Published: July 14, 2008 09:09 am            

Michael O’Rourke appointed to Salina Board

Salina trustees filled an unexpired council term, approved the plans for Hudson Bay Estates and purchased Stingers for the police department during their meeting Tuesday.

Trustee Gary Starkey’s position on the board was left open because Starkey is moving. The board appointed Michael O’Rourke to fill the unexpired term. The term expires in April 2009.

Mike Sizemore presented the final plat, conceptual plans and restrictive covenants for Hudson Bay Estates. The development is on the west shore of Lake Hudson on the south side of Highway 20. Sizemore said the water, electric and gas is in the ground and the 10-slip boat dock will be installed when the water goes down. The board accepted the plans and voted to have Town Clerk P.J. Pape draw up an addendum stating the board approved the plans.

Police Chief Ken Guess asked the board to consider purchasing two Stingers for $500 each. Guess explained Stingers are similar to Tasers, but are half the cost. With the two Stingers, all full-time officers will have a Taser or a Stinger, which Guess said is a very good tool.

“It’s kept me out of several fights,” he said.

The board approved purchasing two Stingers for $1,000 out of the police donation account.

The board evaluated Animal Control Officer Kelly Guess and gave her a 25 cent raise. Mayor Darrell Blaylock said she’s been doing a great job and “cares” about what happens to animal picked up by the city. Blaylock said Guess euthanized only two animals last month. She’s been able to find homes for all the other animals.

The board voted to send Guess to a two-week training course in August, which would certify her to use tranquilizers on animals. The course extensively covers the animal control position.

“I think it would be a good thing to go through and learn,” said Guess.

The board approved paying the $375 course fee and paying for room and board while she attends the classes.

In other business:

• The board approved a variance for Ronald and Kimberly Haikey to replace their mobile home at 216 N. Fountain with a new mobile home.

• The board tabled any action on a variance for improvements to 503 E. Brewer St. The plan is to move a house onto the property, but if problems arise getting the house out of Pryor, the owners may put a mobile home on the property instead. The board asked the owners to come back to the board when they know whether they’re placing a house or a mobile home.

• Roger Johnson, co-owner of Not Necessarily New at 216 W. Ferry, informed the board of plans for the vacant lot next door. The lot directly west of Sue Malloy’s closed bar is leased to Johnson and his partner. Johnson said he’d like to use the lot for a flea market or farmers market and during events such as Cowboy Day and Chouteau Day. Blaylock welcomed him and said the town supports those ideas.

• The board approved the library software and support licensing agreement for $799.

• The board approved giving Mary Gebhard a 25 cent raise after a successful review.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.