McAlester council awards sewer, water and airport contracts; extends remodeling permit 90 days

The McAlester City Council unanimously approved a series of procurement and permitting actions at its meeting, awarding construction and change-order work and extending a special remodeling permit for a condemned property.

The council voted to accept a total bid of $629,900 for the Taylor Industrial Park Sewer Improvements and authorized the mayor to sign a notice of award and contract. The agenda listed Lone Peachtree Capital LLC as the award recipient; during discussion a staff presenter referred to the low bidder using a different name (Lone Hickory Cattle Company). The motion to approve carried without opposition.

Why it matters: the sewer project is a capital infrastructure contract for Taylor Industrial Park that will proceed under the city’s procurement process; the council’s approval authorizes the mayor to finalize the award and sign a contract.

Other formal actions the council approved:

- A change order (number 3) for Utility Maintenance Contractors LLC in the amount of $4,450 for improvements to the high-service pumps at the water treatment plant. Staff described the work as modifications to pipe penetrations and a concrete column to allow the new pumps to fit. The council approved the change order by roll call vote.

- Awarding the airport terminal parking-lot reconstruction project to Mac Hill Construction Management LLC for $209,500. City staff recommended accepting the bid; the council approved the award by roll call vote.

- Extending the special remodeling permit for the condemned property at 312 West Monroe Avenue for 90 days at the property owner’s request. The owner, identified in the agenda as Dusty Swing, explained construction delays caused by long lead times for replacement windows and subsequent vandalism of one window. City staff member Miss Clifton said the bond for the special remodeling permit is required under section 18533 (condemnation proceedings) and that the posted bond ($25,100) covers estimated demolition costs; staff told the council demolition bids in July 2023 had ranged roughly from $6,000 to $85,100. The council approved a 90-day extension by roll call vote.

- The council approved the consent agenda (items a and b on the consent agenda) by a single motion and roll call vote.

Council also recessed into and confirmed minutes/actions with the McAlester Airport Authority and McAlester Public Works Authority as part of routine authority business; those confirmations passed by roll call vote.

Votes at a glance (motion outcomes):

- Taylor Industrial Park Sewer Improvements — accept low bid $629,900; authorize mayor to sign award and contract; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Water-treatment-plant change order #3 — Utility Maintenance Contractors LLC; $4,450; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Airport terminal parking-lot reconstruction — Mac Hill Construction Management LLC; $209,500; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Special remodeling-permit extension, 312 W. Monroe Ave. — 90-day extension approved; bond required under section 18533 ($25,100 posted); outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

What was said: staff did not provide a revised total contract timetable for the condemned property; the owner described supply-chain delays and theft of a window as reasons for delay. Miss Clifton described the bond’s purpose: to cover demolition costs if the owner does not complete the remodel and pass final inspection.

Next steps: the mayor is authorized to sign applicable awards and change orders; staff will continue project administration and follow permit timelines for the remodel extension.