Water & Environment Summit

Ward I,
I'm attending the Oklahoma Municipal League's
& Oklahoma Municipal Utility Provider's
Water & Environment Summit to learn more about city government.
I'm working toward a certificate in Municipal government.
So far, I have 17 hours and will pick up another 8 today.

The agenda is below for the Summit today.

Water, Environment, and Economic Growth: Are They
Compatible? Are we regulating ourselves
out of the game?
Will There be a Drop to Drink? Will changes
in the law and regulations “dry up” municipal water supplies?
Straw into Gold: How About Composting Sludge into a
Saleable Product? Find out who’s doing it now.
Regulations, NOV’s and Consent Orders
Who’s out there to help you — REALLY? What new regulations
should we know about?
Utility Rates Structures: Who’s Driving the Bus?
Financing? Regulations? Aging Infrastructure? Growth?
Who pays and who can help you?
Automated Meter Reading’s Hot in Oklahoma
Are Municipalities Going to End Up Treating Storm
Water/Non-point Sources? Why & what are some
municipalities doing about it?
Rural Water Issues and Contracting Update
Will we have the long awaited answer to the Guthrie
cases? Who will be next? Smart contracting can avoid
many problems.

Attended a code enforcement workshop

Ward I,
Just spent the day at the Double Tree in Tulsa for the Oklahoma Municipal League's Code Enforcement Pre Conference Workshop.

I learned about Property Maintenance Codes to improve both the appearance and safety of housing stock in our communities. These codes are used as a tool to improve neighborhoods and assure acceptable standards for rental properties.
I also learned about effective code enforcement for small cities like Guthrie. As you know, times of economic challenge hit smaller communities the hardest. Yet, communities must keep themselves safe and attractive both to retain existing residents and attract new ones. Code enforcement can be done on a small but effective scale in small cities utilizing limited resources.
Additionally, I learned more about signage. Whether commercial or campaign signs, I want to work to change the ordinance in Guthrie to make it easier to follow.
Finally, I learned more about Dealing with Dilapidated housing. I learned the fundamentals of state law relating to dilapidation that can provide guidance on the do’s and don’ts of public nuisance dilapidation demolition.

I am working toward learning more about city government by gaining my Certificate of Municipal Officer (CMO) from the Oklahoma Municipal League. I am almost half way there with 17 of 40 hours completed. I hope that obtaining my CMO will help serve my constituents better.


Thanks,
John

Neighborhood Associations on the move

Ward I,
Just an update to tell you that the First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions (FCNS), which is a group that I've been involved with in the beginning is now a 501c3. So, it has nonprofit status, which is important in gaining grant money. The FCNS will gain support from the city this next city council meeting. We'll discuss them and show the city of Guthrie is behind them.

Also, Highland Park is organizing as a neighborhood association! Basically, the area north of Noble Street will organize. That's great news!

Code of Ethics

Ward I,
Just to give you an update, the council passed unanimously, "A Resolution Establishing a Code of Ethics for Elected and Appointed Officials." It's a document that I talked with Councilman Z Thomas about previously.

A Code of Ethics will not make a difference overnight, but it will place a check on public officials who use their office for private gain, or do not go by the spirit and the letter of the law.

I hope this Code of Ethics will act as a long-term benefit for the City of Guthrie. I appreciate Councilman's Thomas' efforts!

John Wood,
Councilman, Ward I

Ward I,
I just finished my required training at the Oklahoma Municipal League in Okc.
We covered city finances, ethics, conflict of interest, employees, etc.

It was an interesting training and one that answered a lot of questions I've had.

Also, Favor Neighborhood Watch Association Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm. It's a great organization with the focus of bettering the neighbhorhoods in the area.

One thing I'm going to work on is to have the Favor association possibly identify houses that are abandoned and dilapidated. My idea, if it works, is to identify the worst of the worst houses and sell them for back taxes to both the county and the city. The highest bidder would buy the house at rock bottom prices with the restriction that the buyer must improve the property within a year of the sale. This means either knocking the house down, or refurbishing it. Of course, these details will work themselves out after working with both the city and the neighborhood. However, it's a win-win situation all around.

Sworn in!

Ward I,

I was just sworn in with the 60th City council of Guthrie.

I'm excited to get started as your city new councilman.

The next city council meeting is May 19th. If you need anything please email at dr.john.wood@gmail.com.

Thanks,
John

Strategic Plan

I will be sworn in May 5th!

Had a great conversation with Mayor Chuck and City Manager Melody Kellogg. I'm pushing for a strategic plan to guide decision making for Guthrie. We need a vision. Making decisions without a plan is like making those decisions blind.

I think lacking strategic goals has often gotten Guthrie in trouble. Whether it's Excel Jet, dealing with the Lake's water fee, etc.

Please, let me know what you want to see in a strategic plan.

Just email me at dr.john.wood@gmail.com

Thanks and have a nice day,

John