The filing period is in February for three positions of Town Board of Trustees. There are two full terms and then one to fill the remaining term of the recently vacated position. The dynamics of the board could really change for the better or the people’s vote will be banal and status quo will prevail. It is time for you to challenge yourself to step up to the plate and make a positive impact for Buffalo. Encourage someone to run for office. Vote for the best candidates for that office. This should not be a popularity contest. These are demanding positions and they deserve to be occupied by persons willing to commit lots of time and put forth honest efforts toward the issues that will be encountered.
Also the Town Treasure's position is coming up. That would be an excellent one to see challenged. It pays very well too.
Buss and Harper are the two Trustees that do not have to run for office. Linda does not run for office this time either.
Is anyone out there up for the challenge? Who is willing to stick their neck out?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH
Where there is no vision.
At a recent town board meeting it was interesting to note that the town’s economic developer seemed to firmly believe that the capacity of the wastewater treatment facility is sufficient. There seems to be a lot of opposition regarding the accuracy of the presentation at the 2010 meetings that where held in the past. This information was presented by the state’s Department of Commerce. The slide show clearly proclaims that the wastewater treatment facility is at full capacity. There must therefore be in existence some evidence to the contrary of that presentation. Evidence that would dispute the situation that exists right now will not continue to exist. As previously pointed out by the article “Anyway you look at it” from the Inside Buffalo website, there are indications that the facility needs to be upgraded to handle its inflow.
Where there is no vision.
One would think that the economic developer of the Town of Buffalo would be the champion crusader for growth of the community. The desirable goals of the economy for the town would be progress. With progress, there would be developmental growth of the town, new houses, new businesses, and more residents. That will put more strain on the sewage system. However, the sensitivity with the associated costs of the expansion of the system is clouding the ability to come to terms with the situation. The capacity issue is not sensitive in itself. The town is reaching the limit of, and may have already outgrown its ability to handle, what is going to the plant. Being unprepared is what has created the inability to stop hiding from the truth.
The people perish.
If you have a system that is maxed out it will not allow for any growth to it. If there is no desire to expand the system then the alternatives would be to reduce the load to it. In order to reduce the load to this treatment plant the number of residents using it would need to go down. Also the number of business would need to be reduced to lower the strain on the wastewater treatment plant. The number of visitors and shoppers will need to be reduced or maybe they will be asked to “go” somewhere else besides Buffalo. Evidently, the evidence the economic developer is relying upon, is for people to move from Buffalo, businesses to close down in Buffalo, and visitors to go somewhere else besides Buffalo.
The people perish.
Is the economic developer’s plan for Buffalo to tell a potential business or developer to come back in about 10 years? By then we hope to have lost enough people that we will be able to handle the strain that you are going to put on our system. But if you come today we will be forced to bite the bullet and upgrade our wastewater treatment facility.
Where there is no vision the people perish.
Upgrades could be expensive and the town may have to borrow money to do them. It has never borrowed money for a big infrastructure project. And that is what has created the dire situations that exist with all of the infrastructures of Buffalo. The stronghold that has existed for years inside City Hall can be blamed for the shortsightedness of its operations. The only way they know how to invest in this community is through a certificate of deposit of its extra money into a bank. City Hall’s inability or flat out refusal to admit that there is a problem will do nothing but lengthen the time it takes to deal with them. Maybe they hope to divert the issues long enough that they won’t have to spend time and effort working on them during their tenure.
Fortunately, the town board does have the ability to change the direction of the town’s policy, or lack there of. But do they have the vision to temporarily cast their friendships aside to do what is best for the betterment of the community? Only time will tell.
Linda,Leah,James and Joe.....What is your vision?
Buss,Brown,Bishop, and Harper it's your legacy.....Will the people perish?
At a recent town board meeting it was interesting to note that the town’s economic developer seemed to firmly believe that the capacity of the wastewater treatment facility is sufficient. There seems to be a lot of opposition regarding the accuracy of the presentation at the 2010 meetings that where held in the past. This information was presented by the state’s Department of Commerce. The slide show clearly proclaims that the wastewater treatment facility is at full capacity. There must therefore be in existence some evidence to the contrary of that presentation. Evidence that would dispute the situation that exists right now will not continue to exist. As previously pointed out by the article “Anyway you look at it” from the Inside Buffalo website, there are indications that the facility needs to be upgraded to handle its inflow.
Where there is no vision.
One would think that the economic developer of the Town of Buffalo would be the champion crusader for growth of the community. The desirable goals of the economy for the town would be progress. With progress, there would be developmental growth of the town, new houses, new businesses, and more residents. That will put more strain on the sewage system. However, the sensitivity with the associated costs of the expansion of the system is clouding the ability to come to terms with the situation. The capacity issue is not sensitive in itself. The town is reaching the limit of, and may have already outgrown its ability to handle, what is going to the plant. Being unprepared is what has created the inability to stop hiding from the truth.
