The Henryetta City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, with Vice Mayor Steve Sanford presiding in Mayor Michael Dickey’s absence.
The session began with an invocation, flag salute, and roll call, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, which included monthly financial reports, minutes from the previous meeting, June claims, and yearend budget amendments for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Among other financial decisions, the council approved payments of $40,023.88 to the Bank of Oklahoma for the 2015 Note Series and $25,521.91 to AEP/PSO for city utilities.
An ordinance to regulate food trucks in Henryetta, ensuring proper operation, registration, and permitting, failed to receive a second motion.
Continuing efforts to clean up the city by addressing various dilapidated structures, the council approved multiple property abatements at the following locations: the 1600 block of W. Moore St., 1100 block of N. 5th St., 1000 block of W. Division St., 300 block of Antes St., 400 block of S. 8th St., and the 900 block of W. Cummings St. Additionally, three properties in the 900 block of W. Corporation St. and another property in the 900 block of W. Cummings St. were approved for abatement.
The council approved the purchase of a $20,000 four-unit kayak kiosk system for Nichols Park, which Vice Mayor Sanford said would function similarly to the city’s line of cars.
The Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) will fund a $33,560.52 upgrade to the fuel system at Henryetta Airport and make $393,610.37 in interest payments on a $4.4 million loan for the new one-milliongallon water tower on Warren Road.
A new commercial lease and usage agreement was also approved between the City of Henryetta and Community Action Resource and Development, Inc. (CARD).
For infrastructure improvements, the council approved the purchase of a 9057FZTS Excavator and attachments from LiuGong for $62,311.29.
The City Manager David Bullard’s monthly report was then heard and accepted.
Immediately following the Henryetta City Council meeting, the Municipal Authority met, approving all consent agenda items, including a $37,962.14 payment to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and payments totaling $78,799.35 to Myers Engineering for water storage tank projects on Warren Road and Lookout Street.
Additionally, they approved payments to Quicksilver Utility Contracting, LLC, for the 4th Street Booster Pump Station, including a revised change order and contractor applications totaling $234,186.45.
The council also approved the purchase of a Mahindra 1640 tractor for $25,800 and a 9035EZTS Compact Excavator for $40,900 to further support the city’s infrastructure needs.
Near the end of the meeting, several council members and community attendees took a moment to pay their respects to Mike Kennedy, a beloved community figure who passed away earlier this month. Kennedy was remembered as a legendary tennis coach who brought multiple titles to the city and as an all-around good person. Community leaders are currently discussing ways to honor his legacy publicly.
