Published: August 13, 2008 09:57 am         

Drainage problems flood Perkins commission

PERKINS — Drainage continues to be a problem for residents and city commissioners.

During the monthly meeting of the City Commission on Tuesday, several residents from the area around Northeast Fourth spoke about standing water and the problems it is creating.

Darrel Bickell explained how his residence backs up to a drainage ditch and it has become an eyesore and a health hazard. “The mosquitos have become such a problem that it has become impossible to spend any time in my backyard.”

Ron Layton presented paperwork to the commissioners with evidence from the Oklahoma Water Resource Board that he feels clearly identifies the pumping of water to be illegal.

Harland Wells, developer of the Kinder-Wells subdivision, was on hand to field questions from residents and the council on the drainage problem and the impact it has on the city.

He clarified water pumping has been taking place in Perkins for at least 15 years and if it was not for that pumping, a lot more road flooding would occur.

“The growth of Perkins has led to major water issues for our city and the residents of our city,” said Pete Seikel, city manager. “If detention ponds are working properly, water will detain in them and naturally evaporate in the environment.”

Much of the problem seems to lie in the proper maintenance of the area the water is pumped to. To continue to function properly, the surrounding areas need to be mowed and kept up.

When it was realized that no action could take place on the drainage issues, commissioners decided to enter executive session at a later date and discuss the water woes among themselves. It was agreed by all parties that the services of an engineer would be required to make all parties happy in the long run and was in the best interest for the future of Perkins.

In other business, one bid was opened for a steel utility box and 1,000-gallon stainless steel tank, declared as surplus by commissioners last month. Wayne Rider will assume ownership of the property since his bid was the only one received.

Placed as surplus merchandise at Tuesday’s meeting was a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, with a minimum bid of $1,000 required, a 1991 Ford Ranger, with a minimum bid of $1,000 required and a 1997 Mercury, with a minimum bid of $100 required.

The city will enter into a lease-purchase agreement with Ford Motor Co., for two 2008 Crown Victorias. These will be leased for three years for $21,898 and will become the property of the city after those three years.

The next meeting of the Perkins City Commission will be held Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Annex, 102 N. Main.

     

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