Alva has a new EMS director. Marty Graham was introduced to the Alva City Council Monday night. Graham said he received his basic EMT training at Northwest Technology in Alva. He has spent the last 20 years working in Woodward. Graham said he is hoping to continue what Chad Campbell, the former director, was developing in the EMS department. Julie Dennis will continue as the assistant director.

Airport Projects

After introducing Graham, Alva Business Manager Joe Don Dunham gave the council an update on current city projects and business. He reported bids had been opened for airport projects and were being evaluated. Four bids were received on the T-hangar project. Construction costs were bid separately, and only two bids were submitted for that section.

Once the T-hangar bid is awarded, the city will pursue quotes for a concrete foundation for the building and ramps for the hangar.

Only one bid was received for repair of the South Share Hangar for $50,355. The airport commission will meet Aug. 8 to discuss and vote on the bids.

Aging City Equipment, Other Problems

Dunham says the city has experienced numerous equipment issues recently, primarily with pickups and with refuse (sanitation) trucks. He blames age as the main cause since most are over 20 years old. Another equipment issue was experienced at the cemetery when sugar was discovered in some equipment fuel tanks. Even before the vandalism was found, the cemetery had problems with a couple of broken mowers that will probably need to be replaced. Dunham says these replacements weren’t expected when the budget was set up. The purchase is being evaluated. Despite all the equipment problems, Dunham said as of Monday the mowing was just about complete.

The swimming pool was another problem area. Dunham said someone defecated in the pool, which resulted in it being closed on some of the hottest days of the summer. The pool had to be cleaned thoroughly. It is now back in operation.

Integris Application

The Alva Planning Commission members submitted questions for Integris Medical about their proposed Alva health clinic. Dunham said Monday those had been compiled and would be submitted to Integris for their answers.

Once that process has been completed, the city will schedule a meeting for the Planning Commission to discuss the permit application and make a recommendation to the city council.

Health Exam for City Employees

Dunham said a free biometric health exam has been scheduled for city employees at the Alva Recreation Complex on Aug. 9. The exam is free to employees.

Job Openings

The city is advertising for several positions in the EMS Department, for a sanitation worker III, and for a Public Works administrative assistant.