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A: Main
June 20, 2025
City Council approves agenda items
By PATRICK FORD Editor,

The Henryetta City Council met Tuesday evening, June 17, at the Henryetta Civic Center to conduct its regular monthly meeting, where members tackled a full agenda ranging from budget approvals and infrastructure improvements to park events and board appointments. All items passed unanimously, except for a proposed food truck ordinance, which was tabled for further review.

— Budget & Financial Approvals Council members adopted Resolution No. 1312, officially approving the city’s FY 2025-26 budget and granting authority to make amendments as necessary. The consent agenda also passed, covering minutes from previous meetings, May 2025 financial reports and monthly claims.

The council approved several critical payments, including:

• $40,023.88 to Bank of Oklahoma for the 2015 Note Series monthly payment

• $28,013.98 to AEP/PSO for electricity

• OMAG plans for liability, property, and workers’ compensation coverage for FY 2025-26 Additionally, the council accepted the independent auditor’s report and financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

— Economic Development Collaboration Council approved a threemonth Memorandum of Understanding between the Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA) and the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation (OADC) to improve the city’s readiness to respond to business development opportunities. Under the $1,500/month agreement, OADC will assist in identifying local assets, updating infrastructure data, and preparing response materials for incoming business proposals.

— Jim Hall Lake Spillway Project

Progress continued on the Jim Hall Lake Spillway project, with the council approving:

• Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $11,150 to add more required rebar – covered by contingency grant funds

• $26,325.94 payment to J&S Construction for materials procurement

• $3,600 payment to Myers Engineering for construction services Work is expected to begin July 7, according to contractor updates.

— Food Truck Ordinance Delayed Ordinance No. 1316, a proposed measure to regulate food truck operations in Henryetta, was tabled due to recent changes in state law. Officials cited the need for legal review of the new Food Truck Freedom Act to ensure the ordinance complies with state requirements. The related emergency clause was also tabled.

— Parks, Events & Community Boards Council approved multiple recommendations from the Henryetta Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board, including: • Appointments: Josh Craig (Disc Golf Rep) and T.J. Patel (Hotel/ Motel Rep)

• Park Use Approvals: – Ruby Gooden Labor Day Games (Sept. 1, Gazebo) – Masters Champion Circuit Disc Golf State Finals (Aug. 16, Nichols Park) – Tabernacle of Praise Evangelist Event (June 28, Gazebo) – OCBB Dynamic Disc Golf Trilogy Challenge (Sept. 6, Nichols Park) – Birdie Disc Golf Derby (Sept. 27, Nichols Park) Brandon Floyd was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board, and the council approved a zoning change for two Leonard Lane properties from Agricultural to C-1 (Convenience Commercial District).

— Code Enforcement & Property Abatement The council approved abatement procedures for the following properties: • 705 W. Gentry – Roy Michael Taylor

• 1611 W. Division Jessie Brewer

• 504 E. Birch – Redbud Home Team OK LLC (granted a 60day extension to show marked improvement)

• 112 W. Madison Snow Nails, LLC A property owner at 504 E. Birch addressed the council directly, promising to begin restoration work. Council granted 60 days to make visible progress while ensuring the property remains unoccupied.

— City Manager’s Report

City Manager David Bullard shared updates on a range of citywide operations:

• Streets and Drainage: Ongoing challenges due to rain and gravel loss; a washout near Walmart was temporarily closed, with the city working with the county for disaster relief funding.

• Water Department: Three new fire hydrants installed; several leaks addressed.

• Trash Services: A new trash compactor cylinder has arrived, and the city is preparing to begin hauling its own refuse, cutting out the middleman and saving costs.

• Demolitions: Progress continues, though slowed by weather and legal hurdles.

• Insurance & Benefits: All city employees are now covered under a newly adopted insurance and navigator system.

• Water Storage Tank Project: Survey work and right-of-way clearance are underway for a new 1-million-gallon tank west of town, which will improve service to West Main and the hospital area. A new 12-inch water line will also be installed along 3rd Street.

“We’re making progress across the board,” Bullard said. “From infrastructure and budgeting to trash and water services, we’ve got momentum.”

— Legal Update

The council met in executive session to discuss a legal matter involving a pending lawsuit related to Emergency Medical Service – a Trust (Case No. CV2023-155). No public action followed.

— Henryetta Municipal Authority Following the council meeting, the Henryetta Municipal Authority approved: • May 2025 financials, claims, and minutes

• Year-End Budget Amendment #25-2

• $37,962.14 payment to OWRB for water obligations • $9,879.87 to Myers Engineering for the new water storage tank planning on W. Warren Road No new business was introduced, and the meeting adjourned without further comment.

– For more information or to access meeting agendas and documents, visit www.cityofhenryetta. com or call City Hall at 918-652-3348.

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