Alva Review-Courier -

The regular monthly meeting of Kiowa's City Council in mid-January was held with two new councilmen at the table: B.J. Duvall and Jason Thayer. They joined Mayor Bill Watson who called the meeting to order with all other members present: R.L. Simpson, council president; Brian Hill and Tom Wells. City Administrator Rusty Varnado, City Attorney Brandon Ritcha and City Clerk Trish Brewer.

Both Duvall and Thayer took the oath of office administered by Brewer. Watson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Simpson offering a prayer.

Following an executive session, council approved a pay increase for employees as recommended by Varnado.

BG Consultants Engineer Sam Johnson was to be at the meeting to update on the city's major waterline replacement project up Tri-City road from Hazelton toward Sharon. However, Johnson reportedly fell and seriously injured his elbow so couldn't be at the meeting. Instead Varnado updated council and said Johnson had almost all of the land easements negotiated for with landowners.

Johnson was ready to request that council approve the specs to the KDHE. At Varnado's request, council gave that approval.

Updating council on the city hall building renovation, Varnado gave many details and said it will be finished by early spring. He had requested $250,000 for this project, but said that didn't include the final cost of the roof. Varnado requested another $20,000 to finish the project which council granted.

The administrator gave a thoroughly detailed report about improving Kiowa's electric system over a few year period. He met with KMEA officials regarding Kiowa's system and a major conversion with an estimated cost of $150,000. He said 75 poles need replaced and they've got a plan to do so. For now, council approved $10,000 on replacement of 9 poles.

Annual considerations for the city were approved by council including: official depositories 1st State Bank and People's Bank; official newspaper, Gyp Hills Premiere; a GAAP Waiver (resolution No. 19-293); KRWA voting delegate John Duvall; KMEA voting member and alternate (Varnado and Watson).

Council approved renewal of a $50,000 CD and to roll the interest of $4,329.56 into the General Fund.

Randy Robbins was awarded Kiowa's 2020 spraying contract for $4,800.

An anonymous donor donated a new slide for Progress Park at a cost of $7,463.

The police reported they are working with a state agency regarding stolen equipment.