The people perish.
If you have a system that is maxed out it will not allow for any growth to it. If there is no desire to expand the system then the alternatives would be to reduce the load to it. In order to reduce the load to this treatment plant the number of residents using it would need to go down. Also the number of business would need to be reduced to lower the strain on the wastewater treatment plant. The number of visitors and shoppers will need to be reduced or maybe they will be asked to “go” somewhere else besides Buffalo. Evidently, the evidence the economic developer is relying upon, is for people to move from Buffalo, businesses to close down in Buffalo, and visitors to go somewhere else besides Buffalo.
The people perish.
Is the economic developer’s plan for Buffalo to tell a potential business or developer to come back in about 10 years? By then we hope to have lost enough people that we will be able to handle the strain that you are going to put on our system. But if you come today we will be forced to bite the bullet and upgrade our wastewater treatment facility.
Where there is no vision the people perish.
Upgrades could be expensive and the town may have to borrow money to do them. It has never borrowed money for a big infrastructure project. And that is what has created the dire situations that exist with all of the infrastructures of Buffalo. The stronghold that has existed for years inside City Hall can be blamed for the shortsightedness of its operations. The only way they know how to invest in this community is through a certificate of deposit of its extra money into a bank. City Hall’s inability or flat out refusal to admit that there is a problem will do nothing but lengthen the time it takes to deal with them. Maybe they hope to divert the issues long enough that they won’t have to spend time and effort working on them during their tenure.
Fortunately, the town board does have the ability to change the direction of the town’s policy, or lack there of. But do they have the vision to temporarily cast their friendships aside to do what is best for the betterment of the community? Only time will tell.
Linda,Leah,James and Joe.....What is your vision?
Buss,Brown,Bishop, and Harper it's your legacy.....Will the people perish?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
TOWN BOARD MEETING - DEQ & MYERS ENGINEERING
Meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 6:00 pm at the Library. As the agenda has not been posted as of this date/time, here is an overview of what is expected.
Both DEQ and Myers Engineering will have officials present to discuss the issues of our wastewater system. This is a question and answer subject. Please come prepared.
Discussion on the Library roof potential roof repairs.
SEE COMMENTS FOR COMPLETE AGENDA THAT HAS FINALLY BEEN LET OUT TO THE PUBLIC.
Both DEQ and Myers Engineering will have officials present to discuss the issues of our wastewater system. This is a question and answer subject. Please come prepared.
Discussion on the Library roof potential roof repairs.
SEE COMMENTS FOR COMPLETE AGENDA THAT HAS FINALLY BEEN LET OUT TO THE PUBLIC.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS
Besides the captions what do these pics posted on Inside Buffalo say?
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-22.php
Is megafines a word?
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-22.php
Is megafines a word?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
CITY MANAGER....BLOWING SMOKE?
At the last meeting, the city manager mentioned doing a smoke test on the sewer lines of Buffalo. What is this? This test is primarily used to detect areas of unwarranted inflow into the sewer system. Such would be roof gutter and/or down spouts that are hooked into the home sewer lines. Storm water drainage pipes that are cross connected with the sewer lines. Old abandoned houses and building sewer lines that may be allowing surface water to enter the system. There may be old lateral lines, from septic systems which have been hooked into the sewer system. Leakage around manhole cover rings may also be a problem. The smoke test may also detect damaged and leaking joints in sewer pipes and other overflow problems with the sewer system. And of course illegal connections such as dog kennels equipped to rinse down their mess.
Basically it is finding areas that when it rains, that rain enters the sewer system and unnecessarily gets dumped into the sewer lagoons.
When the smoke test is performed the areas are marked and then they can be evaluated for possible corrections. This smoke is toxic and will make you very sick if you inhale it, that is, if it doesn’t kill you first. The number of people killed will reduce the numbers that use the sewer system and bring the system back to capacity, thus saving the town thousand upon thousand of dollars! (Just kidding!!)
“It is actually non-toxic, harmless and has no odor.”
This approach would be used for a situation where the capacity of the treatment system based on population or actual usage was not an issue and yet the system was still exceeding capacity. So for finding troubles with the lines themselves and addressing extra water that may enter the sewer system illegally the smoke test would be used. This smoke and mirrors approach will not address the capacity issue at hand. It will only generate more disbelief about the capacity issue. Blowing smoke is not the answer, even though it is the norm. Hasn’t there been a big enough can of worms opened already? Let the sleeping dogs lie.
Basically it is finding areas that when it rains, that rain enters the sewer system and unnecessarily gets dumped into the sewer lagoons.
When the smoke test is performed the areas are marked and then they can be evaluated for possible corrections. This smoke is toxic and will make you very sick if you inhale it, that is, if it doesn’t kill you first. The number of people killed will reduce the numbers that use the sewer system and bring the system back to capacity, thus saving the town thousand upon thousand of dollars! (Just kidding!!)
