Alva City Council members may want to pack some refreshments to get through the long agenda set for the Monday night, Oct. 17, meeting. The city council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

Mayor Kelly Parker is recommending the appointment of Dr. Garret Lahr to fill the unexpired term of Connor Martin for Ward 1 Seat 2 on the council. Martin resigned at the end of the September meeting. Lahr is the assistant professor of business and chair of the division of business at NWOSU.

The mayor also plans to appoint Sadie Bier to take Martin’s place on the Alva Tourism Tax Commission.

Several city employees are to be recognized for their extraordinary efforts in service to the city. Those listed for recognition are Heather Bonham, Drake Lewis, Jordan Ungles, Triston Cayot, Robert Burney, Bryan Barnett, Jacoby Merrill and Ricky Woodard.

There will be a public hearing regarding 827 Maple Street followed by council action on declaring the property dilapidated with appropriate action to abate the nuisance. Those with comments about the property will be given time to speak during the public hearing before any council vote.

In another action, the council will be voting on a master equipment lease purchase agreement with Community First National Bank for equipment needed for firefighter safety. The lease will require a down payment of $18,000 with annual payments of $38,724.04.

There will be discussion and action on Resolution 2022-027 authorizing application for financial assistance from the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Fund for water line replacement. The city is proposing a $13,000 match, which may include in-kind labor, on a $75,000 grant. The grant is being sought for replacement of residential water lines on the following streets: Valley View, Locust from College to 12th, and College from Church to Oklahoma Boulevard.

The council will discuss and vote on a sale of some property to Wheeler Brothers. The property extends from 4th to 5th Street adjacent to the northern boundary of 420 Santa Fe St. Wheeler Brothers have been maintaining this property for years and would like to expand their operation. The fair market value of $3,000 was determined by Charles Murrow, realtor.

In action to finance the needed replacement of water meters throughout the city, the council will be voting on Resolution No. 2022-29 approving action taken by an Alva Utility Authority resolution to authorize issuance, sale and delivery of its Drinking Water SRF promissory note to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB), ratifying and confirming a lease agreement and operation and maintenance contract pertaining to the water, sanitary sewer and solid waste disposal systems. This resolution is necessary to pursue OWRB loan forgiveness for the water meter project which has a total budget of $1.7 million. The potential is for $800,000 to $1 million principal forgiveness. If awarded, the city may use the funds for the project bids with a cost to the city of $700,000 to $900,000 plus interest.

Resolution 2022-024 is also on the agenda for voting. This would approve a claim for the standard allowance of ARPA funds, allowing the city to use those funds for certain personnel costs.

The council will discuss and vote on Resolution 2022-025 to fund holiday events and/or projects as requested by citizens. Calls to the city over the past few years have asked that the city budget for things like Christmas lights and fireworks.

There will be discussion and action to authorize the mayor to pursue and execute a mineral lease for the cemetery property in Alfalfa County with Forward Land at $150 per mineral acre for a three year term and 3/16 royalty.

An executive session is planned to discuss the city business manager search and negotiations and city attorney negotiations. After returning to open session, the council may take action on the city business manager negotiations and on the city attorney negotiations.

The council meeting will also include reports as well as an opportunity for citizens to speak with a two minute time limit.

Alva Utility Authority

The Alva Utility Authority (AUA), made up of council members, will meet after city council adjourns.

The AUA will be voting on Resolution 2022-028 agreeing to file application with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for financial assistance through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program for principal not to exceed $1.7 million and approving the issuance of a promissory note, secured by a pledge of revenues.

There will be discussion and action to approve a contract with Myers Engineering for water meter system updates in the amount not to exceed $39,500.

AUA trustees will also discuss and vote on approving a bulk water contract with Rural Water District #1 for water service and transferring ownership of the transmission line. The RWD#1 did not update their agreement with the city when the other RWDS did in 1017. This contract is consistent with the contracts with the other RWDs served by Alva. There have been extensive maintenance and repairs completed on this line over the last 12 months. The city of Alva wishes to relocate the service point delivery to inside the municipal boundaries and transfer ownership of the lines and meters to the RWD#1. Failure to reach agreement with RWD#1 will result in termination of services.

Alva Economic Development Authority

The Alva Economic Development Authority (AEDA) meeting will follow. On the agenda is action to approve approximately $34,978 for bleacher repairs by Heartland Seating Inc. at the Alva Recreation Complex.

Then the AEDA trustees will discuss and vote on the conceptual plan for the Alva Aquatic Center Bathhouse, Alva Aquatics Center Bathhouse floor plan and the Hatfield Park Aquatic Center from Kimley Horn Architects as recommended by the City of Alva Citizen Pool Advisory Committee and the Alva Parks and Recreation Board.