Council OK's $6.4 Million in Bond Issuance

Bonds Will Finance Expansion of Precision Leasing

Grove City Council members approved the proposed issuance of $6.4 million in revenue bonds for financing the expansion of Precision Leasing Company LLC in Grove which will add some 30 new employees to the staff. The City is neither the lender nor the borrower.

At Tuesday's meeting, Council also honored Jim Rhoads as Employee of the Month, citing him for discovering a leaking low pressure natural gas line belonging to the new Early Education Center and bringing it to the attention of his supervisors. Testing showed the line was actually leaking, officials said, and "the gas could have migrated into the school building causing a disaster for our community."

Council also approved 5-0 to bid out for a new 2008 police pursuit vehicle at an estimated cost of $33,000; three dispatcher work stations for the police department at a cost of $15-$30,000; bids for installation and purchase of video sensor equipment at the traffic light at Third & Main, with $30,000 budgeted in 07-08; and purchase of a new four wheel drive backhoe at an estimated cost of $65,000 for GMSA use.

City Council to Bypass P&Z Board

For the first time in at least a decade, the Grove Planning & Zoning Board will be bypassed by Grove City Council, when it discusses amendments to the city's height zoning restrictions Sept. 18.

The P&Z Board currently has two vacancies and will not hold a September meeting.

Normal Halterman resigned Aug. 16 and Bettie Kardos-Bishop, who has served on the board since 1997, did not wish to be re-appointed and her term ends in October.
Members of the P&Z board are upset that normal procedures are not being followed, to first post a notice of the proposed changes, then hold a public P&Z hearing on the matter.

In her resignation letter to Council, Mrs. Halterman said "it is extremely disheartening when, as in the past three to four months, any kind of positive growth in Grove seems to have reached a stalemate, in fact, we seem to be going backward rather than forward...it simply does not serve the public good when there exists an agenda to go backward to 'the good ole days' or 'the way things used to be' or continually casting aspersions toward persons who formerly occupied specific positions as well as saving positions of employment for a favorite 'bubba' when there is a vacancy....Keeping tensions at a high level is tremendously destructive to the kind of growth we need and would like to see in Grove."

There is no law requiring such matters to be first considered at a P&Z meeting before being taken up by City Council.

Sources told The Observer that the reason for the Sept. 18 discussion is that there are several developers waiting for approvals to build up to six-story high rise condominiums in Grove, one in particular at Barker's Marina on Wolf Creek.

The city's fire department does not have equipment for structures taller than three stories and a new truck would cost $1 million, sources said.
In addition, the new Grove Integris Hospital is thought to be the equivalent of five stories tall; the new Seneca Cayuga Casino on Highway 59 will have a five story hotel. At least two other condo developers have visited City Hall.
"We question the principle of holding a Council meeting on such changes without first having hearings by the Planning & Zoning Board," one member said. "Will the public have an opportunity to voice their opinions? Do we have the infrastructure, water and sewer, to support all of these buildings? Will we turn into another Lake of the Ozarks?"

Phone calls to City Manager Bruce Johnson for comment were not returned.

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

Council to Discuss City Attorney Issue

Grove City Council will take up the matter of "discussion and or action regarding request for proposals for city attorney services" at its Tuesday night meeting, to begin at 6 p.m. in City Hall.
Ron Cates, currrent city attorney, was hired by the previous city manager, Bill Galletly, and lives in Owasso. Councilman Larry Parham has indicated he wants to hire someone locally, who would not charge for mileage and bill for travel time hours; however Cates is generally regarded as one of the finest city attorney's in the state with his years of experience in Municipal Law.

Council Has Quick, Routine Meeting

The Grove City Council meeting this week was quick and routine, with councilors approving a new appointee to the Grove Industrial Development Authority Board, dissolving the Blue Ribbon Committee which assisted council on the new aquatic park and civic center project, and approval of closing 18th Street from Broadway to Main for REC Day Sept. 15.

Don Nelson of Grove was appointed by council to GIDA; he spent 35 years with SBC and eight years with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. There were a total of four persons that applied for the open position, which fills the spot left by the resignation of Terry Ryan last month.

At the request of the Blue Ribbon Committee, it was dissolved with the thanks of the council, having completed its work on a new swimming pool and new community center to replace the old Civic Center on Main Street. The committee recommended the building of a "no-frills" pool costing about $3 million; and purchasing the Cornerstone Church with additions, and selling the old Civic Center.
(see related story..."After the Blue Ribbon Committee.")

