Wagoner County commissioners approve series of renewals, road invoices and participation in opioid settlement

Wagoner County commissioners on Monday approved a set of routine renewals and project payments, adopted a resolution authorizing the county to participate in a national opioid settlement framework and agreed to a budget apportionment for early repayment of a sinking fund.

The board voted unanimously to opt the county into two nationwide opioid settlement frameworks that resolve litigation against multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers and, separately, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. Reggie Armour of the Office of District Attorney Jack Thorpe told commissioners that the settlements require a state opt-in first, then participation by political subdivisions. He said the Purdue Pharma deadline is Sept. 30. “There are deadlines… the deadline Purdue Pharma… is September 30,” Armour said during the meeting.

The board approved routine vendor renewals and small service contracts, including: the county website contract (annual, about $12,000), the CivicPlus mass notification system renewal (which integrates NOAA weather alerts and internal staff notifications), and an annual service/renewal with the vendor for an aerobic system in District 3. Each of those items was approved after short staff presentations and roll-call votes without extended debate.

Commissioners also approved several invoices tied to road projects and right-of-way work. The board approved a Kimley-Horn invoice for $9,001.50 for work on project WAGCO-273 (the 270/Third widening project) and multiple invoices to Meshek/Meshach Associates (now WSB) for surveying and right-of-way staking and acquisition related to the same road projects. Those payments were approved by roll call.

On finance matters, the board approved — by unanimous roll call — an excise-board request asking the commissioners to apportion $100,000 toward early repayment of a sinking fund. A commissioner explained the excise board lacks the authority to force the transfer but requested the commissioners’ cooperation to repay principal early.

Separately, the board approved a motion authorizing the chairman to work with county staff (Darla Heller, economic development staff were named) on confidential matters related to a construction management agreement for a property at 216 S. Broadway, Coweta, following an executive session. The action directed the chair to work with staff; it passed by roll call.

Votes at a glance (selected items approved): - Opt in to national opioid settlement frameworks (includes settlements referenced CL1771917 and CL1750137); outcome: approved, roll call unanimous. - Approval of vendor renewals: county website (annual, ~ $12,000), CivicPlus mass-notification system (annual renewal), Mullen Plumbing annual aerobic membership (District 3); outcome: approved, roll call unanimous. - Kimley-Horn invoice #061333600-80825 for $9,001.50 (WAGCO-273/270 Third widening): approved, roll call unanimous. - Meshek/Meshach (WSB) invoices for right-of-way staking and acquisition (project WAG03270 and related parcels): approved, roll call unanimous. - Budget apportionment: $100,000 to early payment of sinking fund (requested by excise board): approved, roll call unanimous. - Authorization for chairman to direct county staff regarding construction management agreement for 216 S. Broadway (action after executive session): approved, roll call unanimous.

No action was taken on several non-vote matters (for example, the Wagner Junction support item was discussed but no vote taken). Commissioners directed staff where appropriate and placed some items on future agendas for additional information.