City Employees including Larry Mitchell, John Chaloux, Jimmy Gasaway, Jonathan Gibson, Patrick Goddwin, John James, Chad Jamison, Frank Kimray and Daniel Raymond were honored at Tuesday's city council meeting for their added value to the city for picking up litter on the city roadways.

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Durant City Council met Tuesday March 12 and discussed several current projects within the city.

The first project discussed was the Red versus Blue Trash off which kicks off Friday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Goody’s in Durant.

The Durant Police and Fire Departments will be competing to see who can have the most recycled items donated to their cause.

Bins will be set up with a blue banner for police and a red banner for fire. Those contributing will choose which bin to donate to according to who they wish to win.

The police and fire departments said that they want to improve Durant through friendly competition.

Council members then approved use of a grant to help restore two Durant homes. The Oklahoma Housing Financing Agency 1368 HOME 11 Construction Grant will be used to help improve two locally owned homes.

Council also approved the rehabilitation of an airport water tank at 98 Waldron Drive. This project will also be funded through a grant.

The city may be cracking down on policy violators when it comes to water meter access. The city was informed that many residents have vicious dogs near water meters.

This makes it difficult and dangerous for city employees to obtain readings from the meters. The council is considering the creation of an ordinance concerning the matter.

“It would be beneficial if we had a little recourse,” said Ralph Houser, assistant city manager.

The council also accepted to gifts to the city Tuesday. An updated park sign will be erected at Leonard Morgan Park by the Morgan family.

A new courtesy vehicle will also be donated to the Durant Regional Airport – Eaker Field. The 2005 Dodge Caravan is being donated by Dan Craige.

Nancy Farris with the Three Valley Museum informed council members of the activities at the museum. She announced an upcoming project called “I Do, I Do Again.”

This event will occur June 8. On this day all those who were “hitched” in Durant during the time Oklahoma did not have a waiting period for a marriage license are invited to renew their vows on the courthouse lawn.

A reception will follow at the museum. The council also recognized city employees for their work picking up litter on the Durant roadsides.

Ending the meeting, Mayor Jerry Tomlinson read a proclamation declaring April Fair Housing Month in Durant.