Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) trustees reappointed Keith Estes as Chair and Jill Francis as Vice Chair for 2023 during their regular monthly meeting on Monday morning.

Andrew Benson, owner of Benson True Value in Okemah, briefly discussed the possibility of purchasing the southernmost 7.66 acres of commercial property available south of I-40 Exit 237.

Benson originally made an offer a few months ago to purchase the land for $25,000. The agenda item was removed from the December HEDA agenda due to Benson being unable to attend previous meetings in order to provide plans and a timeline.

Plans for the acreage, Benson said, are to construct a hardware and auto store. His estimated timeline was at least a year or two, due to the high demand of building materials and a lack of supplies.

If Benson plans to move forward with the purchase, the new business will bring approximately 12 to 15 additional jobs to Henryetta.

During the discussion, it was also noted that Benson True Value has been in operation in Okemah since 1947.

Trustees asked that an agenda item be placed on the February agenda in order to further discuss and take any action.

Henryetta Public Works Director Ron Casey provided updates on City of Henryetta projects to trustees.

“I wanted to say first, thank the folks that made the Hallmark Christmas what it was,” Casey said. “It was a great thing for the city. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

He noted several projects happening throughout the city.

Orr Construction is about 60% complete with their project for replacing some water mains. “They had until April 11 and they are ahead of schedule,” Casey said.

On West Main Street, the EPA is cleaning up contaminated soil at the salvage yard. Though there is no timeline,the work is moving along great, he noted.

“You may notice the right-of-ways through town,” Casey added. “Over by Rotary Park and other areas, utility companies are cutting up their easements which helps them help us. They’ve been at Nichols Park doing some of that and are doing a good job.”

It was reported that the Water Maintenance Department is getting stabilized with the weather. “Our water guys are starting to get everything under control now,” Casey said. “We’re at about a 10- to 15-% water loss now. It is going great. We are looking at some more water projects and trying to get money to start more of them.”

As the city infrastructure has been neglected for a while, he added, city council members are really getting involved.

HEDA trustee Andy Bealko inquired about money in the budget that was set aside for overlay paving.

Casey reported he would look further into the issue and get back with trustees.

A brief discussion was held regarding the parking lot at 5th and Trudgeon. “I have estimated around $25,000 will be needed to turn the lots into a safe parking area,” Casey said. “We will move forward and begin looking for bids.”

Other agenda items approved included:

• Minutes of the Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 regular meetings.

• Financial report for December. HEDA trustees in attendance were Andy Bealko, Bruce Jones, Jim Beymer, Keith Estes, Christy Jeffcoat and Jill Francis.