The Walters City Council met in on July 7, 2020 in the Walters City Hall. Those present were; Vice-Mayor David Mitchell, Councilmen Byrum W. Eidson and Bob Nance; City Manager Shawn Strange; City Clerk Sheri Davis; City Attorney Hyman Copeland. Mayor Richard Anderson and Councilman Steve McCammon were absent.
David Mitchell opened the meeting with prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Visitors present were Accounts Payable Clerk Karla Eschiti, Officer Clay Adams, Street Superintendent Bruce Finney, Code Enforcement Officer Candy Simms, Accounts Receivable Clerk Ashley Williams, Roberta Ellis and Gerald and Sue Hayes.
A motion was made and approved to approve the June 22, 2020 Planning and Zoning Meeting minutes.
The City of Ardmore has donated (4) cars to the Police Department. Two of these cars are in working order and Two ofthem are for parts only. These cars are being donated to the City at no cost. A motion was made and approved to approve this donation from the City of Ardmore.
A motion was made and approved to enter into a contract with the Cotton County Commissioners and the Cotton County Sheriff’s Department to house any prisoners for the City of Walters.
Code Enforcement Clerk Candy Simms stated the Board of Adjustments met on June 22, 2020 to discuss a variance needed by Michael TaiSee to build on to a carport at 302 E. Colorado. The Board of Adjustments is in favor of granting Mr. TaiSee the 15-foot side variance for the carport. A motion was made and approved to approve the minutes from the June 22, 2020 Board of Adjustments meeting for the 15-foot side variance.
Code Enforcement Clerk Candy Simms stated the Board of Adjustments met on June 29, 2020 to discuss a variance for a privacy fence at 227 W.S. Boundary. The home owners started building without a building permit. The location needs a 45-foot set back. The fence was being built at 28 feet 10 inches; this was putting the fence in what is the platted street. After discussion the Board granted the Metcalf’s a 10-foot variance. After Council hearing from Code Enforcement and that the Medcalf’s are not happy with the 10-foot variance they want a 15-foot variance. A motion was made to Table this Item and was approved. By this vote the Medcalf’s are at a standstill on finishing the fence.
A motion was made and approved to us the existing General Fund Money Market Savings account for the $1 revenue being collected from water meters to be set aside for the purchase of Emergency Services Equipment. The account currently has a balance of $2627.03 that will be transferred to the regular general fund account.
A motion was made and approved to approve the signing of a CARES ACT Airport Grant. This Grant is for $1000.00.
A motion was made and approved to re-appoint Gary Edgmon as a board member for the Walters Cemetery Association.
City Manager Strange told council that he felt like the Fireworks show was successful again this year, Kody McDowell spent a lot of time putting the show to music this year. He and the other volunteer fireman do a wonderful job each year. He informed council that our new ambulance will be in town in the next day or so, and anyone can buy a script for ambulance service which also covers survival flight. The County commissioners are paying to do some improvements at the apartment above the Library which is where the ambulance personnel will be housed. Shawn also told council that he met with a company looking to come to Cotton County that manufactures parts for wind generators, it is a family business and it sounds very promising.
City Manager stated he had no new business at this time.