TheChandlerCityCouncil approved the creation of a new economic development authority and appointed Ben Myers as the new council member for Ward III at its latest regular meeting on July 15, among other items.
The meeting was postponed by a week after they could not reach a quorum on July 8.
The Council approved the Trust Indenture creating the Chandler Economic Development Authority. Essentially, the Authority will help to bring more jobs to Chandler, said City Manager Jason Orr. This could include funding for development in areas within corporate limits, tax increment financing districts, improving public utilities, the acquisition of professional services like planners, engineers and attorneys, among other actions. There will be five trustees nominated by the mayor, while the City Council will approve the appointments.TheAuthority will be open to business owners and residents in Chandler city limits, as well as those who live on property adjoining or adjacent to city limits. Mayor Kent McVey will provide a list of nominees at the next Council meeting inAugust.
Ben Myers was appointed toreplaceGregHuffman as council member for Ward III.
Huffman stepped down as his wife’s employment required relocation outside of Chandler.
Myers is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, a graduate of Chandler High School, and was the 2015-2016 poet laureate for the state of Oklahoma.
Natalie Nell, assistant to the city manager, presented the new online reservation system for the campgroundsandpavilions at the lake.
It includes maps showing availability, photos of the sites and detailed information. Currently, it has been activated forArea A, though the City plans to expand it to B and C as well. The new system will also include pavilion reservations for all parks in town as well as at the lake.
The online reservation system can be accessed by computer and mobile device, so campers can still book on-site.
Nell said the City is also moving away from the honor box system for camping, boating, fishing and hiking at the lakes. It intends to start accepting payment via Cash App or Venmo. Visitors can also still purchase permits at City Hall during office hours.
She said they are looking for a local business that can accept payment for permits on weekends when City Hall is closed.
Other motions passed by the Chandler City Council were appointing Jessie Glover-McPhereson to the Library Board and an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement with Circuit Engineering District #4 for sign shop services.
The Chandler Municipal Authority approved a pay app of $116,513 to Scapes, Inc. for the Imel Park project, a change order of $82,987.50 to Scapes, Inc., for Imel Park, and an invoice of $300 to Kimley Horn for the Reed Park project.
The change order included three elements -- the sidewalk and road curb installation, electric service feed installation and lighting for the mural.