Skipton Evans

The Council discussed several key items, including a budget amendment ordinance for the 2011-2012 fiscal year and a new ordinance regulating the use and lease of municipal public property. They reviewed a partnership request for the use of the Southeast Expo Center, approved a change order for water treatment plant improvements, and authorized the addition of personnel to the Utility Maintenance Department. Furthermore, the Council addressed a ward redistricting plan, approved a bid for the purchase of new radio equipment, and authorized a contract for Elks Road improvements. Additionally, an executive session was held to discuss labor negotiations with the firefighter union and various pending legal cases.

The council approved the final payment for the Shops at McAlester Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement, marking its early completion. Other actions included authorizing professional services for a wastewater treatment facility plan, approving a change order for water treatment plant pump improvements, and amending the City Code regarding airport service fees for emergency flights. Additionally, the council approved budget amendments, accepted payment applications for airport taxiway rehabilitation, and authorized a new municipal project manager position. A special workshop was held to discuss the sustainability of the city's sick leave bank, and in executive session, the council approved an economic development agreement and authorized an external investigation concerning the fire department.

The council reviewed the proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2031, which identifies over $55 million in priority projects across infrastructure, public safety, and economic development sectors. Key legislative actions included authorizing a contract amendment with the Department of Corrections for inmate labor, accepting partial payment for park improvements, and finalizing the Steven Taylor Industrial Park Sewer Improvements Project. The council also approved the creation of a Director-level Project Management position to improve project transparency and oversight. A special workshop was held to discuss strategies for addressing vagrancy and loitering in commercial districts, and an executive session was conducted regarding real property sales in the industrial park.

The meeting commenced with the recognition of Master Patrolman Chuck Sutterfield as July 2018 Employee of the Month and an acknowledgement plaque presented to Lance Weeks for assisting with a police department video project. The consent agenda addressed several items, including the approval of claims totaling various fund amounts, acceptance of annual reports from Pride in McAlester and McAlester Main Street, reappointment of members to the McAlester Planning Commission, appointment to the Audit & Finance Committee, and authorization to sign an addendum to the 911 Agreement and a Homeland Security Grant Program award. Individual consideration was given to the claims approval and the Pride in McAlester Annual Report. A public hearing was held regarding an ordinance amending Chapter 48 of the Code of Ordinances concerning occupation tax fees, and a resolution on dilapidated structures. Scheduled business included approving a $10,335.00 contribution to the McAlester Area Arts & Humanities Council for CultureFest 2018, contingent upon a written agreement. The council passed Ordinance No. 2634 amending occupation tax fees with an October 1, 2018 effective date. Approval was granted to support the employment of a small business advisor through a Memorandum of Understanding with Eastern Oklahoma State College. A discussion was held concerning the McAlester Downtown Area Reinvestment Review Committee timeline. The council authorized the Mayor to sign final pay estimate documents for the Canal Wall Repair project and to sign a State Grant application for Airport Improvements. The bid from Emergency Service Supply for remounting a Type III ambulance was accepted and approved. Certain equipment was declared surplus property and authorized for sale. Following the public hearing on dilapidated structures, a resolution was approved declaring specific structures as detrimental to public welfare, with two properties being removed from the immediate resolution list and one property designated for separate consideration. The City Manager provided updates on various public works projects, including water line replacement and street asphalt overlays.

The Council meeting addressed several key administrative and operational items. Initial actions included recognizing the First National Development Corporation for sponsoring the Fourth of July fireworks and naming the City Clerk as the June Employee of the Month. The majority of the Consent Agenda items were approved, excluding claims and one lease purchase item requiring individual consideration. A public hearing was opened and subsequently closed regarding proposed ordinances to amend the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budgets. Scheduled business involved accepting the Pride in McAlester Quarterly Update Report and authorizing a contract with PIM for clean up activities. The Council authorized contracts with Oklahomans for Independent Living (OIL) and Pittsburg County/City of McAlester Emergency Management, and authorized the Mayor to sign a contract with the McAlester Main Street Association, Inc. Further actions included authorizing a Campus Police Agreement with the McAlester School District, approving resolutions and plans related to seeking a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for water and sewer line replacement, and approving budget amendments Ordinance No. 2365 and Ordinance No. 2366 for the respective fiscal years. The Council also approved the annual renewal of the Participation Agreement with the Association for Landfill Financial Assurance (ALFA) and an Agreement for Engineering Services with Meshek & Associates, PLC for the Phase II Stormwater Management Program. In New Business, the Council voted to officially close the 2006 CDBG Grant No. 12557-CDBG-06. Later in the session, after a recess, the Council approved the purchase of excess workers compensation insurance from Midwest Employers and approved an agreement for third-party administration of self-insured workers compensation with Mutual Assurance Administrators, Inc. Finally, the Council authorized the sale of a surplus 2002 Chevy S10 PU at auto auction, and approved waiving a rental fee for the Italian Festival Foundation.