MINUTES

LAWTON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

APRIL 21, 2009 –  6:00 P.M.

WAYNE GILLEY CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

Mayor John P. Purcell, Jr.                Also Present:

Presiding                        Larry Mitchell, City Manager

                            Frank Jensen, City Attorney

                            Traci Hushbeck, City Clerk

Mayor Purcell called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Notice of meeting and agenda were posted on the City Hall notice board as required by law.   Invocation was given by Reverend Byron Elmore, Calvary Assembly of God, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:                Bill Shoemate, Ward One  

James Hanna, Ward Two

Janice Drewry, Ward Three

Jay Burk, Ward Four

Robert Shanklin, Ward Five

Richard Zarle, Ward Six                    

Stanley Haywood, Ward Seven    

                    Doug Wells, Ward Eight

ABSENT:                    None

 ROLL CALL

1.    Hold a workshop to consider the Consolidated One-Year Action Plan for FFY 2009, received input from subrecipient organizations, and provide input for development of the plan.  Exhibits:  A copy of the Draft Consolidated One-Year Action Plan for FFY 2009 is on file at the City Clerk’ s Office.

Libby stated I’ ll be covering the plan with our recommendations and the recommendations of the City Planning Commission.  The request for funding was less this year as the public realizes the funding has dropped.  Until the 2010 census is published we will work off the same numbers.  We are increasing the number of program we monitor.  This year the Reinvestment Act is providing $230,751 in additional funding. HUD is determining if there will be special rules attached to the funding.  Also there will be $1.072 million available from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.  Once the City and ODOT reach an agreement  on a plan for the money Council will have to accept or deny the funding.  It doesn’ t appear HOME will get any addition fund, but CDBG will receive an additional $70,000 to $100,000 which will put our funding a little over $900,000.  This gives us an additional $10,500 for public service and $14,000 for administrative funds. The $230,751 from the Reinvestment Act will provide an addition $34,000 in public service funding.  So keep in mind with our recommendation there will likely be an addition $44,000 in public service.

Libby stated from the sale of homes we had $6,155 of program income.  We are allowed to put the money into the entitlement and reuse it.  The public service and administrative caps at $171,000 and $128,000.  These are the recommendation from staff and CPC. CPC approved all but three of the agencies.  They have recommended funding Creative Lasting Family Connections through Catholic Charities.  They are in need of $17,500 to get the program on its feet.  These funds will train up to twelve individuals and allow those twelve to provide training to members of the community.  CPC has recommended taking funds from the Counseling Assistance Program and Lawton Ft. Sill Community Coalition.  The Home Investment Partnership Program is for housing.  We currently have the First Time Homebuyers, The Home Rehabilitation, and Community Housing Development Organizations.  We made an additional $19,000 through paybacks for rehabs and the First Time Homebuyers Program.  

Libby stated HUD mandates we set aside a minimum of 15% of our Home Investment Partnership Program for community housing development organizations.  Two years ago we set aside 37% for Great Plains Improvement Foundation to produce rental units in Lawton View.  They have asked for more funding for rental units at 17 ^th and Gore.  The administrative cap for the Home program is 10% and we have a match requirement of 25% for every Home dollar.  The City of Lawton has been declared a city in severe physical distress and HUD has waived the match requirement.  We have banked a little over $1,000,000.  CHDO operating expenses are optional.  We could spend 5% if the money is requested and is going to an affordable housing project we would then make a request to Council for 5% of the annual budget.  This years maximum is $23,996.  The majority of funds outside the administration and CHDO’ s will be spent on the homeowner’ s rehabilitation.  This will provide approximately eight rehabs at a maximum of $25,000 a piece.  In the First Time Homebuyers Program there is about $87,000 and the max per unit is $14,999.  This is has been a very successful and popular program.  

Libby stated this concludes my portion of the briefing.  If you have any questions I’ ll be glad to address them.  

Drewry asked you are saying if we get more money we would come back and take another look.  

Libby stated yes.  Out of the $230,000 there would be $46,000 for administration, $34,000 for public service agencies and the remaining $160,000 for other objectives the City sees fit.  We have discussed with Public Works a program where we train cement workers and provide the funding for their pay and supplies.  They would go into low/moderate income areas and make or repair sidewalks.  This would benefit the City and meet HUD’ s general goal of job creation.  

Haywood asked does the infrastructure have to be done in low/moderate income areas.  

Libby stated yes.  If we don’ t buy any of the supplies and do nothing but train the workers they could be used anywhere in the City.  This would be purely job creation.  

Wells stated I believe the Lawton Ft. Sill Youth Collation is a very effective program.  If we receive the extra $34,000 I would like to see us give back the portion that was taken from the two programs by CPC and divide the rest equally among the other organizations.  

Mayor Purcell stated first lets work off the two page list that we have and start in Column K “Staff Adjusted Proposal”.  First is Administration for $171,164.  Are there any problems with Administration.  

Wells asked due to the HUD loan to repay $2 million did we lose any positions.  

Libby stated no.  