“It is actually non-toxic, harmless and has no odor.”
This approach would be used for a situation where the capacity of the treatment system based on population or actual usage was not an issue and yet the system was still exceeding capacity. So for finding troubles with the lines themselves and addressing extra water that may enter the sewer system illegally the smoke test would be used. This smoke and mirrors approach will not address the capacity issue at hand. It will only generate more disbelief about the capacity issue. Blowing smoke is not the answer, even though it is the norm. Hasn’t there been a big enough can of worms opened already? Let the sleeping dogs lie.
Friday, December 5, 2008
NEW ARTICLES UNDER HOT NEWS @ INSIDEBUFFALO
After not much activity from InsideBuffalo in a while there are some new articles that have hit the online magazine. These articles may answer some questions that have been raised concerning some of the Town of Buffalo's latest events.
I have posted links to two of the articles below. Come back to this BLOG and leave comments and raise unanswered questions. Anonymous posting is available to use but please don't abuse it.
Thanks
Click on the article links below to read them.
ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-20.php
Buffalo Oklahoma Town Board
Hikes Pay by 5%
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-44.php
I have posted links to two of the articles below. Come back to this BLOG and leave comments and raise unanswered questions. Anonymous posting is available to use but please don't abuse it.
Thanks
Click on the article links below to read them.
ANY WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-20.php
Buffalo Oklahoma Town Board
Hikes Pay by 5%
http://insidebuffalo.net/index-44.php
Sunday, November 30, 2008
DECEMBER TOWN BOARD MEETING AGENDA AND LOCATION
AGENDA
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO WILL MEET AT 6:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008, AT THE BUFFALO THEATRE & COMMUNITY CENTRE, 104 E. WILLIAMS STREET, FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
Call to order, roll call, declaration of a quorum being present
Discussion & possible action approving the Consent Agenda
Discussion & possible action on any items removed from the Consent Agenda
Discussion & possible action on engineering and DEQ’s inspection of wastewater system with status and changes to be made if appropriate
Discussion & possible action to approve and submit Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant proposals and adopt REAP grant resolutions
Discussion & possible action to pass & approve a resolution establishing the various rates to be charged at the Doby Springs Golf Course
Discussion & possible action passing & approving a resolution accepting the beneficial interest in the Buffalo Public Works Authority, a public trust, for and on behalf of the Town of Buffalo, Oklahoma
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-7(1)(a&b) and (2)(a&b) adopted by reference in Section 17-102 of the Buffalo Town Code, amending water rates; establishing an effective date; and providing for repealer and severability
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-3 adopted by reference in Section 17-102 of the Buffalo Town Code, amending sewer rates; establishing an effective date; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Part 8, Health and Nuisances, Chapter 1, Nuisances and Health Generally, of the Buffalo Town Code, by adding a new section which shall be numbered 8-206; which shall be entitled “Penalty”; and which shall read as established in this ordinance; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Part 2, Administration and Government, Chapter 1, Government Organization, of the Buffalo Town Code, by adding a new section which shall be numbered 2-112; which shall be entitled “Vice-Mayor”; and which shall read as established in this ordinance; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to pass & approve a resolution for the sale of oil and gas lease
Discussion & possible action to approve the purchase of radar for the police department
Discussion & possible action to approve a cost of living increase for all salaried employees
Discussion & possible action to approve the paid holidays for the year 2009
Discussion & possible action on professional office space remodeling project
Appearances from the audience & remarks and inquiries by governing body members
Adjournment
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO WILL MEET AT 6:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008, AT THE BUFFALO THEATRE & COMMUNITY CENTRE, 104 E. WILLIAMS STREET, FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
Call to order, roll call, declaration of a quorum being present
Discussion & possible action approving the Consent Agenda
Discussion & possible action on any items removed from the Consent Agenda
Discussion & possible action on engineering and DEQ’s inspection of wastewater system with status and changes to be made if appropriate
Discussion & possible action to approve and submit Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant proposals and adopt REAP grant resolutions
Discussion & possible action to pass & approve a resolution establishing the various rates to be charged at the Doby Springs Golf Course
Discussion & possible action passing & approving a resolution accepting the beneficial interest in the Buffalo Public Works Authority, a public trust, for and on behalf of the Town of Buffalo, Oklahoma
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-7(1)(a&b) and (2)(a&b) adopted by reference in Section 17-102 of the Buffalo Town Code, amending water rates; establishing an effective date; and providing for repealer and severability
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-3 adopted by reference in Section 17-102 of the Buffalo Town Code, amending sewer rates; establishing an effective date; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Part 8, Health and Nuisances, Chapter 1, Nuisances and Health Generally, of the Buffalo Town Code, by adding a new section which shall be numbered 8-206; which shall be entitled “Penalty”; and which shall read as established in this ordinance; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to approve and adopt an ordinance amending Part 2, Administration and Government, Chapter 1, Government Organization, of the Buffalo Town Code, by adding a new section which shall be numbered 2-112; which shall be entitled “Vice-Mayor”; and which shall read as established in this ordinance; and providing for repealer and severability.
Discussion & possible action to pass & approve a resolution for the sale of oil and gas lease
Discussion & possible action to approve the purchase of radar for the police department
Discussion & possible action to approve a cost of living increase for all salaried employees
Discussion & possible action to approve the paid holidays for the year 2009
Discussion & possible action on professional office space remodeling project
Appearances from the audience & remarks and inquiries by governing body members
Adjournment
Sunday, November 23, 2008
JR HIGH BOYS AND GIRLS WIN TOURNAMENT !
The Jr. High Boys and Girls both won their championship games of the Ellis County Jr. High Tournament that were held Saturday at Fargo. Be sure and congratulate them for their fine accomplishments.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
These are the DEQ rules violations for the Wastewater Treatment Facility of the Town of Buffalo
252:619-1-4. General requirements for total
retention lagoon systems
(d) Discharges prohibited. The permittee shall operate
and maintain the total retention lagoon system so that no
part of the system bypasses or discharges wastes or
wastewater. All such bypasses and/or discharges shall be
considered a violation of this Chapter and be subject to
enforcement as an unpermitted discharge to waters of the
State in violation of the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Act.
(2) Required response. Whenever a bypass or
discharge occurs, the permittee shall ensure that
immediate action is taken to stop, contain, clean up
and prevent recurrence of the bypass or discharge.
252:619-1-3. Permit requirements
Pursuant to OAC 252:656, permits are required for the
construction or modification of any non-industrial
wastewater total retention lagoon system.(2 violations)
252:619-3-1. Collection systems serving total
retention lagoons
(d) Pump stations. The permittee shall ensure that pump
stations are properly maintained and operated by doing the
following:
(1) Securing pump stations to prevent unauthorized
access.
(2) Maintaining the pumps in working condition.
(3) Keeping the screens free of debris to prevent
clogging.
(4) Maintaining the required alarms in working order.
(5) Maintaining the required back-up generators
and/or portable engine driven pumps in working order.
(6) Maintaining a complete set of operational
instructions, emergency procedures and maintenance
schedules.
252:619-3-2. Total retention lagoons
(a) Erosion control. The permittee shall prevent erosion
of the lagoon by:
(1) Maintaining a 1:3 slope on the inner and outer
dikes of the lagoon, unless permitted otherwise;
252:619-3-2. Total retention lagoons
(a) Erosion control. The permittee shall prevent erosion
of the lagoon by:
(3) Removing trees and deep-root vegetation from the
dikes and bottom of the lagoon in a timely manner to
maintain the integrity and stability of the lagoon;
retention lagoon systems
(d) Discharges prohibited. The permittee shall operate
and maintain the total retention lagoon system so that no
part of the system bypasses or discharges wastes or
wastewater. All such bypasses and/or discharges shall be
considered a violation of this Chapter and be subject to
enforcement as an unpermitted discharge to waters of the
State in violation of the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Act.
(2) Required response. Whenever a bypass or
discharge occurs, the permittee shall ensure that
immediate action is taken to stop, contain, clean up
and prevent recurrence of the bypass or discharge.
252:619-1-3. Permit requirements
Pursuant to OAC 252:656, permits are required for the
construction or modification of any non-industrial
wastewater total retention lagoon system.(2 violations)
252:619-3-1. Collection systems serving total
retention lagoons
(d) Pump stations. The permittee shall ensure that pump
stations are properly maintained and operated by doing the
following:
(1) Securing pump stations to prevent unauthorized
access.
(2) Maintaining the pumps in working condition.
(3) Keeping the screens free of debris to prevent
clogging.
(4) Maintaining the required alarms in working order.
(5) Maintaining the required back-up generators
and/or portable engine driven pumps in working order.
(6) Maintaining a complete set of operational
instructions, emergency procedures and maintenance
schedules.
252:619-3-2. Total retention lagoons
(a) Erosion control. The permittee shall prevent erosion
of the lagoon by:
(1) Maintaining a 1:3 slope on the inner and outer
dikes of the lagoon, unless permitted otherwise;
252:619-3-2. Total retention lagoons
(a) Erosion control. The permittee shall prevent erosion
of the lagoon by:
(3) Removing trees and deep-root vegetation from the
dikes and bottom of the lagoon in a timely manner to
maintain the integrity and stability of the lagoon;
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
First step to recovery is to admit that you have a problem.
The decisions regarding the sewer pond have been laid to rest on a fictitious table until the next board meeting in December. And possibly could continue to be ignored on into January of 2009. But the board did decide to go ahead and go for the golf course sprinkler system grant. The members of the golf association should be happy about that.
Have you ever seen the ESPN commercial that has a panel of four football experts sitting in on a Congressional hearing about global warming? They are a panel of experts in the wrong setting. This is the same scene with the town personnel and board regarding the lift station and its broken pumps, along with the sewer lagoons and their unlawful bypass. No one would ever expect this organization to be the experts and to have the solutions to this big of an ordeal. Yet the group continues to drag out all aspects of this situation further and further.
The pumps have to be replaced. The panel of experts is Meyers Engineering. Hire them to do a scope, design, and bid package for the modifications that need to be made to the lift station. Quit getting bogged down on these things that nobody expects this entity to have the solutions to. Hand the ball off to the professionals and let them do the work that needs to be done. Request their presence at the next meeting for discussions.
This is a very serious situation that needs to be addressed as efficiently as possible.(By Experts) To continue to allow raw sewage be piped to an area that it wasn't design to be piped to is beyond reason. These pumps have been broken since April of 2008. Millions of gallons of raw sewage have disappeared from storage in the lagoons. Along with the untold amounts of sewage that continued to leak away via the makeshift alterations. The capacity is an issue, the leakage is an issue, and the pumps are an issue. The fix for the pumps and redesign of the lift station is going to be expensive. The new capacity requirements for the sewage treatment facility is going to be expensive. And the fines from DEQ are going to be expensive. The new mayor is going to be in for a rude awakening come January when the DEQ issues their final verdict. Brace yourselves it is going to be expensive. It will be at least six figures. Not sure what that leading number will be. 1, 2, 3, 4......?
This is a very strong position that is being taken. Much rather eat crow than its alternative.
Have you ever seen the ESPN commercial that has a panel of four football experts sitting in on a Congressional hearing about global warming? They are a panel of experts in the wrong setting. This is the same scene with the town personnel and board regarding the lift station and its broken pumps, along with the sewer lagoons and their unlawful bypass. No one would ever expect this organization to be the experts and to have the solutions to this big of an ordeal. Yet the group continues to drag out all aspects of this situation further and further.
The pumps have to be replaced. The panel of experts is Meyers Engineering. Hire them to do a scope, design, and bid package for the modifications that need to be made to the lift station. Quit getting bogged down on these things that nobody expects this entity to have the solutions to. Hand the ball off to the professionals and let them do the work that needs to be done. Request their presence at the next meeting for discussions.
This is a very serious situation that needs to be addressed as efficiently as possible.(By Experts) To continue to allow raw sewage be piped to an area that it wasn't design to be piped to is beyond reason. These pumps have been broken since April of 2008. Millions of gallons of raw sewage have disappeared from storage in the lagoons. Along with the untold amounts of sewage that continued to leak away via the makeshift alterations. The capacity is an issue, the leakage is an issue, and the pumps are an issue. The fix for the pumps and redesign of the lift station is going to be expensive. The new capacity requirements for the sewage treatment facility is going to be expensive. And the fines from DEQ are going to be expensive. The new mayor is going to be in for a rude awakening come January when the DEQ issues their final verdict. Brace yourselves it is going to be expensive. It will be at least six figures. Not sure what that leading number will be. 1, 2, 3, 4......?
This is a very strong position that is being taken. Much rather eat crow than its alternative.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TOP TEN REASONS WHY THE PUMPS ON THE LIFT STATION HAVEN’T BEEN FIXED YET?
Number 10. Scared of the poo eating alligators!
Number 9. Waiting for the one year anniversary so we can have a party at Celebration Park.
Number 8. Waiting for Harpo, Chico, Groucho, & Zeppo to finish their Monkey Business.
Number 7. Not so fast there buckwheat…. are we sure they’re even broken?
Number 6. We can’t find the maintenance to-do list.
Number 5. Called “phone a friend” for the answers and got put on hold.
Number 4. We’re Conservative.......we don’t fix things.
Number 3. They’re not broke, it was an April Fools Joke!
Number 2. “You want me to touch that!”
And the number one reason why the pumps on the lift station haven’t been fixed yet?
Happy Holidays! We’re buying everyone septic tanks for Christmas!
Number 9. Waiting for the one year anniversary so we can have a party at Celebration Park.
Number 8. Waiting for Harpo, Chico, Groucho, & Zeppo to finish their Monkey Business.
Number 7. Not so fast there buckwheat…. are we sure they’re even broken?
Number 6. We can’t find the maintenance to-do list.
Number 5. Called “phone a friend” for the answers and got put on hold.
Number 4. We’re Conservative.......we don’t fix things.
Number 3. They’re not broke, it was an April Fools Joke!
Number 2. “You want me to touch that!”
And the number one reason why the pumps on the lift station haven’t been fixed yet?
Happy Holidays! We’re buying everyone septic tanks for Christmas!
Monday, November 17, 2008
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ENGINEER AND DEQ’S INSPECTION OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM WITH STATUS AND CHANGES TO BE MADE
AGENDA
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO WILL MEET AT 6:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2008, AT THE BUFFALO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 11 E. TURNER STREET, FOR A SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER/ DECLARATION OF A QUORUM BEING PRESENT
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON REAP GRANT PROPOSALS
AND ADOPTION OF GRANT RESOLUTIONS
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DEPT. OF
TOURISM GRANT FOR THE GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON SANTA CLAUS DAY
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ENGINEER AND DEQ’S
INSPECTION OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM WITH STATUS AND
CHANGES TO BE MADE
REVIEW & APPROVAL OF A BUILDING PERMITS
1. LEWIS CARPENTER 2. COLLEENA MORGAN 3. LENNES JONES
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
SPACE REMODELING PROJECT
APPEARANCES FROM THE AUDIENCE & GOVERNING
BODY REMARKS
ADJOURNMENT
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO WILL MEET AT 6:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2008, AT THE BUFFALO PUBLIC LIBRARY, 11 E. TURNER STREET, FOR A SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER/ DECLARATION OF A QUORUM BEING PRESENT
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON REAP GRANT PROPOSALS
AND ADOPTION OF GRANT RESOLUTIONS
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE DEPT. OF
TOURISM GRANT FOR THE GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON SANTA CLAUS DAY
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON ENGINEER AND DEQ’S
INSPECTION OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM WITH STATUS AND
CHANGES TO BE MADE
REVIEW & APPROVAL OF A BUILDING PERMITS
1. LEWIS CARPENTER 2. COLLEENA MORGAN 3. LENNES JONES
DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ON PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
SPACE REMODELING PROJECT
APPEARANCES FROM THE AUDIENCE & GOVERNING
BODY REMARKS
ADJOURNMENT
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Positive Things Taking Shape
Except for one loud-mouthed remark from the husband of a non-voting town official the board meeting went smoothly and it appears that positive things could be taking shape. To find out what happened check the comments.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I agree, "We need to stick together"
This is a very public place to share information. The fact is that several hundred different individuals are looking in on this blog every week. Never have there ever been that many people at a Town Board meeting. This can prove to be a useful arena to share information about the activities that are going on. If this blog is reaching out to this many people then its purpose can be served.
MLK Jr. Said “The comfortable, the entrenched, the privileged cannot continue to tremble at the prospect of change in the status quo.”
Off the soap box!! What are the solutions? Participation is the solution. There are bigger challenges than any 5 board members and city office staff should have to undertake alone. We need committees and subcommittees and sub-subcommittees working together on what can be done and how. Check our hats at the door, forget about any skeletons in the closet, and put our minds together for the common good of this community. Talk to your favorite board members and encourage the rest of them. Give them confidence to undertake the things that few before them have had to address. Ask yourself what your legacy will be regarding your participation in the future of your home town.
This is my Home Town and I am proud of it. I want the children that are growing up here today to have the same chance to be proud of their Home Town, as am I. Maybe as they grow older they will want to spend their whole life in Buffalo, Oklahoma, as have I.
MLK Jr. Said “The comfortable, the entrenched, the privileged cannot continue to tremble at the prospect of change in the status quo.”
Currently this town seems to be divided between status quo and forward thinking progress. What legacy will the current board members leave behind with their time on the board? Do they want to face the issues head on or ignore them and hope they go away? There has not been a significant amount of investment put into the infrastructure of this town in several decades. The town’s infrastructure continues to fall apart right before our eyes and yet no one wants to address any of it. There is no 1 year plan; no 5 year plan; there is absolutely no plan at all. There is growth going on around us but the lack of the necessary foresight and planning will not allow any spurt of development to occur within our city limits. We need new development in town which will in turn generate new revenue for the city’s coffers. It will take an investment in the city works itself to promote growth. The city cannot rely solely on the sales tax base. The public utilities that they provide need to be considered as a source of revenue also. A lot of people would be surprised to know that the water tower at the city park has not been in use since the 1970’s. Can you judge the character of a town by the condition of its water tower?
Off the soap box!! What are the solutions? Participation is the solution. There are bigger challenges than any 5 board members and city office staff should have to undertake alone. We need committees and subcommittees and sub-subcommittees working together on what can be done and how. Check our hats at the door, forget about any skeletons in the closet, and put our minds together for the common good of this community. Talk to your favorite board members and encourage the rest of them. Give them confidence to undertake the things that few before them have had to address. Ask yourself what your legacy will be regarding your participation in the future of your home town.
This is my Home Town and I am proud of it. I want the children that are growing up here today to have the same chance to be proud of their Home Town, as am I. Maybe as they grow older they will want to spend their whole life in Buffalo, Oklahoma, as have I.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
LEWIS CARPENTER TOWN OFFICIAL OR NOT?
§11-8-114. Institute - Statewide organization to conduct.
A. Each person elected for the first time to a position of a municipality on or after January 1, 2005, or appointed for the first time on or after July 1, 2006, shall be required within one (1) year after taking the oath of office to attend an institute for municipal officials. The Institute shall be conducted at all times, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, by or under the supervision of a statewide organization that is exempt from taxation under federal law and designated pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 170(a). The statewide organization shall demonstrate to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education that it has represented municipalities, had statutory functions and conducted training programs for municipalities for at least fifteen (15) years prior to November 1, 2005. It shall further demonstrate that its continuous official purpose is to promote the general welfare of cities and towns, to foster or conduct schools, short courses and other training sessions, to provide technical assistance and consultive services and other aids for the improvement and increased efficiency of city and town government, and to serve as the representative of cities and towns in carrying out the duties and prerogatives conferred on it by state law.
B. The Institute shall consist of eight (8) hours of instruction. A certificate of completion shall be awarded to those persons who attend and successfully complete the Institute and a list of those persons shall be filed with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
C. The curriculum for the Institute shall include, but not be limited to: municipal budget requirements, the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, the Oklahoma Open Records Act, ethics, procedures for conducting meetings, conflict of interest, and purchasing procedures.
D. The Institute shall be held at a minimum of six regional locations in the state. Every effort shall be made by the Institute to accommodate training through long-distance learning.
E. A person elected or appointed to a municipal position who fails to satisfy the education requirements of this section shall cease to hold the position commencing at the next scheduled meeting of the governing body following the first-year anniversary of the person’s taking the oath of office.
F. At the time of filing, the designated statewide organization shall provide the necessary information to the candidate of the option for attendance at the Institute as provided for in this section. In the case of officials nominated and elected for municipal offices at town meetings, the presiding officer of the town meeting shall notify the candidate of the option.
Was Mr. Carpenter elected for the first time after January 1, 2005? Has Mr. Carpenter attended the institute? Has it been a year since he took the oath of office which he was elected? Has he been re-appointed to the board if his position actually ceased?
A. Each person elected for the first time to a position of a municipality on or after January 1, 2005, or appointed for the first time on or after July 1, 2006, shall be required within one (1) year after taking the oath of office to attend an institute for municipal officials. The Institute shall be conducted at all times, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, by or under the supervision of a statewide organization that is exempt from taxation under federal law and designated pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C., Section 170(a). The statewide organization shall demonstrate to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education that it has represented municipalities, had statutory functions and conducted training programs for municipalities for at least fifteen (15) years prior to November 1, 2005. It shall further demonstrate that its continuous official purpose is to promote the general welfare of cities and towns, to foster or conduct schools, short courses and other training sessions, to provide technical assistance and consultive services and other aids for the improvement and increased efficiency of city and town government, and to serve as the representative of cities and towns in carrying out the duties and prerogatives conferred on it by state law.
B. The Institute shall consist of eight (8) hours of instruction. A certificate of completion shall be awarded to those persons who attend and successfully complete the Institute and a list of those persons shall be filed with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
C. The curriculum for the Institute shall include, but not be limited to: municipal budget requirements, the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, the Oklahoma Open Records Act, ethics, procedures for conducting meetings, conflict of interest, and purchasing procedures.
D. The Institute shall be held at a minimum of six regional locations in the state. Every effort shall be made by the Institute to accommodate training through long-distance learning.
E. A person elected or appointed to a municipal position who fails to satisfy the education requirements of this section shall cease to hold the position commencing at the next scheduled meeting of the governing body following the first-year anniversary of the person’s taking the oath of office.
F. At the time of filing, the designated statewide organization shall provide the necessary information to the candidate of the option for attendance at the Institute as provided for in this section. In the case of officials nominated and elected for municipal offices at town meetings, the presiding officer of the town meeting shall notify the candidate of the option.
Was Mr. Carpenter elected for the first time after January 1, 2005? Has Mr. Carpenter attended the institute? Has it been a year since he took the oath of office which he was elected? Has he been re-appointed to the board if his position actually ceased?
DEQ REQUESTED
Town Board approves motion to have DEQ inspect and evaluate waste water treatment facility.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What to do? What to do?
The Sheriff’s annual budget of dispatch for Fire Department, EMS, and all of the Sheriff’s Deputies approximately $94,771. Marty thinks the Town of Buffalo should pay for one third.That’s $31,590 annually which is equal to $2,633.53 per month.
What do you think?
Cell phone with call forwarding?
Do it themselves and hire a dispatcher to be active when the officer is patrolling.
Pay the requested amount.Pay ______(enter your own amount)
Pay $0
Get the county commissioners to implement the E911 revenue source through landline and cell phone bill. (Estimated to be around $3800.00 a month of potential revenue). And since I kind of like this one let me share with you something interesting. If someone from elsewhere in the state is working in Harper County and they use their cell phone in Harper County more than fifty percent of the time in Harper County then that E911 money off of that person’s cell phone would go to Harper County E911. That’s right no matter if they live somewhere else. It is where the phone is used the most. The cell phone E911 revenue would bring about $1200 of the $3800 mentioned earlier. Cost for per cell phone, 50 cents per month
What do you think?
Cell phone with call forwarding?
Do it themselves and hire a dispatcher to be active when the officer is patrolling.
Pay the requested amount.Pay ______(enter your own amount)
Pay $0
Get the county commissioners to implement the E911 revenue source through landline and cell phone bill. (Estimated to be around $3800.00 a month of potential revenue). And since I kind of like this one let me share with you something interesting. If someone from elsewhere in the state is working in Harper County and they use their cell phone in Harper County more than fifty percent of the time in Harper County then that E911 money off of that person’s cell phone would go to Harper County E911. That’s right no matter if they live somewhere else. It is where the phone is used the most. The cell phone E911 revenue would bring about $1200 of the $3800 mentioned earlier. Cost for per cell phone, 50 cents per month
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Are some of the Town Board members in cahoots with INSIDEBUFFALO magazine?
What is the hot topic that is about to come out in Buffalo? Why are there just a few of the Town board members that are in the know? Is it a coincidence that INSIDEBUFFALO has something juicy? If info is being with held from within its members won’t that cause “it” to hit the fan like INSIDEBUFFALO is predicting? Call the board members. Ask them what is going on. Who knows and who doesn’t? Do we have a right to know?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Town has deep pockets?
Well, here we go again, the political arena at its finest. This Wednesday, the Town Of Buffalo will be approached about the following two agenda items.
Discussion & possible action approving a Jail Service Agreement with the Harper County Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County to establish the terms and conditions under which municipal prisoners will be housed in the Harper County jail during fiscal year 2008-09
Discussion & possible action regarding an agreement with the Harper County Sheriff to establish the terms and conditions for dispatching services during fiscal year 2008-09
Keep in mind that just recently the Town was approached by another entity of the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County the Harper County Community Hospital. They needed help with funding a building on there behalf at the tune of $30,000 of the Town taxpayer's dollars. The Town gleefully accepted the burden of this expenditure knowing it will have an effect on its budget. It was for the good of the community.
Now here comes the County Commissioners themselves in disguise as the Harper County Sheriffs Department wanting an “agreement” that has “terms and conditions” for dispatch and jail service. It will be fascinating to see how much the terms and conditions will cost the taxpayers of Buffalo this go round.
Was the Town of Buffalo premature to, as it has been termed lately, “Bail Out” the Hospital which I remind you is a child of the Board of County Commissioners as is the Sheriff’s Dept. If I scratch your back will you scratch my back? Do the County Commissioners (sheriff’s dept) have the Town of Buffalo over a barrel?
Oh, by the way, there already is an agreement that has been in effect between the Town of Buffalo and Harper County Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County since our county put into service the 911 system almost 10 years ago. (Nov. 1998)
That cost for dispatch and jail…….. ZERO DOLLARS.
This will be interesting.
Discussion & possible action approving a Jail Service Agreement with the Harper County Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County to establish the terms and conditions under which municipal prisoners will be housed in the Harper County jail during fiscal year 2008-09
Discussion & possible action regarding an agreement with the Harper County Sheriff to establish the terms and conditions for dispatching services during fiscal year 2008-09
Keep in mind that just recently the Town was approached by another entity of the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County the Harper County Community Hospital. They needed help with funding a building on there behalf at the tune of $30,000 of the Town taxpayer's dollars. The Town gleefully accepted the burden of this expenditure knowing it will have an effect on its budget. It was for the good of the community.
Now here comes the County Commissioners themselves in disguise as the Harper County Sheriffs Department wanting an “agreement” that has “terms and conditions” for dispatch and jail service. It will be fascinating to see how much the terms and conditions will cost the taxpayers of Buffalo this go round.
Was the Town of Buffalo premature to, as it has been termed lately, “Bail Out” the Hospital which I remind you is a child of the Board of County Commissioners as is the Sheriff’s Dept. If I scratch your back will you scratch my back? Do the County Commissioners (sheriff’s dept) have the Town of Buffalo over a barrel?
Oh, by the way, there already is an agreement that has been in effect between the Town of Buffalo and Harper County Sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners of Harper County since our county put into service the 911 system almost 10 years ago. (Nov. 1998)
That cost for dispatch and jail…….. ZERO DOLLARS.
This will be interesting.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Whose Responibility is it?
Late Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson said,
"It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error."
Notice how the word "citizen" is used in the singular tense.
By using it this way it is stressing the importance of each individual to participate.
Everyone's function is to be involved in their government.
Is your government falling into error?
Are YOU functioning?
"It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error."
Notice how the word "citizen" is used in the singular tense.
By using it this way it is stressing the importance of each individual to participate.
Everyone's function is to be involved in their government.
Is your government falling into error?
Are YOU functioning?
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