Sanford calls for stray ordinance enforcement
The Henryetta City Council and Municipal Authority met Tuesday for their regular meeting, discussing a range of topics from hunting ordinances to junk vehicles and property abatements.
They began by approving the consent agenda, including the minutes, financial reports, and claims for March. Budget amendments #24-2, #24-3, #24-4, #25-5, and #24-6 for FY 23-24 were also approved, along with the reappointment of Mayor Michael Dickey to the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD).
Linda Gerster, Labor Day Parade coordinator, saw partial approval of her request to waive rental fees for the Civic Center for a Labor Day luncheon, though the deposit fee will remain.
Financial approvals included a $21,625.20 payment to AEP/PSO and a $27,317.64 payment to Bank of Oklahoma for their 2015 Note Series payments, and the Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA)’s $2,800 payment to Posey Construction for a barrier at the city parking lot and to purchase porta-johns not exceeding $15,000.
Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet 1500 crew cab pickup from Carter Chevrolet for $49,349 for the fire department. The vehicle replaces a truck damaged in an ice storm, with the city planning to use $20,000 in insurance funds to contribute to the new purchase.
A proposed tax incentive for Kanon Bailey’s liquor store, which would rebate 2.5 percent of the collected sales tax up to $75,000 over five years, was tabled due to a lack of clear guidelines, sparking concern about potential misuse or unfair distribution.
Council members Steve Sanford and Vernon Van Meter highlighted the need for transparent criteria for such incentives, noting that without them, every local business might seek similar benefits, leading to a situation that could be unsustainable for the city.
“There’s a lot of businesses in this town and not everybody even knows this exists. I think it should be put together to where everybody has a chance to either do it or not,” Sanford explained.
Kanon Bailey, who said he would be a tenant at the discussed property, asked the council if their decision would override HEDA’s approval and Mayor Michael Dickey explained that it would. He concluded the discussion by saying that they would talk with HEDA and bring it back up during next month’s meeting.
A slew of property abatements took up a significant portion of the meeting. Approvals were granted for properties owned by Juan Ramirez on West Broadway and Roy Michael Taylor on North 3rd Street.
The abatement concerning properties believed owned by John Edward King sparked some discussion when another resident claimed ownership of the properties following verbal agreements and payments made to King since 2016.
Despite this, the resident stated he never received deeds or titles to substantiate his ownership and is said to have had limited contact with King since earlier this year. The council advised the resident to seek legal counsel as the abatement was approved, giving King 30 days to resolve any issues.
Another property on North 3rd Street, owned by James Mordecai, was granted 90 days for significant improvements, including roof and porch repairs. Councilwoman Jana Cluck asked why Mordecai should be granted 90 days considering the council only gave 30 days on the previous abatement decision, and it was explained that this was because Mordecai’s property is a non-conforming structure.
Newly approved ordinances include a hunting ban within city limits and stricter rules on the parking and storing of junk vehicles.
City Manager David Bullard updated the council on the city’s booster pump and drain projects, improvements to Nichols Park, and the town’s water system enhancements.
Under new business, Councilman Sanford urged enforcement of ordinances on stray dogs following a recent attack on a mail carrier. Community concerns about reckless driving after local events were also voiced.
The Henryetta Municipal Authority concluded the meeting with the approval of an agreement with Myers Engineering Consulting Engineers, Inc. for a water storage tank on West Warren Road.