Mayor Purcell asked are there any other questions.  If not we will move to Housing in the amount of $408,000, Section 108 loan repayment in the amount of $148,070, HOME Program for Home Administration in the amount of $49,975, the First Time Homebuyers and Home Rehab in the amount of $287,771 and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) in the amount of $138,011.  Are there any questions or comments?   

Libby stated last years for CHDO we set aside $71,989 and it was not requested.  We will be coming to you with a request from Great Plains Improvement Foundation that last years funds plus this years be provided for their project.  

Mayor Purcell asked are there any questions or comments.  Next is the CHDO operations for $23,996.  Are there any questions.  Seeing none we all agree that portion will be approved.  Now we will move to the Public Services.  We are limited to 15% of CDBG money and this years funding is $128,372.  We hope to get the extra $230,000 stimulus money and if we do there will be an additional 15% for Public Services or $34,500.  This is about half the shortfall.  The request this year was in the amount of $198,000 and we have $128,000 to give.  We will go in order and first is the Counseling Assistance Project, Christina Family Counseling Center.  Recommended amount is $18,625.  

Behr stated I’ m Charlie Behr the Executive Director of the Christian Family Counseling Center.  When you talk about shifting $1,000 here and $1,000 there you are talking about shifting opportunities that are available to help people in need in your community.  Since the program began we have provided about 5,000 hours of professional counseling by master leveled licensed mental health counselors.  We are billed just for the session provided.  For each hour we provide counseling we bill CDBG $50 and our cost is $74. For group sessions we bill CDBG $20 and our cost is $48.  Talking a $1,000 from our projects means about twenty hours of service will not be provided.  This is approximately two families we will have to say no to.  Your funds enable us to say yes.  We have received hundreds of thank you notes from clients that CDBG funds have specifically helped.  You have been gracious each year in your funding.  I would ask you consider the changes you make and that you realize what a $1,000 shift means.  Thanks you.  

Drewry asked are you noticing with the economy you are getting more calls.  

Behr stated yes.  There are a number of things that has affected us over the last four or five years to increase the services we provide.  This certainly applies to this particular group that need help at no cost.  

Shanklin asked do you provide food or clothing for these individuals.  

Behr stated no just counseling sessions.    

Shanklin asked how many families will you help this year.  

Behr stated we have helped thirty-three families with the $20,000 you allocated.  

Shanklin asked what is the total budget for the center.

Behr stated $500,000.  

Haywood asked do you contact different agencies to help with rent and clothing.  

Behr stated yes.  We certainly help those who may have a specific issue to deal with.  We help them get in touch other agencies who can provide the kind of support needed.  We are not setup to help with those issues.  The United Way Redbook is a wonderful resource and we certainly use it as well as other resources to get them in contact with an agency that can provide those services.  

Haywood asked do you have an agency in Duncan.

Behr stated yes.  The funds that come through CDBG are only for those who reside within the city limits of Lawton.  

Shoemate asked to you help our young people from single parent home who attend school.  

Behr stated yes.  The thirty-three families we helped this year 48% are coming for some type of family counseling.  Almost 50% of those are from a single parent home.   

Mayor Purcell asked are there any other questions for Mr. Behr.  Thank you.  Next is Creating Lasting Family Connections Catholic Charities.  I would like to point out several years ago the Counsel made the decision that each year we would allocate up to 20% for new agencies.  This agency falls into that category.  Twenty percent is $25,674.  Their request is under that 20% limit.  

Smith stated I’ m Kay Smith, the Associate Director of Child and Family Services with Catholic Charities.  Creating Lasting Family Connections has been in existence since 1989.  It has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the US Government and the US Department of Justice as a model program.  It was originated as a substance abuse program targeted at adolescents, but research has shown over time it is very effective in reducing juvenile delinquents, gang affiliation and related bad juvenile behaviors.  We want to bring this to the Villa Nova because 100% of the families that live in that public house are low income.  The cost of training three facilitators was about the same as bring the developer to Lawton and training fifteen.  The other twelve could be other programs or governmental authorities. This is an opportunity for Lawton to have a widespread community program that wouldn’ t just apply to Villa Nova, but it would benefit the entire community.  Once the training is done the only on going cost is the cost of the materials, which is a relative minor cost. The $17,500 is not the entire cost of the program.  Catholic Charities portion of that cost is about $30,000.  Our idea is to bring the program to this city where the whole city could benefit.  The ultimate goal at Villa Nova is to stabilize housing and reduce the eviction rate.  The program is community based, family orientated, and designed to strengthen the relationship between the families and their children.  

Shanklin asked are you going to be domiciled in the apartment complex on Columbia.

Smith stated Catholic Charities would offer that programming at Villa Nova to some of the facilitators that will be trained.  The other twelve can offer this program anywhere else within the city.  

Shanklin asked what is your budget for Lawton.  

Smith stated about $239,000.  We provide counseling, long term case management services and emergency financial assistance.  This program is a very small part of what goes on in Lawton.  

Shanklin asked how do you generate your funding.  

