Alva Review-Courier -

One of the most discussed topics at the Kiowa City Council Aug. 8 meeting regarded an agenda item of whether to change the city code to allow animals such as chickens to be housed in more yards toward the center of town. As City Administrator Sam Demel described it, “The council is considering narrowing the boundary. The new boundary will be around the central business district.”

Mayor Bill Watson and all councilmembers were present except one at meeting. Janet Robison was out sick. Members present included: Council President Brian Hill, B.J. Duvall, Jason Thayer and Tom Wells. Demel sat with the council as did City Clerk Sheila Smith and City Attorney Brandon Ritcha. Also present in the audience section was utility clerk Lynette Callison, city superintendent John Duvall, Chief of Police Travis Peterson and pool manager Christina Duvall.

Currently the city code specifies no animals in about an eight block area near the center of town.

Thayer moved to remove/repeal a section of the city code to remove the boundaries further. That did not happen. However there was much discussion about many issues such as “poop removal.” Demel had city maps highlighting where animals are currently allowed and where they are not. At a previous meeting Thayer had told his peers that the city ordinances were restricting residents not to be able to feed themselves by raising their own chickens, rabbits, etc. Because of any possible future food shortages, Thayer said, “I want Kiowa to be more self-sufficient.”

Council members agreed they had heard no complaints about animals in yards. They also concurred a nuisance will not be allowed.

Finally, Ritcha suggested letting him prepare an ordinance and present to the council next month. So there was no action taken on the issue.

More City of Kiowa Business

As Kiowa's waterline replacement project is at the end, workers are still repairing streets and curbs. Pay requests were approved by the council: $21,608 to NOWAK; and $21,484 to BG. The council authorized a waterline project near the Apostolic Church.

The council has discussed several times the replacement cost to customers for their tiny water meter antenna if it's destroyed. The cost of the antenna is now $100. The council had discussed adding a cost for the extra work for employees to replace and reprogram the antenna. Hill said he feels the staff is already paid with their wages by taxpayers. Demel noted that is through the monthly service charge customers pay. The item was again tabled.

The agenda listed Michael Simpson as a volunteer to be a reserve police officer. Council members decided they need to get more information about Simpson about the hours he could work, etc., before approving him. The item was tabled.

Equipment purchases were listed on the agenda. One of those were switches for the electric department for over $6,000.

The chainsaw used by employee Gary Johnson needs replaced. Demel said there's new battery-operated chainsaws that he wants to try out instead of a gasoline-powered one. He said the chainsaw is made by Milwaukee that “is a very good power tool brand.” The administrator said the battery-operated one is “cheaper lighter and safer.” The cost of the Milwaukee is $273 plus two batteries for $35 each. He compared that to the price of the gas Stihl for $800; and the price of the gas Echo at $380.

The council approved going with Milwaukee and left the rest to Demel's discretion.

The water drainage issue between Holmes and Robinson was approved as changed.

Demel said the swimming pool was closed three days due to an outbreak of Covid. They didn't have enough lifeguards. One employee was scheduled to work those days and received his pay. Demel said some of the Covid discussion would be in executive session.

Pool Manager Christina Duvall said, “We need to enforce swimsuits – not clothes – at the pool. They need a swimsuit, not shorts!” The last day the pool is open is Aug. 17. The final night swim is Aug. 19. Duvall said she's had numerous requests for a “Dog Day”in the pool. The bean cooks use the pool water to rinse the bean pots on Labor Day. The manor requested a pool day for residents Aug. 18.

In staff reports, John Duvall apprised the council that as a state highway crew were cleaning ditches along the highway between Hazelton and Kiowa, their equipment accidentally uncovered the city's 10 inch waterline.

At the end of the near three hour meeting the council entered three executive sessions totaling about 30 minutes. This was to discuss non-elected personnel. No action was taken after return to open session but to adjourn.