The Okmulgee City Council convened for its regular monthly session on Tuesday, with the members approving agenda items related to improvements in the area.

The council moved through the approval of minutes from the Jan. 21 regular session and the Jan. 28 special session, both of which were approved without any corrections. Claims were also reviewed, approved, and authorized for payment.

The council addressed several key agenda items, all of which were approved:

• Fiscal Year 2023-24 Audit Report: The council formally acknowledged and accepted the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, covering the City of Okmulgee and its trusts.

• Permanent Easement to Public Service Company of Oklahoma: A motion was approved to ratify the granting of a permanent easement to Public Ser- vice Company of Oklahoma (PSO), allowing for both overhead and underground utility easements in Okmulgee County. This easement will facilitate utility improvements and maintenance.

• Okmulgee Lake Blackjack Campground Project: The council awarded a bid for construction at the Okmulgee Lake Blackjack Campground to Rosten Construction in the amount of $304,758.00. The company was deemed the lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder for the project. The mayor and city clerk were authorized to execute the necessary documents.

• Memorandum of Agreement with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality: A Memorandum of Agreement was approved between the City of Okmulgee and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s On-Road2 Program. The agreement will not exceed $813,126.40 and was authorized for execution by the mayor.

• Okmulgee Regional Airport Hangar Amendments: Two amendments related to private hangar construction and lease agreements at Okmulgee Regional Airport were approved. These amendments update specifications and lease terms for private hangars, with the council authorizing the chairman to execute the necessary documents.

— Discussion on a Possible Okmulgee Film Incentive Program One of the key discussion points of the evening was the potential establishment of an Okmulgee Film Incentive Program. While no formal action was taken, the council explored preliminary guidelines and the potential economic impact of attracting film projects to the city. The discussion highlighted Okmulgee’s growing interest in developing a local film industry and its possible benefits for economic growth, job creation and community engagement.

— Departmental Reports & City Manager’s Updates The meeting included updates from various city departments, including: • Community Development • Police & Fire Departments • Finance & Technology Services

• City Financials

• City Manager’s Report These reports provided an overview of city operations, recent activities, and financial standings.

-The next regular session of the Okmulgee City Council is scheduled for March 18.

For continued updates on city decisions and local developments, stay tuned to the Okmulgee Times.