Smith stated primarily private donations.  We did receive some funding from United Way last year and this year.  We received a grant from the In As Much Foundation for direct emergency financial assistance and $10,000 came to Lawton.  We are using this for utilities and rental assistance.  

Wells asked what coordination is there among agencies.  You offer substance abuse and so does Lawton Ft. Sill Collation.  You offer counseling and so does Lawton Christian Counseling.  How do we coordinate all those activities or do we.  

Smith stated the agencies in Lawton is part of what is called a “continuum of care”.  The goal is not to duplicate any services.  One of Catholic Charities strengths is case management for families.  We help low income families put together the pieces by referring to lots of other agencies.  Our focus is to increase family stability in the Villa Nova public housing complex.  The opportunity exist for the community to use that and lots of other settings with the goal of reducing those adolescence behaviors and substance abuse issues which are listed in your top ten priorities.  Adolescence substance abuse is number one.  I agree duplication of services is not what we are hoping to do.  

Wells stated Columbia Square is beautiful compared to a few years ago.  If it continues to look this good due to programs like this it will be wonderful.  

Haywood asked who refers the clients to you.  

Smith stated we get referrals from all over.  They may see an ad in a phone book, another partner, the housing authority, and community committees.  The direct financial assistance is typically on a walk in bases where an individual will just walk in with at past due bill and ask for assistance.  Long term case management clients come in on a weekly basis up to one year. We help them do budgeting and get access to other services that are available in the community.  When we started in Lawton we started as a counseling agency.  Now we are focused on overall family stability with the major goal of creating housing stability.  

Haywood asked what about jobs how do you help with that.  

Smith stated we help with the job search.  If they need clothing or shoes for that job we help with that also.  Our goal is to help people find jobs.  If that means driving them to the interview, helping to complete the job application, whatever they need we are there to help.  

Haywood stated so you provide clothing for the interview.

Smith stated yes and if you need a uniform we will help to purchase them.  This is done by the Family Hope Program.  We are like pieces of a puzzle and we have several pieces here in Lawton.  

Burk stated I believe it is very important not to duplicate services.  Using the Redbook is a good idea.  I think all these agencies are worthy for what they are asking.  The sad part is we have to take money from somebody, but I think you all do a great job.  

Mayor Purcell stated periodically all the group get together and work on not having duplications.  When there are duplications it is because they are dealing with different clients.  They work together so an individual cannot go to five different agencies to receive the same service.  

Haywood stated it is important this money is spent on low income individuals.  

Mayor Purcell stated correct.

Drewry stated you have done a great job with Villa Nova.  It is very impressive.  

Smith stated thank you.

Mayor Purcell stated next is the Delinquency Prevention or Teen Court.  

Frazier stated I’ m Marsha Frazier the Director of Teen Court.  Our program is about delinquency prevention. We have expanded our program this year to include elementary schools.  Each year our delinquents get younger and younger.  They are either involved in gang activity or entertaining the idea.  We have included them so we could educate them and make them aware of juvenile crime.  Hopefully this will help them to make better choices in the future.  We have spoken to four different elementary school for a total of 400 plus kids.  I believe half of those kids are low to moderate income families from single household environment.  I’ m asking if you receive the additional funds you will give us the $2,800 back.  This money would do our brochures and pamphlets we use to educate the younger children.  Are there any questions.

Haywood asked what ages are you dealing with.

Frazier stated between ten and eighteen.  

Shoemate stated Teen Court is young people presiding over other young people.  To see those kids in action will warm your heart.  I have never heard of anyone being upset over the sentence they were handed from Teen Court.

Frazier stated they understand this is their piers that is sentencing them.  They all come back and do jury duty or volunteer to the program to teach other kids the right road to go.  

Zarle asked do you get the parents involved.

Frazier stated yes.  They must have a parent with them when coming to court.  The parents are not required to do the educational program, but some do attend.  So the parents are definitely involved.  

Haywood asked have any of your individuals become doctors or lawyers.  

Frazier stated yes.  I can think of four off the top of my head.  One received a $90,000 scholarship to the a university in Georgia for law school.  

Wells asked did these four receive a sentence.  

Frazier stated no.  I haven’ t had a defendant to go to law school.  

Mayor Purcell asked are there any other questions.  Seeing none next is Hearts That Care the volunteer health clinic.  

Bartman stated I’ m Dr. Wendy Bartman.  We are surviving and we will whether you give us money or not.  We are thrilled to have been allocated $10,000.  Our entire program is volunteers.  We have no salaries and this is done from the goodness of our hearts.  These are hearts that care.  Your money is used to provide medications.  More than 90% of our clients are low income and over 90% of those are 200% poverty level.  We have been effected by individuals losing their jobs.  We have seen at least 900 individuals and some have visited us multiple times.  We have expanded our services to specialty clinics.  Two weeks ago we had a cardiologist, nephrologists, gynecologist, and an optometrist all volunteer their time to do specialty care.  Our services are for those who do not have the resources to pay for a doctor visit and can’ t even afford the sliding scare at another community clinic.  

