The Henryetta City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting in a session filled with approvals ranging from financial matters and upcoming community events to extensive property abatements.

The council quickly moved through the consent agenda, unanimously approving April’s financial reports, minutes and monthly claims. Also approved was a monthly debt service payment of $40,023.88 to Bank of Oklahoma for the 2015 Note Series, and a $3,000 invoice to Myer’s Engineering for construction services at Jim Hall Lake.

Council members also voted to allow the Emergency Medical Services Trust to incur up to $250,000 in debt to purchase a new ambulance, to be financed over 72 months at 5.3% interest through Mabrey Bank. There’s no financial obligation to the City itself— this just authorizes the Trust to move forward with the purchase.

— Summer Events Receive Green Light Two major summer events received full council support. Daniel Lyons was approved to host an “All Trucks” show at Nichols Park on June 21. More than 150 trucks are expected for this event.

The Henryetta Labor Day Celebration Committee, represented by Linda Gerster, secured three approvals:

• Use of the lot behind O’Reilly’s Auto Parts for the carnival (Aug. 28Sept. 1).

• Use of the Civic Center for the Labor Day BBQ Luncheon, with rental fees waived but a refundable $300 deposit required.

• Street closures for the Labor Day Parade and contests (Sept. 1), including Main Street and part of South 6th Street for a variety of events.

— City Code & Rezoning Updates The council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1314 to adopt the updated 2025 Henryetta Code of Ordinances. The updated items reflects current standards and repeals outdated ordinances. An emergency clause (Item #10) and accompanying Resolution No. 1311 (Item #11) were also approved to ensure immediate enactment.

In zoning matters, Ordinance No. 1315 was passed to rezone certain properties from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to R-3 (Manufactured Homes Residential). The council declared an emergency for this ordinance as well, which goes into effect immediately.

— Board Appointments & Surplus Property Jan Prahl was appointed to a fiveyear term on the Henryetta Public Library Board, representing Ward 4. Councilman Vernon Van Meter was appointed to the Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA).

The council also voted to surplus a property at 1303 W Division, the site of a fire-damaged home. “The owner deeded it over to the city after the fire, and we don’t want to be mowing it all summer,” City Manager David Bullard said.

— Property Abatements & Extensions A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing neglected and hazardous properties.

Extensions Granted (30 Days) • 405 N 11th St (Randall & Jennifer Fuller): The owners reported partial renovations and requested more time to complete electrical, painting and flooring work.

• 901 W Cummings (Jeremy Scott & Joyce Moore): The owner cited rain delays and lack of available labor but said a roll-off dumpster had been delivered for cleanup. — Extensions Granted (60 Days) • 614 W Main St (Success Homes LLC): The owner described investing $7,000 to clear out the building and promised significant improvements, starting with roof repairs.

— Approved for Abatement

• 901½ W. Broadway (Baldridge Apartment Rentals)

• 1507 W. Division (Freda & Don Giblet)

• 202 McLaughlin and nearby lots on NE 2nd & McLaughlin (All owned by Robert Armond)

• 616 W Main (Carl Fancher & David Gaddy)

• 501 E Trudgeon (shed) owned by Victoria Burkhart.

— City Manager’s Report & Closing Comments City Manager David Bullard provided brief updates during the City Manager’s Report (Item #27): “We’ve had a good month,” Bullard said at the start of his report. “I want to thank all of you for what you do, and what we’ve been able to accomplish.”

— Library Roof Replacement

Bullard also confirmed progress on the long-awaited roof replacement at the Henryetta Public Library. “The roof has been leaking for years,” he said. “It’s finally being replaced. It’s a big step forward in preserving that building and keeping it usable for the community.”

— Street & Water Projects Underway The City Manager emphasized that street repair and water infrastructure remain top priorities. “We’ve got street work fixing to begin. Potholes are being patched, and we’re getting overlays scheduled.”

In addition to ongoing road work, Bullard noted that the utility line crews are nearing completion of their current projects. “The sewer line crew is just about finished, and water lines are next,” he said. “Another crew from Myers Engineering has been helping us move forward.”

— Citywide Cleanup Day Brings Results Bullard expressed appreciation for community participation in the recent citywide cleanup effort, which resulted in significant improvement across town. “The cleanup day went really well,” he said. “We had a big turnout, and it made a difference. I saw several trucks going up and down the road, and people were out helping. That’s the kind of thing that brings pride to a community.”

— Pool Opening & Summer Preparations

With summer fast approaching, Bullard reassured the council that the city pool is on track to open. “We’re getting the pool ready,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll have it open in time for Memorial Day.” Addressing public safety, Bullard said the city is continuing efforts to modernize emergency communication equipment. “We’ve got some radio issues and needs with the fire and police departments,” he explained. “We’re looking into grant opportunities to help cover those costs.”

During comments from the council, Councilmember Steve Sanford expressed concern about the safety and liability during the Cruise Knight event. During the last event, he stated someone fell off the back of a truck, there was a wreck and things “are getting crazy.”

Sanford added that the Chamber should invest in additional security due to a lack of manpower and the potential for complacency. They acknowledge the event’s positive impact but warn of the severe consequences if something goes wrong, particularly if someone is killed.

Following the council meeting, the Henryetta Municipal Authority convened and approved its own consent agenda, as well as a payment of $37,962.14 to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.