Vintage motorcycles dating back some 50 years could be thrilling local residents this fall.
Henryetta has been approached by the American Historic Racing Motorcycles Association (AHRMA) to hold a series of races Sept. 30 through Oct. 1 at Nichols Park.
During a special city council meeting Friday afternoon, mayor Jennifer Clason said the event is being organized by former resident Sherry Parker and her husband Trampas.
“She wants to bring something back to Henryetta. They could have it anywhere. Tulsa and Okmulgee have already said they would host it.”
The national organization is composed of people who collect and race vintage motorcycles, some dating back to the 1920s. It was organized in 1989.
Clason said the race would take place on trails on the east side of the park already built and used by OCCRA this past spring.
“They will not keep the park closed. They just want to use parts of the area,” Clason said.
One race would be held Friday, Sept. 30 and two races Saturday. One of those races would be the vintage motorcycles. “They want to build dirt ramps in the area behind the caretakers house,” Clason told the council. That dirt and construction would be handled by AHRMA personnel and, after the race, the dirt jumps would be leveled out.
She said Parker would also like to hold a parade downtown featuring some of the vintage motorcycles.
The group would provide their own insurance and even porta-potties.
The organization would give the city a cash donation for the use of the park. “They couldn’t guarantee what it would be,” Clason added. A $500 donation was mentioned.
“Could we get an agreement to the percentage,” asked council member Bill Goodner. “If they are going to make money and use our facilities, we should realize some money out of it.”
Council member Christy Jeffcoat proposed a 20 percent of profits or $500 whichever is greater.
The council agreed to allow the race then negotiate the amount charged.
Also at the special council meeting, two city statutes were brought into alignment with state laws.
Council members updated the laws dealing with possession of marijuana and texting while driving. The state makes possession of small amounts of marijuana and other drugs a misdemeanor instead of a felony. It is now against the law to be texting while driving.
Nearly $18,000 in drug money forfeited to the city will be used to help purchase a new police car.
Chief Steve Norman explained the new car is necessary because the 2010 Dodge currently used by K-9 officer Joey Cantrell has air conditioning issues that cannot be fixed.
“Our existing K-9 unit is eight years old,” Norman said. “The dealer said they could not find the issue but thinks it is a short in the wiring.” He said the dealer would charge $70 per hour to go through the wiring. The city has already spent $2,500 in parts trying to repair the issue.
Norman said the fear is the existing unit air condition would stop working and result in the death of the Malinois drug dog. “We are not using the K-9 unit because of the threat of death of a $10,000 dog. It’s sitting at home,” he said. “We are not willing to take the chance on killing the dog and Joey going to jail.”
Council members approved the purchase and declared the existing police car surplus with the city to receive bids from Sept. 5 through 15.