Council also approved Grand Gateway's proposal to relocate the Pelivan Transit Dispatch Center to the Grove Senior Citizen's Center at 145 East O'Daniel Parkway.

Councilman Terry Ryan brought up the fact that former police chief Ivan Devitt's severance check did not come before Council, similar to the moving expenses being paid by the city for the new Planning & Zoning Director, an issue which was questionned by Council at one of its meetings noting the authority of the city manager, at that time Bill Galletly, to write checks without council approval.
Ryan said it was unfair to complain about one check, and not another, depending on who the city manager was at the time.

City Council Hears from Blue Ribbon Committee

A 45-minute presentation from Grove's Blue Ribbon Committee highlighted this week's City Council meeting, with all five councilmen in attendance. About 100 citizens attended the meeting Tuesday night, set up in the large room at the community center, which is itself a walking advertisement for the need for new facilities.

Highlights of the presentation:

--Sell the present Civic Center (currently a negative cash flow of $190,000 per year)
--Buy the Cornerstone Church with proceeds and a bank loan.
--Remodel church facilities and add a 50,000 square foot convention/trade center, for use 7 days a week for meetings, banquets, conferences, entertainment, wedding receptions, dog shows, boat shows, graduation ceremonies, fundraising events.
--Remodel the children's sanctuary into a banquet room for 300 persons.
--Include a therapeutic indoor pool in the new center, for swim lessons, therapy, exercise.
--Build an outdoor "no frills" pool adjacent to the new Community Center with zero beach entry, water slide, six swim lanes, diving boards, and party pavilion/shade structures. Cost estimated at $3 million, paid for with a 40-year loan from the Department of Agriculture at 4.1% interest repaid at $152,704 per year. The city would need to come up with $94,241 for operations.

By purchasing the Cornerstone Church the city would have an immediately available facility for use with a 750-seat auditorium that could be expanded to 1,000 seats, plus 22,000 square feet of meeting rooms and offices. The 50,000 square foot addition would be built of tip-up concrete with no pillars, a cement floor with a versatile synthetic cover for basketball and volleyball courts, a walking/running track, two racquetball courts, dressing rooms and showers. A commercial kitchen would also be added to the existing church building. Asking price for the church is $3.9 million.

Architectural renderings of what the facilities would look like were prepared by local architect Dennis Brown. Craig Payne, a Tulsa developer, outlined possibilities for new businesses to be built on the present Center site, including a new Reasor's and other businesses. After the presentations Council had no questions regarding the issues.

City Council must now consider what to do with the study.

In the April election contest, three councilors running for office made the following statements regarding the Civic Center/Pool issue: (Note: Candidate statements on the GrovePAC website have recently been removed after they were published several weeks ago in The Observer, on the issue of support for the Police Department) The GrovePAC website previously stated that money from the Simmons gas payment "will be used for some sort of perk like a new Civic Center or Water Park." But then Troy Kyman, chairman of GrovePAC, later stated that "everybody in Grove is in favor of a new swimming pool."

Larry Parham: "I would like to see a multi-purpose facility if it is financially possible, to house events such as the Home Show, meeting facilities, indoor musical presentations and also include a walking area. The method of payment cannot be a tax in any form to the citizens of Grove and the questions should be brought to a vote by the public to allow the citizens to make the choice." (Source: Grove Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire)

Gary Trippensee: "I currently support selling the existing Center only if a new center is available for occupancy. A new center should be capable of housing all of the events that are currently supported. In addition, it should have better acoustics for musical events; be able to be partitioned for multiple simultaneous uses; have several breakout rooms; updated kitchen and larger eating area, better showers, better outside RV hookups, and emergency power capability. If funds are available an indoor pool would be nice. Easy access with large parking facilities would also be required." (Source, Grove Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire.)

Mike Davenport: "I would support the sale of the current Civic Center if a new facility could be built affordably and was approved by the voters. I recognize that the current location of the Civic Center could bring in increased sales taxes and the possibility exists to have a facility with a better location, parking and designed for multiple uses. I will work to bring the community together to achieve this goal. The design and uses of a new Civic Center should be prepared with the help of a quality architecture firm that captures the spirit of Grove. This can only be accomplished with the input of the Blue Ribbon Committee supported by a strong community involvement." (Source: Grove Chamber of Commerce Questionnaire.)

