City makes quick work of agenda

It only took about 15 minutes for the Comanche City Council to make its way through its November agendas last Tuesday.

Both the Comanche Public Works Authority and the City Council agendas consisted of routine items, with only one large purchase discussed.

That purchase would come during the PWA portion of the meeting, when after a short discussion, the trustees voted to purchase a backup pump for the 2nd Street lift station for $18,944.68. Utilities supervisor Lester Lehew said the current pumps were working fine, but a backup was needed in case one went down. Lehew said it would take several months to get a replacement if not for a backup, putting the department in a bind.

The measure passed by a 4-0 vote with Dylan Sparks, Smokey Dobbins, Annetta Garlinger and Brayden Harris all voting yes. Member Dennis McQuinn was not in attendance.

Members also voted to give a one-time salary adjustment of $250 for part-time and full-time employees serving less than one year and a $500 adjustment for full-time serving more than a year. The one-time salary adjustment given shortly before the holidays has been somewhat of a tradition for the PWA and City Council over the years.

During the City Council portion of the meeting, members voted to amend the code of ordinances by creating a new “Mobile Food Vendor” clause. The measure established a $10 annual registration fee and requires vendors to have a valid state registration. 

During the city manager’s report, city manager Wayne McCasland said the city was going to begin planting the 22 trees it received as part of a grant soon. Most will be placed in Jackson Park.

During the treasurer’s report, it was reported the city and the PWA were in the negative for the month of October. The PWA was  just over $13,000 in the negative and the city was just over $10,000 in the negative. City clerk Cheryl Johnson said the city had to pay an annual insurance bill, which is why the PWA was in the negative.