has served as City Attorney since April 16, 1970.
The meeting started with a proclamation from Chairman of the Board Joe Manning. Manning proclaimed the week of June 9 – 14 as “Pipeline Appreciation Week” in the city of Cushing. Cushing Chamber of Commerce Director Brent Thompson accepted the proclamation and thanked the City for all their help with the annual BBQ n Blues Festival.
“Thank you very, very much,” Thompson said. “We couldn’t do something of this magnitude without the help of the City.” This year marks the 19th year for the Festival slated for June 14th.
Thompson, who will retire as director at the end of the year, also took a moment to introduce his assistant and successor Tracy Caulfield to the Commission.
In audience appearances, long-time resident Margie Testerman pleaded for help regarding issues she has had with an area plumbing company. “I just don’t know where else to turn,” Testerman told the council.
Manning assured her they would look into the issue and try to find out information that may be helpful to her, such as whether or not the business is licensed to do business in Cushing and who the bonding company is. Testerman passed out letters to members of the Board detailing the issues she has faced.
During the City Manager’s report, Spears told commissioners the emission control improvements to the power plant have been completed. The cost of the project – $1,398,620.
He also made mention of a work-up underway on a possible CNG station – a topic often mentioned at city meetings.
Spears said he had met with representatives of Land O’ Lakes for a site inspection of the Hudson Refinery site. He said a five year review with the EPA is on the horizon. Brannon asked if there might be a time when the property could be used.
Spears said there is no timeline in place when the property might be made available for use. He explained that because of the depth of the clean up (two feet down), “time of exposure” is an issue and that housing is something that would not be allowed.
Brannon expressed the desire for something that could be considered an “attribute” to the city’s west entrance be considered – once the time comes.
In conclusion to his report, Spears said the splash pad is still under construction, but Cushing Aquatic Center will open on Memorial Day.
All agenda items were approved:
The authorization to execute a contract with K & T Trucking & Site Clearing, Inc. for the demolition and removal of condemned properties for the period beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2016. The second year is subject to approved performance and annual appropriations.
A resolution authorizing a Tri-party public deposit pledge and custody agreement with Prosperity Bank and TIB – The Independent Bankers Bank relating to Collateral for Deposits (CDs).
Transfer and issuance of an airport hangar license from Whitehead Production Company, Inc. to Chantz Candler and Chase Candler.
Requests from American Energy – Woodford, LLC to drill and operate two oil and gas wells within the limits of the Cushing water district in the NW/4 NE/4 of section 4-17N-4E of the Indian Meridian, Payne County, Oklahoma. The horizontal drilling projects will be approximately 30 feet of each other, but will take different paths.
(Prior to voting, Commissioner Terry Brannon asked if there had been any environmental issues caused by the numerous wells that have been drilled and was assured there have not been. The requests were approved unanimously.)
Authorization to execute an audit engagement letter with CBEW Professional Group, LLP for the FY 2013 – 2014 audit.
The Board also voted for three nominees (Janice Cain, Deputy City Treasurer, City of Duncan, Pam Polk, City Manager, City of Collinsville and Mark Whinnery, City Manager, City of Drumright) to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) for three year terms.
It was also noted that there are five expiring terms on the Cushing Youth and Community Center Advisory Board.
Under Cushing Municipal Authority business, the Board approved the purchase of wood poles from McFarland Cascade for the electric department – total sum not to exceed $10,400;
The purchase of a backup computer system from Beasley Technology for three computer servers for the sum of $6,675.
The Board also authorized the write-off of 1,560 delinquent utility accounts totaling $414,938.14 for the 72 month period of 7/1/2006 through 6/30/2012.
Spears explained, historically, write-offs have been made “periodically” unlike the Fire/Ambulance billing which does it on an annual basis. He said going forward, staff plans to prepare Utility write-offs and submit to the Commission for approval on an annual basis.
In doing the math – the amount to be written off is less than 1%.
Cushing Board of Commissioner meetings are held the third Monday of each month and are open to the public.
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