HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981.10.06_City Council MinutesOn Tuesday, October 6, 1981, the Owasso City Council met in regular session in
the Council Chambers at City Hall, per the Notice of Public Meeting and Agenda
posted on City Hall bulletin board at 10:30 AM on October 2, 1981, and by re-
ference is made a part hereof.
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER.
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM with Mayor Spencer presiding.
ITEM 2 - FLAG SALUTE.
Flag salute was. led by Mayor Spencer.
ITEM 3 - SEATING AND SWEARING IN OF LYLE L. WASSERMAN FROM WARD 1.
ITEM 4 - SEATING AND SWEARING IN OF JOHN D. STADLER FROM WARD 2.
Mr. Wasserman and Mr. Stadler were given the Oath of Office by the City Attorney
and seated on the Council. Their terms are to fill the unexpired terms created
by recall elections and will expire May 4, 1982.
ITEM 5 - ROLL CALL.
Present: Boyd Spencer, Mayor
Phyllis Gross, Councilwoman
James Smalley, Councilman
Lyle Wasserman, Councilman
John Stadler, Councilman
Kenneth Thompson, City Manager
Harold Charney, City Attorney
Wauhilleau Webb, City Clerk
Absent: None
ITEM 6 - ELECTION OF MAYOR.
Mr. Charney publicly read his legal opinion, which by reference is made a part
hereof, stating that in his opinion the election for Mayor is to be after a
general election and not after a recall election as the Mayor was not recalled.
Mr. Spencer read the minutes of 2Zay 5, 1981 where he was elected to fill a term
as Mayor to expire May 4, 1982. Mr. Spencer asked Mr. Charney if there were
any lawsuits would he be furnished with attorney fees and TZr. Charney responded
there is a possibility that in a court action he would be covered by the City
for attorney fees. Mrs. Gross commented that on May 5th we had no idea there
would be a recall election and the people have spoken and if there is a lawsuit
he would have to sue every voter. Mr. H. D. Hale addressed Mr. Spencer by com-
menting he knows he is an honorable man but he would not even be sitting on the
Council if it were not for a technicality and recommended and requested Mr.
Spencer to resign as Mayor. Mr. Charney commented to Mrs. Gross he is aware she
wants r4r. Spencer removed, and she responded the City needs a new mayor but she
thinks he would contribute to the Council.
Motion was made by Phyllis Gross, seconded by John Stadler, to appoint Lyle
Wasserman as Mayor.
Ayes - Messrs. Stadler and Wasserman and Mrs. Gross
Owasso City Council Page Two October 6, 1981
Nays - Mr. Spencer
Abstain - Mr. Smalley
Motion carried.
Mr. Spencer requested to go on record that he protests the appointment of a new
Mayor as it is not in compliance with the City Charter as the only way a Mayor
can 'oe removed is by recall or through the State laws before a grand jury or
before a jury for wrong doing or misappropriation of funds or doing things ille-
gally. He said he will see the Council in District Court and he is not resign-
ing or giving up the Mayor`s position.
ITEM 7 - ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by James Smalley, to appoint John
Stadler as Vice Mayor.
Ayes - Messrs. Spencer and Smalley
Nays - Messrs. Stadler and Wasserman and Mrs. Gross
Motion did not carry.
Motion was made by John Stadler, seconded by Lyle Wasserman, to appoint Phyllis
Gross as Vice Mayor.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman and Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - Messrs. Spencer and Smalley
Motion carried.
ITEM 8 - APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CITY CLERK.
Motion was made by Phyllis Gross, seconded by John Stadler, to appoint Bob Fugate
as Deputy City Clerk, with no additional compensation.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 9 - APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 1981 REGULAR MEETING.
Motion was made by Phyllis Gross, seconded by James Smalley, to approve Minutes
of September 15, 1981 regular meeting, and by reference are made a part hereof.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross """'`
Nays - None
Owasso City Council Page Three October 6, 1981
Motion carried.
ITEM 10 - APPEAL PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO DENY REZONING FROM IL
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL TO RHM MOBILE HOME.
Ms. Dickey, City Planner, explained this is the property where the mobile home
park always floods. She said it is in the hundred year and ten year flood
plain and the applicant has presented plans to correct the flooding but the
Planning Commission does not agree with the plans. Mr. Charney recommended
turning it to the City Engineer for his recommendation. Mr. H. D. Hale com-
mented if they wanted to spend enough money they can make it dry. Mr. Wasserman
recommended having the City Engineer meet with. applicant and give Council an
opinion.
