MINUTES

LAWTON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

NOVEMBER 22, 2004

WAYNE GILLEY CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

Mayor John P. Purcell, Jr.                Also Present:

Presiding                        Larry Mitchell, City Manager

                            John Vincent, City Attorney

                            Karen Mull, Acting City Clerk

                            Col. G. Keith Herring, Fort Sill Liaison

                            

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Purcell.  Notice of meeting and agenda were posted on the City Hall notice board as required by law.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:                Rex Givens, Ward Two

                    Glenn Devine, Ward Three

                    Amy Ewing-Holmstrom, Ward Four

        Robert Shanklin, Ward Five

        Jeffrey Patton, Ward Six

        Stanley Haywood, Ward Seven

        Randy Warren, Ward Eight

ABSENT:    None.

BUSINESS ITEMS:

Purcell said he had received three resumes and this morning one of the three applicants asked that his name be withdrawn because he didn't think he had time for it.  He said the applicants to be considered where Myron McChurin and G. Wayne Smith.  

McChurin, 4311 NW Hoover approached Council.  He said they have lived in the Lawton area since 1950.  He said they lived in Altus for three years where he was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.  He has four children and has employed by Wichita National Life Insurance Company for thirty five years.  He computer designed some of the forms they currently use in-house.  His family is active in their church and his hobby is genealogy.  

Devine said he noticed McChurin did have a lot of activities he was involved in.  He asked if he was sure he would have the time to be active with the Council.  McChurin said he had quite a lot of time to devote but he was quite concerned whenever there was a vacancy on the Council due to Randy Bass being elected as State Senator.  

Shanklin asked McChurin if he weren't chosen would he run when the seat is open in March.  McChurin said he probably would not because of the finances necessary for advertising.

Smith, 4448 NW Baltimore approached the Council and stated he believes he's qualified because he's served on the Council for three years.  

Ewing-Holmstrom said she saw in the paper a legal matter that was published and further investigated it.  She printed off two things that she got off the Oklahoma State Network and asked him to tell them about the foreclosures.  Smith said those were personal matters and he was not at liberty to discuss them.  Ewing-Holmstrom said the other question she had was when Bass ran against him in the 2001 election, the people in Ward 1 elected Bass.  She said her concern is she would not feel comfortable appointing Smith when the people didn't re-appoint him.  Patton wanted to know if Smith would run for the seat when it came open in March.  Smith said if he's appointed to it he will seek re-election, if not he probably would not.  Devine asked why he would want to be back on the Council.  Smith said there's a void and he feels he has the experience.  

*Council convened into executive session at approximately 6:14 p.m. and reconvened in regular, open session at approximately 6:45 p.m. with roll call reflecting all members present.

EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM:

2.    Pursuant to Title 25, Section 307.B.1, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening in executive session to discuss appointment to fill the position of Ward 1 Council Member and take action in open session as necessary.

*Vote was taken on original motion at this time.

AYE:  Ewing-Holmstrom, Shanklin, Haywood, Devine. NAY: Patton, Warren, Givens. MOTION CARRIED.

Devine asked the judge to remain for a few minutes because Shoemate was on his way.  

* The Council convened into a 5 minute recess at 6:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. with roll call reflecting all members present.  

Purcell said they could not hold up the judge anymore and they would have to swear Shoemate in on December 7, 2004.    

Devine asked if he had to be sworn in front of the Council or could he go to the judge's chamber and be sworn in.  Vincent said there's no specific reason why they swear in new Council members in front of Council.  The only people who also have to be present is the City Clerk.  Warren said they've worked off somebody else's schedule, they should be able to do that for him.  

* Shoemate arrived at 7:15 p.m.

Judge Corrales swore in Shoemate for the Ward 1 vacancy.

There being no further business to consider, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. upon motion, second and roll call vote.