Commissioners discuss potential new CERF funds
A familiar face around the courthouse was recognized on Monday during the meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners. Milissia Smith was awarded a certificate of appreciation from her 15 years at the courthouse. Commissioner David Walker read the certificate.
Smith has been responsible for the cleaning of the historic building. She began working at the courthouse, after her restaurant business was destroyed in a blaze.
“The County of Okmulgee in the State of Oklahoma awards this certificate of appreciation to Milissia Smith, in appreciation of your 15 years of dedication, loyalty, and conscientious service to citizens of Okmulgee County by displaying exemplary service, honesty and integrity as an employee for the Okmulgee County Commissioner’s office.” After a quick thank you, Smith asked, “Can I go back to work now?” and proceeded on with her business as usual.
— Fund Request
The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioner briefly discussed the Okmulgee County Equipment Revolving Fund request FY 2024 CERF100 form. Commissioner Erik Zoellner opened discussion on the matter.
“The State of Oklahoma is asking our county, what are three pieces of equipment that our county would like, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to receive them. But we just had the chance to put in a request,” he said.
Zoellner said that with this being the first time this fund is being discussed, he did not expect any action to be taken but wanted a chance to discuss it in open session. His recommended request was for a new road chipper, aggregate crusher, and distributor truck.
Commissioner Walker asked whether there was a dollar amount attached to the request, but Commissioner Zoellner said that he did not see one at the time.
Zoellner added that this request is subject to change after they’ve had time to gather other’s thoughts over the next few weeks.
“It’s not due until Oct. 2nd, I believe, so we have time to discuss … then ultimately, when we have further decisions, we’re going to bring it to our [Asst. D.A.] and just make sure everything is copacetic for the county,” he said.
— Emergency Management Report During his weekly report, EM Director Jeff Moore noted there was just over five inches of rain around the country this week. He also met with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, who assessed the damage from storms on Father’s Day weekend.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t meet the county’s threshold of just under $163,000 in damage,” he said. “We thought we would be close. Most of it came from the co-ops with power lines…” Moore also met with the State Department of Emergency Management and Homeland security to discuss strategies and “what we can do better for the citizens as an emergency management agency.”
Director Moore also stated he met with the Okmulgee County Ambulance management committee last week.
He also added there will be a conference in Missouri next week, with training that is not available here locally. The three-day conference will offer the opportunity to network and train with other emergency management professionals from surrounding states.
— Also Approved at the Meeting Commissioner Zoellner also mentioned that there may be a new sitin restaurant coming to Beggs in the near future.
“Mr. [Alex] Martinez came and visited with us over the past few weeks, and he wants to start a lease that I recommend that we approve,” he said. He said that Martinez’ goal is to put a restaurant at the old health department location.
Commissioner Walker asked if this was the same building that someone had asked about using for something different. A resident had wanted to turn into a nutrition shop.
“He kept talking to us about it, but he never brought us a signed contract,” Zoellner said. “And so we’re not holding anything for anybody. And we let him know that we needed a contract.”
Mr. Martinez did bring a contract for a one year lease agreement, and the board subsequently voted to approve it.
— Blanket Purchase Orders
• County General: Cookson Hills Publishing for $1500; Emergency Management to Dildine Lawn Care for $400; General Government to Dildine Lawn Care for $600; District 1 to Dollar General for $100; District 2 to Cintas for $700, and to RPI for $1,000.
— Employee Forms
• Treasurer’s Office – Sheila Buckley, full-time; District 3 – Clyde Settlemeyer, full-time; Claude Bullard, Cody Walter, Clint VanMeter, all employment ceased.
— Resolution for Disposing of Equipment
• Sheriff ’s Office: The 2008 Tahoe which was surplused last week was sold to McIntosh County.
— Declaration to Surplus
• Sheriff ’s Office: 2008 Tahoe; OC Health department: multiple items (computers, water fountain, oxygen tank).
