Memorial day weekend

The town of Watonga was quiet this past weekend.  There was no Pioneer Day celebration so the streets were pretty much dead on Saturday.  The Farm & Garden market sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was open for the first time this season but no vendors came with fresh produce, except for some lettuces and salad greens.  Several people came by the Armory looking for produce, but with the late freezes we've had this year, not much is available yet.  Aubrey Drew, who has been a regular vendor at the Watonga market in the past, said he will probably be here in coming weeks.

It has "only" been five and a half years since the Watonga Cheese Factory was damaged by the remnants of hurricane Erin in 2007, and the City has finally taken a step toward cleaning it up.  I shouldn't say "finally", because it has over the past several years sent letter after letter to the owners of the building saying that it was a fire and health hazard and needed to be torn down, and threatening action for violations of City Codes.  But through these years the City has failed and refused to enforce the City Code concerning dilapidated buildings and health hazards and has let the dangerous condition stand without penalty to the owner. Why do we have codes on the books if the City isn't going to enforce them? 

Now the City has obtained title to the property formerly known as the Cheese Factory.  Let's see how long it takes them to finally do something about the dangerous and ugly situation.  A complaint recently sent to the Oklahoma Attorney General about the City's failure to enforce codes in Watonga may get their attention and prompt some action! 

Police Dept. asks business to support "Fight Drug Abuse" program

According to a rep from L.A.W. Publications, publishers of the "Let's All Work to Fight Drug Abuse" program, Chief J.R. Massey of the Watonga Police Department says the City has no funds to sponsor the anti-drug program, which is a booklet distributed by L.A.W. Publications to cities and businesses that will sponsor the publication via an advertisement in the annual magazine.  The sponsorship "sales pitch" it accompanied by a letter signed by Chief Massey supporting the publication as a resource to assist the Police Department in their "ongoing crime prevention, safety education and substance abuse programs."  I asked the sales rep where the magazines were distributed, as I had not seen one during my time working at the City and at The Spot, or in connection with school programs.  I hadn't seen the publication at DHS offices or at Red Rock Behavioral center, which are all places where a resource like this is likely to be distributed. However the anti-drug message is being distributed, I support it and hope local businesses who do pay for a sponsorship and ad will insist that it gets out to the public this year.  It is unfortunate that the City of Watonga and the Police Department won't put "money where their mouth is" and support a valuable anti-drug resource such as this program.

Circus in Watonga

The circus was in Watonga last night and it looks like it was a great success.  It was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, and they all did a lot of work to bring it here.  It was so nice to have a fun event here for families to attend.  I think the thing the kids enjoyed most was seeing the animals.  I didn't get any photos but I'm sure they will be all over Facebook!  I did see one posted with what looked like Mary Lee Jones riding an elephant.  Good job, Kiwanis!!!

The city council Ambulance Committee met last night (Thur. May 9) to discuss housing for the ambulance service at the Armory.  Hopefully we'll see something about their discussions in the Watonga Republican or hear about the options they are considering at a city council meeting.

City Council meeting

Minutes of City Council meeting on May 7, 2013.  Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm, prayer given, followed by pledge of allegiance.

Present were:  Clay Loosen, Harriette Nitzel, Doyle Province, Bobby Spencer, Kendra Baker (came in at 8:13 pm) , Richard Hightower, Edna Justice, Brent Wilkinson, and Gary Olsen; Kelli Spencer, Robbie from Mercy Hospital, Ernie Ernest, Bill Gauer, Dacia from Meachum & Associates,Harriette Nitzel, Dan Webber,  Marvin Sweigert, Terry Crawford, Pastor Carle King, Kaci  Cronkhite, Andy Barrett, Linda Barrett, Mary Larson, Donnie Dunn, Warren Rice, Officer Almaguer, Darrell Rice from the Watonga Republican, Fred Teply, Travis Lindley from Roman Nose State Park, and John Massey.  It was a full house.  There were not enough copies of the Agenda for all who attended.  

Item #1 was to approve the minutes of the last meeting.  There was a correction made, and the minutes were approved.

Item #2 was to hire Mark Huff as Building Inspector on a part-time basis, for a salary of $450.00 per pay period.  He is required to put in 1000 hours as a part-time employee.  He will keep track of his time and present regular time sheets to the City Clerk. Doyle Province wanted to make sure the City stays under the “Obamacare” requirements of a part-time employee so that the City isn’t required to provide health insurance.  As a part-time employee, Mark will be covered by the City’s liability insurance.  He is looking for his own liability insurance policy.  THIS POSITION DOES NOT INCLUDE DUTIES AS “CODE ENFORFCEMENT” – only as building inspector, insuring that electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes are complied with.  The Council wants to hire him in this position until the Dollar General and new Lumber Yard construction are completed. 

#3 – Bill Gauer gave an audit report of the City’s finances.  The City has over $2 million in unencumbered cash. 

