Grove City Attorney Resigns

The City of Grove is without legal representation this week following the resignation Tuesday of City Attorney Ron Cates, who had been hired by former city manager Bill Galletly.

The resignation was prompted by the Agenda item on Tuesday's Council session: "Discussion and/or Action Regarding Request for Proposals for City Attorney Services."

Cates said he was not notified that this was being done and expressed his "utter amazement at the total absence of any semblance of professionalism, let alone common courtesy, on your part or that of the members of the City Council," in a steaming letter to Bruce Johnson, City Manager.

"I have represented numerous municipalities within the State of Oklahoma for more than 25 years and I have never witnessed such inconsiderate action," Cates said in his letter.
Councilman Larry Parham has in the past said he wants a local attorney to represent the city who won't charge mileage or travel time expenses. Cates' supporters said they prefer someone who is unbiased and can issue legal advice based on the law, not personal agendas of the councilors. Last month the city spent $349 on travel time and mileage reimbursement to Cates. He has charged $125 an hour for legal advice, considered low by most attorneys.

Johnson and Mayor Gary Bishop said they hoped Cates would apply for the position under the RFP formula designed by Johnson, with applications due by Sept. 11. Under the formula, points are awarded for experience and knowledge of state statutes and Grove Ordinances; the monthly retainer and hourly rate; professional qualifications and communications skills, total years experience, etc, and past performance record.

Here is the full text of Cates' resignation letter, obtained by The Observer:

Mr. Bruce Johnson
City Manager
City of Grove via facsimile (918) 786-8939
104 W. 3rd
Grove, Oklahoma 74344 Aug. 21, 2007

Re: Grove City Council Agenda-August 21, 2007-Item D.8-“Discussion And / Or Action
Regarding Request For Proposals For City Attorney Services

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am corresponding for purposes of addressing the matter referenced above. At the outset, I am compelled to express my utter amazement at the total absence of any semblance of professionalism, let alone common courtesy, on your part or that of the members of the City Council in the consideration, initiation and posting of this matter. I have represented numerous municipalities within the State of Oklahoma for more than Twenty-five (25) years and I have never witnessed, let alone been directly affected by, such inconsiderate action. As you are keenly aware, there has been absolutely no communication or discussion between you and me concerning not only the placement of the referenced item on the agenda for the City Council meeting for August 21, 2007, but also any issues even remotely relating to such item. Likewise, I am sure that you are aware that the only discussion pertaining to this matter, that is discussion involving me, has been that brief moment Mayor Gary Bishop spent with me before the City Council regular scheduled meeting on August 7, 2007, wherein Mayor Bishop advised me that “not that I necessarily agree but the City Councilors want to make a change in City Attorney. They feel that you (meaning me of course) have too much political baggage with Bill Galletly having hired you and your having worked with him and others”. That, for the most part, excepting that” attorneys are always welcome in my church”, is it.

I find it very disconcerting that the agenda listing referenced above, as well as more importantly the documentation purportedly provided by you to the members of the City Council, is the obvious work of either one wishing to be an attorney but unlicensed to be such in the State of Oklahoma or an attorney licensed in the State of Oklahoma that has
unethically given legal advice to officials and officers with the City of Grove, Oklahoma on matters of legal importance to the City of Grove, Oklahoma. As you are aware, I am sure, although I was at the time the duly appointed and acting City Attorney, and except for Mayor Bishop’s brief mention as I stated above, I was neither informed of nor consulted by you or any member of the City Council concerning this issue. Additionally, please note that for the record, I am of the opinion that the purported legal advice is erroneous. However, this is a matter that is better addressed at a more appropriate time and in a more appropriate forum. As relates to the status of who provided the legal advice that is a matter that is better left for resolution with the General Counsel of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

