Tonkawa city councilmen have unanimously voted to locate a new pool in Blinn Park.
The council has instructed City Manager Kirk Henderson to check into hiring an engineer to come up with the best location in Blinn Park for a new municipal swimming pool.
Mayor Ken Smith said it is hoped a new pool can be opened in 2021.
The pool was made possible by a 20-year extension of the city’s sales tax for capital improvements recently with 60% of the citizens in favor.
Only one citizen in attendance favored leaving the pool where it is at Ray See Park -- Mike Schatz -- who said the shade at the old location was an important factor for him.
City Manager Kirk Henderson also announced he was appointing Nick Payne as new chief of police, replacing John Whitham.
Whitham’s resignation letter follows:
Kirk, It is with mixed emotions that I write to you announcing my resignation from the Office of Chief of Police effective February 28, 2020. I have truly enjoyed my time here with the Tonkawa Police Department and the City of Tonkawa. I have few regrets, and those are only that there is always room to improve, and ways I could have done better.
You have always supported and backed me in my endeavors, and I truly appreciate it. I have learned much and grown greatly. My goal was to positively impact the community and those around me, and I believe I have done so.
We have accomplished much here at the Tonkawa Police Department during my tenure, and I am proud of the legacy I leave. Morale is improved, vehicles and equipment have been upgraded, and interagency relationships are strengthened. I recognize all of this was accomplished with a City Manager and City Council that believed in me and enabled me to succeed.
Life changes and I must continue to change with it. My family needs me now in Kansas. I wish the City of Tonkawa all the success, and continued growth for a better future. Warm Regards. s/John Whitham
Other Action
In other action, City Councilmen Jack Evans, Scott Klufa, Glenn Cope, Stacy Burns and Mayor Smith:
-- Approved the agreement and scope of services from Cardinal Engineering LLC for CDBG water line replacement at a cost of $41,100.
-- Approved the re-appointment of three members of the Tonkawa Development Authority: Dennis Buss, Terry Thompson and Brian Lane.
-- Announced delivery of the new ambulance Friday to Fire Chief Justin Kienzle. The ...
