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Utility-maintenance supervisor details system improvements; council authorizes outside EEOC counsel and opioid settlement participation
Summary
Utility Maintenance Supervisor Johnny Reich outlined operations improvements and ongoing needs (reduced backlog, parts-stocking, staffing and equipment gaps). Council later authorized hiring outside counsel for an EEOC investigation and authorized participation in the attorney general—s opioid settlement fund following executive session.
McAlester — Utility Maintenance Supervisor Johnny Reich updated the council on two years of operational changes designed to reduce maintenance backlog and emergency overtime, and the council returned from executive session to authorize two follow-up actions.
Reich said when he took the UTM supervisor role in May 2023 the department had about 256 open work orders; through scheduling changes, parts stocking, revised on-call procedures and prioritization, staff substantially reduced that backlog and improved response efficiency. Reich listed recent capital and repair work (multiple sewer and water-line projects) and told council a hydro-vac/flush truck remains a key equipment need, with estimated prices having risen since the need was first identified.
Reich also discussed staff retention pressures tied to wages and said pressure-management changes at the plant (holding pressure below 115 psi) reduced recurring line breaks. He praised the department—s emergency response during a catastrophic pump failure and credited teamwork for keeping water flowing during the incident.
After staff reports, the council convened in executive session under 25 O.S. —73(B)(4) to discuss an EEOC investigative matter and opioid litigation. When the council returned it authorized the city attorney to retain outside counsel to conduct an EEOC investigation, and it authorized the city manager to participate in the attorney general—s opioid settlement fund. Both motions were made and carried on council roll calls.
Staff will proceed with equipment and staffing planning, and city legal staff will engage outside counsel as authorized.
