The Okmulgee City Council opened its regular session Tuesday evening, with an invocation led by Rev. Dale Fillmore of New Day Church, who prayed for wisdom, compassion and courage as city leaders carried out their responsibilities.

Before turning to city business, Mayor Mickey Baldwin proclaimed Feb. 17 as Coach Dan Sulivant Day, honoring the longtime Okmulgee High School coach and the 1975 Bulldogs Class 3A State Championship team.

Standing alongside former players, Sullivant reflected on the discipline and preparation that defined that season.

“This group was actually made in the field house during the winter time every year,” Sullivant said. “Going in the field house was not easy … it was serious business. And they were all serious. That’s why I want people to know – they worked for it.”

The proclamation cited Sullivant’s emphasis on accountability, academic expectations and building a developmental system from junior high through high school. His philosophy of “coaches as teachers first” later led to his induction into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame.

Council members and community members filled the chamber for the recognition before the meeting transitioned into regular agenda items.

— Chamber Reports

Melissa Parchman, representing the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, delivered an annual accountability update outlining how city-contributed funds were used over the past year.

Parchman detailed chamber activities including:

• Legislative meetings

• Manufacturing seminars

• The annual Pecan Festival

• Launch of the Christmas Village project, in partnership with the City and Main Street

• Business support services and ribbon cuttings

• Ambassador volunteer engagement

• The Christmas Village initiative, Parchman said, was a standout success.

“We think it really took off well,” she told council members.

However, the Chamber also faced significant infrastructure challenges. Major repairs were required to the Chamber building, including a new roof, new windows, HVAC replacement and structural repair to a deteriorating rear wall. Unexpected electrical problems in the downtown square also surfaced during Christmas Village when outdated outlets required emergency repairs.

The Chamber is responsible for maintaining several electrical poles on the square and covering associated monthly fees. Parchman noted that extensive electrical upgrades may be necessary and could result in usage fees for events in the future.

She also discussed exploratory efforts to form a regional chamber model in response to rising operational costs, including salary and building expenses.

“If we can make it work, the promotion of Okmulgee County would be unbelievable,” she said.

— $20K Safe Oklahoma Grant approved

Council members unanimously approved accepting a $20,000 grant from the Attorney General’s 2026 Safe Oklahoma Grant Program.

The funds will be used to purchase seven laptops for Okmulgee police officers. A companion resolution amending the FY 2025-26 budget to account for the grant revenue and expenditures was also approved.

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Infrastructure & Public Works Updates Council members acknowledged progress on several city projects:

• Six new homes under construction on 8th Street were praised for their progress and visual impact.

• Increased court clerk receipts were discussed, attributed in part to more citations being issued and individuals resolving warrants to reinstate driver’s licenses.

• Public works and emergency personnel were thanked for efforts during the recent cold snap, including warming center support.

• Airport updates included progress on new hangars and terminal planning, with architectural renderings underway.

• Council members commended landfill improvements, describing the facility as significantly cleaner than in previous years.

— Fiber Installation Concerns

Council members discussed ongoing issues related to fiber installation projects across town. In one instance, a resident experienced sewer line damage following fiber boring work. Council members worked to connect the resident with appropriate contacts to resolve the issue.

The city is also working to address an outstanding billing matter related to fiber contractors.

— Water Line Replacement & Wastewater Planning During the Okmulgee Municipal Authority portion of the meeting, trustees acknowledged receipt of a state permit authorizing extensive water line replacement work throughout the city. The project includes installation of multiple pipe sizes serving thousands of linear feet.

A related budget amendment was approved to accommodate the 2025 FAP Water Line Project.

Trustees also discussed wastewater management and potential legislative changes at the state level that could impact how sludge is handled and disposed. Heavy rainfall events can cause plant flows to increase rapidly, officials noted, creating operational challenges.

— Adjournment

Following reports from the Municipal Authority, Economic Development Authority and Community Trust, each body approved routine minutes and claims before adjourning.

The Okmulgee City Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. inside the City Hall Council Chambers, 111 E. 4th Street.