Mr. Larkin, attorney for applicant, commented if we were rezoning it, it would
be necessary to amend the present ordinance but it is an existing mobile home
park. Mr. Larkin said for the purpose of record he would like his brief and
application which he has submitted to be made a part of the record tonight.
Motion was made by John Stadler, seconded by Phyllis Gross, to call a Special
Meeting on October 29, 1981, at 7:00 PM to consider Mr. Lloyd Kennedy's appli-
cation to appeal Planning Commission's recommendation to deny rezoning and to
hear report from City Engineer.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Stadler, Spencer, Smalley and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 11 - REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF FINAL PLAT FOR OWASSO OFFICE PARK
SUBDIVISION.
Ms. Dickey commented on Planning Commission's conditions such as waiving the
screening requirements along the South edge of the plat and filing of a site
plan for each parcel with the application for building permits.
Mr. Louis Levy, attorney representing Doctor's Hospital, said the property was
purchased by Doctor's Hospital to develop a medical clinic and in the meantime
the doctors have left town and "there went the clinic". He said they have
attempted to develop the property to benefit the City and Lot 1, Block 1, will
become property of the City of Owasso at the applicant's cost. McDonald's has
bought Lots 1, 2 and 3 of Block 2. He said they have been eighteen months in
getting to this point. Mr. Levy addressed the problem of providing the requested
eighty feet of right-of-way-on the South of their property. He said every time
they agree to a condition and come back *_o the Planning Commission they get new
conditions and some of the conditions, in his opinion, are unreasonable and they
have already met forty of the conditions. He stated they have. improved the
drainage and Mr. Stadler asked what they have done and was advised they have
straightened and widened the channel.
Owasso City Council Page Four October 6, 1981
Mr. Mansur commented the project is good for the City of Owasso but there are
several serious problems that need to be solved now, such as the title to the
street down to the South should be dedicated to the City. Mr. Mansur said in
regard to the eighty feet versus the fifty feet, we have a street that does not
fulfill proper standards, and access to 76th Street is critical.
Mr. Levy said they will rip up the street if the plat is not approved and the
property being sold to the City is also contingent upon the approval of this
plat.
Mrs. Gross asked Mr. Levy if this could be put off until the next Council meet-
ing and r1r. Levy said yest.
Mr. Stadler asked if they have tried to obtain the additional land and Mr. Levy
said they have obtained six feet from Pure Gold which is all that is available
and they can get ten or twelve feet from Mr. Willer for utility easements but
Mr. Miller will not sell them any additional land for the road. Condemnation
was mentioned and Mr. Hale commented if you are going to condemn a man's property
the man should be present.
.
Motion was made by John Stadler, seconded by Phyllis Gross, to continue approval
of conditional final plat for Owasso Office Park Subdivision to the October 20,
1981 agenda.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross ~ ~*
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 12 - REQUEST BY MR. H. D. HALE FOR COUNCIL TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO
MEET WITH HIM TO DISCUSS MUTUAL PROBLEMS.
It was agreed Mr. Wasserman and Mrs. Gross would meet with Mr. Hale on Novem-
ber 10th to discuss these problems. :1r. Hale asked the record to reflect we
are still authorizing negotiations and trying to settle out of court the con-
demnation suit. Mr. Charney commented we did agree we would not pursue with
the lawsuit although there was some action taken by another attorney, for which
Mr. Charney apologized.
ITEM 13 - REQUEST BY MR. CHARLES NORTON TO CHANGE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR PRI-
VATE CLUBS.
Mr. Norton requested the Council's approval for private club hours in Owasso to
comply with the State statutes which would allow him to stay open until 2:00 AM
seven days a week. Mr. Charney said Tulsa is changing their ordinance to com-
ply with the State law.
Motion was made by John Stadler, seconded by Phyllis Gross, to continue this
item until the City Attorney has time to read and check the new state law and '`""'"`
possibly draft an ordinance.
