I've been told there is going to be a really good yard sale this weekend, Fri and Sat., at 521 Cerny in Watonga. Go early!
For July 4th fireworks, Mayor Loosen has said that the airport property will be open (the gates will be unlocked and open) for those who want to sit at the airport to watch fireworks.
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAVE FOURTH OF JULY!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
City Council meeting July 2
A WELL-INFORMED ELECTORATE IS THE BASIS OF A DEMOCRACY.
It is unfortunate that the Watonga City Clerk won't publish the minutes of City Council meetings on the city's website. When asked for a copy of the minutes following a meeting, she'll say they aren't available because they haven't been approved by City Council, which will happen at the next City Council meeting. Although the Watonga Republican covers the meetings, we also have to wait a week before that news is published.
Sometimes the meeting Agenda is published on-line, sometimes not. Ms. Nitzel's answer to that is "it only has to be posted on the office door." That's really not helpful to those who don't drive or otherwise can't get by her office or those who would like to print out a copy prior to the meeting.
Last night's agenda was light, but much discussion was had toward the end of the meeting about Code Enforcement. The City announced the hiring of Robert Daugherty as Code Enforcer in April. He then attended the required classes for certification. At a meeting several weeks later, when asked how the Code Enforcement was going, Mayor Loosen said Robert was "getting set up" and was waiting for letterhead and "stuff".
Last night, Councilman Hightower asked the Mayor how is our code enforcement going. Mayor Loosen answered something vague like "it's coming along." But when pressed, he didn't know much about how it is coming along. He didn't know many letters to property owners had been sent out. He first said he thought citations had been issued but when asked how many, he corrected himself and said "letters" had been sent out. He said he had just been handed some Certified Letters by Harriett Nitzel but didn't know how many there were. He finally acknowledged that NO citations for code enforcement have been issued. Andy Barrett asked if the Mayor could provide a report at the next meeting of how many letters have been sent, what properties have been taken care of either by the property owner or the City. There were questions about how much time Mr. Daugherty is required to do the job as Code Enforcer, how many hours per week, and can the job be done in that amount of time. Mr. Daugherty had told one City Councilman that his duties as a firefighter comes first and he hasn't had much time to devote to Code Enforcement. Clay acknowledged that Daugherty's firefighter duties were priority. Donnie Dunn, Marvin Schweigert and Mark Huff used to do Code Enforcement but have been relieved of those "duties" except to "help when they can." Marvin spoke up and said it is a "long process", and that it can be 15 to 20 days before anything is done after the initial warning letter is sent [NOTE: Robert Daugherty has been paid as Code Enforcer for over a month as of this date].
Then the question was raised as to whether or not Daugherty has the time to do the job as Code Enforcer, do we need to hire someone to do the clerical work, and why don't we hire a full-time enforcer. It was acknowledged that the City has plenty of Codes to enforce; they just aren't going through the steps to hold anyone accountable. [** read my next post about the history and current state of Code Enforcement here in Watonga, and what the process is supposed to be.] After much more discussion, Clay felt like the meeting had spent enough time on the subject and wanted to move on. Richard Hightower asked if the matter could be put on next meeting's agenda, and it was decided that the Fire Committee should meet on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss how the new Code Enforcer is doing and what needs to be done to get Code Enforcement done. Richard Hightower said he would stay on top of the subject and would be asking questions about Code Enforcement at future Council meetings.
Though a lot of time was spent discussing Code Enforcement, there were really only three action items on the Agenda other than the usual approval of prior minutes and claims. (1) The City approved construction of a custom circulation counter at the Watonga Library. The agenda listed the action item as "discussion and action to advertise" for bids to be opened at the on July 16 meeting. Gary Olsen mentioned that the item had been discussed at a previous meeting, so it is presumed that specifications and a construction plan have been presented and a request for bids published in the newspaper.
