Central Oklahoma perspective.

              file:///Y|/News_Letters/Newsletters/Central%20OK%20Perspective/2011-11%20Central%20Ok%20Perspectives.htm[11/17/2011 4:10:32 PM]
From: ACOG - Association of Central Oklahoma Governments [enews@acogok.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 2:57 PM
To: gphillips@oltn.odl.state.ok.us
Subject: Central Oklahoma News - November/December 2011
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In This Issue
Snow Routes Updated
Norman "Moving
Forward"
Wildfire Prevention
Keith Bryan Memorial
Scholarship
Regional Events
Around the Region
Our Sites
ACOG Newsroom
Clean Cities
Get Around (Carpool)
Get Square (Clean Air)
Calendar
NOVEMBER 10
Areawide Planning Technical
Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.
Intermodal Transportation
Technical Committee, 10 a.m.
NOVEMBER 11
ACOG offices closed for
Veteran's Day
NOVEMBER 15
ACOG Newsletter: November/December 2011
Welcome to the e-mail edition of Central Oklahoma Perspective! To see more
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subscribe to our other topics, forward to a friend or unsubscribe. We appreciate
your interest as we are excited to bring you news in this format.
Central Oklahoma Snow Routes Map Updated for
Winter
City and county leaders from across the greater
metropolitan area have updated a regional map that
highlights the best route choices for motorists when
inclement winter weather strikes.
The map showcases the roadways that individual
communities consider their highest priorities during snow
and ice storms. The management of roadways may
include the spreading of abrasives (sanding), anti-icing
applications (salt and chemicals) and snow removal and clearance (plowing).
Organized by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and
focusing on the Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS)
area, the snow route identification process involves the interaction of multiple
municipal governments and agencies.
The map is designed as a guide and resource. It is not absolute. The map does
not reflect potential shortcomings in mechanization, manpower, supplies or
time. For example, snowfall can occur so rapidly (like the Christmas Eve
blizzard of 2009), that roadway crews, treatment and clearance may not be able
to keep up. As a result, the routes on the map indicate the roadways that
municipalities realistically intend to treat first. It does not guarantee that the
streets will be clear.
City and county leaders encourage motorists to observe winter driving rules and
to only drive on snow and ice covered roads when necessary. The snow routes
presented are the best routes to take if and when drivers are out in a severe
winter weather event.
For more information on winter driving, and to view and download the map, visit
www.acogok.org/snow.
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Central Oklahoma Clean Cities
Stakeholders, 1:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 17
9-1-1 Board of Directors, 1 p.m.
Intermodal Transportation Policy
Committee, 1:20 p.m.
ACOG Board of Directors, 1:45
p.m.
Garber-Wellington Policy
Committee, 2:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 24 & 25
ACOG offices closed for
Thanksgiving
DEcEMBER 8
Areawide Planning Technical
Advisory Committee, 9 a.m.
Intermodal Transportation
Technical Committee, 10 a.m.
DEcEMBER 13
9-1-1 Technical Committee, 9:30
a.m.
DEcEMBER 14
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory
Committee, 9:00 a.m.
DEcEMBER 15
9-1-1 Board of Directors, 1 p.m.
Intermodal Transportation Policy
Committee, 1:20 p.m.
ACOG Board of Directors, 1:45
p.m.
Garber-Wellington Policy
Committee, 2:30 p.m.
DEcEMBER 26
ACOG offices closed for
Christmas
Association of
Central
Oklahoma
Governments
www.acogok.org
21 E. Main Street, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: (405) 234-2264
Fax: (405) 234-2200
City of Norman "Moving Forward" with Plan
The City of Norman is embarking on a multi-year process
to develop a Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)
for the city called "Moving Forward". The CTP will identify
future transportation needs for the area, goals and
policies, and short-term and long-term capital investments
needed for improvements to existing roads, construction
of new roads, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities. It
will provide a framework for a balanced transportation
system that offers choices in how people travel, supported
by a realistic approach to fund improvements.