Drewry asked how many local doctors are involved in the program.

Bartman stated ten.  We have at least six family doctors, physician assistants or nurse practitioners who help us each time.  Last year we were able to get $300,000 in medicine from the drug companies programs.  

Shoemate asked what is the $10,000 go for.  Our church has a free dental lab and it is all volunteers.  

Bartman stated the money is used for medications and the clinic is also all volunteers. We have a pharmacy in our clinic.  Often we have clients come in that were seen at the emergency room but couldn’ t afford the medication they were to be taking.  We will provide that medication.

Shoemate asked does the pharmaceutical companies help with you medications.  

Bartman stated yes and most the doctors in town give us samples.  

Mayor Purcell stated so most of your medications are donation, but there are some you must purchase.  

Bartman stated yes.  Certain drugs don’ t have a program so we have to provide that medication.  

Haywood stated I’ m behind you 100%.  Did this use to be with the Great Plains Improvement Foundation.  

Bartman stated yes, but once we received our 401C3 we separated from the Foundation.  

Shoemate asked when are you opened.

Bartman stated the first and third Thursdays.  Patients sign up between 10:00 and noon and  Doctors see them from 6:00 until we are done.  The pharmacy opens then too.

Wells asked you stated you have specialty care now.  Are some of our doctors willing to take these patients on a volunteer basis.  

Bartman stated yes.  We are trying to get them to come down every quarter and then we will work to get the medications they need.  

Wells stated so you can refer your clients to a specialist.

Bartman stated yes.  

Drewry stated we thank you for all you do.  

Bartman stated thank you for your support.

Mayor Purcell next is the Lawton Ft. Sill Community Collation Education Wichita Mountains Prevention Network.  

Barnes stated I’ m Lisa Barnes the Executive Director of the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network.  I have three of our teen interns with me tonight to speak to you. We do strictly prevention and education.  We use your funding for staff time.  This pays a quarter of the coordinator’ s salary and for eighteen teens who provide this program for the City.  Each teen signs a contract and must perform the contract.  They have to perform a certain number of hours.  It is based on research and model programs through SAMSA, HERSA, The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.  We have twenty years of experience in the City of Lawton providing prevention programs.  Wichita Mountains Prevention Network serves fifteen counties.  Other than big grants that we receive the only other fund for the Lawton Office is $5000 we receive from United Way. Your funding has helped us to fine tune and tailor this program exactly for low income kids.  My request is for you to please honor the original recommendation.  Our application was rated the highest of all.  The reason given at the City Planning Commission to take from us and Christian Family Counseling was duplication of services.  The City of Lawton Teen Intern program is unique.  No one else is doing a program like this.  This is a model for others within the State to look at.  The interns are from local high schools within the City and I’ ll let them introduce themselves.  

White stated my name is Vartil White and I’ m a Junior at MacArthur High School.  Our program helps a lot of people.  We have three different groups that teach three different trainings on substance abuse, violence and under age drinking.  We have groups that go out in the community and help.  Due to our volunteer work we have helped over 3,000 people this year.  We have about 100 hours of training.  We are all dedicated and truly committed to helping our community, our country and our piers.  

Davis stated I’ m Jarmar Davis and I’ m a Junior at Lawton High School.  The teen intern program has helped me work with others, make new friends from different school, and to become a better person.  This program has changed my life by helping me with speaking in public.  It has influenced me to talk well with my piers and I would encourage my people to get involved.  

White stated I’ m Charel White and I attend MacArthur High School.  I’ m going to give you three statistic from the OPNA 2008 survey.  Sixty-nine percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, 44% will have tried cigarettes, and 29% will have used and tried marijuana.  Those may just be numbers taken in a survey to you, but to me those are students, friends and faces I see in the hallway everyday.  This makes me think of my family.  My family tries to keep me in line, but I can always go to them when I need to talk.  Not all students have this opportunity.  Not all students have the backing they need to receive an education and the support to keep them from turning to gangs and substance abuse.  This is where the teen intern program comes in.  The program provides keys to teens and the community for you to use in your life.  

Mayor Purcell stated I would like to thank the teen interns for their great presentation. Do we have any questions for Barnes.  

Barnes stated give me enough staff and allow me to train them then allow me to have every 9 ^th grader in the Lawton Public Schools for one week in the summer I’ ll drop your numbers.  

Haywood stated I appreciate what you do.  I look at those interns and say thank you for a job well done.  

Shoemate stated if all your kids are like the three that spoke you have my support.  

Barnes stated all seventeen are just like these guys.  

Mayor Purcell stated thank you.  Next is Marie Detty Family Counseling Center and New Directions Women Shelter.

Owens stated I’ m Diane Owens Executive Director of Marie Detty Youth and Family Services. We have requested funding for New Directions Domestic Violence Women Shelter.  This program provides vital services to the Lawton community and frankly I don’ t know where we would be without it.  The program Director, Ms. Stout, is with me tonight to provide first hand information on our services.  The budget for the program is $360,000 and we receive this funding from two sources.  That is $60,000 short of meeting our needs.  The money we receive from CDBG is a tremendous help.  Thank you for your support.  