In other action:

--Debbie Mavity, assistant city manager, was surprised with a certificate for Employee of the Month, for her service as acting city manager the past four months.

--council tabled action on an amendment to Zoning Ordinance 527 regarding exterior construction and design requirements.

--Approved a proposal from Blackshare Enviornmental Solutions for a $3,000 stormwater pollution prevention plan at the Grove airport.

--Renewed a lease agreement with DocServices Program, which provides meals for homebound citizens and at the Senior Center, last year estimated at 42,000 meals.

--Approved a resolution authorizing a REAP Grant Application to Grand Gateway for an irrigation project for Lendonwood Gardens, which would still be subject to approval from GRDA and the Corps of Engineers. This would provide for a water line from the lake up the hill to Lendonwood.

--Authorized advertisement for letters of interest to fill the vacant seat on the GIDA board.

--approved amendments to the city manager's employment contract regarding designations as General Manager of the authorities.

--announced a joint meeting with Planning & Zoning for Aug. 6 regarding exterior construction requirements.

--terminated the services of Camiros LTD as zoning consultants.

Council to Hear Blue Ribbon Committee Report

There will be a presentation from the Blue Ribbon Committee Tuesday, July 17th, during the regularly scheduled Grove City Council meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall in the Multipurpose Room. The committee will outline its findings regarding the current civic center and a possible aquatic center. The public is encouraged to attend, said Connie Brewer, chairman.

An Editorial...The Killer P's

In 1979 a group of 12 Texas State Senators, dubbed the "killer bees," hid out in a garage apartment on Bee Caves Road in Austin to keep the Texas Senate from reaching a quorum and debating a bill.
A large group of Texas House Democrats did it again in 2003, dubbed the "killer D's," to avoid voting on Texas redistricting.
And in Grove, we have our "killer p's," three political city councilmen who for whatever reason couldn't find time to show up at a previously approved council meeting to listen to the Blue Ribbon Committee's findings concerning a new civic center and city swimming pool.
The meeting had been on the books for at least two weeks. Kudos' to Larry Parham and Terry Ryan for attending, and boo's to Mike Davenport, Gary Bishop and Gary Trippensee for not showing up.
Strangely, by not attending, a quorum was not present and thus no council meeting ever occurred.
The Blue Ribbon Committee has come up with solid recommendations for a new swimming pool and new community center and its duties are over, other than making presentations to citizens of Grove, if asked, and to the entire council, if they will show up.
Turning their backs on a group of responsible citizen volunteers who were asked to spend hours putting together the proposals, is irresponsible child-like behavior on the part of the three councilmen.
Mark this down as the second major mistake on their part. (The first was overriding a 5-0 GMSA board vote to allow the measly utility rate increase to take effect June 1, thus avoiding a transfer of $360,000 from the city coffers to prop up GMSA.)
A new swimming pool and community center will benefit ALL Grove's citizens.
Citizens unhappy with the decision to not attend Monday night's meeting should telephone them:
Mike Davenport: 786-3630
Gary Trippensee: 787-2440
Gary Bishop: 786-6916

City Council Adjusts "Shop Grove" Proposal

Grove businesses seeking city funds for a five-month "Shop Grove" campaign will be required to put up matching funds in order to receive taxpayer dollars, up to $3,000.
The Grove City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night to turn down a request for $6,250 for the merchants to purchase three billboards.

Acting City Manager Debbie Mavity suggested that the 19 merchants involved each spend $27 a month for five months to support the campaign, which would include 30,000 flyers, three billboards, and local newspaper and radio advertising. Council approved a budget of $2,000 for the group in April of which $1100 has been spent on three banners placed downtown.

The idea for the campaign is to urge Grove citizens to shop in Grove during the downtown revitalization work, rather than go elsewhere. Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Friden told the council that they have no money to support the plan.
Some 19 merchants have already agreed to spend $135 each for the Second Saturdays program June-October.

Council went into Executive Session at 7:39 p.m. and came out at 10:15 p.m. after reviewing additional telephone interviews with candidates for City Manager. After coming out, they voted to set up sessions to conduct personal interviews with several of the candidates, dates to be determined.

Council also continued work on the city budget for 07-08 which will be finalized June 15.

Mavity announced a June 18 meeting with GIDA, the Blue Ribbon Committee, and Council, to discuss the committee's results on the Civic Center and swimming pool projects.