The "Moving Forward" Plan will serve as Norman's long-term vision for a range
of transportation options and accommodations including vehicles, bicycling,
walking, and public transit services. The process of preparing the "Moving
Forward" Plan is currently in the initial stages consisting of community dialogue
and listening to residents and key stakeholders. Community input provided
during the fall of 2011 will serve as the foundation and vision for drafting the
City's CTP, which is expected to be launched in 2012.
A series of community listening sessions were conducted in Council Wards
around Norman during late October and early November to obtain input from
residents and stakeholders in the community in an effort to establish goals and
priorities for preparing the City's CTP.
Private sector can help fund wildfire prevention
efforts
Individuals and organizations can now make donations to
support rural firefighter efforts through one of Oklahoma's
11 regional councils, according to State Representatives
Joe Dorman and Mike Sanders.
The two lawmakers, who regularly work together on behalf
of rural firefighters, said this year's drought has created a
strain on fire departments around the state. When
independent oil and gas producer Apache Corporation
questioned them on how to best make a donation to multiple fire departments,
they contacted the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils (OARC) to see
about distributing donations through the state's 11 regional councils.
"The wildfire that hit the wildlife preserve in Comanche County cost the
responding fire departments $25,000 just for their fuel," Dorman (D-Rush
Springs) said. "Although the Legislature did the right thing in maintaining funding
for firefighters, it just wasn't enough for the conditions they've faced over the
summer. Private donations are vital to ensure the continued safety of
Oklahoma's rural communities."
"Rural firefighters have gone to heroic lengths to quickly squash wildfires in my
district before they could do serious damage," Sanders (R-Kingfisher) said. "The
size and scope of many of the fires around the state has meant that many
departments came to each other's aid. This means fuel is spent on traveling to
give mutual aid, increased man hours and extra wear-and-tear on equipment."
Apache Corporation is committing $50,000 to the wildfire effort with the help of
OARC. The company also plans to donate an $80,000 compressed natural gas
(CNG) firefighting vehicle to Elk City.
Governor Mary Fallin said she is pleased to see this new avenue to help support
firefighters.
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Comments/Questions?
Do you have news or an
event that you would like to
see in this newsletter? Let us
know by replying or emailing
us at enews@acogok.org.
"Our firefighters have worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of their
fellow Oklahomans, even as the drought and hot weather have stretched their
resources to the limits. I appreciate, as I know they will, the support and
generous contributions that our companies and private citizens are offering," said
Fallin.
Donations in the Central Oklahoma region can be made through ACOG.
Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund established
Central Oklahoma lost a great leader in Keith Bryan, who
was tragically killed on Sept. 21. Bryan was a friend to
everyone and had the unique distinction of serving two
municipalities, as well as ACOG. He worked for the city of
Nichols Hills for 31 years as a firefighter and Fire Chief,
and as a resident of Mustang, served the city as a
councilmember for six years. As a representative of
Mustang, he also served as chairman of the 9-1-1
Association Board of Directors. He was active on our
budget and finance committees, as well as the Operation FireSAFE program.
Nichols Hills Crime Prevention, Inc., in conjunction with The Nichols Hills Fire
Department, has established the Keith Bryan Memorial Scholarship Fund for
Nichols Hills City Employees. It is a 501C-3 account and contributions may be
dropped off at the Nichols Hills City Hall, Fire or Police Department, or any
BancFirst location.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, the citizens of Mustang and the
Nichols Hills Fire Department.
ACOG News & Events
ACOG has welcomed two new faces to our camp
Tracy Case is the new Assistant to the Executive Director. She brings extensive
experience and education to ACOG and will provide executive-level support to the
Executive Director, as well as acting as secondary advisory on issues relating to the
overall function of the organization.
Chris Camp is our new 9-1-1 Technology Coordinator. Chris has
years of experience coming from AT&T, and will provide valuable
maintenance and trouble-shooting for our regional answering
points. Welcome Tracy and Chris!
