Chickasha council approves emergency repairs for police facility and storm drain and several equipment purchases

At its meeting, the Chickasha City Council approved several emergency repairs and authorized multiple equipment purchases. The council declared a true emergency to replace two hot water heaters in the police department and authorized Greg Gardy Plumbing to perform the work for $4,900 under Article 14, Section 3 of the City of Chickasha Charter after the Chief reported the department had been without hot water for about eight days.

Council also considered a request to declare an emergency for repairs to a storm-drain headwall near 4th Street and Ponderosa Drive, authorizing Nash Construction Company to perform the work at $42,000. Staff described backups and ongoing drainage issues; council members pressed staff on procurement: three bids were solicited, the lowest was $27,400, but staff recommended the higher-priced bidder because of concerns about the low bidder’s experience and the risk of incomplete work. After discussion the council approved the emergency repair authorization.

Separately, council approved equipment purchases using state or national cooperative contracts: a rotary four-post lift not to exceed $20,534.50 (Marshall Auto Supply, SW0307A); a Big Tex equipment trailer not to exceed $28,808 (state contract SW0198); and a John Deere 333 compact track loader not to exceed $103,418 (CL Boyd Company, Sourcewell contract). Staff explained these purchases are to replace or upgrade aging in-house trailers and equipment and to safely haul recently procured heavy machinery.

The council discussed whether procurement thresholds in the charter should be revised so common maintenance items do not require full council action; members suggested considering a charter amendment for a future election. The emergency authorizations were framed as necessary to protect public health, safety and prevent further infrastructure damage.