Council members made it official that tobacco use as well as vapor products will not be allowed on city property.
Tuesday night the council adopted a new ordinance prohibiting smoking or any other tobacco use inside all public property whether inside or out. That includes both Nichols Park and Jim Hall Lake.
The ordinance will enable the town to be eligible for grant money through the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). By adopting the ordinance, Henryetta can be certified as a “Certified Healthy” community. Grant funds through TSET can run from $10,000 to $50,000.
Okmulgee County TSET spokesperson Jennifer Avery said the city would be furnished at least 30 signs pointing out the specific area is a tobacco-free area.
“Those signs would stress there is no tobacco use at this park. Kids play here,” Avery told the council.
The ban includes no vapor products since many of them do contain nicotine. Not prohibited are products sold and used to help a person stop smoking.
At the meeting Monday night, the town was given a $550 check from a grant by the Oklahoma Mutual Assurance Group (OMAG).
That money will be used to purchase equipment to check oxygen levels in confined areas.
William Sheppard presented the check to the city saying the grant was created to help communities buy public works safety equipment. OMAG is the organization that underwrites municipal insurance.
Council members approved the purchase of $8,909 for new swings that will be placed at both McCutcheon and Nichols parks.
To be purchased will be four swing seats and fiber base under them.
It was pointed out the swings will be placed in the beach area. “Right now they have to get in a car and drive around to the other side,” said mayor Jennifer Clason.
The Doughboy Statue is going to be lighted and made more visible.
Council members approved installation of a lighting system at the base of the statue as well as removal of the crepe myrtle plants. No vegetation taller than 30 inches will be allowed in front of the statue. That lighting system will be purchased with funds raised as part of the plaque project. The present plaque bearing some 85 names, will be installed installed in the library.
Bill Goodner, who has headed up the project to add names to the plaque on the statue,   said the plaques are at city hall and will be officially shown off at dedication ceremonies Nov. 11.
He said the metal rifle strap has been reattached and the bayonet straightened by Randy Sisson.
The dedication ceremony will include music from the Henryetta High School band.
During that ceremony, the westbound traffic on Main Street will be restricted to one lane and Sixth Street from Main to Trudgeon will be blocked off. “It is hoped that we have a good turnout from the community as well as veterans organizations,” he added. “The participation in the fundraising drive has been really gratifying.”