A tie vote meant a request to allow citizens to speak during a special part of the city council meetings was denied Tuesday night.
Council member Steve Sanford made the request to allow citizens to speak for a maximum of three minutes during the council meeting. ”I think this is the time and place for the public to speak,” he said.
Sanford gave several examples of other communities that allowed public comments.
Mayor Michael Dickey said many city attorneys are urging council members not to do that.
“We should listen to the voice of the town, Sanford said.
Citing problems if a person started going off topic or making accusatory statements, Dickey asked how they could be shut down. “Do we escort people out of the building. “I love citizens input. We are here to represent the public.”
City attorney John Insabella said there could be issues because council members would not be able to respond or direct any action on requests.
“Im trying to bring the community together where we can all talk, Sanford said. “What is the difference between this and town hall meetings?”
“If there are only two council members present it is not a public meeting,” Dickey said.
The issue died when Sanford and Vernon Vanmeter voted in favor while Dickey and Jennifer Munholland voted against. Because fifth council member Jana Cluck was not present the tie vote stood with no action taken.
Council members unanimously approved reestablishing a parks board for Henryetta but some more work needs to be done before it can become official.
Sanford made the motion to establish the board saying, “The parks board is important, the community wants it, I want it.”
He pointed out the board would not have the authority to spend money since the city council, “has the final decision.”
Dickey was not opposed to the board but pointed out state statute called for the board to recommend a parks director trained in public recreation to be named and that person would serve as secretary for the board.
The city will be working with representatives from the Oklahoma Municipal League to create the complete ordinance.
The 7 Hills Music Fest was called a success by organizers Kelly Dobson and Valerie Mosco. They told council members city employees were instrumental in making Nichols Park look good for the one day event and a lot of volunteers helped to make it happen.
“We will do bigger and better next year,” Mosco said.
She pointed out problems with the ports-potties supplied by the city including the smell and depleted toilet paper supplies.
They asked why the large rest room building was not able to be used and Munholland replied the recent Covid outbreak hit that would have required a person on hand all day to keep the facility clean then winter weather caused issues.
Nichols Park will be used Oct 4 and 5, 2024 for a Red, White & Q barbecue contest sponsored by American Exchange Bank. “We wanted to get it reserved early,” said AEB representative Stacey Blanchett.
That event is sanctioned by the KCBS organization and is expected to bring in contestants from neighboring states.
Also gaining approval was a resolution starting the process for a $200,00 Rural Economic Action Plan grant.
City manager Ron Casey said the city is in the process of purchasing and replacing water meters with new electronic meters act will eventually do away with the need for a meter reader going house to house.