Honored as Employee of the Month was John Fasano, Building Inspector, who has taken on the additional responsibility of being the primary inspector for the Downtown Revitalization Project.

Deb Wolek, Executive Director of the Grand Lake Association, asked for the council's blessing to apply for a $60,000 grant through the Oklahoma Parks & Tourism Department to build a pavilion, rest rooms and trash facilities at one of the city's boat ramps, to be maintained by the city once built. Council obliged.

Council also tabled a resolution pertaining to Rural Housing of Grove, L.P., which proposes to rehab 98 affordable units in its housing development at 400 Mill Street, until it can be assured there will be no new requirements to re-enter the housing, once vacated for rehab work.

Council cancelled the next meeting set for July 3 due to the holiday period.
Under budget items, council removed $77,000 for a new traffic light at Har-Ber Road and Broadway and discussed moving money from Shundi Road to improving 13th street. City Clerk Bonnie Buzzard pointed out that there is a waiting list for burials in the city's cemetery. Council pointed out that $250 for a burial plot would be reasonable, based on other city's charges. Money for the planned new cemetery adjacent to Olympus Cemetery is in next year's budget.

Council also voted to increase funding to the Chamber of Commerce from $28,000 to $35,000 on a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Terry Ryan voting against.

Budget items are still subject to review prior to final approval June 15.

City Council Has Late Night Meeting

Members of the Grove City Council took action Wednesday night on a number of proposed budget items, including delaying action on city police department requests pending further information.

Council also went into Executive Session for more than two hours to discuss the open city manager position. A source said council has narrowed down the list to eight persons and Wednesday night's meeting was to listen to telephone interviews recorded earlier with the eight candidates. No action was taken from the session, which adjourned around 10:50 p.m., according to City Clerk Bonnie Buzzard.

Council addressed the following budget items:

--In the City General budget, $8820.00 was approved 4-1 with Larry Parham voting against, for family insurance increases for seven employees of the city, and $2250.00 for two employees of GMSA.

--Passed 5-0 the addition of one fireman at $40,000.

--Postponed until next Tuesday night's Council meeting action on four additional policemen at $42,000 each, an additional full-time animal control officer at $30,000, three additional full-time dispatchers at $30,000 each; and two four-wheel drive vehicles at $31,000 each, which were moved to the City Capital budget. There was no vote on these items. Council indicated they wanted the full costs of each additional person to include uniforms, benefits, etc.

--approved 5-0 a new floor for the Senior Citizen Center Craft Room at $6,000 and denied $30,000 for a new sign for the center, under City Capital budget.

--denied 5-0 the transfer of $150,000 to the Grove Industrial Development Authority board for future land purchases for industrial development.

--approved purchase of a new generator at the city's water intake which will cost $67,800, paid for by moving $50,000 previously authorized for a bike trail, and transferring $17,800 from the city's Capital Budget to GMSA.

--removed from the current budget a traffic light for a crosswalk, and purchase of tasers for the police department.

Council will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Room 5, City Hall, to further discuss budget items and other posted agenda issues.

Planned Utility Rate Increases Dumped

Score it Politicans 4, Businessmen 1

Planned utility rate increases for gas, water and sewer which were to go into effect June 1 won't happen.

The GMSA Trust Authority board, which manages the city's utility company, voted 5-0 to allow the increases to take effect as planned, but the City Council voted 3-2 to abate the increases, and 4-1 to allow an emergency clause to take effect on the matter. Voting to abate were Larry Parham, Gary Trippensee and Mike Davenport, with Mayor Gary Bishop and Terry Ryan voting against; however, the emergency clause required 80% approval so Bishop then flipped and voted with the GrovePAC candidates, who had made an election issue out of the increases.

The increase would have amounted to $2.06 a month for 62% of utility customers and 30 cents a month for 41% who use the minimum amounts each month.

Now, $360,000 will have to be transferred from the city's Capital Budget to make up the GMSA shortfall to keep it from floundering.

The meeting Wednesday night lasted nearly four hours and got off to a strange start after Mayor Bishop altered the previously posted Council Agenda items, moving #4, the 2007-08 budget, up to #1.
During the middle of the meeting he left for about an hour to hold his Wednesday night Prayer Session. Councilman Parham continued to attack bike paths, alleging that a bike path was being paid for by GMSA instead of the city. Allegations of misuse of GMSA funds were made and the council urged a delay in the rate increase implementation until the "numbers can be scrubbed." A joint "study group" will be appointed that can avoid the Open Meetings Act requirements, with two councilors and two GMSA board members to have separate meetings with city staff to find the scrubbings. The matter will eventually be dumped into the lap of a new city manager, when that hiring is made.