Owasso City Council Page Five October 6, 1981
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Stadler, Smalley and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 14 - REQUEST BY MR. CHARLES NORTON TO REMOVE NO PARKING SIGNS ON 83RD STREET
NnRTH FAST nF NTrNWAY 1hA_
Mayor Wasserman asked Chief Reyes for his opinion regarding these no parking signs
and Mr. Reyes said both he and David Wilson have no objection to the removal of
the signs. (After the meeting it was clarified that Chief Reyes intended to say
they did not object to the signs being removed on the North side of the street.)
Motion was made by Phyllis Gross, seconded by John Stadler, to remove the No
Parking signs on 83rd Street North, East of Highway 169.
Ayes - Messrs. Stadler and Wasserman and Mrs. Gross
Nays - Messrs. Spencer and Smalley
Motion carried.
ITEM 15 - CONSIDER BIDS FOR USED AMBULANCE.
r1r. Thompson said we have seen a couple of the ambulances for which we received
bids and recommended we send someone to Dallas to see the other units. Martin
St. Peter agreed we should look at the other units. Mr. Wasserman recommended
that Mr. St. Peter and the City Mechanic go to Dallas to see the units.
Motion was made by John Stadler, seconded by Phyllis Gross, to send Martin St.
Peter and Steve Reilly to Dallas to inspect the ambulances that were bid and
report back to Council their recommendation.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 16 - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.
Mr. Thompson informed Council we have six different quotes and as a result of
the employee survey the employees favored staying with Aetna.
Motion was made by James Smalley, seconded by John Stadler, to stay with Aetna,
our current carrier, with the same plan.
Ayes - Messrs. Stadler and Smalley
Nays - None.
Owasso City Council Page Six October 6, 1981
Abstain - Messrs. Wasserman and Spencer and Mrs. Gross
Motion carried.
ITEM 17 - REQUEST TO SELECT A CONSULTING ENGINEERING FIRM TO PERFORM ENGINEER-
ING SERVICES FOR CITY.
Motion was made by James Smalley, seconded by Phyllis Gross, to appoint Mansur-
Daubert-Williams as City Engineer.
Ayes - Messrs. Stadler, Smalley, Wasserman and Mrs. Gross
Nays - Mr. Spencer
Motion carried.
ITEM 18 - REQUEST TO LEASE CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR TARGET RANGE.
.,
Mr. Thompson felt there is a need for a target range for the Police Officers and
interested citizens but would recommend it be sanctioned by the National Rifle
Association. He commented noise would be a problem. Mr. Wasserman felt we do
need a target range but they should show the city how they plan to lay it out
and what our responsibility would be and what rules and regulations they would
have set up.
„ ,,~
Steve Reilly commented the City parks a lot of valuable equipment in that area
and the number of people going through there would have to be regulated as we
already have a problem with people entering the area.
Mr. Stadler said Mr. Barnes contacted him regarding the range and also talked
to Howard Stamper and they limit all firearms to hand guns and shotguns and to
members only which the Tulsa Police Department are all members. He felt we
would probably be sticking our necks out and we should only allow paper targets.
Mrs. Gross recommended seeing if it would be sanctioned by NRA and then have
proper plans presented to the Council. It was decided sanctioning and plans
should be brought to the City Manager then placed on the agenda at that time.
ITEM 19 - REQUEST FOR LOADING ZONE IN FRONT OF RYTHMIC MOTION DANCE STUDIO AT
7 NORTH MAIN.
Mr. Thompson recommended approving a twenty foot loading zone and Mr. Stadler
and Mrs. Gross questioned if we might be setting a precedent down Main. Street
by allowing this loading zone. Chief Reyes said they have a parking lot and he
would not recommend a loading zone.
Motion was made by Lyle Wasserman, seconded by John Stadler, to deny request
for a loading zone in front of Rythmic Motion Dance Studio at 7 North Main.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Stadler, Smalley and Mrs. Gross
..
Nays - None
Owasso City Council Page Seven October 6, 1981
Motion carried.
ITEM 20 - RECOMMENDATION FOR REVISED EMPLOYEE PAY PLAN.
Mr. Thompson explained this does not mean any pay increases it just gives us a
broader pay scale. He said the EMT has been eliminated as it is now in the Fire
Department.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by Lyle Wasserman, to approve revised
Employee Pay Plan as recommended by City Manager and which by reference is made
a part hereof.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 21 - REQUEST TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE FOR RECREA-
TION CENTER.