(2) Mary Larson appeared on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce to request the annual $5,000.00 support by the City to the Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce works diligently to promote the City of Watonga to try to get businesses and families to move here. The request was approved to be paid out of the City's General Fund since the WEDA (Watonga Economic Development Account) is dormant. Councilman GARY OLSEN was the only person who voted "no" to support the Chamber of Commerce.
(3) Marvin Schweigert requested approval to advertise for a street overlay project covering three areas: Prouty Street to Norwood Street west, Laing St. west on 7th St., and Laing St. east on A Street. The request was approved, the request for bids will be published for bids to be received by the August 6 City Council meeting.
Under Old/New Business, Bobby Spencer related that the Route 66 Museum would like to have the hospital's old "Emergency" sign. There was some discussion and the group agreed that the Museum would be a good place for it. The Mayor said "ok, then let's give it to them [the Museum]. But then there was a question as to whether or not a motion needed to be made to dispose of the sign (which is City property), and whether or not a motion COULD be made because the item was not on the Agenda as an action item. One would think that the Mayor would know the process of voting on something at City Council, but it took Richard Hightower and Bobby Spencer to point out that the item hadn't been listed as an action item on the Agenda and couldn't be voted on at this meeting. Dan Webber then said the matter could not be decided at this meeting because it was not listed as an action item, so it is to be put on the next meeting Agenda.
The City Council meeting was followed by the WEDA meeting (no business), and the Public Works Committee meeting. (1) The council approved a call for bids for the application of insulation at the Watonga Airport. (2) The council had received one (1) bid for painting of the interior walls at the Hospital for approximately $78,000.00, but rejected it and decided to publish another request for bids.
Finally, there was heated discussion about Airport manager RD Ernest allowing a fuel discount of thirty cents per gallon to individuals purchasing 1000 gallons or more. It was put forth on the Agenda as a "request to allow" a discount, but during the discussion it came out that Mr. Ernest had already given the discount because of the emergency nature of the situation. Mr. Ernest wanted the Council to authorize him, as airport manager, to give future discounts for purchases over 1000. That request was denied.
The Watonga Republican does a good job of reporting on City Council meetings. Harriette Nitzel's printed minutes are less complete but do set out the "yay" and "nay" votes of the Council. With this blog I am attempting to give the public another view of the meetings. The more information a person has, the better he/she can understand the issues and form their own opinion. The only way to get the entire picture of what goes on is to attend the City Council meetings, on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Contrary to Harriette Nitzel's opinion, meetings of the various Committee of City Council are also open to the public. The next Fire Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Code Enforcement, BUT BE SURE AND CHECK THE DOOR AT CITY HALL in case the date changes or another Committee meeting is scheduled!
/Linda
It is unfortunate that the Watonga City Clerk won't publish the minutes of City Council meetings on the city's website. When asked for a copy of the minutes following a meeting, she'll say they aren't available because they haven't been approved by City Council, which will happen at the next City Council meeting. Although the Watonga Republican covers the meetings, we also have to wait a week before that news is published.
Sometimes the meeting Agenda is published on-line, sometimes not. Ms. Nitzel's answer to that is "it only has to be posted on the office door." That's really not helpful to those who don't drive or otherwise can't get by her office or those who would like to print out a copy prior to the meeting.
Last night's agenda was light, but much discussion was had toward the end of the meeting about Code Enforcement. The City announced the hiring of Robert Daugherty as Code Enforcer in April. He then attended the required classes for certification. At a meeting several weeks later, when asked how the Code Enforcement was going, Mayor Loosen said Robert was "getting set up" and was waiting for letterhead and "stuff".
