Council takes action to affirm TPWA trustee, city employees recognized for 25 years of service

The Tahlequah City Council voted to affirm and deny the reappointments of Tahlequah Public Works Authority trustees during a Monday, Jan. 6 meeting.

The Council took no action during a Dec. 18 meeting wherein councilors Stephen Highers, Danny Perry, and Keith Baker were to possibly replace TPWA trustees Scott Wright, Mark Gish, and Sherry Baker.

During Monday's meeeting, councilors affirmed the appointment of Ward 3 Councilor Highers to the TPWA/Municipal Utility Board. They also approved the reappointment of Gish to an additional 5-year term while denying Scott's reappointment with an additional 5-year term. The board took no action with Sherry Baker's possible appointment with an additional 5-year term.

Fire Chief Casey Baker approached the board to make a comment regarding the appointments and said having more Council representation on the TPWA board could address communication gaps and improve collaboration between the Council, TPWA, and other city departments.

"A lack of communication can lead to misunderstanding, delay projects, and inefficient responses to community needs, like paving a road and then a few weeks later cutting it up to lay a waterline," he said. "Adding more Council members to the board ensures that information flows freely between public works and the City Council. This alignment can result in faster decision-making and better accountability."

Chief Baker added that more city representation also ensures that the fire department's priorities such as hydrant installation, inspections, water pressure testing, and road conditions are properly considered during planning and upgrades.

"This is especially needed for an Insurance Services Office survey, which affects everyone living in and around the city of Tahlequah's Home Owners Insurance," he said.

Additionally, Chief Baker said he supports having more than one councilor on the TPWA board.

"And to the councilors, coming from experiences, 'The right thing to do is not always the easiest thing to do,'" he said.

Police Chief Nate King echoed Chief Baker and said he feels it was important to have one more than Council member on the TPWA board.

"The two entities work hand-in-hand so much and I just think it would benefit both parties. Two things people don't like, the way things are and change and sometimes change is scary but that doesn't mean it's bad. At the end of the day, both Tahlequah Public Works Authority and the city of Tahlequah are working everyday to make Tahlequah the best it can be and I feel with better representation, with TPWA increases that representation and communication is key to all that we have going on," King said.

In other business, Mike Fina, executive director of the Oklahoma Municipal League, recognized seven city employees for the dedication to Tahlequah for 25 years.

City of Tahlequah/Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Mike Underwood, Fire Assistant Chief Mark Whittmore, Firefighter Travis Miller, Laborer Operator Carl Dallis, TPD Executive Assistant Samantha Davis, Capt. Randy Tanner, and Larry Dallis with waste management collector leader were all recognized.

"One of the things I think is really unique, I've done this for eight years and I've probably handed out close to 1,000, there's only been one time in eight years that I've come to a city and handed out that I haven't handed out to a fire, police some kind of public safety and that tells me something that our public safety - fire, police, ambulance, all the above - are so dedicated to their communities and I see them all grouped back there together," Fina said. "Your dedication is unmatched, really and I'm so proud to be able come and hand these out."

Additionally, Tahlequah Police Officer Bryan Swim was recognized for 20 years of service with TPD.

The board gave its nod to Mayor Suzanne Myers to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement between the city and the Cherokee Nation for the purpose of submitting a road/bridge improvement request in accordance with the guidelines established by the nation; and upon written notification of approval by the nation, the city agreed to construct road and/or bridge projects with city forces and agreed to be reimbursed by the nation for cost of the materials upon satisfactory completion of the work from the funds allocated by the nation for projects.

Council approved the authorization for Myers to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Tahlequah and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for pedestrian improvements along South Muskogee Avenue, from Chickasaw Street to Goingsnake Street The project will cost approximately $1.3 million, with close to $814,000 covered by ODOT.

A $3,295 bid for mowing services from Kirk Lawn Care and a resolution to support the appointment of City Administrator Taylor Tannehill to the District #2 Seat of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Municipal League were approved by Council.

What's next

The next Tahlequah City Council meeting is slated for Monday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.