GMSA department heads pleaded for money for spare pumps, motors and other parts; two generators would cost $143,000; a wastewater pump at $98,000; a water intake generator at $67,000, with none of this in the GMSA budget for 2007-08. The water plant is maxed out at 85% of capacity in the summer months.

"We are cut to the bone," Gary Harrington said. Ryan said 'we have no opportunity to plan for the future, avoiding the increase is not in the best interests of the city. We are leveraged out."

Audience member Bill Miller of Grove told the Council "we all know why you want to kill the increase, you made an election campaign out of it."

GMSA does have a proposed $100,000 in the budget for replacement of water meters at a cost of around $42 each, which will mostly be used in the south part of the city where up to 50% of the water is disappearing, members were told.

Other department heads appeared before the Council, asking for items not in the budget.
Police Chief Ivan Devitt asked for four additional police officers to bring the department up to what it should currently be, new four-wheel drive vehicles, and better salaries for staff, who currently make $8.25 an hour. City staff has proposed $9.00 an hour, but Devitt noted that a new airport mowing position will pay $11.00 an hour.

David Adzigian asked for $150,000 for the Grove Industrial Development Authority to buy additional land for new industry which may come to Grove and was told $200,000 is in the proposed budget for roof repairs to the current Civic Center. The Fire Department asked for one additional fireman, which would bring the city to an ISO Rating of 4 from 5, which would save homeowners around 5-18% a year on their insurance premiums, but stated that adding three firemen would bring the ISO Rating to a 3. Four firemen at a time are required for entering structure fires.

Final budget approvals will be made around June 15.

Council Says OK to Matches at Accident Sites

The majority of the Grove City Council is making it crystal clear that Police Chief Ivan Devitt is not "wunna-us." Unfortunately, the ultimate victims of their actions may be the citizens of Grove, whose safety is compromised at accident sites.

What should have been routine passage of a new city ordinance making it illegal to smoke or light a match within 50 feet of an accident involving spillage of fuel or other flammable material died for lack of a second at Tuesday's council meeting.

Chief Devitt had proposed the new ordinance because there is no current law on the books for such actions. He said he had checked with Fire Chief Lee Dollarhide who he said had endorsed the new ordinance, but councilman Mike Davenport disputed that, saying he had talked with the fire chief who said it was not necessary. However, Chief Devitt spoke again with Dollarhide the next morning and Dollarhide again endorsed the ordinance as a necessary safety tool, Devitt said. City Attorney Ron Cates also endorsed the new ordinance from a legal standpoint, saying if there is no law prohibiting smoking or lighting up, then the EMS, Fire and police workers at the accident scene would not have any protection and police could not make an arrest against the offender.

Councilman Terry Ryan made the motion to approve the ordinance, while the rest of the council sat silent, refusing to second the motion and vote. This is not the first time this has happened at the newly elected council sessions, dominated 4-1 by GrovePAC candidates.

Several councilman, notably Davenport and Parham, have previously made it known that they do not want Chief Devitt present at council meetings, in uniform, going so far as to have Acting City Manager Debbie Maviey issue new policies on police attendance at city meetings.

The main event on the Council agenda was postponed until the May 23 joint meeting with the GMSA Board, that being abating the proposed increases in utility rates planned to go into effect June 1. An earlier GMSA meeting spent so much time on other agenda items that it failed to allow for discussion on this item.

Council went into Executive Session at 7 p.m. to discuss employment of a new city manager and came out around 8 p.m. having taken no action.

In other business, Council designated May 19 as White Cane Day in Grove; waived application license fees for the solicitor permit for the Lions Club donations for White Cane Day; proclaimed May 19-26 as National Safe Boating Week, presenting proclamations to the Grand Lake Power Squadron and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; gave approval for a funding request from the Corkel foundation to purchase a generator for the police department, to cost $13,000. Council also awarded a bid to Automation and Control Technologies of Enid, Ok. for $14,226 for a new outdoor warning siren, provided it can be installed within 30 days. The new siren would be placed on Highway 59 near the water tower.

