During their regular meeting Monday evening, the Morris City Council took further steps towards improving the city’s infrastructure, discussing potholes affecting churchgoers, and planned improvements to city water lines.

Jonny Oglesby from the Morris First Baptist Church addressed pressing road conditions affecting churchgoers. Oglesby reported “larger than typical” sized potholes affecting several members, who have also reported damage to their vehicles, and provided pictures and other information to the council that detailed the affected areas.

“Can we assist financially or with manpower to do the job…Can there be an ability for us to write a check to the community?” Oglesby asked.

Mayor Joe Berryhill said that donations can be accepted but they would still have to follow the proper bidding process, which may take some time.

Next, Scott Harding and Jennifer Phipps from the EASTERN Oklahoma Development District (EODD) were in attendance to discuss the 2024 CDBG application. They explained the application process and subsequent steps for the city’s plans to replace water lines on Hughes St. After some discussion, the council approved a citizen participation plan and resolution as part of that process, paving the way for those water line improvements.

The council also heard reports from the city officials:

• Police Chief Tim Bell reported 10 citations for March.

• Fire Chief Tim Stewart reported two first responses, one CO2 investigation, and one public service for the city.

• On the rural side, one EMS assists, one mutual aid, one MVA, two grass fires, and one false alarm.

• Morris Public Works Authority’s Ethan Christiansen reported two water leaks at the cemetery.

Additionally, the council nominated City Clerk Charla Sadler to the Eastern Oklahoma Department District Board and ended the meeting with a brief discussion on the FY24-25 budget.

During the meeting of the Morris Public Works Authority, they discussed recently uncashed deposit refunds. City Clerk Sadler explained that letters were mailed last December to residents with unclaimed meter deposit refunds. They were given until March 3 (90 days) to claim them. Only one person was said to have claimed theirs, leaving some $381.72 in unclaimed funds to be absorbed back into the city’s budget.

Minutes from the previous meeting and the payment of claims were also approved.