Published: December 03, 2006 12:22 pm      

Council unblocks Beech project

DUNCAN — By The Banner staff

Duncan’s City Council voted to condemn a piece of property needed for a bridge project and agreed to give city employees extra time off, with pay, as a Christmas bonus during Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

Condemning the property near Beech Avenue and Fourth will allow the city to move ahead with the Beech Avenue bridge replacement project, which had been completely “stopped due to one small piece of land,” said City Manager Clyde Shaw.

Shaw explained city officials had been negotiating with the attorney of the individual they thought owned the property until discovering that its ownership is in dispute because of the pending sale of the property.

Condemning the property, Shaw continued, will allow the city to move on with the project while the courts determine the owner and decides who will receive the appraised value for the property.

All other right of way has been secured, he reported, and the construction contract for the project has been awarded.

In other business, the council considered various options for holiday bonuses for city employees before deciding on extra time off.

“Last year we gave them extra time off, and I think they appreciated that,” said Mayor Gene Brown.

After further discussion, the council voted to give an additional half-day off on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, which would make both days a full-day holiday.

The days off will be Dec. 22, 25 and 29 and Jan. 1.

“On behalf of the city employees, I want to thank the council,” commented Shaw after the unanimous vote.

The council also voted 4-1 to allow a use-on-review permit for the operation of a tattoo parlor/body piercing business in Deer Creek Center on North Highway 81. Councilman Carl Bowers cast the dissenting vote.

A request for an executive session with city attorney Jim Frieda to discuss “a pending investigation, claim or action” was withdrawn because, said Shaw, “No action is necessary.”

The council also approved:

• Purchase of two STIHL MS 460 rescue chain saws and three MS 290 STIHL arm boss chain saws with carrying cases from Great Plain Rent-All in the amount of $3,245 as the lowest and best bid.

• Purchase of four (4) Class D extinguishers and vehicle mounting brackets from Chief Fire and Safety in the amount of $1,380 as the lowest and best bid.