Published: July 31, 2008 10:27 am      

Upping the voltage

Marlow needs new transformer

MARLOW — MARLOW — To help maintain the voltage it needs for the city, the Marlow City Council approved purchasing a three-phase transformer, during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The 500 KVa 277/480 transformer would be an update of the transformers owned by the city.

Marlow City Manager Janice Cain said, “We’re getting quotes on the transformer right now. The upgrade is suggested to keep our voltage.

“It needs to be done.”

She said sometimes the transformer needing to be replaced has a low voltage reading. With that and the fact that the transformer is older, she said it should be replaced.

Council members approved purchasing the transformer for a cost not to exceed $10,000.

In other action:

• Members approved Ordinance 392 to annex a piece of property and designate it as a single-family residential district.

The 2.75-acre tract was chosen to be brought into city limits to allow for about seven lots to be built for homes.

Following the approval of the ordinance, the council also approved adopting an emergency clause to bring the property in immediately.

• The council didn’t have to discuss much when it approved Resolution 328. The resolution supports the Chisholm Trail Byway designation through the Oklahoma Byways Program.

Marlow Chamber of Commerce Director Debbe Ridley attended the meeting, but didn’t get to explain about the visitation the byway would bring through Marlow. Members approved the resolution quickly.

The byway, which would extend from the Texas border to the Kansas border and encompass towns including Marlow, Duncan, Comanche in Stephens County and Addington and Waurika in Jefferson County.

• Members approved authorizing Asplundh to trim trees along the 2 1/2 miles of the transmission line coming from the city’s substation. The council approved this at a cost not to exceed $10,000.

“These trees in this area do cause us some concern,” Cain said. “I’d like to get started on the tree trimming in that area.”

She said the heaviest tree gathering is in a creek along the transmission line.

• The council approved purchasing a vehicle from the State Central Purchasing Bid Contract for $32,939.

The funds will be used from the city’s EMS funds.

Cain said the vehicle would be used by the K9 unit.

• Members also approved seeking bids for cameras for two police cars.