Property cleanups and money — in the forms of library construction financing and tax incentives — were the major topics at the Guymon City Council meeting Thursday evening.
Firstly, USDA representative John R “Rick” Dewitt read over the grant paperwork being offered to finance construction of a new Guymon Public Library to the tune of nearly $4.5 million. The funding is offered through the ARRA stimulus program. He added this was an excellent way to fund library construction since there was rarely this amount offered.
Councilman Randy Hinds asked why this fell under the Guymon Utilities Authority when the library was clearly not a utility? He was told that only the GUA can incur long-term debt; that the City of Guymon is limited to one-year contracts.
In additional library news, during public comments, Library Director Rachel Sides revealed that the library had been given an extra $1,000 in the Spanish language grant. Also, volunteer Carol Strecker, who headed the summer reading program, reported that 909 children had participated and had read for 75, 225 minutes, while lamenting the fact that the program cannot be held at the existing library and the lost opportunities for additional reading when the books are at hand.
Of particular interest to councillors was a presentation by Johnathan Russell of Land Run Commercial Real Estate advisors, who requested the panel consider offering a 50 percent tax rebate to new businesses the firm would bring in as tenants after their renovation of the existing Homeland building.
In his example, he said if the city sales tax was 4 percent, then new businesses would pay just 2 percent to the city and the remaining 2 percent would go to his firm, which would allow rents to be kept low. The incentive is typically phased out after 5 years.
He said did not want to touch the existing tax base, just spur interest in new development. Russell also said Clinton offered incentives to existing businesses who expand by 25 percent or more. City Manager Ted Graham said he was sure Lumber Mart would fall into that category.
Councilman Hinds stated he started out against the proposal as it sounded like just another government subsidy, which he adamantly opposes. However, he noted, that he did see that this might help attract new businesses to town.
All of the councilmen requested additional information, especially the Clinton structure for new and existing businesses. Graham noted that the town is similar in size and faces similar issues as Guymon and the program works well there.
Breaking ground in another area, the council voted to waive the $129 building permit fee for the Leadership Guymon 2010 class project for a directory building at Elmhurst Cemetery.
Cleaning up properties became much easier for Code Enforcement Office John Shaffer as ordinances appointing him as a hearing officer and a health officer considerably reduces the red tape required to get a property back within code — be it weeds, debris, or vermin.
Main Street Guymon director Jeff Wagner requested the council pass a resolution voicing continued support of the Oklahoma Main Street Center, which is an annual requirement of the program. Hinds asked if the resolution implied they were paying the requested fund $30,000. Wagner said no. The council approved the resolution.
Wagner also told the council that the state’s 3-day historic preservation conference would be held here in Guymon in June 2011, and attendance is required throughout the state Main Street programs. He added that because of our proximity, similar groups in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado had also expressed interest in attending. The event also serves as continuing education for architects and archeologists and, with the Black Mesa availability, expectations are for a high turnout.
Again citing the location, Wagner said events were being planned both before and after the conference since many would add two travel days to their trip. Councilman Ryan Bellew asked about holding a golf tournament to help increase revenue for Sunset Hills Golf Course. Hinds quipped he certainly enjoyed playing golf at the conferences he attends.
Council accepted a $148,099 US Department of Transportation grant for The Ride, the city’s public transit system, which now operates 9 buses.
Council also agreed to pay $140,650.36 for south side paving and $30,600 for the building canopy for the Guymon Enterprise Center that was destroyed in the March ’09 blizzard. Construction on the canopy began Thursday and should be completed by the weekend or early next week, Graham added.
To help further speed clean up of abated properties, council accepted the bid of TD Enterprises for mowing, clean up and removal of grass, weeds, trash and debris on abated property. Shaffer noted there were two bids this year, double the number from last year.
Council also authorized Public Works Director Ivan Clark and Streets Director Lloyd Boles to advertise for bids on the street seal coat project. Clark explained the goal was to seal coat about 100 blocks per year on a 10-year cycle. Did you know there are roughly 88 miles of streets in town?
Council also agreed to pay $44,057.45 for water supply system improvements, which is close to finishing up the 2008 project and $40, 415.40, for 2009 water improvements.
In new business, Councilman William King suggested businesses be sent a letter requesting donations for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks.
