Routine business items and internal policy updates highlighted the opening portion of the Beggs City Council’s April 13 meeting, as council members worked through financial approvals, invoices and administrative changes before turning to larger infrastructure discussions later in the evening.

The meeting, held at Beggs City Hall, followed a standard agenda that included approval of minutes, financial statements and several invoices, along with discussion on city policies and board appointments.

Council members first approved minutes from the March 9 regular meeting and March 20 special meeting without opposition, before moving into financial matters.

— Financial transparency discussion emerges While approving the city’s current financial statements, council members raised questions about specific expenditures – particularly credit card charges – emphasizing the need for greater transparency moving forward.

“I’d like to see the receipts…just so we can be transparent with everybody,” Council member Terry Whitecotton stated during discussion.

City officials acknowledged the concern, noting receipts were available but not included in the meeting packet.

— Fuel, software expenses approved The council also approved a $3,675.09 invoice to Frost Oil Company for dyed diesel and unleaded fuel used by city departments.

Another notable item was a $2,514 invoice for the fire department’s annual access to Fire Programs software, which is used to document incidents and submit required reports to state and national systems. Whitecotton said Beggs Fire Chief Matt Cooperider told him this system has been used for the past 10 years.

Despite some initial hesitation, officials stressed the importance of the system.

“I know they are required to report to the state, and the insurance companies need these reports because they won’t help the people … until they have a report,” Council member Cindy Hubbell explained.

The item ultimately passed, though Council members Justin Jones and Rick Roberts voted against the motion.

— Traffic ordinance tabled due to agenda wording A proposed update to traffic ordinances and fine schedules was discussed but ultimately not acted upon due to concerns about how the item was listed on the agenda.

City legal counsel Greg Loffler advised against moving forward at this time. Loffler was filling in for City Attorney Rhiannon Thoreson who was unable to attend.

“It’s our opinion that this agenda item isn’t sufficient to pass an ordinance … my recommendation would be to take no action on it tonight,” he said.

The council agreed to revisit the matter at a future meeting with clearer language.

— Overtime policy clarified, approved

One of the more substantive administrative actions came with approval of a revised overtime and holiday pay policy for city employees.

Officials noted that confusion had existed due to the lack of a clearly written policy.

“There was no written policy … so we wrote one out to clarify that for everyone moving forward,” City Administrator Stephen Diamond explained.

The updated policy standardizes how holiday pay and overtime are calculated, ensuring consistency across departments. The measure passed unanimously.

EODD board appointment finalized The council also approved representation for the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD), an organization that assists municipalities with grant writing and regional planning.

“They provide us a lot of services … they help us get grants,” Mayor Roger Merrill noted during discussion.

Councilman Justin Jones was approved as the primary representative, with Merrill serving as alternate.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on updates to the city’s Emergency Medical Service, A Trust (EMSAT), including approval of an amended and restated trust indenture and a resolution accepting the city’s beneficial interest.

Council members worked through procedural questions surrounding the changes, particularly how the updated agreement would affect appointments to the trust.

“The way that I read this is that it’s… for one year until the expiration of the term,” Merrill said while reviewing the language of the document.

City officials clarified that approval of the amended trust would allow the city to move forward with new appointments.

“If we approve this, then we can make a new appointment,” it was noted during discussion.

The council ultimately approved the necessary actions related to the amended trust, setting the stage for a key appointment.

— Trustee appointment draws questions, passes vote

Council members then considered the appointment of a new trustee to the EMS trust, a position that carries oversight responsibilities for the city’s emergency medical services structure.

Questions were raised about qualifications and expectations for the role.

“Should these trustees have any kind of medical background … to perform their task?” Whitecotten asked Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore.

Moore’s response emphasized the role is more administrative than clinical.

“It’s like a business… it doesn’t necessarily have to do with medical,” he explained.

After discussion, the council voted to appoint Justin Jones as Trustee No. 3 to the EMSAT board. The motion was approved, with Whitecotten casting a ‘no’ vote.

Council members also noted concerns about prior reporting from the trust.

“We haven’t got a report … I just want to be transparent about why,” Whitecotten said, underscoring the importance of accountability.

— Police report reflects steady activity

Beggs Police Chief Daniel Gilbert presented the department’s monthly report, outlining activity levels and enforcement efforts.

According to Gilbert, officers have handled approximately 50 reports so far this year, averaging around 13 per month and ranging from minor incidents to more serious calls.

“We’ve had … reports from simple assaults to trespassing,” Gilbert said.

He also noted a slowdown in citations, explaining that enforcement efforts had been adjusted due to administrative issues.

“Due to the issues with citation fees, we’ve held off … probably anything with issues has been taken to municipal court,” he said.

Additional activity included warrant service, field interviews and at least one collision within city limits. The department’s radio log activity was also down, which Gilbert attributed in part to the reduced number of citations.

The council unanimously approved the police report.

— FD highlights reporting system, ongoing season Beggs Fire Chief Matt Cooperider provided an update on fire department operations, including clarification on the Fire Programs software approved earlier in the meeting.

Cooperider emphasized the system’s importance for reporting and compliance at multiple levels.

“All of our incidents… get fed up to the state and then up to the national level,” he said.

He added the data plays a critical role in securing grants and maintaining the department’s ISO rating.

“Documentation is 90% of your ISO rating,” Cooperider noted.

The chief also reported grass fire season, while beginning to wind down, still poses risks due to current conditions.

“There’s still a lot of dead grass out there … when you get dead grass on top and a lot of water underneath, you can get trucks stuck, and it’s dangerous,” he said.

Controlled burns are ongoing, with the department actively inspecting burn sites and issuing permits to ensure safety.

The fire report was approved, though at least one council member voiced concerns about the visibility of the software’s output.

“If this software is being used … I don’t see any product from it,” Councilman Justin Jones said, prompting further explanation from the chief.

— Surplus equipment, safety concerns discussed During discussion, council members also addressed the status of older fire equipment, including trucks previously slated for surplus.

Questions were raised about delays in selling the vehicles and their current condition.

“They’re just declining in value as time goes on,” Councilman Rick Roberts said.

However, Cooperider noted that demand for functioning fire apparatus remains strong.

“Fire trucks are increasing in value because there’s not enough of them out there that work,” he explained.

Safety concerns were also raised about a hazardous area near the city’s old lake, where exposed structures and debris could pose risks to residents.

“If any kid comes up here and falls in that thing, they’re going to be hurt really bad,” Whitecotten warned, urging future action to address the issue.