In addition to appointments to the council, committees and board March 19, the Alva City Council signed renewals of contracts and bought a trailer.

The council approved the purchase of a 2019 Armor Lite Belly Dump Trailer for the city street department. The trailer will cost $28,900 and an additional $450 will cover the cost of an electric tarp system for the trailer. It will be used to transport rock and dirt for the street department. The trailer has a one-year parts-and-labor warranty and was part of the city’s purchase plan for this year’s budget.

Alva Business Manager Joe Don Dunham explained that the price of the trailer is over the $25,000 limit on what he can purchase without council approval. The amount budgeted for the purchase was $30,000. Irwin Trailers will supply the trailer and other equipment. The price is comparable to the Oklahoma State Purchasing Contract pricing.

Blackboard Connect

Council members approved continuing the contract with Blackboard Connect for April 17, 2018, through April 16, 2019, for up to $6,631.55. The city has used the service since the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

The system gives the city a way to reach the community with important and immediate messages and information. The contract includes training and refresher training sessions for city personnel. Council member Mary Hamilton asked if the city has ever used the refresher training. Dunham said they have not but with personnel turnover it was probably time to do it.

Up to ten phones, four email addresses and four SMS (texting) phones may be registered for each contact. NOAA weather alerts were added to the system last year. The city uses the system to notify resident of water line breaks, severe weather, storm siren tests and other similar messages.

Dunham said messages will be sent soon regarding the first storm siren test to be held about noon on Wednesday, April 4. During the summer, the sirens are tested the first Wednesday of each month.

To get on the Blackboard Connect contact list, residents can go to the city’s website at http://www.alvaok.org, click on Government and choose City Offices. Then follow the prompts. Registering for the service may also be done at the city office at 415 4th Street. Individuals may request notifications via landline phones, cellphones, email and text messages.

Tyler Technologies

The city uses a comprehensive software program, Incode, which was purchased on June 5, 2000, for $99,684 from Tyler Technologies. Since that time, Tyler has kept the city’s software current with updates and upgrades. Dunham said the city would not be able to self-perform these upgrades so the maintenance agreement with Tyler is needed. Dunham described the software as “the lifeblood of City Hall.”

Dunham said the price to renew the annual software maintenance agreement with Tyler Technologies is up to $30,360.24. This is about $250 less than last year’s cost. The council voted to approve the agreement.

Executive Sessions

Council members went into executive session to hold their annual evaluation of Dunham while he waited outside. He was then called in to participate in the continued executive session to discuss negotiations with the union representing the firefighters.

After returning to open session, no action was taken on the union negotiations.

Mayor Kelly Parker said Dunham received a “very favorable evaluation.”

Other Business

All members of the council were present with the exception of Daniel Winters. The council approved minutes of the last meeting, claims of $221,675.26 and payroll expenses of $253,621.68.

Authority Meetings

The Alva Utility Authority, made up of council members, met after council adjournment. Trustees approve minutes of the Feb. 20 meeting, minutes of the March 3 special meeting, claims of $237,933.22 and payroll expenses of $61,220.05.

The Alva Economic Development Authority then convened. Board members voted approval of the February meeting minutes, claims of $108,023.61 and payroll expenses of $13,259.89.