The Okmulgee City Council moved through a full slate of infrastructure, policy and public-service items Tuesday evening, advancing several longterm projects and approving financial adjustments aimed at keeping essential services on track.
The Nov. 18 meeting at City Hall featured updates on street work, code enforcement concerns, animal control issues, public safety equipment and major water and sewer infrastructure expansions linked to ongoing development.
— Council approves MOU with Muscogee Nation for city roadway improvements The largest item before the City Council was approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Muscogee Nation to place several roadway segments inside the city limits onto the Nation’s National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI). Inclusion on the inventory makes future improvements possible through the Tribal Transportation Program.
City officials noted that several Okmulgee streets – including Mission and South Delaware – have long been on the Nation’s improvement list, with past projects successfully completed. No specific construction timeline has been established, but placing the roadways on the NTTFI allows the Nation’s overlay crews to schedule work as funding becomes available.
The measure passed unanimously. — Council raises street cut permit fee, updates concrete standards An ordinance amending Chapter 12.04 of the municipal code also received approval. The changes increase the street-cut permit and inspection fee from $30 to $50 and require contractors to use 3,500-pound concrete, up from the previous 3,000-pound standard. The amendment also sets a 14-day deadline after backfill for street cuts to be capped, reducing the dips and hazards that have previously frustrated motorists.
City staff clarified that the change is unrelated to the ongoing fiber-optic installations occurring throughout town, although council members acknowledged a high volume of complaints related to private contractors digging near homes and businesses.
— Workers’ compensation return approved Council members also voted to accept a $10,790.74 return from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group for the unused portion of the city’s 2022-23 workers’ compensation plan year.
— Discussion Highlights
The information-items portion of the council meeting sparked extensive conversation among councilors and department heads.
— Code Enforcement Pressures
Councilors questioned recent cases involving travel trailers, tiny homes and structures placed on residential lots without proper permitting. Multiple locations were discussed, with staff confirming active investigations and enforcement actions.
Weed and nuisance vehicle complaints also surfaced, with reports of cars sitting long enough for weeds to grow through asphalt. Staff confirmed several recent taggings and removals.
— Loose dogs remain a major issue Animal control continues to be one of the city’s most persistent service demands. The city’s animal control officer is averaging 40-50 pickups per month, most involving abandoned or surrendered animals. Very few are reclaimed by owners. The majority of these animals are ultimately euthanized due to overcrowding and a lack of available placement options. Local foster networks and rescue groups remain at capacity across the region.
Councilors discussed whether changes to fines or enforcement could help curb irresponsible ownership, with staff noting that many repeat violators simply ignore citations.
— Public Safety & Fire Departments Fire department staff updated the council on ongoing repairs to a damaged fire truck. Replacement parts including a delayed fuel tank – have now arrived, and final repairs are underway. The vehicle underwent laser- frame inspection to ensure safety before returning to service.
Councilors also noted recent fire-related safety messaging, especially as dry, windy conditions continue.
The council took a moment to acknowledge the passing of Mike Rice, a longtime member of the Okmulgee Fire Department with over 26 years of service. The city will honor him with the use of a fire apparatus during funeral services. OMA: Major water, sewer projects advance Immediately following the council meeting, the Okmulgee Municipal Authority (OMA) moved through its agenda, acknowledging state permits and approving multiple infrastructure actions tied to growing demand.
OMA acknowledged the receipt of three Oklahoma DEQ permits: 1. 204 GPM Lift Station and Sewer Line – Serving the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) North Prairie Infrastructure, including:
• A new lift station
• 226 feet of 4-inch PVC force main
• 34 feet of 8-inch sewer line The college is expanding rapidly, adding classrooms, a new library and planning a two-story dormitory. Officials stated the new system will be installed at CMN’s expense and transferred to the city upon completion.
2. 1,125 Feet of 8-Inch Potable Water Line – Serving the South Side Water Line Project.
3. 3,475 Feet of 24-Inch Transmission Line Along SH-56 – A major component of Okmulgee’s long-range water system improvements.
All were unanimously acknowledged.
— City, MN approve second MOU for roadways OMA also approved the same Muscogee Nation roadway MOU adopted by the council minutes earlier.
The Authority approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer AWD from Joe Cooper Ford for $40,500, under state contract pricing, waiving competitive bidding.
— Budget amendments passed for wastewater plant testing, water meter replacement Two fiscal-year adjustments were approved: 1. Additional Testing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Increased regulatory testing requirements necessitated a budget amendment to offset added operational costs.
2. Replacement of Aging Automated Water Meters – Okmulgee’s automated meter system, installed roughly 15 years ago, is now aging out. Transmitter batteries and meter components are failing more frequently.
Life expectancy:
• Transmitters: approx. 10 years
• Meters: approx. 15 years OMA anticipates ongoing meter replacements for the next several years.
— Public Works Update
Public Works reported the following updates:
• Landfill Expansion: Engineering proposals are out for the next landfill cell, a process expected to take 18 months. The city estimates 3-4 years of remaining space in the current cell and has built nearly $2 million in the closure/expansion fund.
• Polycart Program: The city continues to receive strong satisfaction reports with the automated trash-collection system, including prompt service and improved reliability. Replacement dumpsters are arriving, with 6-10 older units swapped out weekly.
— Other Notes
• Lake levels are down approximately 10 feet, with hopes for rainfall in the coming weeks.
• Airport projects – including new runway lighting and terminal design – continue progressing.