#4 – A payment of $10.00 per EMT who assists on an ambulance call was authorized.  This will apply to EMT’s who are not on duty and on the City’s payroll at the time of the assist.

#5 – Bill Kelly was appointed to the Library Board.

#6 – Approval was given to advertise “for lease” the property currently farmed by B. Sawyer, which is located on the east side of the high school and Huff Lorang Park.  The lease price is approx.. $86.00 per acre. The notice will be published in the May 15 and May 22 issues of Watonga Republican.  (More about this later.)

 #7 – The City now owns the property formerly known as the Watonga Cheese Plant, in exchange for the City being responsible for demolishing and cleaning up the lot.  Some of it will not be torn down but can be used as storage for City assets.  Marvin Sweigert reported that he has someone who will take the brick and cinderblock.  He didn’t make it clear if they were going to be purchased or just given away.  When asked about the cost of demolition and cleanup, he just said it will be “reasonable”. 

#8 – the Council approved the purchase of some equipment  for Street Dept. as requested by Light and Water.  I didn’t have a copy of the agenda so don’t have the particulars of the equipment to include here, but that information is available from the City Clerk’s office. 

#9 – Kaci Cronkhite spoke to the group on behalf  of the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Associaiton.  Though Clay has previously denied in public that there are negotiations for the sale of the land to the State,  tonight he did admit that the City has received a request from the State to purchase the land and an appraisal.  The appraisal should be available to anyone who wants to see it but so far it is not being talked about or produced by the Mayor.  If you’re interested, you could go by the City Clerk’s office and ask to see it. 

                The interest of Friends of Roman Nose and of many of Watonga’s citizens is that the property remain a State Park.  FORN requested by letter to the Mayor that “strong legal language” be used in the event of sale or transfer of the park to insure that it remains a Park.  Travis Lindley, Park Manager, was present  and spoke to the meeting.  The question of whether or not the City is considering selling the property to the State or negotiating a sale was side-stepped but is is clear from conversations citizens have had with State tourism people that something is in the works.   
  
Under “New Business”, Clay reported that Robert Daugherty, the new Code Enforcer, is “not quite ready” to start that job as he is still waiting for letterhead, which is at the printer.  He was given the position over a month ago. 

Also mentioned was that it was time for the City’s budget to be put together, and Harriette mentioned that someone (didn’t say who) is coming in to give a quote on the City’s health insurance which is up for renewal. 

I didn’t stay for the Public Works Authority portion of the meeting, but the agenda listed “Consideration, Discussion and Action to approve invoices for the air conditioning unit at Mercy/Watonga Hospital” in the amount of $18,225.00.  This would be paid from monies the citizens voted to be borrowed in the bond issue passed last year, but someone has complained that the repairs should be advertised for bid.    

                I would be interested in anyone’s comments on these posts.  I believe it is important that all of the City’s business be transparent and that the public be informed.    

/Linda Barrett

Attorney General investigation

I am completing the form to request an investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General into some of the City Clerk and Mayor's practices in the past.  Here are some of the City Clerk and Mayor’s violations of state law: 

I was specifically prohibited from attending City Council committee meetings, in violation of the state Open Meetings laws.  When I was first hired, I attended a police committee meeting.  The next day Harriette Nitzel told me she had received several calls from city councilmen asking why I was there, and they were unhappy about it.  According to her, “they” felt like they couldn’t “do the city’s business” if anyone outside of City councilmen were at the meeting.   Ms. Nitzel told me not to attend any committee meetings as long as I was employed by the City.  She said she would hate to “have to let [me] go” because Iattended committee meetings, and that it just wasn’t “worth it” unless I didn’t value my job. 

Harriette Nitzel violated medical privacy laws by sharing my medical information with a person outside of the City.  I have the recorded conversation, so on this issue she cannot cover it up or deny it.   

Harriette Nitzel made a personal loan to a City employee without authorization from City Council.  I have a copy of the documentation on this.

Harriette discriminated against citizens in renting City properties.  She told me to make a list of people she didn't want to rent to, and I have a copy of that list. 

These violations of law may seen insignificant if they didn't affect you personally, but they are indicative of Harriette's abuse of power, and these are only a few examples.

 

 

Tues 5/7/2013

TONIGHT is City Council meeting at Watonga City Hall.  The agenda is not yet published on the city's website: www.cityofwatonga.org, but is posted on the door of the City Clerk's office.  The last time anything was posted on the internet was April 2, 2013.  The Clerk will tell you that she isn't "required" to post on the website, but it sure would be helpful for those who live or work outside of city limits and don't go by the City Clerk's office regularly.   Watch this blog tomorrow for a recap of the meeting.  I do know that a representative from Friends of Roman Nose State Park made a request to be on the agenda for tonight's meeting, to ask questions about the status of any proposed sale of the Park land from the City to the State.   I am researching the question  as to whether the City can sell the Park land without it being advertised in the newspaper as being for sale, and whether or not bids for the sale must be taken. 

May 3 2013

A beautiful day in the country:  sunny, little wind, temperature of 58 degrees. 

