Council to look at establishing parks development program

By BOB GIBBINS

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS July 21, 2008 09:44 am

— Tahlequah city councilors will get their first official look Monday night at a proposed ordinance that would establish a parks maintenance and development program.
Ward 1 Councilor Jason Nichols proposed the legislation, which would create the program in order to expand and improve the city’s parks system. The ordinance states it is the purpose of the ordinance to improve public health and happiness by acquiring, constructing, operating, equipping and maintaining a city parks system. The ordinance will also create a Parks Improvement Fund that would be used for the costs of development, administration and improvement and maintenance of the parks improvement program including operation costs, capital expenses, salaries and consulting fees.
The acquisition by gift, purchase or condemnation of real and personal property and interests necessary to construct, operate and maintain the city parks system will also be paid for with the fees. The ordinance also calls for the fund to pay for a master parks development plan, sports facilities management plan or related recreation related plans or studies created to aid park or recreation facility development and the fund will also be used as matching funds for state and federal grants that relate to parks development.
The parks improvement fees would be paid by a $2 per month charge added to each residential and commercial electric customer including those outside the city limits using city electric service.
The council will also consider:
• An ordinance prohibiting the use of skateboards in Norris Park.
• An ordinance rezoning 1858 Park Hill Road (Country Air Mobile Home Park area) from R-3 to C-1.
• Allowing a 10-foot privacy fence at 1301 Jamestown Drive.
• A basic agreement for engineering services between the city and Kelly Engineering.
• Engaging Barry Spyres to audit the city financial statements for 2007-’08.
• An amendment between the city and LBR Inc. that will be made part of the Agreement for Professional Airport Consulting Service.
• A budget reallocation and some budget amendments.
• The self-termination of Kylar Welch and resignation of Heather Deckard from the Parks Department.

What’s next
The Tahlequah City Council will meet in special session Monday, July 21 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.