Stout stated I’ m Lea Stout the Program Director of New Directions.  We are a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter.  We have a Case Manager that works with our client on a daily basis.  We make sure when a client leave they have somewhere to go, a job, and life skills to care for themselves.  Our clients receive classes on how to repair their credit, nutrition, parenting, help them to fill out a resume and how to present themselves in an interview.  We also have a youth advocate that works with the children.  Not all issues are domestic violence or sexual assault related.  One young lady came in and at the age of 3 she weighed 120 pounds.  Her mother didn’ t understand the nutrition she needed.  We got her into a doctor and a nutritionist and by the time she left she had lost 20 pounds.  The Lawton Public Schools are gracious and pick up our kids before anyone else so other don’ t know they live at the shelter.  We have a counsel and you don’ t have to be a resident to get counseling.  Our sexual assault program responds twenty-four hours a day seven days a week to the SANE Center.  SANE is a  sexual assault nurse examiner.  There is a separate building from the hospital that the police department, our advocate and a nurse goes to do the exam to maintain their privacy.  This is an extremely difficult exam to go through.  The exam takes about two hours.  We will go to court with them, help them to fill out a protective order, to go see a Judge, and lot of community education.  We want to make sure our information gets out to everyone.  Ninety-five percent of our clients are extremely low income.  We provide our clients with clothing, food, and beds and furniture that has been given graciously by the community.  Are there any questions.  

Mayor Purcell stated thank you.  Next is Shelter Operations C Carter Crane.  

Spencer stated I’ m Virginia Spencer the Executive Director of the Great Plains Improvement Foundation.  We operate numerous programs such as our housing program and C Carter Crane Homeless Shelter.  Betty Caldwell the Director of Carter Crane is with me tonight and will answer any questions you have about the operation of the shelter.  

Caldwell stated I’ m Betty Caldwell the director of Carter Crane Homeless Shelter.  We are seeing more and more children at the age of eighteen wanting a place to stay.  DOC would like to place individuals coming out of prison, wearing an ankle bracelet, in our shelter due to prisons being overcrowded.  We are looking into working with some of these inmates.  We help our clients to get picture ID’ s and social security cards.  These are things you must have in order to get a job.  I would like to say thanks for all the support you have given to the shelter.  

Mitchell asked can you tell us what part of your work load or clients come from the county versus the city. Do you have any idea.  The reason I’ m asking I’ m curious if the County Commissioners support your program.  

Caldwell stated no they County doesn’ t fund us.  

Haywood asked has the shelter ever had any problems.  

Caldwell stated very rarely do we have to call the police.  

Haywood asked do the Lawton Public Schools pick up your kids first also.

Caldwell stated yes.

Haywood stated homeless is not a shelter problem it is a City of Lawton problem. I want to thank you for your work.  

Burk stated you guys do a great job and I support you 100%.  

Shoemate asked do the business in town help in the way of food and so forth.

Caldwell stated we purchase our food from the regional Oklahoma City Food Bank. People do drop off almost every day and after banquets we will receive the left overs.  

Wells stated you have a wonderful program and I support all of them.

Mayor Purcell asked are there any other questions.  Seeing none I would like to say they are all well deserving.  To me this is the hardest part of the budget because all we have is 15%.  Once we hear something on the stimulus money we will have an extra $34,500. That is a 50% increase of the short fall.  Now lets talk about what is in column K.  

    Shanklin stated staff has worked hard and this is one of the few times somebody didn’ t get left out completely.  

     Motion by Shanklin, Second by Hanna, to accept what staff has presented.  

Wells stated again I would like to recommend if we get the $34,000 that $7,000 go back to the two agencies.  I would like for Libby to have that guidance.  

Mayor Purcell stated a decision will be made when it comes back before Counsel.  Which two are you referring to.  

Wells stated Christian Family Counseling Center and Lawton Ft. Sill Collation.  

Mayor Purcell asked are you saying if we receive the additional $34,000 they be brought back to staff proposal level.  

Wells stated yes.

Mayor Purcell stated this is just guidance for them and they may do more.  

Haywood stated I appreciate what you are doing, but I want to recommend that all agencies be looked at in the same way.

Mayor Purcell stated Counsel can make that decision once we receive the additional money.  Is there any other discussion.

Mayor Purcell stated that item passes eight to zero.  Thanks to everyone for coming tonight. Before you leave I would like for the Chief of Police to come up and make an announcement.

Smith stated last night around 11:00 p.m. we arrested a murder suspect in the little boys killing.  He is in custody along with a material witness.  We are getting the paperwork ready for the D.A.  The D.A.’ s office, multi-county drug task force, Snyder Police Department, Gang Unit, Detective Division, and several others went to Snyder to make the arrest.   

Mayor Purcell stated we would like to thank the police department and everyone that was involved in this.  They have been working 24/7 since the incident.  

