Claims the council approved included acceptance of the commercial development plat of the new Braum’s, to be built on Westside Drive near Red River Ford and Taco Bell, the installation of stop signs at the intersection of Larkspur and Wilson streets and the purchase of a dump truck bed for the street department.
The council approved the appointment of Robert E. Lee Principal Mike Dills to the Durant Community Facilities Authority as a representative of the Durant Independent School District. Dills replaced Dr. Terry James, who recently resigned as superintendent of the DISD.
The council also considered a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign grant documents.
Vice Mayor Ron Cross was worried that the resolution would leave the council out of the grant process.
“It’s our duty to authorize the spending of money,” Cross said.
Other council members said the resolution would allow the city manager’s signature only after a grant has received the council’s approval.
To address concerns, the council amended the resolution to include that the city manager can sign a grant only after the council has approved the grant application.
Next, Fire Chief Steve Dow gave an update about the new central fire station, which will be located at the old Farmer’s Market on First and Evergreen.
Dow said the building will have a white block arch above the front doors and the plans are “pretty much complete.” The building will have a total of 16,000 square feet.
“It’s going to be beautiful,” Cross said.
The approximate cost for the total project is $1.25 million and the city is looking at a summer or fall completion date, according to Assistant City Manager Tim Young.
The council also discussed the sign ordinance and businesses’ requests for signs.
According to the council, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express both requested signs just outside regulations. Holiday Inn Express wants a 90-foot sign.
Council member Bobby Story was concerned that, if these signs are approved, an overabundance of businesses may want similar signs.
“We’re going to wake up and have a [jumble] of signs out there,” said Story, who asked if any restrictions were in place.
No action was taken on the requests.
The council accepted land from Steve and Nancy Dinsmore for a new park at 1413 Ruger Dr. in the Remington Hills Addition.
Mayor Jerry Tomlinson said the land equals a lot and a half.
Also, Sen. Jay Paul Gumm located and secured some park equipment for the project. All the city has to do is pick up the equipment and pay relocation and setup costs of approximately $7,010, according to the council.
The council expects the equipment to be installed within the next several weeks.
“We thank the family for their donation and the senator for his efforts,” Tomlinson said.
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