As we are both abundantly aware, the matter before the City Council tonight is merely a pretense. First, the matter under consideration and the anticipated action is not within the authority of the City Council. Such actions lie within the purview of the office of the City Manager. Secondly, the process being employed is merely a pretext for accomplishing my removal from the service of the City and the placement of an attorney, regardless of municipal experience, who through act or omission is more likely to further the interests of the majority of the City Council. Regardless of what entity or individual possesses the power of appointment and removal not any one of you have expressed to me any concern or question regarding my legal and professional ability, my integrity or my willingness to perform and accomplish the lawful goals and objectives of my superiors on behalf of the citizens of the City of Grove, Oklahoma. Actually neither yourself or members of the City Council other than the Mayor have expressed to me anything regarding my representation of the City of Grove, Oklahoma, e.g., dependability and reliability of legal services, fees, etc. A reasonable person would perceive that as being most unusual. It is my opinion that there can be no question that a majority of the members of the City Council have long ago predetermined the outcome of this removal and appointment process. I likewise am of the opinion that a close examination of not only what you have done but of equal importance what you have not done in this matter amply supports the proposition that you have willingly facilitated the furtherance of these desires of a few.

It is unfortunate for many that for the sake of the few my professional services to the citizens of the City of Grove, Oklahoma are no longer required. A cursory review of the agenda as well as the supportive documentation coupled with the manner within which this action has occurred makes obvious that whomever the appointive authority may be, a matter upon which we disagree, neither desire any continuation of my rendering professional services any further. I have been able, ready and willing to perform the duties associated with my position with the City. However, your actions and omissions as well as those of certain members of the City Council have resulted in an impugning of my legal ability and standing as well as constructively discharging me from the service of the City of Grove, Oklahoma.

Based upon the foregoing you are hereby advised that as of 12:01 p.m. CST my professional services to the citizens of the City of Grove, Oklahoma ceased. But for assisting with a transition in regards to legal representation of the City of Grove, Oklahoma as well as trust authorities having the City of Grove, Oklahoma as beneficiary, I will not perform any legal services excepting those that would be urgently required to protect the interests of the citizens of Grove. Please have a representative of the City of Grove, Oklahoma, other than yourself or any seated City Council member contact me to make arrangements for transitioning the work of the City to another attorney.

Sincerely,
Ronald D. Cates
Attorney at Law

Cc: Mayor Gary Bishop, City of Grove, Oklahoma
Chairman Pete Churchwell, Grove Municipal Services Authority
Chairman David Adzigian, Grove Industrial Development Authority

Golf Course Developer Visits Grove

Whose G5 Gulfstream flew into Grove Airport Tuesday, and for what reason? The $41 million aircraft owner purchased 1,500 gallons of Jet A fuel at $5-6,000 and needed half the airport runway to lift off. If you don't recognize the man on the left, it is Jack Nicklaus, shown with Councilman Larry Parham. Nicklaus was accompanied by several other folks. Nicklaus indicated he wanted to ride in Parham's Velocity airplane, but we still don't know what the reason was for Nicklaus' visit. How about a multi-million dollar golf course development with high rise hotel and condo's? Nicklaus Design has built 316 golf courses worldwide with another 54 under construction and 24 more planned for 2007, in 30 countries and 38 U.S. states. Stay tuned, as they say.

Library Manager Will Retire Aug. 31

By Rose Stauber

Marcia Austin, Grove Public Library manager, will retire Aug. 31 after 25 years of service, the last 16 as manager.

Friends of the Grove Public Library are hosting an open house from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. that day and invite everyone to come by to thank Marcia for
her service and wish her well.

The Grove Public Library began in 1964 in a small room in the
Community Center sponsored by the Grand Lake Business and Professional
Women's Club. In 1970 the library became a branch of the Eastern
Oklahoma District Library System. Marcia began working there in 1982. Three
times additions were built onto the space in the Community Center. Marcia
recalls the times that the books were moved and rearranged.

Marcia recalls the next move when the city moved GMSA from the building on Elk Street and relocated the library into the GMSA building with
about 5,000 square feet. On Nov. 1, 1991, Marcia took over as library manager.
Again, the growing library began squeezing into every usable space in the old
GMSA building, while during rains the water came down through roof leaks.
It was in this building that computers were added for checking books in and
out, and then for public use.

The inadequacies of the building fueled Marcia's campaign for a
new library. It took many visits to then City Manager Richard Ball and
much other help until the city council finally approved building a new
library in 2002. Marcia and Mary Williams organized Friends of the Library and
began the fund drive to raise the money needed to supplement what the city
could provide. The Wall of Honor in the library recognizes the donations of
all sizes that made it possible to build the library.