Haywood asked is the alleged suspect from Lawton.

Smith stated yes, but he hangs around Snyder.  His name is Maurice Tubbs and they call him Mo Tubbs.

Wells asked did we have support from the community.

Smith stated yes.  We received a Crime Stoppers tip and this got the ball rolling.  We made it clear they could either be a defendant or a witness.  

Wells stated I’ m just thankful citizens got involved.

Haywood stated there are lots of people upset about this to include gang members.  

Smith stated yes and I believe this incident spurred a lot of our violence last week.  

The Mayor and Council recessed at 7:43 p.m. and then reconvened in regular, open session at approximately 7:52 p.m. with roll call reflecting members present.

2.    Consider receiving a presentation by the Parks and Recreation Department on the topic of     a three-year development plan for Lake Lawtonka and Lake Ellsworth.  Exhibits: None.

Shahan stated we will be starting preparation for this years budget and prior to do so I would like to show you our goals at Lake Lawtonka and Lakes Ellsworth for the next three years.  I have given you a packet to follow along with.  After the presentation I will be glad to answer any questions you may have.  I’ m now asking for money tonight or for you to make a decision tonight.  This information is for your review and when we are doing the budget you will know what I’ m referring to.  Page three is an overview of what we will be covering tonight.  Page four, five and six shows a map of Robinsons Landing and the improvements that were made with the $50,000 that was appropriated in last years budget.  All this work was done in-house.  There are twenty-five RV sites with electrical and water that will be for rent starting this season.  We will be partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife on this project.  In the financials it will show what portions will come from ODWC.  The financial would be requested in the budget for the next three year, ODWC, and the 2012 CIP.  I will show you the projection of the entire project being paid for in five years.  I would like for us not to renew the concessions at Fisherman Cove due to this project and also it has become an eye sore.    

Shahan stated page seven states why we are requesting additional lodging accommodations.  The Lawton/Ft. Sill area is fortunate to have two regional lakes.  With additional lodging accommodations a great non-local population will visit the Wichita Mountain recreational areas.  Overnight lodging in the region of the lakes is practically non-existent.  Staff believes with property planning and marketing Lake Lawtonka could support family style cabins for rent.  The view of the Wichita Mountains in the background is as beautiful as any resort site in Oklahoma.  With the growing interest of tourism in Medicine Park region, cabin sites on the north-east side of Lake Lawtonka would be ideal for weekend retreats for families, fishermen, and traveling tourists during all seasons of the year.  With the growing population of interest in the Elgin Community, additional cabins, RV sites and the development of a golf course on the east side of Lake Ellsworth would be a great addition of recreational services to our lakes.  This would be a one-way in and one-way out operation.  We would take bids to have a concession operation bring the cabin in and set it up.  We would have to set the specs for the kind of cabin we would want.  

Shahan stated page eight shows a site plan for Lake Lawtonka Development and page nine shows the first year financial needs.  The initial cost for development will be $134,000 for gravel roads, utilities to include electric and water, twelve site pads and ground maintenance.  Each site will include a 12’  x 44’  concrete pad, 20’  x 24’  gravel parking area, 100 amp electric service, frost free water hydrant, 500 gallon self-contained sewer storage tank and picnic table, grill and fire ring.  On pages ten through fourteen you will see picture of the modular cabins.  These cabins are on wheels and we would skirt around the lower portion to give them the cabin look.  Modular means they are mobile and not a permanent structure.  We are requesting to begin at the shoreline of the day use area.  

Shahan stated page fifteen shows the financial needed in the second year.  The total cost of development for this year is $210,000 minus the $50,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.    In the second year we will develop the resort area at Lake Lawtonka to include converting the current day use area into thirty RV camp sites, utilities to include electric 100 amps and water hook up per site, site pads that are 10’  x 40’ , new restroom facility which is 75% funded by ODWC, sanitation dump and lift station, and a new day use swimming and picnic area.  The request for the 2010-2011 budget would be $160,000.  

Shahan stated page sixteen is the financial for the third year.  The total cost would be $285,00 minus the $70,000 from ODWC.  This request for the 2011-2012 budget is $215,000.  This would include an additional thirty RV camp sites, utilities including 100 amps and water hookup per site, 10’  x 40’  site pads, an additional twelve cabins site pads that are 12’  x 44’ , ADA fishing marina, 400’  jetty east of White Bluff Point-Rip-Rap, new boat ramp, boat dock, hard surface roadway and hard surface parking.  This also shows the portion of what ODWC would contribute.  

Shahan stated page seventeen show the total contribution from ODWC.  ODWC is specific in nature because it must be associated with fishing.  It must be part of the process to assist angles with their activities on the lakes whether it be restroom facilities, road access, boat access and those type of things.  Their total contribution would be $120,000 to Lake Lawtonka.  There grant is 75% with a 25% match and that 25% is through in-kind services.  There is no direct money cost to the City of Lawton.  

