The Stroud City Council voted on Dec. 12 to conditionally move forward with allowing the operation of a youth center in the town. They have tentatively allowed the use of a building at 315 W. Main Street for the proposed Lincoln County Youth Center, contingent on Shane Clark, who presented the proposal, bringing a detailed plan that includes funding and operations to the January City Council meeting. Clark proposed that the youth center be for kids from fourth to 12th grade. It would be open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 9:30 p.m. for tutoring, counseling, food, games and internet access. Clark added that he’s received support from a local pastor and community members, including donations of time and materials to fix the building. While it is currently in the early stages, Clark hoped to have it open by spring or summer. The City Council also made two decisions regarding tiny and mobile homes within city limits. They approved the continuation of a moratorium on both dwellings until March 1, 2025, unless the owner has 10 acres or more. The Council then approved the development of a Non-Standard Overlay District that would allow tiny and mobile homes. The district will be in Lots 1-24, Blocks 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Southside Addition. Stroud City Council also awarded bids to four neon sign vendors and one electrician for the Stroud Historic Route 66 Business Neon Light Project. The town was awarded $999,600 from the Route 66 Commission to install neon signs at 49 businesses, creating a 15-block stretch down Stroud’s Main Street.
The neon sign vendors are Neon Lights Inc., Encinos 3d Custom Products, Signs and Wonders, LLC and G&S Sign Services. The electrician is KB Electric LLC.
Other motions that passed were for the grant administrator to start researching ORWA, USDA and OWD grant opportunities, a proposal to develop a cost of service and rate study for the City of Stroud, approval of the draft of the employee handbook, and changing the Health Reimbursement Arrangement from $750 to $1,250.