Town board approves OWRB grant application to repair water tower

Town board members voted to approve submitting an application to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to repair the town’s water tower, using a grant request that would not exceed $150,000. Board members discussed a diver inspection report and a consultant (Matt) who recommended sandblasting, internal and external repairs and potential changes to the inlet to improve circulation. One board member said divers’ findings and the consultant’s recommendations support a full refurbishment rather than a short patching job. The motion to submit the OWRB application was made and the board voted in favor; multiple “aye” votes were recorded in the meeting transcript. Members noted the application is a 100% grant and that the town must supply scope and documentation from the inspection and consultant in the application package. The board also discussed a contingency option proposed by a local diver who said a limited repair could extend the tank’s life several years at an estimated lower cost, but members favored pursuing the full OWRB grant application first. The board tabled detailed contracting and contractor selection until after OWRB’s response and completion of the consultant’s written recommendation.