Tuesday’s meeting of the Okmulgee City Council opened with a prayer from Pastor Jonathan Hanshaw of Okmulgee First Assembly. Following the prayer and pledge, the council approved the minutes from their April 16 meeting and the payment of claims – also approved at the meetings of the Economic Development Authority, Municipal Authority, and Community Trust.

In a special moment, the council honored Phillip Paden, supervisor for the Landfill Department of Public Works, who has served the city of Okmulgee for 36 years. The council expressed appreciation for Paden’s dedication and service during that time.

Mayor Mickey Baldwin then proclaimed May 2024 as Community Action Month, highlighting the contributions of community action organizations like Deep Fork. Deep Fork Community Action Executive Director Christy Baldridge attended the reading of the proclamation.

The council also approved a resolution recognizing the efforts of the Okmulgee Homeless Task Force. Initiated in March of this year, the task force was assembled in an effort by some community leaders to address homelessness by identifying resources and solutions. The council committed to supporting the task force’s work and hearing their findings in future public meetings.

Task Force Representatives:

– Business Rep: Jill Rhodes

– Citizens Rep: Chris Azbell

– Faith Rep: Chet Cottom

– Mental Health Rep: Bobby McDonald

– City Rep: Bryan Dudley

– Elected Officials Rep: John Neal

– Deep Fork: Terri Cole

– Homeless Shelter OCHS Rep: Rosie Lynch

– Task Force Leader: Mickey Baldwin

The council upheld decisions to label two properties as dilapidated, following appeals heard on April 4, which were declined. Residents will be given a 30-day notice to address the conditions.

Two rezoning ordinances were discussed and approved, including rezoning properties on E Kennedy from residential single-family to commercial general and properties on W 8th Street from heavy industrial to residential single-family, paving the way for new housing developments.

Other Announcements:

Councilman John Neal introduced a representative from Kingdom Co., who informed the council about an upcoming production titled “Sarah’s Oil,” set to begin filming in Okmulgee by July. The film, set in the early 1900s, will use several downtown locations. The representative commended the preservation of the downtown area and talked about the economic benefit of hosting such a production in Okmulgee. Members of the council also lauded the potential for a positive impact on local businesses and expressed interest in seeking out other film-related opportunities in the future.

Councilman Steve Baldridge raised the issue of storm shelters in Okmulgee, suggesting the city seek grants to establish a community shelter following recent storms. City Manager Rick Pearson mentioned discussions about using the library or Brock Gymnasium as community shelters but no final decisions were made.

Community leader Chris Azbell echoed concerns about disruptive noise from the CP Kelco factory, which he and others have reported to local networks, OSHA, and state representatives. He emphasized the need for a balance between industry and residents’ well-being and noted a previously provided contact email for the factory is no longer working, leading to more residents feeling ignored.

The council discussed and approved multiple infrastructure improvements, including:

– A change order with Jim Cooley Construction LLC for an increase of $40,171 and an extension of 14 days to the contract for AIP 340-0074.

– A contract with Interstate Electric Corporation for repairs to the No. 3 pump at the water treatment plant for over $25,000.

– A contract with United Engines for the lease purchase of a new 2024 Peterbilt 548 garbage truck for $343,399, financed over 60 months.

– A contract with Yellowhouse Machinery Company for the lease purchase of a used 2021 John Deere 310E articulated dump truck for $303,000, financed over 60 months.

Other items approved:

– A contract with Nichols Lawn and Trash Service for the mowing, clearing, and cleaning of lots identified for abatements, totaling no more than $50,000 from May 1 to October 31.

– Release of an abandoned utility easement in the Timbercrest Addition following the relocation of utilities.

– Acceptance of the annual report on the Red Flag Program, indicating no significant incidents of identity theft over the past year.