Alva Review-Courier -

The Freedom Town Board, at a regular meeting last Wednesday, Aug. 14, discussed a possible money-saving opportunity brought to their attention by Town Clerk Cindy Reed: a winter-only contract for gas with price-per-gallon cap of $2.85. This would be a significant savings, as the town's current contract has a price-per-gallon cap of about $3.25, said Reed.

The meeting was attended by board member Randy Rhodes, Mayor Shad Brackin and Town Clerk Cindy Reed. Board member Rolando Galindo was absent.

“Blue Mark – a gas supplier – has a cost for winter-only coming in at a cap of $2.85, which is less than what we're capped at right now,” said Reed. “I asked her if there'd be anything to sign, and she said first she had to have board approval on it and then she had to send a paper quote.”

“Have we ever had a winter cap contract before?” asked Brackin. Reed didn't think so.

The board voted to approve it, pending further information. “If it saves us money, great!” said Brackin.

“When she sends the paperwork,” said Reed, “That will go on the agenda to sign.”

Grants Are in the Works

Reed reported that she and another staff member will attend a REAP grant orientation meeting in Woodward in the next few weeks.

Reed reported that the park committee – tasked with melding multiple stakeholders' “want lists” into a proposal that might win a grant to make it a reality – has gathered the various want lists and plans to have a grant application filed by the end of September. She also mentioned another grant she's aware of that is to fund small needs – things that cost $1,000 or less.

Maintenance Department Complimented on Park “Prepping”

In the absence of town maintenance director Stuart Page, Brackin read Page's report updating the board on the status of various maintenance projects in the town. These included:

• A John Deere mower was repaired. It had been having E-10 fuel run through it, apparently, which John Deere does not recommend.

• All of the new water meters have been activated, although three meters need to be moved – as does the school meter.

• Page reported that workers who had spruced up the water tower had left behind some leftover paint and sandblasting sand. Also, Page reported, the people doing the work on the water tower said they'd fix a gauge that Page said hasn't worked since it was painted – but it's not fixed yet. Brackin directed the town office to call the people who'd done the work and discuss the matters with them.

When Brackin asked if anyone had any questions on the maintenance report, Rhodes said, “No, but I would like to make a comment: that they did a good job of getting the park prepped” for the rodeo and cowhand-related events that were then soon to begin. “I second that,” said Brackin. “It does look good.”

Other Business

The board also approved recent meeting minutes and approved purchase orders for the General, Fire and Ambulance funds. Brackin asked for more specifics about the purchase order for Northwest Electrical. Reed said that was for the garage door, the lights, and small jobs around the town office.

The board received one sealed bid on mowing for the airport grass lease. Rhodes opened it, and found it was from Austin States, who bid $300 for the job. “It's cheaper than having the county mow it,” said Brackin. The board voted to accept the bid.