Streetcar disaster drill run in rain
A pickup broadsided a streetcar, knocking it off the rails. Passengers were injured. Some material, possibly hazardous, spilled from the pickup. Downed electrical equipment posed an electrocution risk. That was the scenario Wednesday for an emergency drill. Rain only added to the realistic nature of the exercise. Embark transit staff and police, fire and ambulance services took part in the drill.
Of note: Streetcar Operations Manager Jesse Rush told the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority board the exercise revealed communications gaps that need to be addressed.
Free streetcar rides for the holidays
The Oklahoma City streetcar will be free to ride for the holidays. The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority board approved a three-week, fare-free introductory period. Embark will begin collecting the $1 fare, good for a one-hour pass, starting Jan. 5, assuming streetcar service begins as planned Dec. 14. System testing and operator training is continuing throughout November.
Bid review for airport expansion extended
The Airport Trust voted to extend from 30 to 45 days the time allowed to review construction bids for the terminal expansion at Will Rogers World Airport. The architects' estimate for the project is $65.3 million; bids ranged from $61.9 million to $67.7 million, with five of the six bids under the estimate.
Worth noting:
Southwest Airlines was to begin nonstop service from Will Rogers to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., starting Sunday.
MAPS 3: Senior centers interest heightened
MAPS 3 Program Manager David Todd said the city will evaluate proposals from three potential community partners for the fourth MAPS 3 senior health and wellness center. The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, Variety Care and Healthy Living and Fitness Inc. submitted proposals. The level of interest is a welcome reversal from four years ago, when the city was having trouble persuading any community organizations to come aboard as operations partners.
• The city will pay the All Sports Association up to $60,000 to obtain financial, ticketing and other information on 2019 athletic events the association was to host before its dissolution.
• The city's share of insurance premiums for firefighters will increase 20 percent under a new one-year contract to be considered by the city council on Tuesday.
Quote of the week
"I am pleased by the level of interest."
— Mayor David Holt, after applications from 52 individuals seeking to succeed City Manager Jim Couch were received by Thursday's deadline. Couch is retiring after 18 years as the city's top administrator.
Tweet of the week
"NEW: OKC district to consider naming offices for civil rights leader, longtime teacher Clara Luper"
— @Mecoy. Don Mecoy, managing editor, The Oklahoman.
Present/absent
Mayor David Holt and seven of the eight city council members attended the Oct. 23 meeting. Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell was out of town on business.
Calendar
The Oklahoma City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 N Walker.
• The council is expected to discuss applicants for the city manager's post. Applications were due Thursday; City Manager Jim Couch is retiring effective Jan. 2.
• Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Balloting includes the Ward 7 city council runoff between Nikki Nice and Kirk Pankratz.
• The city council and the transit authority board meet for a regional transit workshop Nov. 13.
WILLIAM CRUM,