Grand Jury Gets Another Action Request

The Observer has learned that another request has been made to the Grand Jury, asking that the Jury look into past alleged illegal activity in Delaware County, including activity which occurred during the previous Grove City Manager's administration.

The allegations include giving letters to contractors conducting business in the City of Grove but not "for the City of Grove" that exempted them from paying sales taxes; GMSA employees using city equipment to perform services for private contractors on weekends and being paid by the contractors for using the equipment; and illegal disposal of Grove City Property to a private developer by the Grove Municipal Airport Authority employees, possibly authorized by other members of the Grove City government.

The allegations, documentation, and list of persons with possible knowledge of the alleged offenses were delivered to the bailiff outside the Grand Jury room this week. The procedure is that the bailiff gives the material to the Grand Jury directly for their consideration. The jury can consider it, or reject it.

A cover letter with the material states that "the alleged illegal activity has never been tried in a court of law to our knowledge, and needs to be resolved once and for all. If those involved are innocent, so be it, but if there is a question of guilt it's time they are tried by a jury of their peers."

Listed as "persons with possible knowledge of the alleged offenses" are Charles Rowe, former councilman; Richard Ball, former city manager; Gary Dunham, former assistant city manager; Duane Brown, former GMSA Superintendent; Larry Morris, Morris Construction Company of Weir, KS; Terri Abercrombie, Grove Municipal Airport Manager; Rev. Gary Bishop, Delaware Baptist Church; Joe Nowlin; Larry Heston, former Grove Municipal Airport Authority Chairman; Frank Hallacy, former owner of Cedar Oaks, and current city manager Bill Galletly, City Clerk Bonnie Buzzard, and Kenneth Crowder, Grove Superintendent of Streets.

After the jury selection Monday, a Grove businessman approached Judge Robert Haney to question the selection of two of the jurors. Haney was heard to say "I've drawn all the names and if he gives me any more trouble I'll cite him for contempt." Haney then appointed one of the two jurors that was questioned, foreman of the jury.

Besides the original petition from Grove resident Earl Barnes, anyone wishing to request action from the Grand Jury may do so by submitting the material to the bailiff. The Grand Jury can conduct proceedings until June 25, which is 30 days prior to the next election and the deadline set by law.

City to Open Bids on New Cell Tower

The Grove Industrial Development Authority will hold a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday to open proposals to co-venture construction and operation of a new cell tower.

Proposals have been received from Verizon Wireless, Smith Two-Way Radio, and Precision Communications of Grove; financial institutions submitting proposals to finance a new wi-fi system include the Bank of Oklahoma, Grove, and Government Capital Securities of Oklahoma City.

The new tower is to be built to 250-270 feet with a new wi-fi system located at 140 feet elevation. The tower will house city transmitters at the top and allow up to four cell phone companies as well. The new tower and equipment is to be operational 90 days from receipt of a Notice to Proceed from the city.

Lendonwood Sets Special Events for 2006

Several committees are hard at work organizing a number of special events planned by Lendonwood Gardens this year, according to Joan Vermaire, president of the garden’s Board of Directors. Lendonwood is a three-acre public botanical garden located at 1308 West 13th Street (Har-Ber Road) in Grove.
“Our special activities provide a wonderful opportunity for members of the community and tourists to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Lendonwood,” Vermaire said. “The garden is a valuable asset for the community, both in terms of local enjoyment and regional tourism. We’re delighted to offer events that will help introduce more people to this special place.”
On May 7, the entire community is invited to attend the fourth annual Art in the Gardens event, in which area artists will share their talents against the colorful backdrop of Lendonwood Gardens. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the works of local painters, photographers, sculptors and musicians will be on display in Lendonwood. Admission is $5, which also allows touring of the garden itself.
Another popular event, the Home Garden Tour, is scheduled for June 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Five area home gardens, as well as Lendonwood, will be open for tours, with such highlights as water features, a knot garden, herb gardens, colorful annuals and perennials, and beautiful shrubs and trees. Tickets are $5 per person and are available in advance from local merchants, including Millie’s, Victorian Accents and Java Dave’s in Grove. Tickets also may be purchased at Lendonwood on the day of the tour. Rain date will be June 4 from noon to 3 p.m.
On September 23, Lendonwood will host the Annual Garden Party, offering an opportunity for the community to show its support for the non-profit public garden. The evening event will be held in conjunction with Lendonwood’s annual meeting of members. A light meal of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided during the event.
One of 12 botanical gardens in Oklahoma, Lendonwood is supported by volunteers and donations. The three-acre garden is open to the public year-round, from dawn to dusk. No admission charge is required, but a $5 donation per person is suggested to help care for the garden.

