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Kiowa council approves library services, updates police fines, OKs tiny-home permit and maintenance contract
Summary
At its Nov. 20 meeting the Town of Kiowa council unanimously approved providing water, sewer and trash to the Mary Kimberly Library, updated the police fines schedule, permitted a tiny home at 1009 S. Harrison St., authorized firing-range work with required permits and engaged a contractor on a trial retainer that will reduce two maintenance positions.
The Town of Kiowa council on Nov. 20 approved a series of routine and operational measures, including water, sewer and trash service for the Mary Kimberly Library; an update to the Police Department’s schedule of fines; and a month-to-month maintenance contract intended to reduce staffing costs.
The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m. and the body recorded unanimous votes on several consent and routine items. Tracy Reed of RSMeacham CPA & Associates presented the financial and purchases reports, both of which the council approved after motions that carried with five yes votes.
On the Mary Kimberly Library request, the council voted to provide utility services to the library. Mike Hull, who was noted as unable to attend, was listed on the agenda for that item. The council also approved an updated Appendix 1, Schedule of Fines and Charges for the Police Department after Police Chief J. Wilson presented the changes and confirmed the town attorney had reviewed them. J. Wilson reported that the department logged "796 contacts, 60 calls for service, 28 impounds and 25 releases" and said the department expects to use Senate Bill 20 (the Safe Trucking Act) by mid-December 2025, with fees capped at $1,200 per driver and $1,200 per trucking company.
The council unanimously approved a permit to move a tiny home onto the property at 1009 S. Harrison St. The motion to approve the permit was made by D. Drake and seconded by J. Ray.
The council addressed administrative findings related to the Kiowa Volunteer Fire Department and voted to draft a formal letter concerning departmental funds; the transcript records no response from the department during the meeting. Separately, residents raised concerns about lead exposure from planned firing-range work. Fire and public-safety staff said they will obtain any required permits and contact DEQ for guidance; T.S. Barker noted a project budget of $50,000. The council approved the firing-range work with the stipulation that research, fact-finding and any necessary permits be obtained.
To increase operational efficiency, the council approved engaging Carlton Utilities LLC on a month-to-month trial basis with a $2,000 retainer (the retainer will be returned to the water system). Councilmembers discussed estimated savings of $38,000 to $45,000 if the town contracts out certain repair work; the action was described as effectively eliminating two positions in the Maintenance Department.
The council moved into executive session under Title 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1) at 7:56 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and reconvened into open session at 8:08 p.m. After the executive session, the council voted to raise Jeri Ann Hasty’s hourly wage to $19.00.
In new business the council approved purchasing four door locks for the Fire Department. Police Chief J. Wilson also reported plans to reprogram tornado sirens to a polygon system; he estimated reprogramming would cost approximately $500 to $1,500.
During public discussion, Jeri Ann Hasty proposed preparing a gift basket for senior citizens at the Community Center for Christmas and said she will coordinate with Laura Goss on contents and distribution.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of previous meeting minutes — Moved: M. Sexton; Second: T. Horn; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Financial report — Moved: M. Sexton; Second: T. Horn; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Purchases report — Moved: J. Ray; Second: T. Horn; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Mary Kimberly Library utility service approval — Moved: M. Sexton; Second: T. Horn; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Update police fines schedule — Moved: M. Sexton; Second: J. Ray; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Tiny home permit, 1009 S. Harrison St. — Moved: D. Drake; Second: J. Ray; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Draft formal letter regarding Kiowa Volunteer Fire Department funds — Moved: D. Drake; Second: J. Ray; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Firing-range work (subject to permits and DEQ review) — Moved: D. Drake; Second: T.S. Barker; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Engage Carlton Utilities LLC (month-to-month trial, $2,000 retainer) — Moved: T.S. Barker; Second: J. Ray; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Enter executive session (Title 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1)) — Moved: D. Drake; Second: M. Sexton; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Raise Jeri Ann Hasty hourly wage to $19.00 — Moved: D. Drake; Second: M. Sexton; Outcome: approved (5–0). - Purchase four door locks for Fire Department — Moved: D. Drake; Second: M. Sexton; Outcome: approved (5–0).
What’s next: Implementation items recorded in the meeting include staff actions to obtain permits (firing range), contact DEQ, reprogram tornado sirens, and execute the Carlton Utilities trial retainer. No contested votes were recorded.
