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November 4, 2008

Right turn lane mulled for subdivision

By BOB GIBBINS

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Tahlequah city officials will confer with Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials about the possibility of putting in a right turn lane for one of the city’s newer subdivisions.

Charles Anderson, records trustee for the Lakes Homeowners Association, approached the council about adding the lane for southbound Muskogee Avenue traffic to aid those pulling onto Southridge Drive.

Anderson said homeowners are aware a traffic signal and turn lane are on the city and state’s project list, but those aren’t scheduled for two years. He said the turn lane would alleviate the risk of rear-end collisions and would be the first step in providing traffic control for the intersection.

Street Commissioner Mike Corn and Assistant City Administrator Kevin Smith said among the issues that need to be considered is the jurisdiction on roads like U.S. Highway 62 (Muskogee Avenue).

The council took no action, but Mayor Ken Purdy said city administration officials would report back to Anderson on their discussions with ODOT.

The council voted to give Pam Stern additional time on repairs to her property at 207 E. Allen Road. The item has been on previous council agendas. Ward 2 Councilor Jack Spears said Stern has made significant progress on the house. She asked for an extension to Jan. 5, and it was approved.

“We’re not necessarily wanting to demolish houses,” Spears said. “We want to encourage property owners to improve them.”

A similar appeal by Dr. Leonard Wilkins on property at 305 S. Mission was given a shorter time frame when Wilkins failed to make an appearance before the council. Jerry Gay said he understood Wilkins has some ill family members and may be with them instead of at the meeting.

The council delayed action to the Nov. 17 meeting and directed Compliance Officer Billy Blair to contact Wilkins to inform him of the meeting and get an update on the property.

Rick Rucker’s case at 128 N. Muskogee was delayed to the Dec. 1 meeting.

Councilors adopted a resolution calling for an election for city clerk, street commissioner, chief of police, city treasurer and Ward 1 and Ward 2 councilor positions. The filing period will be Dec. 8-10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the election occurring Feb. 10 and a run-off, if necessary, April 7. All offices are for four-year terms.

A $148,450 bid was approved from Freedom Fire Equipment for a tanker fire truck for the Fire Department. It was the second-lowest bid, but the low bid didn’t meet specifications.

A bulletproof vest grant for $9,461.85 was approved with a 50 percent match.

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