City Council Hears New Casino, Hospital Plans

Ground could be broken within 60 days on a new casino in Grove just a few blocks from Sailboat Bridge that could generate 450 new jobs. The $60 million casino will have a five-story hotel with 127 rooms, three restaurants, a 200-seat buffet and several entertainment venues, according to Paul Spicer, Chief of the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe, who outlined plans for the venture at Tuesday night's Grove City Council meeting before a standing room-only crowd.

The tribe expects to complete financing packages soon and construction should start within 30-60 days, with project completion 18 months later, Spicer told the meeting. He said the new casino will be "magnificent in nature."

"We will help Grove with the funding for increased fire and police protection and be an asset to the city," he said, adding that Phase Two of the project includes a new $5 million convention center which could be utilized by all citizens and be free to non-profit groups and associations.

Several tribal members appeared in opposition to Spicer, not necessarily the project, stating that the matter had not been brought before the Tribal Council and they can't get jobs at the current Grand Lake Casino because they did not support Spicer's election. This debate was shut off by Mayor Gary Bishop when it became apparent the tribal members were protesting Spicer, not the casino. Spicer's re-election comes up in June.

Spicer volunteered to meet with city officials soon to discuss how they could assist the city in preparing for increased police and fire requirements brought upon the city by the new casino.

Greg Martin, CEO of Grove Integris Hospital, told the council that approval to build a new $58 million hospital was contingent on raising $5 million locally, and that nearly $2 million had already been raised or pledged. "The Board wants to see a community buy-in for the project," Martin said.

The new hospital will be built on the new 18th street and will generate $70 million in revenue per year and will be the first new Integris facility to be built outside of Oklahoma City. It will have about 350 full time employees and 95 part time employees and generate some $14.5 million in payroll per year.

"We are asking the city to participate," he said.

In order to assist, Council resurrected an old trust authority that had been dormant since its creation in 1999, the Health Care Trust Authority, and appointed five citizens to its Board for temporary six-month positions. Trust authorities are created, among other things, to borrow money, since the city cannot legally do so.

These include Councilmen Terry Ryan and Gary Trippensee, Ron Lay, Mike Lewendowski, and Dr. Joseph Chouteau. However on Wednesday it was pointed out to the Mayor that three of the appointees do not live within the city limits and are thus not eligible to serve. Another special meeting has been called for Monday to re-appoint members. The trust authority's original board members in 1999 were Bob Nold, Phil Thompson, Eugene Jones, Max Tillman and Douglas Ohlstrom, but their terms all expired in 2002 and were never filled.

Council also appointed two new members to the GMSA Trust Authority to fill the unexpired terms of Dave Helms and Carolyn Nuckolls, who left the council in April.
These were Larry Green, a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines and an engineer, who will serve until September 2008, and Jim Ford, who worked for 42 years as an insurance claims adjuster and also the City of Joplin as an engineer, who will serve until September 2009. Green replaces Nuckolls and Ford replaces Helms on the board. Both volunteered for the positions.

Council also heard from Connie Brewer, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, who gave updates on the swimming pool and proposed new Civic Center.

"The prices for a new pool are shocking," she said, with a "bare bones pool costing at least $3.1 million; an indoor pool of only 725 square feet will cost $980,000," she said.
There are still lots of options, she said, and the consulting firm, Kimley-Horn, is willing to do presentations to Council when they are ready.

Regarding the Civic Center, she said the group had two proposals for purchasing the old Center, one for $2.56 million, another for $2.2 million, both creating new retail stores on the old site. She said Jack Forrest, a local real estate broker, never responded to her hand-delivered letter to come forth with what he had said was a $3.1 million client.

She mentioned several possible locations for a new center, 7 acres near the Physicians Office Building on 13th street; another on the Sigfried property which included 20 donated acres at Shundi and Elm Creek, offer expiring in February 2008; and another 25 acres on Highway 59. She said financing could be perhaps partially obtained from the Department of Agriculture, which makes grants and could loan up to $3 million in two separate deals, and solicitation of private donors.

"We have heard that at least one councilman would like to see this committee dismissed, and if that is the case, tell us tonight," Brewer said. Councilman Larry Parham questioned her about executive sessions held by the committee and City Attorney Ron Cates responded that the sessions were legal and in compliance with Open Meeting Act requirements.

