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A personnel change in the office of City Attorney brought about good fortune for Ron Edwards. Edwards who is the owner of the Community Funeral Home and the Memory Gardens Cemetery once again requested that the council allow him to build a road and gate linking his cemetery with the city owned Summit View Cemetery.

Edwards initially pled his case before the council in April of 2000. He requested permission to build the gate and access road in order to provide interment more conveniently for those whose services are held in his funeral home. Edwards indicated that there was no reason that his request should be denied because it only helped the city and did not hurt it in any way. Edwards feels that keeping the funeral procession traffic from having to drive out on Pine Street helps the city with safety concerns. He also stated that there was no reason the city and private business could not cooperate for the common good of the citizens. As an example, he pointed out the new development at I-35 and Noble.

During a May 16 council meeting, in his report, city attorney Pierson agreed with city staff in suggesting that the request should be denied. While Pierson stated that he could find no legal precedence for the denial, he felt that it was not good policy. He indicated that if council approved the request it would be against his and staff's advice and that this advice would give the council legal grounds for the denial.

Edwards questioned Pierson about his advice to council. He asked if it was any different for the city to allow property owners to assume control of alley ways than for the city to allow him to build the gate. Pierson responded that there was no similarity. Upon further questioning, Pierson simply informed Edwards that his opinion had been submitted.

On a split vote, the council agreed with staff and legal counsel and denied the request. The two members voting in favor of the request were Ward II Councilor Chambers and Ward III Councilor Aguirre.

During tonight's meeting Edwards once again stated that it would be a service to the city for the gate to be installed. Edwards said that traffic on Pine will only get busier. Edwards feels it is a safety concern to the city to have his funeral procession traffic turning onto Pine. Edwards also feels the gate will allow him not to require the services of the Guthrie Police.

When asked by Augirre if there would be a problem with the city holding the key to the gate, Edwards replied that it would be fine. Edwards will pay all cost for the building of the gate and for the extension of the current road. Ward II Councilor Foster said that if Edwards would incur all of the cost than it was aright for the project to receive the green light.

Guthrie City Manager Bret Jones maintained city staff's opposition to the project, there is concern that the project would seem to favor Edwards establishment more than other area funeral homes. Ward III Councilor Aguirre stated he had spoken with new City Attorney Shadid (Who was not present at the meeting). Shadid reportedly informed Aguirre that he disagreed with the previous City Attorney's opinion and saw no reason to oppose the project.

This having been said, Mayor Nephew said that as she looked at the issue she could see a chance for Guthrie to partner with Edwards. Upon a motion by Aguirre the council unanimously approved the project. Edwards intends to begin construction right away. Members reversing their votes from the May 16th meeting were Morelli, Nephew and Hampton. Foster was not present at the earlier meeting.