Jennifer Adams

The meeting began with opening ceremonies, including prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call. Department head reports covered building inspection activities, emergency management updates emphasizing siren functionality and the transition to Hyper Reach alerts, and positive news from the Fire Chief regarding recent moisture. The Library reported on high February usage, new account creation, and staff attendance at a national conference related to the IMLS Library Convening 250. The Golf Course reported significantly increased revenues for January and February due to excellent weather and maintenance progress. The Parks and Cemetery department detailed resolving fountain and pipe issues, removing a large tree, and starting work on a playground; updates on the tennis court facility indicated progress pending plumbing rough-in and slab pouring. The Police department reported statistics for February, including traffic stops and animal calls, noted the successful implementation of new SRO trucks, and confirmed the February 3rd shooting case was transferred to the FBI. The Animal Shelter reported increased intake numbers. The Recreation Center reported strong membership numbers exceeding 2,000 members, several pool parties, and plans for an Easter egg hunt and a 20th-anniversary reception. The Street department reported completion of a wheelchair ramp for the Methodist Church, asphalt work on Jackson Street involving pipe replacement and edge concreting, address of vandalism to stop signs, blocking off Southeast 6 due to speeding complaints, ditch work and pipe installation for water drainage issues on N Ora and Irving, and preparation work for overlay on Southeast 14th. The City Clerk reported completion of January financial statements and updates on software implementations, increased rezoning and RV park requests impacting community development and code enforcement workload, and ongoing efforts to audit donation accounts. The agenda also included a presentation from the Prior Public Schools Superintendent regarding a proposed school bond issue scheduled for April 7th, citing record high enrollment growth as the primary driver.

The Board called the meeting to order and proceeded to discuss the Hotel/Motel Grant application submitted by the Pryor Area Arts and Humanities Council. The grant request was for the Pryor Creek Comic Convention, scheduled for March 7th, 2026, in the amount of $1,000.00. The Board voted to recommend Council action in favor of approving this grant application.

The Hearing of Dilapidated Buildings and Abatement of Properties focused on property conditions within the city. Key discussions involved the property at 902 SE 2nd belonging to Lynn E Davis and Milynda Rhoads, which remains on the agenda for review pending a contract or sale. For the property located at 510 N 433 Rd belonging to Isabel Hensley Townsend, while a demolition permit was purchased, the cleanup was noted as incomplete, with a review scheduled for the next meeting date.

Key discussions included administering the Oath of Office to two trustees and authorizing an expenditure not to exceed $2,000.00 for cohesive window and door decorations for downtown corridor businesses. The Board accepted the recommendations of the Pryor Area Aquatic Center Pool Task Force, allowing the committee to commence seeking funds for the proposed aquatic facility project. The outcomes of the 2025 Bluegrass and BBQ Festival were reviewed, and planning authorization was granted for the 2026 Music Festival. The Board also recommended Council action to accept a $450,000.00 offer for the property known as the Old Police Department Building. A portion of the meeting was held in executive session to confer on economic development matters, including potential property transfers or financing.

The City Council meeting included department head reports summarizing January activities, such as building inspections, successful snowstorm management by Emergency Management and Fire departments, record January golf course performance, and library programming updates. Key financial and operational discussions involved approving various purchase orders totaling $386,990.61 (excluding items pulled for discussion), accepting a Police Department resignation, approving expenditures for a commercial mower and a dump truck repair, and addressing drainage improvements for Elliott Street. Council also passed an ordinance granting a non-exclusive permit to Clarity Telecom, LLC (D/B/A Bluepeak) for cable system construction and operation. Addendum items included declaring a 2018 Ford Explorer XLT surplus and approving its potential sale to the Mayes Emergency Services Trust Authority (MESTA), approving an interlocal agreement with Mayes County for Police Shooting Range work, approving expenditure for ordinance recodification final billing, approving expenditure for gravel for the Police Shooting Range, and approving an agreement to secure the date for the 2026 FreedomFest fireworks show. The meeting was followed by a session of the Pryor Public Works Authority.