Mayor Bishop said "if I am in the dark, it is my fault, as I did not attend any of the meetings." "We appreciate your hard work," he added. Council took no action.

In other action, Council:

--gave a Certificate of Appreciation to Randy Dahl who works for GMSA in the Water Treatment Plant, as Employee of the Month.

--Approved a site plan for Bay Pointe subdivision for Don VanHooser.

--Approved a contract with Warrant Divisions, Inc. for collection of outstanding bench warrants from the Grove Municipal Court.

--approved Geneva Wiley's re-appointment to the Grove Library Board through 2012.

--approved a bid from DDT Fireworks for $13,000 for the annual July 4 Fireworks Show in Grove.

Lesson: How to Hire a New City Manager

Picking a new Grove City Manager will be a complex, difficult, and challenging experience that could take up to six months, two state City Managers told the city council Wednesday evening.

Ed Tinker, Glenpool City Manager, and Mike Nunnely, Mannford Town Manager, spoke for two hours on the details. Absent from the meeting was Councilman Terry Ryan. When the presentation was over, the council had almost no questions and voted to go into Executive Session to ponder the issue.

"We will tell it like it is," Tinker opened, "it is very tough out there. There are 11 City Manager openings right now in Oklahoma. Maybe more later tonight. In the last 12 months there have been 37 turnovers in city managers," he added.

"Do you want a Puppet, a Coat and Tie Man, a self-motivator, or a Streetwalker (someone who leaves the office to talk to the people on the street)?"

"You are going to have to pony up a large salary to attract the right person, a salary equal to the top hospital administrator or the school superintendent. Recruitment has to be absolutely confidential; look closely at the applicants; you need to find someone who has expertise at managing utilities and can make money selling natural gas; nobody knows everything, anyone who says he does and won't ask for help is not worth hiring."

"This is Hunting Season for City Managers," Nunnely said, referring to the fact that the April elections were just held with new councilmen ready to hire and fire city managers. "Everyone in Oklahoma knows the history of Grove the last four years with regard to the city manager and you are going to have to sell the city to the applicant."

"Don’t think about Grove's population of 6,000; think instead of 20,000, because that is what it will be in the future. It is just Zeros."

"Don't worry about baggage; the average tenure of a city manager in Oklahoma is four years, they have all been fired at one time or another due to politics," they told the council.

"If you can't find a good city manager currently employed somewhere, or a good assistant city manager in a mid-size or large city, go to the banking or education industries. Do not hire a legislator, as they have no idea where the money comes from, just how to spend it," Tinker told the board.

"You must fit the applicant to the city; there is something called isolationism, when a person moves to a small city from a large one and discovers it is 20 miles to the Mall or grocery store," he added. "They won't stay and you'll be faced with hiring all over again.
And if the person does not work out, fire him, don't wait six months, just fire him."

Candidates for the position must above all have Character, know finances, be able to read a financial statement, have people management skills, and interpersonal relationships. Tinker cited the former assistant city manager of Bartlesville, who took the chief job in Alva, and mailed birthday cards to every city employee.

City Managers need to spend as much time outside their office as they do inside, especially going to Oklahoma City to the state legislature. "Is the legislation good for Grove or Grand Lake? Be on top of it," Tinker said.

For the interview: "Have your contract ready, your salary offer, fringe benefits and retirement package, and don't go cheap," they advised. "Have a check ready for mileage reimbursement and offer to put them up overnight at a motel and buy dinner. Don't hire from Kansas or Texas as their revenue systems are completely different."

Oklahoma is one of only two states in the country that relies only on sales taxes and utilities for Municipal income.

Tinker and Nunnely have been presenting their free advice for nearly two years.

Council Passes on Uniformed Police Change

The day after a student sociopath killed 32 people at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, several on the Grove City Council wanted to ban city policemen in uniform from attending Council meetings. Buried as Agenda Item #15, it drew much discussion from the audience in attendance at Tuesday night's regular meeting.

But common sense prevailed, with the council voting 5-0 to bounce the issue back to Acting City Manager Debbie Mavity, from which it had come the week prior, to die quietly or be resurrected later. Last week Councilman Larry Parham had asked her to issue a new policy banning uniformed police from attending council meetings, but she felt the entire council should make the decision and had it put on the Agenda for Tuesday night's meeting.

