BY C.L. HARMON PUBLISHER

“The devil is in the details” has always been an expression that appeals to me. I have this image of the little-horned creature just typing away with his pointed fingers on an old Underwood typewriter. Something perhaps one would see in an old Looney Tunes cartoon comes to mind. Although the image does conjure up only negative details, sometimes the smallest of things can be a helluva good thing…and sometimes not. The Mannford Board of Trustees City Council minutes of late have revealed a few details that might be of interest. The first item of interest pertains to Ordinance No. 2016-01 which allows for the continued use of golf carts on city streets as provided from an existing ordinance passed in 2009. However, now it is unlawful to operate “play vehicles” within the city limits of Mannford. This includes city streets and personal property within 300 feet of any residence. There are a few exceptions though. Parades, park maintenance, athletic field maintenance and meter readers are exemptions to the rule. Play vehicles are described as mini-bikes, pit bikes, mini-motorcycle and any off-road use vehicles, including , but not limites to, all terrain vehicles, three-wheelers, ATVs, go-carts and off-road motorcycles. “It is in the best interest of the residents of the Town of Mannford that the amended changes are put forth,” the document reads. The trustees find for the immediate effectiveness of this ordinance necessary in order to preserve the peace, health and safety of the public, the ordinance also reads. Although, golf carts are still legal, probably best to refrain from Evel Knievel style antics as violations can cost $200 for a second violation and impoundment of up to 30 days of the golf cart for subsequent violations Speaking of violations, we can now segue into the next topic of city violations for the month of December. Mannford officers wrote 98 citations that month; 83 to adults, nine to minors and six to juveniles. The bank balance account ending 12/31/15 was $53, 417.76 with deposits of $19,25.05 and accumulated $9.24 in interest. The report indicates $31,099.11 in checks and debits. Mayor Tyler Buttram said that a large chunk of that goes to pay salaries. Another item of interest is that the Mannford Public Library has an estimated collection worth $345, 806.42. Perhaps if drug traffickers knew books had such value, they would ditch meth and marijuana for Hemingway and King. It would also give new meaning to reading their rights when they get popped. The report indicates that the library has 22,324 volumes. Of those, 14,889 are for adult enjoyment and 7,435 are for children. Something else of interest might be the consideration of a refresher course with Smokey Bear since an increase of fire runs request was approved at the February meeting. Fire run rates are increasing from $750 to $1000 per hour for an initial response, $250 to $300 for Units 252, 255 and 259, $200 to $250 for Units 253, 254 and 260. Playing with matches just isn’t as cheap as it used to be. The final interesting bit of info pertains to the closing of Foster Road in Mannford. In a letter dated February 8, Senior Vice President and CFO of Webco Industries, Mike Howard sent a letter to Town Administrator Mike Nunneley requesting the closure of the road citing compliance with regulations pertaining to the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. However, the primary concern was stated as employee safety. “It is critical for companies to control unauthorized access to facilities and therefore employees. Because of the proximity of our facility to Foster Road, we cannot adequately secure our perimeter without closing and fencing Foster Road,” Howard wrote. These are just a few of the details that affect your lives. We hope that you have enjoyed this little segment of the winds of change blowing through your community. And remember, the devil may be in the details, but you are responsible to be in the know.