Street improvements, maintenance contracts and routine business highlighted the Morris City Council and Morris Public Works Authority meetings held Tuesday evening at the Morris Community Center. City officials reviewed monthly activity, approved several items related to operations and maintenance, and discussed upcoming infrastructure work and grant-related meetings.
The regular City Council meeting began with approval of the Jan. 13 meeting minutes and authorization for payment of claims, both standard items on the agenda.
— Department reports detail January activity A series of monthly reports provided insight into city operations during January.
Police officials reported approximately ten contacts or calls for service during the month, with four citations issued. During the report, it was also noted that a patrol officer resigned effective Jan. 31.
Fire department personnel reported approximately 18 total runs during January. Calls included EMS assists, smoke investigations, grass fires, a structure fire and other responses both within the city and in surrounding rural areas.
Public Works staff outlined several infrastructure and maintenance activities completed during the month. Crews addressed water leaks, conducted sewer jetting and utility locates and completed a street project, continuing routine efforts to maintain city infrastructure.
— Cemetery, property maintenance contracts approved for bidding Council members approved moving forward with solicitation of bids for the mowing contract at the Morris Cemetery. Discussion included requirements regarding spraying and licensing for weed control, a routine but necessary component of maintaining cemetery grounds.
The council also approved soliciting bids for a hay contract covering the Morris Cemetery, Morris Lake, and other city-owned prop- erty. Officials noted that no bids were received for the contract last year, but changing conditions could make the opportunity more attractive this year.
— Street Improvements & Grant Planning City officials reported that Morris received approximately $68,000 in funding for street improvements. Plans call for paving work on sections of Peoria Street and Ford Street, with cooperation expected from county crews on portions of the project.
Council members also discussed scheduling a special meeting and public hearing in March related to a water tower grant and environmental requirements tied to the project.
— PWA conducts routine business Immediately following the council session, the Morris Public Works Authority met to conduct routine business, including approval of minutes from the Jan. 13 meeting and authorization for payment of claims.
— Public hearing set to discuss water funding efforts Residents of Morris will have an opportunity to learn more about a proposed infrastructure effort and share their input during an upcoming public hearing later this month.
The City of Morris has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, March 17, at 6:45 p.m. The meeting will be held at 501 S. Hughes Ave. in Morris.
The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the Environmental Information Document (EID) prepared by the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD). The document is part of the city’s efforts to obtain funding through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), a program designed to assist communities with water system improvements and related projects.
City officials are encouraging residents and other interested parties to attend and provide comments or input regarding the Environmental Information Document. Public participation is an important part of the funding process, ensuring transparency and giving citizens an opportunity to learn more about proposed improvements and how they may benefit the community.
Individuals who wish to review the Environmental Information Document in advance may request a copy by contacting Kiannah McCutcheon at kmccutcheon@eoddk.org, as noted in the public notice.
