Del City’s council rehired City Manager Mark Edwards for another year during the Jan. 3 meeting.

The council voted 5-0 to retain Edwards at his current salary and benefits package, which totals $100,000.

“I told the council we haven’t been able to give the employees a raise for two years, so I shouldn’t get one,” he said.

Edwards has been city manager since 1998. He started with the city as a police officer in 1976, and worked his through the ranks serving as a detective and later as a police chief.

Drainage project

In other council action, a $436,522 draining project contract was awarded to SAC Services, Inc.

The drainage work will begin the middle of February and will take about four months to complete, Edwards said.

The project includes four streets – Judy, Wesley, Howard and Gina – that have flooded in the past.

“It doesn’t take much, but the houses in those areas have flooded. This work should take care of that. I’ve measured three feet of water at the intersection of Judy and Howard, and it comes in from three different directions,” Edwards said.

New rates

The council voted to set new rental rates for the newly renovated Del City Community Center. Residents can rent the full banquet room for $175 for four hours. The old rate was $140.

Military organizations, such as Tinker Air Force Base and the Oklahoma Army National Guard, will be allowed to rent for half-price, Edwards said. The Mid-Del school district, Del City Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood association groups will be able to hold their events without payment.

Rental rates also were set for the new courtyard. Rates are $35 for four hours. tfarley@eastwordnews.com