City Commission Meet -- Aug. 16, 2004 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

The Collinsville City Commission met Monday, August 16th
at 7pm (at the City Hall Annex, 1126 West Main) for the regular meeting of the Municipal Authority and Commission.

City Commission:

Despite an invitation and an early indication that he would attend, Brad Snow was a no-show at Monday's city meeting. Mr. Snow of WATCO, Facilities Manager for S.K. & O. Railroad had been invited to appear before the commission to address many areas of concern along the railroad's right of way through Collinsville. City Manager Mike Tinker showed photos of the dangerous situations existing in town due to the "total lack of maintenance" along that right of way. The abandoned Co-Op building near Main St.; abandoned tanks and buildings near Broadway; the burnt-out structure facing the temporary city hall building on the fair grounds; railroad street crossings at Main and Walnut; trucks and tank cars left parked along tracks; and uncut weeds were the worst offenders along the approximately 100 foot wide railroad right of way. The city commission voted to have the city staff "take whatever actions were necessary" to remedy these dangereous situations in Collinsville. Although the railroad would be liable for any injuries occuring there, the city wants the issues addressed before someone is injured, in addition to helping the appearance of the city. Potential actions include asking the State Corporation Commission to hold the railroad in comtempt (as was done in 1998) as well as using the city code violation / comdemnation process. The possibility of grain dust explosion, grain fermentation in the standing water under the rotting flooring (and associated mosquito problems) were just a few of the problems cited at the Co-Op building.

In other action the city approved moving the solid waste account from the city side to the Municipal Authority to allow multi-year contracts for trash collection. The city approved moving $24,000 from Sales Tax Reserve to the CMA Sales Tax Fund to make bond payments. The city approved a monthly installment payment to Collinsville Downtown, Inc. Closing Main Street to traffic for the Tri-County Fair Parade 11am to noon Saturday Aug 21st was approved. The street will be closed from 14th to 7th Street.

Dr. Susan Babbitt reported to the commissioners on progress made by the citizens committee studying beautification projects to recommend to the city to utilize approximately $200,000 of Vision 2025 funds for Collinsville beautification. The soon to commence intersection modification at 5th and Main is already allocated from those funds. About $17,600 of the remaining funds were recommended to be set aside for matching grants (up to $1000 each) for commercial buildings facing Main Street from 14th to 7th. If/when the commission acts on that preliminary recommendation, business owners/merchants could apply for up to $20 per linear foot for facade improvements for approved projects. The remaing funds are being considered for a variety of projects still being investigated. Among those potential projects are corner projects (with curb cutouts, planters, benches, trees, signs ... etc), improved street and pedestrian lighting, and a pocket park combined with additional city parking.

Municipal Authority:

City Manager's Report:
* City staff has been working to clean up for Tri-County Fair.
* Cleanup continues at site of new EMS/Fire building. The 3-bay metal building will be moved to Ridgelawn Cemetery. The construction contract is almost ready with wording modifications to show the $764K coming from Vision 2025 funds instead of the city.
* Construction site plans almost complete for the new middle school building.
* Police Chief Annis reported the 4 new Collinsville Reserve Officers graduated having completed training from May 4th - Aug 14. Joshua Ray made a perfect score on his target shooting and Jason McCafferty was named the reserve leader. They will see their initial action at the Fair parade this Saturday and provide a much needed boost to the Collinsville force.
* Chief Annis also reported that Animal Control Officer Barnett was recently injured and will be unable to work for some length of time. Other city personnel will fill in during his absence.

-- Ted Wright -- 8/16/2004