DUNCAN – The City of Duncan is taking steps to acquire the Rockhaven Memorial Gardens property at 4302 N. Highway 81.
The Duncan City Council recently approved Mayor Robert Armstrong to execute a real estate sale contract and transfer of assets from Rockhaven Gardens LLC to the city, once all title work is completed and reviewed, public information and civic engagement director Loisdawn Jones said in an email to a Southwest Ledger reporter. The council also authorized the city attorney to complete the transaction.
Rockhaven Gardens owner Clayton Smart lives in another state, and it has been difficult for him to oversee and maintain the cemetery, City Manager Chris Deal said in a memo to the council.
“He has decided to transfer this property to the City of Duncan for $1,” Deal said.
He said the property contains about 45 acres, 15 of which are developed. The remaining 28 acres are undeveloped.
The transfer will consist of all assets, including business records, maps and a contract, Deal said. He said Smart has also agreed to transfer over two funds, the Perpetual Care Fund and the Cemetery Trust Fund, which have an approximate value of $218,440.75.
City officials consulted the parks and cemetery department about the property, and they believe the city has the resources it needs to main tain the cemetery, Deal said.
“The owner has agreed to give the City possession of the property prior to closing so that the b usiness can continue its operations,” Deal said.
Jones told the Ledger that the city does not currently plan to develop the 28 acres which are currently undeveloped.
In other business, the council: • Authorized the city to buy a road crack sealer for the streets department.
The city will purchase the equipment from the Arizona- based company Crafco for $64,895.40, according to the council’s agenda.
• Authorized the city to purchase two batwing mowers, at a cost of $134,642.66, for the parks department. The city will buy the mowers from the Duncan-based dealership Great Plains Kubota.
• Approved the purchase of a three-quarter-ton pickup truck, which will cost $62,218, for the parks department. The city will buy the truck from the Carter Chevrolet dealership in Duncan.
• Approved the purchase of two one-ton pickup trucks for the streets department. The trucks, which will cost $121,208 altogether, will come from Carter Chevrolet.