Officers named to ACOG Boards and Committees
Officers for the 2011 fiscal year were named this summer, and will lead the Association
in the next year as it considers policy issues regarding transportation, air and water quality, land use and data
activities, federal grants, state and federal legislation, regulations and programs that affect the Central
Oklahoma region.
Willa Johnson, Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 1, was named Chairman of the ACOG Board of
Directors. Johnson, in her second term as Commissioner, was previously an Oklahoma City councilmember for
14 years. Kathy McMillan, Councilmember from Moore is Vice-Chair, and Edmond Councilmember Elizabeth
Waner will serve as Secretary-Treasurer.
The 9-1-1 Association of Central Oklahoma Governments has also appointed new officers. Ken Bartlett, Del
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City Councilmember will serve as Chairman. David Dirkschneider, Warr Acres Councilmember, serves as Vice-
Chair, and Linda Molsbee, Newcastle Councilmember, will serve as Secretary-Treasurer. The 9-1-1 Association
was formed to implement and manage the emergency telephone and wireless system for suburban
communities within the Central Oklahoma region.
The Garber-Wellington Association Policy Committee also named its officers. They include Logan County
Commissioner Mark Sharpton, as Chair, Ray Poland, Mayor of Jones as Vice-Chair, and Marianne Yarbrough,
Forest Park Trustee in the position of Secretary-Treasurer. The Garber-Wellington Policy Committee works on
issues relating to Central Oklahoma's ground water and surface water activities.
Around the Region
Norman City Finance Director, Anthony Francisco was awarded the Dr.
Jackson R.E. Phillips award from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United
States and Canada (APT US&C) during their 46th Annual Conference. The Dr. Jackson
R.E. Phillips award, instituted in 1980 was designed to annually recognize one APT
US&C member for professional leadership and significant contribution to professional
treasury management. Mayor Cindy Rosenthal, in supporting Mr. Francisco for the award
said, "This past year, Mr. Francisco helped to lead a Municipal Finance Series for our
citizens to promote greater understanding of the structure and management of our
budget. This public outreach effect was well received by our citizens."
OG&E is expanding its smart grid program to Midwest City and Del City in the
coming months. OG&E has been installing smart meters over the past year throughout
the metro to better allow customers to manage their electricity usage, and to better
maintain customer accounts and manage the system.
In Edmond, former Mayor Patrice Douglas was named an Oklahoma
Corporation Commissioner by Governor Mary Fallin. Douglas was sworn in on
October 17, and replaces Jeff Cloud, who resigned from the Commission this summer.
Douglas has an extensive legal, business and finance background. Charles Lamb, will
serve as Edmond Mayor.
In October, citizens in Edmond approved a half-cent sales tax increase that will be used to build a
new home for Edmond police, and house its 9-1-1 emergency operation center. The new facility is projected to
cost over $25 million. The initiative also asked voters to change the rules that administer the city's Hospital
Trust Fund, which would allow the city to explore alternate investment strategies. The increase will last for five
years.
Two Central Oklahoma Transit officials were recently named to Mass
Transit magazine's annual "Top 40 Under 40" list. Cody Ponder, Planner with
Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), and Melissa Fesler, transportation director for First
Capital Trolley were named to the prestigious industry list of young transit leaders.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the
winners of Community Transformation Grants for public health efforts to
reduce chronic diseases, promote healthier lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and
control health care spending. The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD)
was among 61 grantees chosen nationwide. The five-year grant will allow OCCHD to
implement programs through the Wellness Now initiative. Efforts will focus on increasing
physical activity through parks and schools, improving nutrition, reducing obesity and
heart disease, and reducing chronic diseases related to tobacco use.
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is a voluntary association of city, town and county governments within
the Central Oklahoma area. The ACOG region includes Oklahoma, Cleveland, Canadian and Logan Counties. Originally established
in June of 1966, ACOG is one of 11 Councils of Governments in the State of Oklahoma, and one of several hundred planning
organizations across the country.
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