Grove Rotary Awards Scholarships

Cynthia Yirsa and Josh Martin are this year's winners of the Grove Rotary Scholarships, the first year there has been a tie in the voting. Both graduating seniors at Grove High School, Cynthia plans to attend Missouri Southern State University in Joplin prior to going to dental school in Kansas City.
Josh will attend the University of Oklahoma and plans to obtain a degree in business.

Cynthia has a 4.03 GPA and is a top scholar, National Honor Society member, served as class president her junior and senior years, has made three church mission trips and has played in the Band for three years. Josh has a 4.46 GPA and scored 33 out of 36 on his SAT test. He has played varsity soccer, basketball and is in the Key Club.

City Requests Proposals on Wi-Fi System

The City of Grove's efforts to provide residents with a city-wide wi-fi broadband internet access system is continuing, with this week's advertising for Request for Proposals from qualified firms which can provide a turnkey system by the end of the year.

Bids or proposals will be opened at City Hall at 2 p.m. Monday, May 15.

The network must provide basic wireless internet access throughout the city.
Companies which submit proposals are to provide a 30-minute presentation on their proposals to the Grove City Council and Grove Industrial Development Authority at a joint meeting, with contracts awarded by June 6. The companies will then have six months to complete the project, according to Debbie Mavity, Assistant City Manager.

Observations...

The GRDA has a fancy new toy that is attached to a helicopter and can tell if septic tanks are leaking into the lake--we'll call it "The Pooper Snooper." More info as it becomes available...ODOT has advertised for bids on joint repair and painting of the SH85-A Bridge over the Horse Creek arm of Grand Lake, in the nick of time. This bridge looks like a car could fall through it any day...Is there a dustup over EMS Services at North Beach during the upcoming Top 100 Elite Bassmaster's Tournament in June? Seems the county, which has jurisdiction, wants their EMS department headed by Gary Metcalf, to handle the operation, while the city, which has donated $75,000 to the Grand Lake Association to oversee it, wants the city EMS crews to work it. Metcalf recently won a Federal Court suit against the city manager, now under appeal, so things aren't too perky between the two...The Grand Jury has been seated and is at work this week, guided by Prosecutor Gene Haynes, district attorney for Rogers, Craig and Mayes counties. The original purpose way back when it was first mentioned was the 18th street project and how it came to be, instead of widening 13th street. But later on it became a petition to"fire the city manager." The windows in the small courtroom have been papered and taped and until it is finished, no one will know the result…The Corvette Club Show is May 5-6 at the Grove Civic Center so get your Corvette out and polish it up…Word is that the District Attorney's office will soon file charges in the Grove Moose Lodge case. The Lodge was raided by the ABLE Commission just prior to Christmas, led by Mike Easley, who now has his own set of problems (he was fired this week). Some coin collections were discovered in some machines as a result of the raid…The Grove Observer is looking for correspondents in Bernice, Monkey Island, Fairland, Afton and other small nearby communities around the lake. If you have a nose for news please call us at 791-0203. Our first print issue comes out May 24…The 13th annual Grove Rotary Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, May 20 at 9 a.m. at Patricia Island Golf Club. The Scramble format costs $90 per player and money raised goes to a lengthy list of civic projects for Grove including the new Centennial Park. Call Bill Gillespie at 787-2122 or Richard Lippitt at 787-2366 to enter yourself or a team...Last week's Observer Poll asked the question should Grove sell the current civic center and build a new multi-purpose center? Voters said nearly 100% to sell and build a new center.

Letters to the Editor...

To Editor The Grove Observer,

I have great respect for your publication and your stated objective of separating the factual reporting of news from editorial comment. Both provide important contributions to public awareness, information and discussion. However, your article “Airport Board Has Marathon Meeting” in the April 14, 2006 edition of The Grove Observer significantly crossed the line of mixing fact, opinion and editorial comment in what was presented as a factual reporting of the Grove Municipal Airport Managing Authority (GMAMA) meeting. Let’s address the article point-by-point. (Editors Note: Modern day journalism does allow for interpretive reporting, news analysis, etc. as witnessed in the Tulsa World and occasionally in The Observer.)

GMAMA did not “argue” over the proposed 10 cent per gallon increase in markup on fuel sales. A proposal to increase the markup was made by the Budget Committee and GMAMA discussed pricing philosophy and pricing strategies. Subsequently, it appointed a committee to survey other airports in the region regarding fuel markups, lease fees, hanger rental fees and a number of other items of interest. After the results are reported, GMAMA will take appropriate action based on factual, not speculative data.

