McAlester council creates 13‑member Community Advisory Board, names staff support

The McAlester City Council on Oct. 14 approved an ordinance establishing a 13‑member Community Advisory Board to advise the council on community issues, voting to adopt the change as amended and declaring an emergency for immediate effect.

City attorneys and staff presented the ordinance to add Division 8 to City Code Title 2, explaining the board will advise the council “on matters affecting the community and those who have the well‑being of those who live beside us,” and asked the council to designate a staff member for administrative support. Councilors debated the appropriate size and quorum. As amended, the ordinance sets membership at 13 and directs that an administrative staff member be designated to provide support.

Supporters said a broader membership will help represent a mix of service organizations, charities, business owners and residents. One councilor urged the board be broad enough to connect nonprofits and service providers so residents do not leave meetings without referrals. Another expressed concern about quorum rules and ensuring the board is functional rather than symbolic.

Councilor Gilmore moved and Councilor Roden seconded approval of the amended ordinance; a roll‑call vote showed the motion carried. The council also voted to declare an emergency so the ordinance takes effect immediately.

The ordinance will create a forum for cross‑sector information sharing and policy recommendations; staff said initial tasks may include coordination of services for unhoused, underhoused and underserved residents and helping match community needs with nonprofit resources. The city will publish procedural rules and details about appointment terms and member qualifications before recruiting for the board.

What’s next: The city will identify the administrative staff liaison and begin outreach for applications to fill the board under the newly adopted code sections.