City Manager's Report
Greetings! First off, congratulations to Mayor-Elect Kellie Johnson. Also, thank you to Cody Anderson for running, and thank you to the citizens who voted. According to the Kay County Election Board, 239 citizens cast ballots, between absentee, early, and election day voting. According to Oklahoma statutes, Mayor-Elect Johnson’s term begins on the second Monday following the municipal election; in this case April 15th. Finally, our thanks to Mr. Cassady for his service to our community.
In a previous City Manager’s report, I mentioned that we would soon roll out a text alert system from TextMyGov that will allow the City to communicate directly to citizens concerning weather alerts, power outages, and other emergency alerts. This system is now active and citizens may sign up by texting NEWKIRKWEATHER, all capital letters and no spaces, to 91896. There is no cost to join.
Road Repairs. The City is compiling a list for new road repairs. Work has been completed in some alleys including N. Maple and S. Magnolia. Additionally, alleys are planned for grating and adding rock, including W. 12th.
Public Works. City crews have been working to repair leaks in town including N. J, 8th St., and Walnut. Otherwise, they continue adapting the meter lids on the new electronic read meters and preparing for demo and construction at the No. 1 Lift Station. The electric department is completing pole work at the No. 1 Lift Station and preparing to replace a junction pole on 1st Street. Otherwise, some additional tree trimming around power lines has also been completed.
Emergency Services. The Fire Department is completing maintenance and repairs on several vehicles as parts become available. All vehicles remain in service. The department is continuing work on gathering information to add for our ISO rating, including the new station and courthouse. On the police side, training continues going well for both new officers. The department is also waiting on the installation of the ODIS system.
Staffing. The City is currently fully-staffed.
Donations, Grants & Projects. According to the contractor, demolition of the current lift station should begin on April 22nd, and should take approximately two weeks. Construction will follow, at the beginning of May. The Water Board has assigned an inspector for the project who will be onsite daily throughout. The engineer continues work on completing plans for the lagoons. The City will put the project out for bid once plans are finalized. The City is reviewing instructions on the income survey that will be distributed soon for CDBG funding for the clearwell, if awarded. The Department of Commerce’s project manager for the site readiness program continues reviews of sites submitted to the program. The review is expected to last through May. The City submitted the bathrooms at Lions Park and pool equipment for consideration. The City will meet with ODOT on April 10th to go over the 90% plans for the sidewalks project slated for 2025 or 2026. BNSF continues work to repair the 7th Street crossing. They stated it should be back open again on April 10th.
Financials. At the end of March, 75% of the fiscal year elapsed. Revenue was up 3.9% for the month, but remains down 9.4% for the fiscal year. Expenses were also down 5.3% for the month and remain down 11.4% for the fiscal year. Total revenue continues to remain above total expenses for the year. Department budgets are running 3.1% under budget for the year.
Events. The swearing in ceremony for Mayor-Elect Johnson will be held at the next Commission meeting on April 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Looking ahead, City offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.
Ryan Smykil
Newkirk City Manager