Council approves improvements at Nichols Park
The Henryetta City Council convened Tuesday to address a variety of topics pertinent to the community’s development and welfare.
Among the items approved was the recommendation from the Henryetta Economic Development Authority to provide up to $160,000 to fund the proposed Sanitary Sewer Line Extension Project between the City of Henryetta and Casey’s General Store.
The new store will be constructed on the northwest corner of Dewey Bartlett and Hwy. 62, on the western edge of the city.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included financial reports for January 2024 and claims for the same month.
Payments were approved to Bank of Oklahoma in the amount of $27,317.64 for 2015 Note Series monthly payment and AEP/PSO in the amount of $24,172.42.
The council approved allowing Pastor Jerry Page to use the property behind O’Reilly’s Auto Parts on May 25 – June 2 for the purpose of holding a tent revival.
Discussion on a request for two projects at Nichol’s Park ensued as the wording of the item caused concern with some members of the council. The initiative was brought to the Parks Board by the Nichols Park Restoration Committee to remodel a room at the caretaker’s house to be used as an office when events are held at the park. The committee also sought to adopt the three rock bathrooms in the park and the bathroom in the caretaker’s house for refurbishing.
The Parks Board approved the requests during their last meeting.
The council approved the office remodeling project with a 3-1-1 vote; while the second items were approved 4-1.
– Other items approved were:
• Josh Craig to use Nichols Park on Nov. 15-17 for Disc Golf Tournament.
• Appointed Josh Craig to the Henryetta Parks, Recreation and Tourism Board for a three year term.
• Request from Christy Jeffcoat (Chamber of Commerce) for bounce houses and porta johns to be paid from Hotel Motel Tax for three Cruise Knights on April 6, June 15 and Sept. 28, (Total Cost Porta Johns $544.38 and Bounce Houses $1,200.00).
• Appointed councilmember Vernon VanMeter and Steven Sanford for negotiations to the International Association of Firefighters (Local 2788) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Bargaining Agreement. They were also appointed for negotiations to the Henryetta Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #115) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Bargaining Agreement.
Chamber Executive Director Genny Mooney shared with the council a proposal for a Christmas market in the city parking lot on Trudgeon Street. The plan involved setting up temporary buildings provided by 3 Bears Rentals to host vendors, aiming to boost local businesses during the holiday season.
The market will be from Dec. 5-22, Thursday through Sunday, from 5-9 p.m.
City Manager David Bullard provided updates on various ongoing projects, including collaborations with businesses like Casey’s General Store and initiatives to improve water and sewer infrastructure.
Plans were discussed for future projects, such as the installation of lighting near the 237 exit and upgrades to the water plant’s booster pump system. Budget allocation for these endeavors was considered crucial for the city’s development.
Bullard highlighted the state-of-the-art technology to enhance law enforcement capabilities in Henryetta. The new tracking system being used is designed to ensure the safety of police officers on duty, in real- time, ensuring their safety and optimizing response capabilities. This technology has been long-awaited, and initial feedback from officers and other departments involved has been positive.
The city manager also highlighted strategic partnerships forged with state agencies aimed at promoting economic development and growth in Henryetta. Bullard stated that he has been in meetings with Lisa Smith, the department’s representative with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, to explore opportunities for economic development in the city.
Bullard also talked briefly about enhancements to the city’s website.