Last night, Councilman Hightower asked the Mayor how is our code enforcement going. Mayor Loosen answered something vague like "it's coming along." But when pressed, he didn't know much about how it is coming along. He didn't know many letters to property owners had been sent out. He first said he thought citations had been issued but when asked how many, he corrected himself and said "letters" had been sent out. He said he had just been handed some Certified Letters by Harriett Nitzel but didn't know how many there were. He finally acknowledged that NO citations for code enforcement have been issued. Andy Barrett asked if the Mayor could provide a report at the next meeting of how many letters have been sent, what properties have been taken care of either by the property owner or the City. There were questions about how much time Mr. Daugherty is required to do the job as Code Enforcer, how many hours per week, and can the job be done in that amount of time. Mr. Daugherty had told one City Councilman that his duties as a firefighter comes first and he hasn't had much time to devote to Code Enforcement. Clay acknowledged that Daugherty's firefighter duties were priority. Donnie Dunn, Marvin Schweigert and Mark Huff used to do Code Enforcement but have been relieved of those "duties" except to "help when they can." Marvin spoke up and said it is a "long process", and that it can be 15 to 20 days before anything is done after the initial warning letter is sent [NOTE: Robert Daugherty has been paid as Code Enforcer for over a month as of this date].
Then the question was raised as to whether or not Daugherty has the time to do the job as Code Enforcer, do we need to hire someone to do the clerical work, and why don't we hire a full-time enforcer. It was acknowledged that the City has plenty of Codes to enforce; they just aren't going through the steps to hold anyone accountable. [** read my next post about the history and current state of Code Enforcement here in Watonga, and what the process is supposed to be.] After much more discussion, Clay felt like the meeting had spent enough time on the subject and wanted to move on. Richard Hightower asked if the matter could be put on next meeting's agenda, and it was decided that the Fire Committee should meet on July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss how the new Code Enforcer is doing and what needs to be done to get Code Enforcement done. Richard Hightower said he would stay on top of the subject and would be asking questions about Code Enforcement at future Council meetings.
Though a lot of time was spent discussing Code Enforcement, there were really only three action items on the Agenda other than the usual approval of prior minutes and claims. (1) The City approved construction of a custom circulation counter at the Watonga Library. The agenda listed the action item as "discussion and action to advertise" for bids to be opened at the on July 16 meeting. Gary Olsen mentioned that the item had been discussed at a previous meeting, so it is presumed that specifications and a construction plan have been presented and a request for bids published in the newspaper.
(2) Mary Larson appeared on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce to request the annual $5,000.00 support by the City to the Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce works diligently to promote the City of Watonga to try to get businesses and families to move here. The request was approved to be paid out of the City's General Fund since the WEDA (Watonga Economic Development Account) is dormant. Councilman GARY OLSEN was the only person who voted "no" to support the Chamber of Commerce.
(3) Marvin Schweigert requested approval to advertise for a street overlay project covering three areas: Prouty Street to Norwood Street west, Laing St. west on 7th St., and Laing St. east on A Street. The request was approved, the request for bids will be published for bids to be received by the August 6 City Council meeting.
Under Old/New Business, Bobby Spencer related that the Route 66 Museum would like to have the hospital's old "Emergency" sign. There was some discussion and the group agreed that the Museum would be a good place for it. The Mayor said "ok, then let's give it to them [the Museum]. But then there was a question as to whether or not a motion needed to be made to dispose of the sign (which is City property), and whether or not a motion COULD be made because the item was not on the Agenda as an action item. One would think that the Mayor would know the process of voting on something at City Council, but it took Richard Hightower and Bobby Spencer to point out that the item hadn't been listed as an action item on the Agenda and couldn't be voted on at this meeting. Dan Webber then said the matter could not be decided at this meeting because it was not listed as an action item, so it is to be put on the next meeting Agenda.
The City Council meeting was followed by the WEDA meeting (no business), and the Public Works Committee meeting. (1) The council approved a call for bids for the application of insulation at the Watonga Airport. (2) The council had received one (1) bid for painting of the interior walls at the Hospital for approximately $78,000.00, but rejected it and decided to publish another request for bids.
Finally, there was heated discussion about Airport manager RD Ernest allowing a fuel discount of thirty cents per gallon to individuals purchasing 1000 gallons or more. It was put forth on the Agenda as a "request to allow" a discount, but during the discussion it came out that Mr. Ernest had already given the discount because of the emergency nature of the situation. Mr. Ernest wanted the Council to authorize him, as airport manager, to give future discounts for purchases over 1000. That request was denied.