The new 10,300 square-foot library opened at 1140 NEO Loop Jan.
5, 2004. The books had been moved again. Marcia is remembered as
stating that she would retire before the library needed enlarging.
Marcia has directed the Grove Public Library through a growth
period which has more than doubled the monthly circulation of the
library from 4,000 items a month to 11,000 a month. She has brought into the
library large numbers of VHS tapes, DVDs, and music CDs.
The library has eight public computers and two children's computers. Marcia has paid special attention to the needs of children and young people. The unique design of the children's area, the decoration, and the materials had her personal care. The added space in the new building has made it possible for special summer programs and a pre-school program.

The genealogical collection is known throughout the region
as a great collection for a library in a city the size of Grove. The
Delaware County Genealogical Society supports the collection and works in
coordination with Marcia.

During the tax season, the library supports the IRS
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program which provides free tax service to
hundreds of qualified taxpayers. Marcia has welcomed and made accommodations to
continue this program.

Of her coming retirement, Marcia says that she plans to enjoy
time with her children and grandchildren and enjoy life "doing things I
haven't had time to do for 35 years." Some of her favorite activities
include watching her grandsons at their sporting events, quilting, and
traveling when the opportunity presents itself.

Candidates To Appear at Chamber Breakfast

Candidates for Delaware County Commissioner – Billy Cornell and Janet Warford –
Perry will be the guest speakers at the Grove Area Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast.
The breakfast will be held on Friday, September 7, 7:30 a.m. at Cowskin Prairie
Restaurant and sponsored by Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
A Legislative Forum format will be followed with written questions taken from those
attending. The Chamber recognizes the importance of this upcoming election and wish to provide the voters with knowledge of the candidates to make an informed decision
regarding their votes.
The Chamber Connection Breakfast program is organized and hosted through the GACC’s Member Services and Legislative Action Committees.
Reservations may be made by calling the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
(786-9079), or through email to grovecc@sbcglobal.net.
Deadline for reservations will be Wednesday, September 5th the cost is $8.00
for Chamber members and $9.00 for non-members.

Workers Leave Buzzard Cemetary In a Mess

City grass crews have left Buzzard Cemetary awash with weeded grass. Mayor Gary Bishop and resident Bill Miller toured the area Wednesday morning to see if corrective action can be taken.

Observations...

Grove City Council rejected 4-1 a request by Randall Fidler to rezone property at 9th and Grand from R-1 single family to R-3 multi-family, to build eight apartment units. Action came Tuesday night during the regular council meeting. The Grove Planning and Zoning Board had rejected the request 5-0 at last week's meeting, and in 2004, with a mostly different board. Mayor Gary Bishop said he was swayed by the citizen opposition to the project that appeared at the P&Z meeting...Council also appointed Tom Melton to the Airport Trust Authority Board to fill the seat vacated by Harry Halterman...GMSA selected OneOK as the natural gas supplier for the coming year, over two other suppliers, and turned down a request to mediate a $2400 gas bill last winter for Tim Langley, stating the full bill is due...There are 2364 students this year in Grove schools, and no city swimming pool...

Rotary Hosts New Grove School Principals

New Grove Public School Principals and their assistants were guests of Grove Rotary this week. Pictured left to right are Theresa Morley, Middle School Assistant; Sandy Harper, Lower Elementary Principal; Julie Bloss, Early Childhood Principal; Shelley Barnes, Upper Elementary Principal; Renae Dozier, High School Principal; Pat Dodson, Middle School Principal; and Ed Sturgeon, High School Assistant

A Matter of Faith

By Carol Round
The Road to Success

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

For 30 years, I was an Oklahoma public school teacher. Since my retirement two years ago, I have come to realize why I stayed for three decades—for the teenagers who shared their joys and sorrows and allowed me to become a part of their lives.

I became eligible for retirement at the end of 2004, which meant leaving in the middle of the school year. And even though you won’t find “retirement” mentioned in the Bible, I was ready to retire. I felt that after 30 years I was being led on a different path.

However, as the deadline approached to submit the necessary paperwork, I hesitated. I didn’t have the inner peace that comes when one knows that it is the right thing to do. One morning, I lifted up my concerns to the Lord. My simple prayer was “Heavenly Father, where can I best serve you?”

