Notes from the June 13 City Commission meeting
June 25, 2022 | HeadlinesPONCA CITY — Under the Consent Agenda, the City Commission approved the minutes of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners regular session held May 23, 2022; A resolution appropriating money for the payment of claims against the City of Ponca City.
A resolution designating certain City employees as purchasing officers with authority to make purchases against City and municipal trust appropriations for annual Fiscal Year 2022-23; A resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City appointing members to various boards and commissions and establishing the terms of office; A resolution setting non-utility rates, fees and charges for the City of Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department; A resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City amending the operating budget of various funds for Fiscal Year 2021-22; A resolution by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City readopting the Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Ponca City dated July 14, 2014; A resolution by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City to affirm the City’s commitment to take all action within Its power to facilitate the receipt of assistance of community development funds if the City of Ponca City is awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce; the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group’s Municipal Property Protection Plan for the City of Ponca City for the policy period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023; A request for right-of-way control at the intersection of 8th Street and Maple Avenue; a request for right-of-way control at the intersection of 9th Street and Maple Ave., and a request to remove the no parking restrictions on the north side of 500 east Cleveland Avenue.
City Manager’s Report
Under the City Manager’s Report, City Manager Craig Stephenson reported that the 60’ flag pole at Lake Ponca was bent by high winds during last week’s storm event. The City hopes to replace and set this pole before the 4th of July celebration.
Stephenson provided an updated on the electricity pricing. He reminded the public that the Ponca City Utility Authority did not raise the electric rates charged to the residents. However, there is a power adjustment cost on each bill. The electric grid relies heavily on natural gas for power generation. Compared to 2021, natural gas market prices were up 291 percent in May of 2022 and 248 percent in April of 2022. Some factors cited for the rise in natural gas prices include: unusually high temperatures in some parts of the U.S., the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rising demand for U.S. natural gas exports, and depleted natural gas storage. Therefore, electric bills being received by PCUA customers are higher than last year, due to the power adjustment cost.
Stephenson concluded his remarks by introducing Todd Brewer, the City’s new Environmental Services Director. Brewer was raised in Morrison and has been in Oklahoma City; Springfield, Mo. and Denver, Colo. working for American Water Works Association. Stephenson added, “We are excited to have Todd here and look forward to his leadership for the Environmental Services Department.”
Commissioners approved a resolution by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Ponca City, Oklahoma obligating funds to be used as leverage with the Small Cities FY-22 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Award. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce requires a resolution in support of this grant match/leverage. With the submission of the FY-22 Small Cities grant application, matching funds in the amount of $235,714.00 were approved and budgeted as follows: City of Ponca City CDBG $40,000.00; Ponca City Development Authority $60,000 and City of Ponca City Hotel/Motel Tax $135,714.
PCUA Consent
Under the PCUA Consent Agenda, the PCUA Trustees approved the minutes of the Ponca City Utility Authority regular session held May 23. A resolution appropriating money for the payment of claims against the Ponca City Utility Authority; a resolution of the Ponca City Utility Authority amending the operating budget of various PCUA funds for Fiscal Year 2021-22; and Septic Hauler Use Permits and DEQ Consent Forms for PK Services for Calendar Year 2022.
PCUA New Business
Under PCUA New Business, the PCUA Trustees approved a contract with Madden Fencing and Services, LLC for the Ponca City Landfill West Fence Line Construction Project, in the amount of $70,244.07. This Ponca City Landfill West Fence Line Project will consist of the removal of the current west fence, 2,560 feet of five-strand barbwire fence and the construction of 2,560 feet of 6-foot tall chain-link fence with 45-degree security arms and three strands of barbwire fencing. Advertisement for this fencing project began on May 5. A pre-bid meeting was held on May 24 and the bid opening was held on June 2, 2022 with two bids opened and read. Staff recommended awarding this project to the lowest most responsible bidder, Madden Fencing and Services, LLC.
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