Shahan stated page eighteen gives you a little background on the financial structure for these cabin sites.  For the twelve cabins at Lake Lawtonka, based on our research, we would generate $129.00 a night for weekends during the summer and $69.00 for weekdays.  The winter rates would be $89.00 per weekend nights and $49.00 per weekday nights.  Page nineteen show the projected summer month source of income at Lake Lawtonka.  These number are based on assumption of 50% occupancy.  During the summer you have twelve cabins, twenty-six weekends, with three nights rental per weekend, at $129.00 per night brings you to $120,744.  For the same twelve cabins, the same twenty-six weeks, four nights rental per weekday, at $69.00 per night gives you $103,428.00.  During the winter you have the same twelve cabins, twenty-six weeks, three nights per weekend, $89.00 per night brings you to $84,304.00.  Winter weekdays is twelve cabins, twenty-six weeks, four nights rental per weekday, $49.00 per night gives you $72,228.00.  So a total from the summer and winter months at 50% occupancy would generate $175,656.00.  Looking at page twenty-two you will see after all the income and expenses from the twelve cabins at 50% occupancy the city would generate $23,112.  

Shahan stated page twenty-three shoe the three year development plan.  You see the first year for the 2009-2010 budget we would request $134,000, the second year 2010-2011 we would request $160,000 and in the third year 2011-2012 budget we would request $231,000.  A total project cost over the three would for Lake Lawtonka would be $525,000.  Looking at page twenty-four you will see the project income over a five year period.  We believe after all the improvements are made in this three years period the project will generate $126,486 a year based and would pay itself off in five years.  At the present time your camping operations generates $170,000.  

Shahan stated page twenty-five starts our plans for Fitherman’ s Cove at Lake Ellsworth. We would ask that you not renew the contract for Fisherman’ s Cove so we could develop that area.  This contract is renewal in 2013 and if we initiate this plan this would allow those who live around the area to make plans for moving to a new location.  The Fisherman’ s Cove concession generates $1,250 a year for the City of Lawton.  There is also 400 acres that has a baling lease and it generates $4,900 a year.  This contract will expire in 2010 and we would ask this contract not be renewed so we could use it in our development.  Page twenty-six is the site map of the area and what we would like to propose.  We have vision of developing lakeshore cabins with a golf course.  

Shahan stated page twenty-seven show you the Lake Ellsworth Plan.  Part I is new restroom facilities at Fisherman’ s Cove, new boat ramp with boating/fishing dock, access road and parking to boat ramp/dock, and swimming/beach area. The total cost for Part I is $265,00.  The ODWC grant would be for $73,750 so our portion would run $191,250. Part II is new restroom facility at Ralphs’  Report, hard surface roadway to boat ramp, hard surface parking area and ADA walkway to boat dock, and precast concrete self-contained restroom at Collier Landing.  The total cost for Part II is $148,600 with $97,200 being the ODWC grant bring out total to $51,400.  Part II is twelve modular cabin sites, roads, and utilities.  Total cost is $101,700.  Par IV is the Lake Shore Golf Course which is a eighteen hole course with a club house.  Total for all four parts is $226,860 and we would request this funding in the 2012 CIP.  

Shahan stated the total project cost to the three year development plan for Lake Lawtonka and Lake Ellsworth would be $751,850.  We have a view that is like no other in the State of Oklahoma and we have not maximized it.  We haven’ t developed it to what the population of people are looking for whether it be fishing, recreation or just make it look good.  I believe it would be exciting to take this land and put together something that we could sale to others.  There are a lot of components to this idea.  I’ m not asking for anything at this time, but I’ m looking at what can be done that could be more beneficial to the City of Lawton.  Parks and Recreation did not receive any money from the last CIP so I’ m attempting to show you what we would like to see in the 2012 CIP.  Lake Ellsworth is very important because the ODWC is willing to spend $300,000 on this lake. In the CIP I would be requesting $226,850 to assist with this project.  Overall I would be asking for about $500,000 in 2012 coming from two different funding mechanisms.  I don’ t believe what we are requesting is over cumbersome.  We feel this is a true enterprise plan with the lakes.  The Lakes and Land Commission endorses this 100%. They believe it is a great concept and a great way to get started.  

Shanklin stated in 1990 or 1995 there was a gentleman from OSU that came and did a survey and stated that we were over saturating our lakes with people.  

Shahan stated you are referring to Mr. Kennedy who was the Director of Health and Physical Education at Oklahoma State University.  In 1961 there was a development plan for Lake Ellsworth and it is close in association with what we are wanting to do now. Lots of things were planned but the progressive thoughts weren’ t kept.  

Shanklin stated it makes me sick to see what we spent on the new restrooms at School House Slough.  

Shoemate stated you have done a beautiful job, but we are going to be right back into the same situation where we have nothing but trailers out there.  I’ m concerned about being so many feet away from the water and dumping into our water supple.  Our restrooms facilities at Robinson Landing and School House Slough are well within 75’  of the water. I didn’ t see anything on docks and ramps at Robinsons Landing.  I love the modular homes and I would like you to meet with the Comanche Nations Economic Development to see if we could stir their interest on doing all this.  I’ m against the boat and yacht clubs having gated communities there.  A handful of people control a large part of the shoreline.  These clubs keep it locked and you can’ t get in like it was their back yard. That concerns me.  I love the modular and this plan is great.  We have the ugliest lakes in Oklahoma.  They look like trailer city.  

