The Henryetta City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, at the Civic Center with Mayor Michael Dickey presiding. Councilmembers Jennifer Munholland, Steve Sanford, Vernon Van Meter and Shawn Buzan were all present as the council tackled a full agenda of property issues, equipment upgrades, upcoming community events and updates on major infrastructure efforts.
Among the primary items of discussion were several delayed property abatements, with council unanimously approving cleanup or demolition efforts for several different properties that had previously been tabled due to grace periods or lack of compliance. These included properties at 303 W. Cummings, 405 N. 11th, 1804 NE 5th Street and 1604 W. Broadway. The property at 901 W. Cummings was granted an extension to continue work.
City Manager David Bullard acknowledged that overgrown lots and neglected properties have been a recurring concern due in part to staffing challenges. “With all the rain, the weed lots have been a little tough to manage,” Bullard told the council. “Our guy that takes care of our weed lots has had medical issues, so we’re behind. But we’re working as quickly as we can to catch up.”
Bullard also updated the council on several ongoing city projects and improvements, including much-needed upgrades to lighting infrastructure. “The lighting projects that started when I first got here are now moving forward,” Bullard said. “We’re working on the Frisco area and the west side near Casey’s. We had open tickets for a while, but with storm delays, everyone’s been backed up. We’re starting to see some progress now.”
Two new city trucks that had previously been approved by council have also been received and are currently being outfitted with safety lights. “They’re brand-new trucks – very nice,” said Bullard. “We expect to have them fully equipped and in service within the next two weeks.”
In another cost-saving move, the city recently purchased a used pump and vacuum system to clean city-owned portable restrooms. “Even though we own the units, we were still paying for outside cleaning – about $8,000 a year,” Bullard noted. “Now we can handle it in-house, and the equipment will pay for itself in about two years.”
Looking ahead, Bullard shared that road overlays remain a top priority, pending final budget numbers from the previous fiscal year. “We’re still waiting for those numbers, but I believe we’re on track to move forward with the $100,000 overlay project we discussed earlier,” he said. “That should be on the agenda next month so we can go out for bids.”
The city is also exploring grant opportunities to support additional infrastructure improvements. Bullard said he, Councilmember Sanford and Vice Mayor Van Meter recently met with a representative of U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin to discuss possible federal funding avenues. “She’s given us a contact, and we plan to follow up,” Bullard said. “It was a productive meeting.”
In council action, members approved the reappointment of Scott Lawrence to the Planning and Zoning Board and tabled two Parks and Recreation tourism event proposals until insurance documentation is provided. Those events include the Muscogee Creek Nation Youth Council’s all-night “Mash Ball” on July 26 and a memorial rodeo honoring Angie Murphy scheduled for September 13 at the Henryetta Rodeo Arena.
The council approved a recommendation by the Henryetta Parks, Recreation & Tourism Board to allow a free public Beach Party, by Jarod Johnston, to be held July 19 at the Nichols Park Bathhouse Shelter. Proof of event insurance was provided for that event.
The council entered executive session to discuss ongoing litigation in federal court (Case No. 25-cv-00227-GLJ) and later voted to authorize City Manager Bullard and the city attorney to hire outside legal counsel for the case.
In final comments, Councilman Buzan expressed optimism about the city’s direction. “I think we’re making good progress,” he said. “We’ve got a solid budget, and our top priority remains public safety.”
Councilmember Van Meter closed the meeting by thanking staff and city employees. “I’m proud of the work everyone is doing,” he said. “We’re moving Henryetta in the right direction.”
During the meeting of the Municipal Authority, all listed items were approved.
