The Henryetta City Council met on Tuesday, April 15, at the Civic Center, where Mayor Michael Dickey led a packed agenda alongside council members Jennifer Munholland, Vernon Van-Meter, Steve Sanford and Shawn Buzan. City Manager David Bullard also provided key updates on infrastructure, finances and ongoing projects.

— Financial Business & Loan Payments

The meeting opened with unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which included financial reports, minutes from the March meeting and March claims.

Council also approved a $40,023.88 monthly payment to the Bank of Oklahoma for the 2015 Note Series. City Manager Bullard reminded attendees that this original $8 million loan was secured for equipment purchases and work on the East Water Tower and is scheduled to be paid off in 2029.

Additionally, payments of $22,968.21 to AEP/PSO and $21,000 to Myers Engineering for Jim Hall Lake spillway construction services were also approved.

— New Ordinance for Utility Relief In an effort to offer fairer relief to residents and businesses affected by water leaks, the Council approved Ordinance No. 1313. The amendment allows for sewer charges to be waived in cases where the water from leaks does not enter the sewer system. Mayor Dickey explained, “Previously, we had no mechanism to offer relief on sewer charges in these instances. This change corrects that oversight.” The ordinance passed along with an emergency clause for immediate enactment.

— Property Abatements Stir Debate The Council heard extensive discussion regarding several properties under abatement:

• 405 N. 11th Street (Fuller property): After contentious back-andforth between the property owners and city officials, including the code enforcement officer, a 30-day extension was granted. Council emphasized that further delays or partial repairs would not suffice. “We need a clear plan and progress,” said Mayor Dickey. “The council expects significant improvements within 30 days, coordinated with the city inspector.”

• 901 W. Cummings (Scott/Moore property): This property, under abatement since 2018, also received an additional 30-day extension after the owner stated efforts were underway to repair a collapsed sewer line. Owner advised to have the deteriorating shed removed from property.Council members acknowledged some progress and agreed to monitor the situation closely.

• 311 E. Spruce (Howard property) and 411 W. Jefferson (Patterson property): Both properties were officially approved for abatement.

• 500 block of Lake Road (Winn property, westside): Council tabled action after the owner expressed willingness to transfer the property to the city.

— Community Events & Park Use Council approved multiple upcoming events:

• A three-man disc golf tournament at Nichols Park on May 17.

• Joy in Life’s Family Fun Day and Free Concert on May 2 at the Gazebo Park. In coordination with this, 4th Street (from Broadway to Moore) and Moore Street (between 4th and 5th) will be closed from 3 to 8 p.m. for safety.

• The American Guardians Motorcycle Club will host a community event at Nichols Park on July 12. Planned activities include bicycle races and cardboard boat races to coincide with the city’s annual fireworks celebration.

— Infrastructure Updates & Purchases The city approved the purchase of a 2025 F-450 chassis truck for street maintenance, funded through remaining dollars from the 2015 loan. The cost is $65,070.30 City Manager Bullard reported that the Jim Hall Lake spillway rehabilitation will begin July 7, following the rainy season. He explained, “Delaying until summer will allow for safer and higher-quality work on the eroded drainage system.”

Bullard also highlighted ongoing infrastructure work due to recent rains, noting, “Our crews have been focused on collapsed storm drains and washed-out culverts, which has temporarily slowed our housing abatements.”

— City-Wide Cleanup & Council Praise Bullard announced a City-Wide Cleanup Day will take place May 9 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and May 10 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) at the former Pilot Company site on Highway 75. The event, open to residents with a water bill, allows for two trips. Certain items such as tires, paint, batteries and brush will not be accepted.

Council Comments: Members praised city staff and leadership including City Manager David Bullard.

Vernon VanMeter praised the city’s ongoing efforts, stating, “I appreciate everybody’s efforts on what’s been done. I see a lot of activities that the city’s doing to try to clean up our visual vision coming in on W. Main, and clean up those dishes, which looks very nice, and just other things and just going back and patching and fixing and things that’s been breaking the year. So they’ve really been on top of Mr. Bullard and his crew. Things are just looking better. The trees are butted out, and I’m excited.”

Steve Sanford highlighted the importance of teamwork and leadership, noting, “We need everybody out there to make informed decisions, and it really matters. This guy right here, I think, is doing a really good job, and he’s proactive and tries to find them to get things fixed.”

Jennifer Munholland emphasized the dedication of city employees, saying, “It’s hard to get employees that want to work now, but we have some really good leaders that are the superintendents. You don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but keeping your water on, your sewer running and everything in between is a difficult task that you need to be patting them on the back for.”

New council member Shawn Buzan expressed optimism about the council, remarking, “I’m looking forward to working with this specific Council. I think we’ll function very well together. So I’m excited about that. I like the way we’re looking to clean up the future. That’s an important part of rebuilding the town and more attractive.”

Mayor Michael Dickey concluded by reflecting on his continued leadership, stating, “It’s been an honor for me to serve as the mayor the last two years, and humbled that council was want me to continue on for the next two years, to continue on with this as a mayor, appreciate the support from everybody and try to do my best to do better than I did last time.”

— Municipal Authority Meeting Highlights In the subsequent Henryetta Municipal Authority meeting, members approved:

• Two loan payments totaling over $106,000 for water system improvements, including a west-side water tower project.

• A second 2025 F-450 chassis truck for the water maintenance department, matching the earlier purchase for street maintenance.

Council concluded the meeting with a motion to proceed with real estate purchases discussed in executive session.