Immediately, I felt as if someone had lifted a backpack of rocks from my shoulders. My steps became lighter because I knew I didn’t have to struggle. God would show me the way.

Later that week, I had a conversation with a substitute teacher. She was a retiree, but had never substituted in the high school until that day. I mentioned my indecision about leaving at Christmas. When she replied with “Carol, you need to finish what you started,” I knew that God had provided my answer.

I started the second semester with excitement, not even counting the days until the last school bell rang. Two weeks before school ended, a student, struggling with decisions about the future, approached me with her concerns. She was lost. I understood. I had been in her shoes before I found the Lord.

During our conversation, I shared with Stephanie how God had changed me from the inside out. I also gave her a copy of “The Purpose Driven Life.” It was at that moment when I realized why God had wanted me to finish what I had started in August 1975.

My retirement check is not much but the rewards of being allowed to touch lives is something that money cannot buy. God crowns faithfulness even when the world has a different definition of success.

I like how Ralph Waldo Emerson’s defined success: “to laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded."

What is your definition of success?

Check out A MATTER OF FAITH website at www.carolaround.com.

Music Festival Set for Labor Day Weekend

The Jana Jae Fiddle Camp and Music Festival brings musicians and
entertainment to the Grand Lake area over Labor Day weekend. All events at
Snider's Camp, located just south of Grove on the beautiful bank of
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, are free to the public with great food and
entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. The food line opens at 7:00
p.m. with delicious barbeque on Friday night and a fish fry on Saturday
night, food is $5 a plate. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy good food
and great entertainment and jammin'!!

The Amateur Fiddle Contest highlights the evening on Saturday and is
always great fun for all. For those not enrolled in the Fiddle Camp,
registration for this contest is $5 with cash awards going to the top
three winners in six divisions.

Daytime fiddle workshops will be held at the Grove Civic Center on
Saturday and Sunday from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can enroll at the Civic Center at 9:00
a.m. Fiddle instructors will demonstrate and teach various music styles
including Celtic, old-time, bluegrass and contest. There will be other
very interesting and entertaining sessions as the participants learn to
play in jams, put on a successful performance, compete in contests,
handle stage fright, play harmony for twin or triple fiddles and much
more. In addition to the fiddle workshops there will be a mandolin
workshop and guitar workshop on Saturday at 12:30. All participants will be
featured in the Fiddle Camp finale on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at
the Civic Center. There is an enrollment fee for the workshops but
the public is invited to the entertainment with free admission.

This Festival is made possible by volunteers of Grand Lake Festivals,
Inc., many local and area sponsors, the area media, with the assistance
of the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts
and is a special event as the work of learning becomes fun as the
participants share their talents with each other and the spectators. Held at
the Grove Civic Center Sat. and Sun., Sept. 1 and 2, and at Snider's
Camp Fri. and Sat. evenings, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
Call 918-786-8896 for information or visit www.grandlakefestivals.com

Schedule of Events -
Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Fest - August 31, September 1 & 2, 2007
Special entertainment at various times throughout the weekend. Bring
lawn chairs to Snider's Camp.

FRIDAY, August 31 - at Snider's Camp - Free Admission
7:00 p.m. Barbecue Dinner ($5 a plate), Kick-off Party & Entertainment
Jam with old & new friends--enjoy!

SATURDAY, Sept. 1 - at Grove Civic Center
9:00 a.m. Registration
10:00-4:00 p.m. Group sessions
with Master demonstrations
and Group performances
12:30 Guitar & Mandolin Workshop

SATURDAY, Sept 1 - at Snider's Camp - Free Admission
7:00 p.m. Fish Fry Dinner - $5
Special Entertainment
8:00 p.m. AMATEUR FIDDLE CONTEST
10:00 p.m. Jamming


SUNDAY, Sept. 2 - at Grove Civic Center
10:00-4:00 p.m. Group sessions
with Master demonstrations
and Group Performances
3:30 p.m. Farewell Jam

8/8/07 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Kathleen Pixley, Grand Lake Festivals, Grove, OK --
918-786-8896, 800-526-2523
www.grandlakefestivals.com