Oakwood adopts grant resolution

Consultant Mirenda Harris reported to the Oakwood City Council that it was time to get the 2010-2011 grant resolution out of the way for the work around the city that is underway. With Mayor Vicki Stroud on record as the executive officer of the grant (in the amount of $275,000), the resolution was adopted.

The project includes changing the filters in the wells, running an eight-inch water line under the highway and the railroad down and Main Street, collection line replacement, updating the waste treatment facility, repairing the roads, and more. Some of this work has been completed, like some of the road work. Some, including the waste treatment pond clean-up, are underway. According to Water Supervisor Tommy Reese, that part of the project is already about 75%complete.

In old business, City Secretary Shannon Nicholson, was asked to give an update on the search for a professional "Welcome to Oakwood" sign. Nicholson had researched and found three companies. The Council voted to table the discussion until the estimates were in.

Nicholson also brought up the need to either chose to or not to apply for three separate grants. After looking over the criteria for these grants, the Council concluded that they were not beneficial to the city at this time and chose not to apply.

Oakwood Volunteer Fire Chief, Nathan Smith brought the city's ISO (Insurance Services Office) Grading Report. Chief Smith said, "We did pretty good on everything." He was really excited to report that Oakwood had gone up two points from an 8 to a 6. He told the Council that it is rare for a city to jump two points in this way.

According to Chief Smith, it could mean a discount on your insurance.

The Butler Volunteer Fire Department had petitioned to have the response area redistricted so that they would cover a portion of Oakwood. Chief Smith had to work hard over the last few months to make sure this did not happen. He aknowledged that Butler's VFD was sufficient at their jobs but did not feel that it made sense for them to try to come out so far. Oakwood was able to achieve this superior rating with twenty-seven fire hydrants already in place (with more to come in the future), great response times, and a great fleet of fire safety vehicles. The ISO number would have gone down to a 9 or a 10 had the redistricting taken place. This ISO number covers a five mile radius around the VFD. The ISO number will be on file with the State Fire Marshal's Office by the end of the month.

In past months the Council, along with Chief of Police Lewis Miller have voiced concerns over the number of abandoned and dilapidated homes in town. They are working with their legal council to see what their options are. The concern is for not only athesthics but for safety of the citizens of Oakwood as well.

The Council also discussed an on going problem pertaining to the mistreatment of horses in the city. Many complaints are coming in about starving horses and horses at large.

As the statutes are written, the Chief is limited in his powers. Sometimes ticketing is not enough to curb this behavior. Chief Miller told the Council that they [he, on behalf of the council] may have to attack this problem on the Federal level through the Humane Society.

Chief Miller spoke to the Council about a call he got from the Conroe Police Department. Several 2006 and 2007 Crown Victoria police cars are going up for auction. The last time he was offered this deal he brought back a Tahoe for $5,000. The cost of the safety equipment alone is worth more than the $5,000 asking price. With the money already in the police fund, the Council felt they could not pass up such a great deal and gave the go-ahead.