Hears monthly reports from city departments
Morris City Council members proceeded forward with negotiations for a contract with EcoLink internet services during Monday’s meeting. Jeremy Hendrickson and another representative from East Central Electric, were in attendance to speak more about this service.
“We have won monies in 2018, to build our fiber network to our membership in areas in our footprint … and what we’re talking about and looking at is … covering the entire town of Morris with our fiber services,” Hendrickson told the council.
Police Chief Tim Bell said that another benefit of this service is that “it’s not going to cost the city anything.” He added that the underground lines also help to maintain the look of the city while reducing potential damage done by storms.
Hendrickson said that a timetable for this project would likely be 6 to 8 months – 12 months at most.
— City Department Reports The Morris City Council and Public Works Authority also heard the monthly reports from local department heads.
Morris Police Chief Tim Bell reported that 30 tickets were issued in the last month. He said that about three or four of those were remands for juveniles needing to complete their 180 program. Chief Bell said they should now be at 100% completion for the program.
Fire Chief Tim Stewart reported one lift assist and one animal rescue for the city. On the rural side, there were three EMS assists, three grass fires, two first responses, two structure fires, one false alarm and one motor vehicle accident with extrication.
Councilman Dugas was curious about the animal rescue and Chief Stewart said that “a lady had been missing their cat for about two weeks and finally heard it underneath the house.” After removing the flooring, they were able to rescue the cat.
It was also reported that there were two openings and closings at the cemetery, and one water leak.
— Also Approved at the Meetings
• 2024 contract with MC Nutrition with the option of negotiating lease.
• Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Emergency Management. Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore was in attendance and briefly explained what could come from such an agreement, including the replacement of the city’s tornado sirens and other hazard mitigation efforts through the use of grants.
• Resolution #23-03 regarding the FY 2024 REAP Grant application.
• Resolution #23-04 regarding November 14, 2023, special Mayoral election.
• Ordinance #332-23 amending purchasing methods and internal controls.
• Ordinance #333-23 and joinder agreement regarding forfeiture balances for OkMRF employees 401K.
• Renewal of City Attorney Heath Mueller contract. There was clarification of the language in the contract which requires Mueller to be in attendance at all city council meetings.
• Granted access easement to the Dangott Trust in lieu of $1,000. payment for Dangott property (North Lagoons).
