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September 11, 2012

Council discusses parks, looks at police chief

BY LAUREN CARTER The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — The City Council met last night for a work meeting in City Hall. Although a few members were not present, that didn't delay any work on the agenda.

The council did a lot of talking over different budgets, especially city parks that are in dire need of updating.

The bathhouse at Shannon Springs Park has a budget of $50,000. According to City Manager Stewart Fairburn, the updating will begin after the Festival of Lights ceremony. A few ideas were presented, such as changing the roof, removing the pillars inside, getting new doors ands windows, a new paint job.

"Anything else that would add to making the park a very nice rental facility," Fairburn said,

Council members also discussed other Chickasha Parks. Howard Carpenter discussed the park master plan and showed his concern about finding a professional park planner to get the job done right.

Council members also discussed Borden Park, which is located near Chickasha High School on 18th Street. Members discussed which part of the park belongs to the city, and which part belongs to the school. The Skate Park, which is located on the east side of Borden Park was determined as part of the school's land. The area where the painted football schedule is located, toward the south side, is actually part of the city's land.

The continual dream of building a community center in Chickasha was also discussed. Various council members discussed the old Army reserve building located at 2001 West Iowa Ave. Vice Mayor J.E. Epperson II said he foresees the community center being built incrementally. Mayor Hank Ross agrees on the potential the old Army reserve building has.

"I've really thought about that building," Ross said.

At the Aug. 6 council meeting, Fairburn described the building to council as generally in good condition and the possibilities of use could be many.

Mayor Ross and Fairburn plan on a routine walk through to examine the building that could also be a potential location for storage.

The city is also undergoing some big career openings. Looking to add additional help of managing the city, Fairburn and council members discussed hiring a city manager's assistant that could also fulfill roles of a community development leader.

The last topic covered was the opening of the Chickasha Police Chief. No advertising for this position is underway due to in-house candidates. Background checks for existing personnel are in the works, and Fairburn explained a lot of folks are vying for this open position already.

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