Sorry Neighbors and Friends,
I've been a little busy, but here are the highlights of the last VUA and Council meeting. There wasn't a lot going on, but I did get an update on the water treatment plant upgrades and the progress being made.
The Vinita Utilities Authority meeting was short and sweet. The council approved $6,959.00 to paint the exterior of Trane #3 at the water treatment plant. This will also cover the expense of fixing the bottom where some rust has formed over the years. Director of Operations said the trane had been opened and the inside is in good shape. It may need some upgrades, but all in all it can be refurbished. The Director of Operations also told the council and public that a water treatment plant that was being closed offered their media to Vinita. The employees took buckets and shovels and went and retrieved it and brought it to our plant. Media is the product that goes in the bottom of the trane/filter and helps filter the water. This media they retrieved is valued at around $30,000.00. A great big WOW!
That's dedication and cooperation of our Engineer and city employees to go the extra mile to save our city money. I felt like standing up at the council meeting and giving a great big Whoop!! I refrained, but we need to thank the city employees that did this wonderful deed.
The council went into executive session to discuss the lawsuit on the water meter project, but when they reconvened they took no action, so I guess nothing is going on, huh? The meeting was adjourned and they proceeded to the Vinita Council Meeting.
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by council, then the city clerk explained the item about the City's Code of Ordinances. Twice a year the code book is updated when Sterling Codifiers finish going through the resolutions that are sent to them by the city clerk. What exactly they do with them, I'm not sure, but I would guess that they make sure everything is legal and in apple pie order, then they are sent back to the city and added to the code book.
Next they approved the Finance Ordinance No. 3514. This is regular housekeeping according to Mayor Hiesley and I do know this is done monthly so all the bills can be paid.
Then there was some action on code violations. Two properties at 245 and 247 N. Vann were presented for abatement, but a young man requested 60 days to finish cleaning the property for his uncle. Someone had been hired, but they didn't do it or finish it. His request was granted. The next property at 714 E. Tahlequah had been cleaned and the code inspector then ask for 3 properties to be re-mowed. 747 N. Miller, 218 S. Brewer and 416 N. Miller.
The Chamber of Commerce had a request for the quarterly update of the website at a cost of $315.00 and the cost of some "Shop Vinita Fist Coupons" at a cost of $1000.00. The Chamber also requested assistance from the Police Dept. and Street Dept. in blocking streets for the Annual Parade of Lights on Dec. 1, 2011 at 7:00pm.
The former Chief of Police, who is now a patrolman, was approved for retirement effective November 10, 2011 and approval for a new patrolman was given contingent upon successful physical examination and drug screen. One councilman asked if the potential officer was cleet certified and he was told he was certified.
Approval was given to hire two new employees for the library with beginning base pay of $8.75 per hour with a 25 cent per hour increase after 120 day trial period and successful completion of drug screen.
There was a request to reserve the softball field on November 12, 2011 for a benefit tournament. One of the councilors ask who the benefit was for and the city clerk said that information hadn't been obtained, but if they wanted that information from now on, then she would tell the staff to request it.
Under the new business portion of the agenda an uncle of the child that was attacked by the dog on Saturday, October 29, 2011 was allowed to speak to the council and present pictures of the child's injuries. Mayor Hiesley assured the family that the council would look at the code and ask the city attorney to get involved in trying to be more stringent on vicious animals in the city limits.
Also under new business the transport truck for Solid Waste was in an accident earlier in the day on Hwy. 69 South. The driver of the trash truck was uninjured according to the Solid Waste Superintendent, but the other driver that hit the truck was transported to the hospital. The Superintendent of Solid Waste said he expected the truck to be down 2-3 months.
There were no verbal department head reports, they were all in written form given to the councilors.
And that's all folks, so until later,
Okie Girl @ Home
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