The Watonga Republican does a good job of reporting on City Council meetings. Harriette Nitzel's printed minutes are less complete but do set out the "yay" and "nay" votes of the Council. With this blog I am attempting to give the public another view of the meetings. The more information a person has, the better he/she can understand the issues and form their own opinion. The only way to get the entire picture of what goes on is to attend the City Council meetings, on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Contrary to Harriette Nitzel's opinion, meetings of the various Committee of City Council are also open to the public. The next Fire Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Code Enforcement, BUT BE SURE AND CHECK THE DOOR AT CITY HALL in case the date changes or another Committee meeting is scheduled!
/Linda
Monday, July 1, 2013
New signs
Gotta say "WOW" about the new sign at Mercy Hospital on Clarence Nash Blvd. It is so professional looking! I haven't seen it at night but it looks like it is going to be lit up. And now we can tell where the entrance to the Emergency Room is also! It is so nice to see something new in town.
Have you been in the new Dollar General Store yet? It is another fabulous improvement to Watonga. Lots of room, organized and orderly, and clean! I hope the smoke alarm doesn't go off anytime soon!
Have you been in the new Dollar General Store yet? It is another fabulous improvement to Watonga. Lots of room, organized and orderly, and clean! I hope the smoke alarm doesn't go off anytime soon!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Regarding your vote on the upcoming school bond issue, consider the following:
1. Bill Seitter has said he would be glad to give ANYONE a tour of the school buildings. Contact him at 580-623-7364.
2. High school consolidation is on the horizon. Do we want our high schoolers to have to travel to another town in the future? If we don't have a top-notch high school, that is what may happen.
3. The cost of money is at a historic low right now, and there is talk about interest rates going up. We can get bond money now at a lower rate than even a year down the road.
4. The cost of construction is only going to go up, so putting off construction and repairs will only cost us more in the future.
5. Watongans have put off taking care of our school properties for too long and it is only going to get worse if steps aren't taken to make repairs.
Here is a list of nearby counties and their real property tax rates (per mill/$1,000 of value). Figures are from the website www.lowtaxrate.com:
Blaine - $8.94
Kingfisher - $8.82
Major - $9.99
Custer - $9.66
Love - $8l74
Canadian - $11.75
Cleveland - $11.95
1. Bill Seitter has said he would be glad to give ANYONE a tour of the school buildings. Contact him at 580-623-7364.
2. High school consolidation is on the horizon. Do we want our high schoolers to have to travel to another town in the future? If we don't have a top-notch high school, that is what may happen.
3. The cost of money is at a historic low right now, and there is talk about interest rates going up. We can get bond money now at a lower rate than even a year down the road.
4. The cost of construction is only going to go up, so putting off construction and repairs will only cost us more in the future.
5. Watongans have put off taking care of our school properties for too long and it is only going to get worse if steps aren't taken to make repairs.
Here is a list of nearby counties and their real property tax rates (per mill/$1,000 of value). Figures are from the website www.lowtaxrate.com:
Blaine - $8.94
Kingfisher - $8.82
Major - $9.99
Custer - $9.66
Love - $8l74
Canadian - $11.75
Cleveland - $11.95
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
School bond issue
It is SO GOOD to see people conversing about the upcoming school bond issue! Whether your opinion is to vote "yes" or to vote "no", it is important that everyone speak out, not necessarily to change someone else's mind but to help get all of the facts and options out into the public mind. This was a problem with the vote on the added fee to utilities to pay for ambulance service. Many people who voted "yes" didn't really know what that added fee would cover, or what service we were really going to get for the added fee. They only knew that if they didn't vote "yes" they wouldn't have any ambulance service. Now there are questions as to the details of what they are getting for that added fee.