GMAMA did not complain about the City not paying for snow removal. In FY 2005/06, snow removal was moved from the City Airport Budget to the GMAMA Trust Budget, but was later zeroed out because of state mandated changes in employee benefits. This year $600 was placed in the draft Trust Budget but was dependent on the 10 cent per gallon increase in markup on fuel sales. When GMAMA decided not to increase the markup, at this time, this was one of the expenses that had to be removed to maintain a balanced budget. (Editors Note: One board member did complain that the city used to perform snow removal, should pay for E&O insurance and pavement repairs. We stand behind our statement. And there was heated discussion on the fuel markup)

The same applies to the expense item Pavement Repair that was intended to begin funding hot- sealing of crumbling asphalt that is not covered by any other sources of funds.

At the time of the GMAMA meeting, Grove Municipal Airport’s gas price had risen to $3.70 from $3.10 three days earlier due to the higher cost of newly delivered LL 100 aviation gas to the Airport. Gas prices vary significantly based upon volume, discounts and date of purchase. The Grove Airport does not sell in quantities sufficient to earn large volume discounts. (Editors Note: At the time of the survey done by The Observer, Grove Airport had the lowest fuel sales price in seven states, where the average was $4.11, according to GlobalAir.com. The $3.70 is still below the average, which this week stood at $4.30.)

The Grove Observer requested a copy of the Trust Budget from this writer at the end of the meeting. No extra copies were available at that time. Since the City Offices were closed before the end of the GMAMA meeting, there was no immediate access to a copy machine. The Grove Observer was advised to contact the Airport Manager the next morning for a copy of the budget including changes approved at the GMAMA meeting. This was not unreasonable under the circumstances and definitely was NOT a refusal to provide the budget as intimated in the article. (Editors Note: The Observer requested that the information be faxed after the meeting, as deadline for the week was at hand. Contacting the airport manager the next morning was not an option.)

The comment “At meeting’s end, there was no one left in the room except four Board members and the airport manager” appears to be an effort to “paint” a biased characterization of the meeting. Members of the public attended this open meeting and left at various times, for their own reasons. (Editors Note: The statement remains true. Perhaps those in attendance left out of boredom.)

The article reported, “the airport trust’s attorney fee expenses will run more than $10,000 this year”. It was stated, “fees could run between $9,000 and $10,000 this year after invoices for recent consultations are received”, which The Observer confirmed from its own notes. Such non-factual reporting seems intended to steer readers’ thoughts, rather than to provide the facts for evaluation. (Editors Note: A board member to the left of Mr. Adzigian was heard to add "probably over $10,000" which is where the article information came from. Attorney fees paid to date through March 31, 2006, are $6402.70, according to the City Treasurer.)

Until it was explained, several trustees did not correctly understand the 31% GMAMA budget increase was due mostly to the actual increase in fuel sales above budget projections of 9,000 gallons realized in FY 2005/06 and the higher cost of fuel purchases by GMAMA anticipated in the FY 2006/07 budget. (Editors Note: Some of the trustees kept referring to possible bad weather cutting down fuel sales making the projections unreachable, and member Gary Tripensee voted against the motion even after it was explained several times.)

The discussion of a new terminal building was not accurately described in the context of the meeting. To clarify, the airport engineer reported there is a possibility the FAA may make available a category of grant funds, not previously available to airports like Grove, for the specialized purpose of helping to fund capital projects that do not come under the normal airport development grant funding categories of airport development such as land acquisition, runways and taxiways, instrument landing systems and the like. The engineer simply was apprising GMAMA of this new, possible funding source so GMAMA could determine its interest. GMAMA would not be fulfilling its obligations to its beneficiary, the City of Grove, if it did not at least investigate this possible source of federal funds. The purpose and pursuit of such funds has not yet been evaluated. (Editors Note: We merely stated that the Terminal Building would probably be first on the list of airport improvements, which has been stated at two different meetings.)

The Grove Observer did not accurately report the Young Eagles event scheduled for May 6. The City Council in a previous meeting voted to support this one-day national program. Pilots donate their time, the use of their aircraft and pay for the operating expenses out of their own pockets. To help offset these costs, GMAMA voted to sell fuel to the small number of participating pilots “at cost” for this single event. James Aviation, Grove’s Fixed Based Operator, normally receives a 10-cent per gallon handling fee for servicing aircraft, but has volunteered to forgo its handling fee for fuel sold in support of the Young Eagles flights. (Editors Note: The Observer has previously mentioned this event and supports it and will cover it May 6.)