Shahan stated I assure you we researched what was allowed by the State of Oklahoma for us to do this development and we are directly associated with ODWC and they will not provide funding for any project that isn’ t meeting the requirements.  

Shoemate asked could we do the same thing at School House Slough that you are talking about doing with Robinsons and Ralph’ s Resort.  Their contract will expire December 31 ^st.  

Shahan stated no they have a twenty year contract.

Jensen stated they don’ t have a full twenty year contract.  They have a five year contract with options to renew at the blessing of the City Council.  

Drewry stated this looks great and I love the modular homes.  I do have concern about all the trailer houses.  Will they be gone.  The modular homes won’ t ruin the look of the lake like the trailers do.  I’ m also concerned because I know people are throwing waste in the water.  We need to come up with a huge fine for those caught doing so.  

Shahan stated     Council has a contract with concession operators and the clubs that has given them the right to do what they are doing.  They pay rent based on those contracts. If you removed all the trainers what would the recreation purpose of that property be.  

Shoemate stated I’ m not suggesting you remove them I believe they need to be moved away from the shoreline.  How much are we making on the lease of the yacht club? Was it $321.  

Jensen stated I don’ t remember the amount, but it has never been high enough.  

Drewry stated if you replace the trailers with the modular homes it will look like a campsite.  We have destroyed the look of the lake with the trailers.  

Shahan stated the property area I’ m talking about developing you want see the modular homes.  It is further north and down in the wooded area.  What you are seeing is contracted concession operations sites that have developed what was approved by Council.  

Burk stated I’ m a supporter of all you do.  The biggest thing we have to think about is our future at the lakes.  I know first handed Fisherman’ s Cove is a dump.  Most of the trailers out there are empty with broken windows.   It looks terrible.  Looking back across to the mountains is beautiful and I think this is a progressive idea.  We need to try and put our arms around this idea.  I believe the development is a great and it is good to invest into ourselves.  This is a good way to generate income and it will pay itself off.  I commend you for a wonderful plan.  

Drewry stated with all the things the Wildlife Refuge is doing this goes right into it.  

Haywood stated would these be permanent homes.

Shahan stated no.  These are wheeled modular homes just like a trailer.  They will have skirting which gives them a complete different look.  

Haywood asked will we move them around.

Shahan stated no.  

Haywood stated I love what you are doing.  You are being progressive and you have my blessings.  

Wells stated for the last five to ten years all you read about is all the state lakes resorts losing money and they are selling because they are not successful.  I assume you have reason to think we can be successful where other cannot.  

Shahan stated I believe it has to do what the things they have developed.  They have spent millions of dollars on a structure and providing recreational sites and services to families is a completely different concept.  Even in our economic times the public still wants to have recreation.  If we can create the elements they are looking for then they will stay at our lakes.  

Wells stated I hope you are right.

Haywood stated Medicine Park/Lake Lawtonka is a gold mine if we take advantage of it. It is a resort that people take don’ t take advantage of.  When I say gold mine I’ m talking about recreation and other things.  

Shoemate stated the Comanche Nation was looking at developing Eagle Park and since it has fell through I would like to visit with you and them about putting these homes to make a recreational facility to help attract people.  

Mayor Purcell asked are there any other comments.  This is a great progressive plan and that is what we need.  If you look at page twenty-three you show the third year as $231,000 and on page sixteen you show the third year as $215,000.  Is there a reason for the difference or just an error.  

Shahan stated it was probably a typo.  

Mayor Purcell stated you need to look at this because it might save you $16,000.  Are there any other comments.  

Coffer stated my name is Larry Coffer with the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Shahan mentioned the funding that is available for about half of the project.  We participated in the Lake Helen project and are very proud of the project.  I want to address a couple of your concerns.  First the money that was spent on the restrooms at Lake Lawtonka was to control effluent in the proper way and move it away from the lakes to make sure it was contained in the right way.  We spent the money to get state of the arc facilities.  Second we share your concerns about angler access around the land.  I think the key is control development and make sure things move forward, but in the right way. I want to mention we did a report on Lake Lawtonka and the water quality on the lake is better now than it was thirty years ago partially because of containing the effluent that goes into the lake.  We are satisfied we have done the right things for previous projects and we will do so on this project.  I appreciate the help of Shahan and his staff in working with us to make the qualify of life in southwest Oklahoma better.  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife wants to spend their money to make fishing and boating a big part for the future and we hope you support this project.  

There being no further business to consider, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. upon motion, second and roll call vote.

    _____ /s/ John P. Purcell________________

JOHN P. PURCELL, JR., MAYOR

ATTEST:

____ /s/ Traci Hushbeck_________________

TRACI HUSHBECK, CITY CLERK