Mr..Thompson explained we have $4,000.00 in the Revenue Sharing budget for this
machine. Mr. Williams also commented we need to reseal the floor at the Recrea-
tion Center.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by John Stadler, to authorize adver-
tising for bids for a floor cleaning machine.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 22 - ORDINANCE N0. 311 AUTHORIZING USE OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN CITY ELECTIONS.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by Lyle Wasserman, to approve Ordi-
nance No. 311 authorizing use of absentee ballots in City elections, and by re-
ference is made a part hereof.
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by James Smalley, to approve Emergency
Clause to Ordinance No. 311.
Ayes - Messsrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Owasso City Council Page Eight October 6, 1981
Motion carried.
ITEM 23 - ORDINANCE N0. 312 REGULATING HOURS FOR PRIVATE CLUB OPERATION.
This item was stricken from the agenda as Item 13 replaces it.
ITEM 24 - PROGRESS REPORT ON IMPROVEMENTS TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT.
Mr. Thompson explained we are waiting for the County to come in with their hot-
mix equipment and we are at their mercy as it is free, except for the material,
so we can't be too demanding. He said the location is North of Ator Elementary
and the County promised they would get to it before winter. P4r. Spencer said
it has been over a year and a half. Mr. Stadler asked if the planned repair
will hold up under the trash trucks and Mr. Thompson replied he doubted it.
Mr. Stadler also questioned why it is the City's liability and Mr. Thompson said
he could not answer that question. Mr. Wasserman said we need a four inch over-
lay as two inches is not adequate. Mr. Charney also questioned why the City is
paying for the school's repairs. Mr. Wasserman directed the City Manager to
request the school to pay half of the repairs.
ITEM 25 - PROGRESS REPORT ON DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN 300 BLOCK OF NORTH BIRCH.
Mr. Williams said Dave Jacobs is under a verbal contract on this item but has
not completed it as of this date.
ITEM 26 - ORDINANCE REPEALING ALL SECTIONS OF CITY CODE WHICH CREATED THE DE-
PARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
Mrs. Gross commented she feels the people shodld have an opportunity to vote on
a change of this nature and it should be placed on a ballot. Mr. Smalley ques-
tioned what they are wishing to change and how will it affect the employees and
Mr. Wasserman explained the Police Chief will run the Police Department and the
Fire Chief will run the Fire Department and the Ambulance Department will be under
the Fire Department. He said the uniforms would change. Susan Young said she
is disappointed we are changing as it will be a great cost and the trend now is
to go into consolidation. It was discussed publicizing the costs of going into
the Department of Public Safety and the cost of going back to the individual
departments.
Mr. Thompson said if they have a separate Ambulance Department it will create a
new expense of approximately $80,000.00.
Mr. Charney said if we immediately repeal the ordinance creating the Department
of Public Safety we will be left without any law enforcement. Mr. Charney was
directed to have the ordinance prepared for the October 20th meeting.
ITEM 27 - APPROVE WARRANTS FOR PAYMENT.
Motion was made by Boyd Spencer, seconded by James Smalley, to approve Warrants
465 through 647, EXCEPT Warrant 641, for a total of $85,556.49, and Park Devel-
opment Warrant 3-82 for $42.00, authorize Mayor to sign same, and by reference
are made a part hereof.
Owasso City Council Page Nine October 6, 1981
Ayes - Messrs. Wasserman, Spencer, Smalley, Stadler and Mrs. Gross
Nays - None
Motion carried.
ITEM 28 - NEW BUSINESS.
Item
Mrs. Gross requested for the next meeting a list of vacancies on all Council
appointed Boards. She also requested checking into repairing the speaker system.
Item
Mr. Spencer commented he felt 5:00 PM on Thursdays should be the cut-off for
items to be placed on the agenda. Mr. Wasserman directed this matter be placed
on the next agenda for approval.
Item
Mr. Charney requested everyone to support to new Council. He said Mr. Spencer
has taken a beating tonight and he personally feels Mr. Spencer has " worked
like a dog" for the City with no pay and he wants to go on record as thanking
him for the service he has done for the City.
Being no further business before the Owasso City Council, Chair adjourned at
10:50 PM.
~t1
Lyle L. Wasserman, Mayor
~ ~ ~~
Wauhilleau Webb, City Clerk