But the winds are getting ready to change. 

Most people in Watonga already know…I have been asked by several “I hear you’re suing the City, are you?”   I have not yet, and don't want to, but if I am forced by the City to file suit to deal with this matter, so be it.

I have filed a claim against the City of Watonga for wrongful termination, based on the harassing treatment I received while working as deputy City Clerk and my subsequent dismissal for no reason.  It has been over five months since I filed my claim and neither the Mayor nor the City of Watonga has responded in any way.  The only thing I can do at this point is to file a lawsuit in Blaine County District Court to get the claim dealt with.  I have an appointment next week to meet with my attorney and sign a retainer agreement for him to proceed with a suit.  I’ve been more than patient to hear from the City, so I have to assume their answer is “No” payment to me on the claim.   

In November 2012, I gave formal written notice to OMAG (the City’s insurance carrier) and to the City of my claim for wrongful termination.  Under state law, I was required to give them 90 days to investigate and respond before filing suit.   Prior to that formal  notice, I sent Mayor Clay Loosen a written description of my claim and a request to discuss it.  He did not want to discuss it.  As of this time, neither OMAG nor the City have had the courtesy to  respond to my formal claim – neither a “yes” or “no” or any communication. The matter has not been discussed at any City Council meeting, so they are obviously going to ignore it and hope it goes away.  It will not. I have only asked for fair treatment and nothing more.  I don’t necessarily want the details to come to light in the public but the City won’t act until the details come out. 

I spoke to three different attorneys back in November 2012 and all three wanted me to sign a retainer agreement based on the fact that I have a valid case for wrongful termination, including a claim for punitive damages.  At that time I only wanted legal advice to see if I had legal grounds for a claim, and I then wanted to give the City a chance to remedy the situation before engaging an attorney to file suit and making the matter public.  I know from my experience working with attorneys and courts that a lawsuit is not a quick remedy and in my opinion should be pursued only as a last resort.  But we are now at that point.        

Once I've signed the retainer agreement, the attorney will take a percentage of any court award or settlement, so I won’t be able to settle for the amount I am willing to settle for prior to filing suit.  On the other hand, the City will have to pay hourly fees to probably both the City Attorney and to any attorney they retain to defend the lawsuit -- to the tune of hundreds of dollars an hour.  The City has a choice to pay my claim and save money, or fight it out in a public forum.  It appears that they would rather pay more in attorney’s  fees and increased liability insurance premiums (both at a cost to the City taxpayers) to defend a lawsuit than settle my claim before suit is filed.  

A lawsuit and subsequent proceedings will unfortunately bring to the public eye some unsavory details about our City officials and their actions, specifically the former Mayor and current City Clerk.  It is not my intention to give the City a black eye, but as of this posting that seems to be the way the City wants to proceed.  Harriette Nitzel told me she “doesn’t care” what comes out in a lawsuit.  I have been more than reasonably patient.  Our city representatives are regularly complaining that they get “bad publicity” and want more “good publicity”, but here is a chance for them to avoid bad publicity and they refuse to avoid it.  Go figure.     

On a brighter note, the weather here in Watonga is finally going to be spring-like this coming week, I hope for the rest of the season!  We've had an unseasonably cold spring so far and gardens are being planted late.  I'm hopeful we have a good Farmers Market but at this time we don't yet know what products we'll have on the first weekend. But the Farmers Market will definitely be open on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  Even if we have none or few vegetables, we'll definitely have some "Made in Oklahoma" products for sale that day. 

At the Chaparral Retreat, we will have a full house this weekend, coming from Tulsa OK.  We plan on taking our guests to Roman Nose State Park, the Whirlwind Winery, The Ferguson Home, hunting for mushrooms (if the weather permits) and possibly to the Okeene Rattlesnake Festival. We'll observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate food, drink, and music! 

 

First day of May 2013

It's Wednesday, and the only meeting I generally go to is Kiwanis at the Senior Citizen Center.  The club will be doing last-minute tweeking of the arrangements for the Circus next week, on May 9 (Thursday).  I'll know more about what's going on in town when I drive in later today. The newspaper comes out today, so I'll post a rehash of its stories here later along with other news I find out. 

There was an unfortunate death in our community recently.  I'm not posting names or circumstances in respect for the family, but it is a sad time and my prayers are with the family.

The daytime temperature today is going to be nice but a cold front is coming in from the northwest in the afternoon and we might get temperatures down in the mid-30's overnight.  Then tomorrow will be chilly and we may get some rain.  The local news stations always forecast for the entire state, so unless you look at the detailed map, when they say "snow in Oklahoma in May", you might not know that they are really talking about OKC versus Tulsa  in the east or the panhandle in the west.  We now have a weather radio and the basement can accommodate us if we have a tornado or other severe weather.  This is a crazy weather year.  Last year spring came two weeks early and this year it is more than two weeks late, though we've had spring temperatures off and on over the past month.