Atoka board approves $15,000 fire budget amendment, awards Walker Parkway culvert and OKs service contracts

The Atoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Sept. 9 approved a $15,000 amendment to the current fiscal-year budget to purchase a second automated/manual CPR device and moved forward with several infrastructure and service contracts, including awarding the Walker Parkway culvert replacement to the low bidder.

Town Administrator Mark Warner presented the ordinance on its second and final reading, saying the $15,000 adjustment covers what staff described as a “life arm” device for the fire department. Fire Chief (speaker 14) described the machine as a CPR-assist device that "gives perfect depth impressions, at a fixed rate, which increases survivability of a cardiac arrest, upwards of 70 percent." The ordinance was moved by Alderman Giannini, seconded by Alderman Dietschy, and passed on a roll-call vote with all named members voting yes.

Also on the consent and new-business calendar, the board awarded the Walker Parkway culvert bid to CRE Construction Co. at $441,923.75 after staff said three bids had been opened and recommended CRE as the lowest responsible bidder. During discussion Aldermen questioned how to cover the additional cost beyond budgeted amounts; staff outlined options including using stormwater funds, reserves, or contacting the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund, and said FEMA site visits and potential disaster funding are being pursued for related storm damage. A motion by Alderman Arbour to approve the CRE award passed unanimously.

The board approved a modified service contract with SSR (exhibit F) after removing a proposed mileage compensation clause; the motion to approve the contract without mileage was seconded by Alderman Schaeffer and carried. The council also approved a cross-connection/backflow testing agreement (exhibit G) "with the expectation that we get a clear vote of approval by town legal staff," per the motion; staff said the town must be back in compliance with state requirements by Dec. 31.

Separately, the board approved a service agreement with a contractor identified as Wind River for lagoon/pump services (exhibit Q). Staff noted the contractor’s after-hours surcharge ($100 after 4:30 p.m.) and holiday rates and discussed the town’s longer-term interest in acquiring its own pump truck to reduce recurring outsourcing costs. The board revised the contract’s effective date to Sept. 9 before voting to approve.

The board postponed the website vendor decision (exhibit H) and asked administration to return to the next meeting with two or three bids and options, including local vendors, pricing by 12-month periods and clarification about tourism-fund eligibility.

The meeting closed with community announcements, including Constitution Week recognition and upcoming local events. The board adjourned with no additional action.