City of Pocola

The meeting agenda for the Pocola Municipal Authority included discussions and potential votes on approving the accounts payable for January and February 2026, and hearing monthly reports from department heads. Key new business topics involved discussing the utilization of a portable building adjacent to Town Hall, possibly changing the $150 clothing allowance, contracting a lawn service, assessing the feasibility of maintaining two ice machines, and potentially purchasing a JD 50G Mini EX Cutting Blade Assembly for the Street Department. Additionally, there were discussions and potential votes regarding accepting recommendations to add Scott Durham to both the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment. The agenda also detailed scheduling executive sessions to interview candidates for the Police Officer, Building Inspector, and Code Enforcement Officer positions.

The Pocola Municipal Authority meeting involved discussions on approving Accounts Payable for November 2025. Key discussions included establishing a policy for final review and authority to move agenda items, which resulted in a motion to make John Limbocker responsible for agenda drafting. The Board reviewed options for implementing direct deposit for employee payroll but ultimately decided against setting it up at that time. Monthly reports covered updates on a cybersecurity grant assessment, new computer installations, community center progress, generator insurance claims, and Fire Department activities. Later, the Board addressed street department issues, including drainage problems and gravel installation bids for S Gray St, approving a change order for 4 inches of gravel and tin horn replacement at a cost of $52,400. Discussions were held regarding the need for a future dedicated role to manage complex tasks. The Board entered executive session to discuss the job performance and employment status of Street Department employees, following which they returned and took no action. Subsequently, Lee Beutelschies was hired as Street Superintendent at $25/hour, and John Limbocker as Temporary Building Inspector at $20 per inspection. The Board also addressed Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment recommendations for filling vacant seats, ultimately approving Chris Attee for both boards and declining John Limbocker. The Fire Chief reported on increased call volumes and an officer's graduation from the CLEET Academy. The Board also discussed protocols for handling critically injured deer, motioning to designate an officer for dispatching and disposal. The verbal resignation of Phillip Morris was accepted. Finally, a line item of $25,000 was added to the budget for Code Enforcement.

The Pocola Municipal Authority meeting addressed several operational and planning matters. Key actions included approving the consent agenda, which covered the previous month's minutes and accounts payable. A motion was passed to remove an individual from the Fire Roster. Department head reports highlighted sewer plant maintenance, a recent water leak repair, and anticipated increased water usage due to a potential Choctaw Nation casino expansion, leading to efforts to secure grants for lift station capacity. The Fire Department reported on new firefighters being in-service and the expected arrival of a new brush truck. New business included the opening of bids for resurfacing S. Gray Street, which ultimately led to a decision to re-bid the project using an engineering firm due to issues with advertisement length and bid consistency, and eventually taking no action on the initial bids. Discussions emphasized the need for requiring engineering approval sign-offs on future street projects. The authority also tabled a decision regarding rental property inspection processes and Certificate of Occupancy time limits, and subsequently voted to take no action on amending those processes. Finally, the board approved a $3,000 donation for a trunk or treat event, accepted a police officer's resignation, and set a spending limit of $100,000 to begin remodeling the Community Center, focusing initially on bathrooms, handicap parking, electrical work, and structural framing, with local contractors volunteering labor.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor calling the meeting to order, confirming a quorum was present. Key discussions involved a motion to approve Resolution #2026-1, which authorized and called a special election to submit Ordinance #2026-1 to registered voters. This ordinance concerned the continuation of the existing $0.01 sales tax established in 2016 for street maintenance. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The City Clerk/Treasurer declared that no quorum was present as no City Council members were in attendance at the scheduled meeting.