Councilors Mike Davenport and Gary Trippensee spoke in favor of the ban, while the newly elected Mayor, Gary Bishop, said he was neutral; Terry Ryan was opposed to the ban and Parham recognized the opposition to it and made the recommendation to send the issue back to Mavity. The measure is aimed at Chief of Police Ivan Devitt, who comes to council meetings on his own time, unpaid, and in uniform. He was hired by former city manager Bill Galletly, after Galletly fired former chief Mark Wall.

From the audience, Dave Rieden said "if someone thought this up in jest, it is not amusing. We need uniformed police at these meetings." Bill Miller said Columbine, the Amish church murders and other events made for a less friendly atmosphere. "If you pass this measure and someone comes in here and kills people, you, the Council, will be legally responsible," he said.

Councilman Terry Ryan said "the Amish people thought they were safe and look what happened there."

Gary Trippensee generously said "police may come to meetings, but not in uniform," while Davenport said "we don't need uniformed officers here."

Miller pointed out that at the Delaware County Courthouse Sheriff's deputies are now in the courtroom to protect the judges, after events last year occurred when judges were threatened.

Resident Duane Heitzman said "we need police here, it would be a mistake to change it."

Concha Trippensee, wife of Councilman Trippensee, disagreed, as did Steve Rowe.

The meat of the matter came when someone asked what started the Chief of Police's appearance in uniform at council meetings about a year ago, under former city manager Bill Galletly. "It was just requested," said Mavity. The new council made no secret during the election campaign that it would make changes in measures Galletly instituted during his four years as City Manager.

Police Chief Devitt stood at the door, in uniform, for the entire council meeting which lasted over two hours.

In other Council action:

--Council elected Gary Bishop as Mayor, and Gary Trippensee as Vice Mayor, by a 4-0 vote, with abstentions from Bishop and Trippensee on their own election.

--Agreed to advertise for two positions on the GMSA Board to fill seats open by former mayor Carolyn Nuckolls and former councilman Dave Helms.

--Rejected 4-1 a plan to require fencing around dumpsters, instead sending the issue back to the Planning & Zoning Board with the recommendation that all current businesses be grandfathered. Ryan was the lone holdout for acceptance of P&Z's recommendation.

--Requested the Mayor send a letter to GRDA requesting that all shoreline within Grove's city limits should be designated "multi-purpose" in the new Shoreline Management Plan, still under review by GRDA.

--Issued a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month.

--Approved a grant request from the Department of Justice to purchase new vests for the police department.

--Agreed to waive the permit fee of $100 for Second Saturdays to hold sidewalk sales in downtown Grove from June 9-Oct. 13.

--Approved a new cemetery plan and the spending of $274,800 to develop the property adjacent to the nearly-filled Olympus Cemetery east of town, subject to budget approval.

--Appointed Larry Parham as Council representative ex-officio to the Chamber of Commerce Board.

--Postponed action, again, on a request by Don VanHooser to develop some property on Carey Bay, due to a misprint in the legal designation. It set a special meeting on Friday at 8 a.m. to reconsider the issue.

--Voted to amend Sec 7-105 of the City Ordinance increasing city spending and bidding limits from $5,000 to $12,500 to match policy.

--Set a special meeting May 2 with representatives of the Oklahoma City Managers Association on a presentation on "How to Hire a City Manager."

Mavity reported that 40 resumes for the open position of city manager have been received, and that the Personnel Manual needs overhauling. She expressed appreciation to the new councilors saying "I want to work with each of you and head in a positive direction." Gary Bishop reported that April 21 is the citywide "trash off day" where tree limbs, trash and other discarded materials will be picked up by city workers, starting in the Eastern portions of town, moving to the West.

Council Holds Special Session

Grove Developer Don VanHooser is a happy man at last. On the six attempt he successfully got city council approval to rezone his property on Carey Bay from C-3 to R-1S. It seemed that every time he came before Planning & Zoning or the council, there were scriveners' errors that caused the request to be submitted over again.
At a special city council meeting Friday morning, he finally obtained approval to build his development, which will include a putting green and 14 homes in his Bay Pointe subdivision.

In other action, council approved an ordinance closing two utility easements for the Rusty Pelican property on Honey Creek; approved taking $1,200 from the city's contingency fund to transfer to contributions to others for the Grove Chamber's GroveFest event and booth space at Joplin's Health Essentials event; and moved $2,000 from the city's contingency fund to contributions to others, for downtown merchants' promotion of Grove during the revitalization construction period, phase One.