Recognition of Juneteenth discussed at meeting

The Okmulgee City Council approved the Downtown Streetscape Phase VI Project.

This includes a cost share for design and construction for an estimated amount of $194,276 to ODOT, with the city paying 20 percent with matching funds.

Rick Pearson, City Manager, said that “this is to help finish the city’s ongoing sidewalk project”–specifically, 6th Street, from Alabama St. to Okmulgee St.

The council also discussed recognizing Juneteenth as a city holiday, as it is now recognized nationally. Councilman Marcus Jeffrey said that some citizens approached him about the matter, and thinks “it’s something that needs to be discussed and considered. If we teach our children to celebrate July 4 it’s a day of freedom for our country – I think this should also be celebrated as a day of freedom.” He went on to briefly explain the origins of the holiday, which recognizes the delayed freedom of those who remained in bondage until 1865. Union Major General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston on June 19 to reaffirm what many enslaved persons and their captors already knew–that the Civil War war was over and the enslaved were to be free.

Councilman William Bryant added that he was in favor of recognizing the holiday. However, since holidays are put into the community handbook, it was said that changing this would require an amendment and a proclamation. Since the matter was only brought up for discussion, no further action was taken.

— Also at the meeting:

• The council approved an agreement between the City of Okmulgee and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, as well as the City of Okmulgee and the Okmulgee Main Street Board of Directors.

• The council voted to provide Okmulgee Junior Football Association, Inc. with $5,000 for FY 202324.

• The council voted to provide the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo with sponsorship in the amount of $4,000 to be paid from the FY 2023-24 budget.

• Council voted to approve an agreement between the City of Okmulgee and Landmark For All Generations.

• The council approved a resolution supporting its continued participation in the 2023 Oklahoma Main Street Program. Mayor Mickey Baldwin said, “This will keep us participating with the state organization.” The main street organization is also helping with the Boots and Badges Blood Drive. Council members posed with a banner in support of the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s initiative.

• The council approved a lease agreement with MC Nutrition Services for the rental of the Senior Nutrition Center. The lease would be $150 per month for FY 2023-24.

• The council approved an agreement, in the amount of $15,000, for services with the KI BOIS Community Action Foundation, Inc. This helps to continue providing transportation to Okmulgee Citizens.

• Court Newkirk commended the city for making information such as agendas, and fact pages on agenda topics available on the website.

• The council voted to approve an $85,000 contract with Meshek & Associates, LLC.

• The minutes from the meetings on June 8 and 20 were approved.

• Councilman Steve Baldridge was the only member absent from this meeting.

— Municipal Authority

• Approved the purchase and delivery of stone and gravel at a total cost exceeding $25,000 from APAC-Oklahoma, Inc. and/or Anchor Stone Company for city projects to be accomplished in FY 2023-24 and waive competitive bidding.

• Approved the purchase and delivery of asphalt at a total cost exceeding $25,000 from APAC-Oklahoma, Inc., Dunham’s Asphalt Services, Inc., and/ or Tulsa Asphalt for asphalt paving projects to be completed in FY 2023-24.

• The council voted to approve awarding a bid to the highest bidder, for an Ashbrook Klampress 2 Meter Skid Mounted Belt Filter Press.

— Economic Development Authority

• Approved the minutes from the June 8 and 20 meetings.

• Approved Contract Agreement with Okmulgee Area Development Corporation (OADC) and the Okmulgee Economic Development Authority (OEDA). This is to help provide funding for an Economic Development Director for FY 2023-24.

— Community Trust

• Approved the minutes from the June 8 and 20 meetings, and adjourned the meeting.