The Grove Observer reported it conducted a survey of fuel prices in 7 states finding the average price was $4.11. It is not known how many airports or providers were included in that survey. The Budget Committee surveyed 155 airports and 174 providers of LL 100 aviation gas in the five state region of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. Prices ranged from $2.75 to $6.19 with the combined average $3.64. The average of the 63 providers at 59 airports in Oklahoma was $3.30. 127 providers at 108 airports in the 5 state region were quoting an average price of $3.73 for Jet A fuel. 46 providers at 42 airports in Oklahoma were quoting $3.55 with a low of $2.85 and a high of $4.62

All in all, it is the Budget Committee’s view that Grove’s fuel prices are generally competitive, with airports in the five state region, all factors considered. Fuel prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate dramatically based on the date and quantities of the last lot purchased and the discount structure. Grove Municipal Airport is not able to buy in large enough quantities to achieve any notable discount. And, as one can see, in recent weeks at gas stations all around the area, the price of gas-at-the-pump can jump day-to-day. So, price surveys are only truly valid on the day of the survey. (Editors Note: We stand behind our survey 100% and price comparisons on the day of the survey (GlobalAir.com). The fact that the airport raised its price a couple of days later and another survey was taken is moot to our article. And the $3.70 is still below the average, $4.30 on 4/25/06)

Having corrected factual components of the article, this writer believes the markup on fuel should be increased to provide additional, needed revenue to undertake hot seal repair of several badly deteriorating asphalt surface areas that are not covered by grant or other funding. This is necessary to preserve the airport asset for the beneficiary, the City of Grove, and to provide for safe operation of aircraft by minimizing potential foreign object damage due to crumbling operational surfaces. (Editors Note: Why should the fuel markup be based solely on the price of the last purchase of fuel? The fuel markup should "float" based on competition and future fuel costs, which is what the auto service stations on the street do.)

One last note, a packet is prepared for every GMAMA meeting and all attendees are listed in the minutes of the meeting. This listing has been a practice of GMAMA for a long time. I am not aware any other Board of the City provides such a listing. (Editors Note: The Observer has arranged to obtain a copy of the materials to be discussed, for future meetings.)

David Adzigian,
Trustee GMAMA

(Editors Note: We thank the writer for taking the time to give us his opinions. We encourage such letters).

Commissioners Continue Jail Talks

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners continued its discussion of the lack of jail space at this week's regular meeting, and again coming to no permanent solution.
Ruled out was using the sally-port area of the jail, as being too costly for the number of prisoners that could be housed there, and rental of pods at a cost of $7,500 per month. Early release of prisoners based on work time away from the jail was mentioned, as was possible purchase of ankle bracelets to monitor child-support violators released from jail. Some of the bonds are now being reduced from in the past, to afford fewer lockups.
But the clock is ticking on a permanent solution or reduction in prisoner count to 61, as the state jail inspector has threatened to close down the jail or fine the county up to $10,000 a day if the situation is not corrected.
In other action:
--a bid for $8500 for a 2000 Jeep Cherokee with 59,000 miles on it was approved for use by Emergency Management Services, purchased from Joe Watts Auto Sales.
--the highway cash fund for May was set at $67,822 for each district.
--a memorandum of agreement was approved between the Seneca Cayuga Tribe and the county concerning maintenance of roads.
--approved purchase order of $4,500 for repair of a John Deere tractor to Green Country Ag and Lawn.

The Canine Corner...by Missy MacTavish

As you notice, I have my Red Hat on in honor of Saturday's big Gala in Grove, which brings in 240 hatters from five different states. Isn't that nice. Mom is about to go nuts over this event and thankfully things will get back to normal, whatever that is, soon.

Dad made it rain and I hope you appreciate that. He left the boat cover off. The car washing thing works sometimes but leaving your boat cover off the boat guarantees that it will rain. So say thanks to Dad. If more people would leave their boat covers off we would get more rain.

Attention Grove Chamber of Commerce: I have a new advertising slogan which you should mention often. "Grove--Oklahoma's Coolest City." Grove is probably one of the coolest in temperature, and definitely a cool place to live with all the nice things we have here. There's no charge for this suggestion other than a bag of dog food every once in awhile.
Until next time…Bark On. Miss Missy.

Schedule of City Meetings

As a public service, listed below are the various city and trust authority meeting schedules:

Grove City Council meets the first and third Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Grove Industrial Development Authority meets the third Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Grove Municipal Services Authority meets the third Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Grove Planning & Zoning Board meets the second Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Grove Municipal Airport Trust Authority Board meets the second Monday at 1 p.m.
All meetings are held in Room 5, City Hall, and are open to the public.
Public comment is allowed at all meetings.