The Guthrie City Council met for their regular scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, but for City Manager Matt Mueller it was his last as a member of city staff.
Matt Mueller gives a big smile during his last City of Guthrie council meeting. Photo By Chris Evans
Mueller, who in early August accepted a similar position in Little Elm, Texas, thanked everyone from council members, city staff and the Guthrie community in his manager’s report.
Related story: City Manager resigns post; accepts position in Little Elm
“As excited as I am about my new opportunity it’s really sad to think I wont be on the team (council, staff and community) anymore,” Mueller said.
Following a 35 minute executive session, council members unanimously agreed to give the interim position to City Clerk Wanda Calvert beginning on Sept. 15 until the position is filled. She will receive the base pay of Mueller’s contract ($86,400).
Council and staff members will begin interviews for the position on Wednesday and Thursday.
Prior to the council meeting, a reception for outgoing City Manager Matt Mueller was held outside of chambers. Photo By Chris Evans
“I have seen Guthrie turn into a true municipal leader over the last few years and I have no doubt that is going to continue because the people who are involved are top-notch,” the first-time city manager said.
Mueller said he was grateful for the opportunity that the council gave him.
“The city council took a chance of an unproven and young-looking guy (now 33-years-old) from Claremore with no city manager experience and you guys (council members) took a chance on me and gave me my first opportunity,” Mueller said.
Council Business
– Under the Guthrie Public Works Authority session, a contract with Aetna was approved to provide medical and life insurance for employees. The current contract expires on September 30, 2012. Aetna has increased its medical rates causing the city to go out for quotes. Of the companies that quoted, Aetna presented the best value to the city. Aetna life insurance rates remain at the current level.
– approved the balanced budgets for the City of Guthrie, the Guthrie Public Works Authority Fund and Miscellaneous Funds for Fiscal Year 2013 as well as balanced financial plans for the years 2014-2017.
– approved to auction excess property after council identified as one of its Performance Targets the disposal of excess city property. The property identified as eligible for disposal is described as: “Part of the Southeast Quarter (SE/4) of Section Thirty-Two (32), Township Sixteen (16) North, Range Two (2) West, of the Indian Meridian, Logan County, Oklahoma.
According to Mueller, this property has never been improved and is located at the end of Santa Fe Street just North of Foster Road. The city will establish a minimum bid set at $3,000.00.
– approved an ordinance allowing hunting waterfowl in areas zoned A-2.
A new section, #14-46 (C) will provide for the use of shotguns in an A-2, Urban Agricultural Zone for the purpose of hunting fowl or target practice. Such use will be permitted as follows:
a. On parcels of land five (5) acres in size or greater that are privately owned with the permission of the property owner; and,
b. Any shooting must occur at least 200 feet from any building and from any land not owned by that landowner; and,
c. Meet all other requirements under Oklahoma Law for the discharge of a shotgun; and,
d. Are authorized by a permit issued by the Guthrie Chief of Police or designate, indicating the type and manner of use, renewable annually.
– approved Erin Brown to the Guthrie Historic Preservation Commission and Melissa Fesler to the Guthrie Transportation Authority.
I savour, result in I found just what I used to be
having a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye