City Council honors Dewayne Wood; sets properties for demolition

The Blackwell City Council had a long day Friday, staying in the City Hall meeting room from noon until roughly 9:30 p.m. to go over the city’s 2022 budget in an extended workshop and to conduct a regular meeting of the City Council.

During the budget workshop, Council members, Interim City Manager Jerry Wieland and Public Works Director Jerry Eubanks heard from officials with Blackwell’s street, water, electric, police, and fire departments.

Along with the city’s chief financial officer, Frank Crawford, officials talked about what they’re expecting financially in 2022 and beyond.

Blackwell Chief of Police Dewayne Wood spoke with the Council about potentially adding new police vehicles to the city’s fleet. New vehicles would phase out the Chevy Impala cars that have been in service for more than a decade.

Blackwell Fire Chief Cory Hanebrink spoke about obtaining new equipment for the department’s engines and ambulances, as well as buying new bunker gear for the department.

Blackwell’s Streets and Parks Department, led by Chuck Anderson, is also seeking new equipment for its continued work heading into the summer. Anderson said new equipment will help his department be better prepared for hazardous events, such as ice storms.

In the Council meeting, Wood was honored as the city’s Employee of the Month. The Council approved monthly payments to Crawford for $9,405.85 and City Attorney Bryce Kennedy for $17,893.75. The Council approved a $1,000-permonth stipend for Wieland’s service as city manager.

The Council approved 12 dilapidated structures for demolition. The sites included in the list of structures, which was presented by city code enforcement workers, are: 450 E. Lincoln, 440 E. Padon, 111 S. 3rd, 1203 W. Padon, 916 W. Padon, 514 W. Padon, 514 W. Florence, 277 Enlow, 639 E. Padon, 1103 W. Lincoln, 110 W. College, 427 W. Padon and 216 S. 4th.

The Council appointed Councilman Jon Webb as vice mayor and approved an aid agreement with the Tonkawa Fire Department.