As with a lot of issues, the people who are directly affected by a problem are ready to vote "yes" for the proposed solution without further thought or discussion. It is appalling that our schools don't have HOT WATER in the restrooms. Our teachers, principals, and parents of children in schools are and should be up in arms about the condition of Watonga's schools. But this has been going on for years and nothing has been done about it until now, when it has become a major problem. At this point the problems with our schools have become a problem for our entire community, and at a huge cost to all of us.
Our children's education is of the upmost importance to the survival of our community. We all agree on that. But we also have to be willing to look at what all of our options are for improvement of Watonga schools. Is a huge bond issue like the one proposed really necessary, all at once, or could the repairs be prioritized and paid for in stages? Committees reviewed the problems and presented their proposals to our superintendent and school board, but how many community members (without children in the school system) were a part of the discussion and gave input into the bond issue? Did you attend school board meetings and participate in the discussion before the bond issue was approved by the school board? It's not too late for everyone to have a say in the matter. Talk to your school board members. and VOTE!
As with a lot of issues, the people who are directly affected by a problem are ready to vote "yes" for the proposed solution without further thought or discussion. It is appalling that our schools don't have HOT WATER in the restrooms. Our teachers, principals, and parents of children in schools are and should be up in arms about the condition of Watonga's schools. But this has been going on for years and nothing has been done about it until now, when it has become a major problem. At this point the problems with our schools have become a problem for our entire community, and at a huge cost to all of us.
Our children's education is of the upmost importance to the survival of our community. We all agree on that. But we also have to be willing to look at what all of our options are for improvement of Watonga schools. Is a huge bond issue like the one proposed really necessary, all at once, or could the repairs be prioritized and paid for in stages? Committees reviewed the problems and presented their proposals to our superintendent and school board, but how many community members (without children in the school system) were a part of the discussion and gave input into the bond issue? Did you attend school board meetings and participate in the discussion before the bond issue was approved by the school board? It's not too late for everyone to have a say in the matter. Talk to your school board members. and VOTE!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Cheese Festival news
The Watonga Cheese Festival Committee is working on lining up ENTERTAINMENT for this year's festival.
There are lots of talented people in our area and this year we want to highlight that talent on our stages. I'm asking that anyone reading this contact me or Andy Barrett (580-623-4269) to tell us of a musical act, band, soloist, children's group (vocal or dancing, etc.), Gospel choir, or other entertainment who may be interested in performing during the Cheese Festival. We want lots of LOCAL TALENT to show off our town! Thanks!!
There are lots of talented people in our area and this year we want to highlight that talent on our stages. I'm asking that anyone reading this contact me or Andy Barrett (580-623-4269) to tell us of a musical act, band, soloist, children's group (vocal or dancing, etc.), Gospel choir, or other entertainment who may be interested in performing during the Cheese Festival. We want lots of LOCAL TALENT to show off our town! Thanks!!
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Spot summer transition program
This week, Youth & Family Services is holding the second annual "Summer Transition Program" for youth ages 16 to 21 at The Spot. The idea is to work with the community in teaching local youth some living skills and job-hunting skills, give them information they need to transition into adulthood and living on their own, and give them an opportunity to work at local businesses to give them an idea of what life is like in the "real world" as an adult. I am on the Advisory Committee for this activity and think it is a wonderful way to get the youth involved with the community, as well as give them some really useable information for their life. During the first week (this week), the youth will hear from various business people and community members on a variety of topics:
Then, for the next two weeks, each youth will work for pay for a local business. This year, as last summer, many of our local business people have stepped up to "host" a youth and give them a place to work. This is a great opportunity for our community to meet these young people and get to know them, and a great opportunity for the youth to get some real working experience. I think I can speak for YFS and the Spot in thanking the many people involved in this effort to help make Watonga a better place for everyone.
Then, for the next two weeks, each youth will work for pay for a local business. This year, as last summer, many of our local business people have stepped up to "host" a youth and give them a place to work. This is a great opportunity for our community to meet these young people and get to know them, and a great opportunity for the youth to get some real working experience. I think I can speak for YFS and the Spot in thanking the many people involved in this effort to help make Watonga a better place for everyone.
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