Commissioners Approve Pipeline Right-Of-Way
Pretty significant pipeline, says Mayor
Molly Payne
1600kush.com
07/20/2009
Commissioners voted to approve to execute three easements with TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP for a pipeline right-of-way on city owned property. According to interim city manager Steve Spears, the property runs north and south along Little Avenue and the railroad tracks at the airport. Spears said staff has been working closely with TransCanada to come up with a suitable resolution. Details include one easement, no above ground structures and restoration of surfaces. "It's in the hands of their attorneys," Spears said, noting TransCanada's right-of-way agent was in the audience to answer any questions.
The agent spoke up saying just minutes before, he had spoken with higher ups and the company had "approved the language."
Mayor Henckel emphasized the importance of the new pipeline. "This is a pretty significant pipeline - it's a 36 inch line," Henckel said. "It will be a major construction project and will bring jobs to our community."
Several ordinances were also approved at Monday's meeting, including an ordinance amending section 34-112 of the Cushing City Code relating to penalty and costs for conviction in the Municipal Court. The cost will increase from $25 to $30, in spite of one "nay" vote issued by Commissioner Jim Hogrefe. "I'm taking the position of not raising any fees due to the current economy," Hogrefe said.
Commissioners Joe Manning, Tommy Johnson and John Henckel each voted yes. Commissioner Evert Rossiter was unable to attend Monday's meeting due to a bout with the flu.
Other approved ordinances included one bringing current ordinances prohibiting smoking in certain public areas in line with state ordinances and another to rezone property located at 1602 East North Street from an A-1 District (rural agricultural) to a C-3 District (General Commercial).
Commissioners also approved to accept Jeannita Cook and Scott Hanes as Cushing Public Library board members and Lynn Foresythe to the remainder of the term vacated by Suzie Crowder.
"I want to thank these volunteers," Henckel said.
In the City Manager report, Spears said the Cushing Memorial Park bathrooms recently damaged by fire, have been repaired; Code Enforcement is working hard to continue the beautification of Cushing by issuing citations for unkempt yards - weeds, overgrowth, etc.; paving will begin at the sports complex; and the city will soon be taking bids for tree trimming in three areas.
Cushing Hospital Authority Board of Trustees approved a resolution to give Cushing Regional Hospital permission to dispose of 60 chairs determined to be surplus. "They have very little value," Spears said. "They could be donated, disposed of - whatever seems fitting." The CRH Foundation recently donated 90 new chairs to the CRH cafeteria - including two new high chairs.
Cushing Industrial Authority Board of Trustees heard their final report from Bob Felts who retired last month. "My report is laced with pipeline and oil industry references," Felts said. "Sometimes I think we forget the importance and value of the pipelines - not only to this community, but to the nation."
Felts announced that ABC will be airing "Over a Barrel - The Truth About Oil," Wednesday, July 22, at 9 p.m.
He also said portions of the report were filmed at Enbridge - right here in Cushing, America.
Regular commission meetings are held the third Monday of each month at City Hall.
