The Woodward News

Local News

November 6, 2012

City moves forward on 2 major projects

Rowynn Ricks Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Woodward City Commissioners approved the expenditure of over $500,000 during their meeting Monday night to move forward on 2 major projects in the city: the widening of 34th Street and building a new central fire station.



ENGINEERING FIRM HIRED FOR 34TH STREET PROJECT

Commissioners first approved a $105,700 lump sum payment to the engineering firm Garver, LLC in return for professional services related to the 34th Street project.

City Manager Alan Riffel told commissioners that Garver was selected by a panel of officials after they heard and scored presentations from 5 separate engineering firms, with Garver being selected as the best "due to their level of professionalism and experience."

As part of the initial contract, Garver will perform a traffic study, conduct property surveys and complete a preliminary engineering study.

Riffel said the information gathered by these studies and surveys will help Garver to develop 3 proposal options for the city to consider before moving into the design phase.  

When it comes to the design phase, the city manager promised that "Garver will hold community meetings," where stakeholders and interested parties will be allowed to provide feedback.

However, he said the design phase is still at least several months off as Garver is not anticipated to complete its studies and surveys until mid-January.



PROPERTY PURCHASED FOR NEW FIRE STATION SITE

After a 30-minute executive session to discuss the property, city commissioners approved the purchase of the "old Golden Corral property" at 2400 Williams Ave. in the amount of $403,000, "with the intended purpose of building a new central fire station," Commissioner Steve Bogdahn said.

The commissioners didn't make any public comments prior to approving the property purchase.

However, during his city manager's report to the commissioners, Riffel said he had "to commend the commission for taking this first step" in securing the site for a new main fire station.

"Our current station is not only old, but poorly situated," he said, noting that a new station in the new location along Williams Ave. "will be a huge improvement."

In referencing the large crowd of firefighters who were in attendance to hear the outcome of the property vote, Riffel said, "I'm sure it's something they will appreciate and the city will appreciate too."

"It's a proud day for Woodward and the first step toward significant progress for our community," he said.

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