Meeting of 1999-5-3 Special Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Mayor Powell. Invocation was provided by Rev. Bob Jones, Cameron Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Notice of meeting and agenda were posted on the City Hall notice board as required by State Law.

1. Consider submitting a grant application to the Corporation for National Service (CNS) for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 funding and authorizing the Mayor to accept the grant when approved. Exhibits: Application on file in City Clerk's Office.

Baker said the deadline for grant submission is May 10 and the City supports this program with $38,000 from the operating budget. This amount is included in the City's preliminary budget for the coming year. He requested authorization to apply for the grant.

MOVED by Purcell, SECOND by Smith, to authorize submission of an application of CNS for partial funding of the 1999-2000 RSVP Grant in the amount of $23,090 and authorize the Mayor to execute the Grant agreement when approved by CNS and the State of Oklahoma, when received. AYE: Williams, Sadler, Purcell, Shanklin, Beller, Haywood, Warren, Smith. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

2. Consider submitting a grant application to the Gates Library Foundation for six public access computers and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary forms. Exhibits: None.

Baker said the Librarian attended a conference and learned of the possibility of receiving this equipment; application deadline is May 6. He requested approval.

MOVED by Smith, SECOND by Haywood, to approve submission of a grant application to the Gates Library Foundation for six public access computers and authorize signatures of the Mayor and City Clerk. AYE: Sadler, Purcell, Shanklin, Beller, Haywood, Warren, Smith, Williams. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Powell presented a plaque of appreciation to Jeff Sadler for his service to the City. He said he had represented Ward 3, as well as the entire City, in a conscientious and professional manner and that he was very much appreciated.

Judge Crawford administered the Constitutional and Statutory Oaths of Office to the following: Glenn Devine, John Purcell, Robert Shanklin and Stanley Haywood.

Sadler said it has been a privilege and an honor to serve a second term on the Council and that he had enjoyed knowing and working with each member. He said he had faith in this Council and felt it was doing a good job, and that was the feeling of the community. Sadler said there had been years when most members were not returned to office or were not re-elected, but that he was the only member leaving at this point.

Sadler said he was still receiving complimentary calls concerning the Council's approval of Plan 8 for Meadowbrook and that he was glad to see that a 150 year old tree would not be damaged or removed as a result of the improvement, which is necessary and which will lower flooding over three feet at the bridges. Sadler said the City staff works hard and many times their efforts are not recognized. He said he had enjoyed serving and would consider running for office in the future.

MAYOR POWELL DECLARED THE NEW ADMINISTRATION TO BEGIN AND REQUESTED ROLL CALL OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

Beller thanked Mayor Powell for his guidance through some stormy Council sessions. He said he welcomed Glenn Devine and looked forward to working with him. Beller said Council disagrees at times but that they put the City's best interest first and had accomplished many things through the Mayor's leadership. Mayor Powell thanked Beller for his comments and said he would always try to be fair.

Smith thanked staff for their patience during his first year in office and welcomed Devine to the Council.

Mayor Powell said he appreciated working with the Council and that the meetings lasted an hour or two less than had been the case in the past, in general terms, and that the Council's professional approach was a portion of the reason for that.

Mayor Powell said the National Day of Prayer Observance would be Thursday, May 6 at Noon at City Hall and he encouraged participation. He explained the "Amber Alert" Program, where dispatchers contact media outlets when reports of missing children are received; positive results from this program in large cities were reviewed and it is hoped that Lawton will have such a program in the near future.

There was no further business to consider and the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. upon motion, second and roll call vote.