Council approves budget amendment, mowing contract, CDBG manhole rehab, library deed transfer and tourism board; summary of roll calls

McAlester City Council members voted on several items during the meeting, approving budget and operational measures and two project contracts. Roll-call votes were recorded for each item.

What passed - Budget amendment / emergency declaration: Council approved a general fund amendment to increase revenue and expenditures to cover workers' compensation and to recognize grant revenue tied to the Thriving Community grant project. The council also approved an emergency declaration to enact the change. (Motion carried by roll call; all present voted yes.)

- Right-of-way mowing contract: Council accepted the low bid from Limestone Construction for annual right-of-way mowing services at $21,800 per mowing (typographical error in one packet column corrected in discussion); the contract anticipates four mowings in a typical season but includes flexibility for additional mowings if weather requires. (Motion carried by roll call; all present voted yes.)

- CDBG manhole rehabilitation: Council accepted a single bid from Luckinbill Construction Co. LLC for $13,500 to perform a spray-on “hard shell” sealant rehabilitation of one manhole using remaining CDBG-CV funding. Staff described the method as less costly than full replacement. (Motion carried by roll call; all present voted yes.)

- Library deed transfer for financing: Council voted to approve the deed transfer of the property at 401 North Second Street to the Southeast Oklahoma Library System. Library officials said the system needs the property as collateral to secure financing for demolition, asbestos abatement and reconstruction; the system expects to return the improved property to city stewardship after financing is retired (estimated financing period discussed as about four years). (Motion carried by roll call; all present voted yes.)

- Tourism board creation: Council directed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance establishing a tourism board to guide tourism marketing and branding. Proponents said a stakeholder board can help centralize marketing and coordinate visitor-focused investments. (Motion carried by roll call; all present voted yes.)

Format, roll calls and remarks Each item was taken in order with staff presentations and short council discussion. The roll call for passage of these items recorded affirmative votes from Councilors Gilmore, Woodley, Stone, Roden, Boatwright, Vice Mayor Beatty and the Mayor.

Quotes "We are required if we are accepting those streets, they'll be required to be built per our specifications," a staff member said when asked about infrastructure standards attached to developments.

Ending Councilors and staff described most of the approved items as routine or time-sensitive business. Several items—particularly the library deed transfer—were approved with staff and partner assurances about next steps and timeframes.