Resident alleges forged architect and engineer stamps on Perry arena permit; city awaits state investigation

Craig Higley, a property owner from Stillwater who said he has property he intends to develop in Perry, used public comment time on Oct. 21 to raise concerns about the construction documents for a privately‑led arena project in Perry.

Higley said he obtained the building-permit package through a public‑records request and, after reviewing the drawings, contacted the architects and engineer whose names and professional stamps appear on the plans. According to Higley, the three professionals told him their stamps and signatures on the submitted drawings were forged. Higley told the council he also filed complaints with the state architectural board and the state engineering board, and that those boards are investigating the alleged forgeries but are not reviewing permit‑issuance actions taken by the city.

"At this point, we have no reason to believe that there is an architect involved in this project," Higley said, urging the council to consider a stop‑work order and to ensure drawings are prepared or overseen by a licensed architect in accordance with state‑adopted building codes. He also raised concerns that the plans did not require a sprinkler system that he believes the building needs.

City Manager Nate responded in the council meeting and said staff had notified council of the situation and that the state is investigating whether the stamp is fraudulent. He said that if fraud is confirmed, the city would require the developer to obtain a legitimate licensed architect's stamp and that, depending on the state finding, the city could place a stop‑work order. Nate also told council the type of online fraud Higley described — persons or services offering to stamp plans for a fee without a licensed professional's review — has been reported statewide.

Council members asked questions but did not take an immediate, separate vote on a stop‑work order during the meeting; the manager said the matter could be discussed further and that staff had considered adding the item to an executive session but timing and agenda constraints prevented it that night.

Higley told the council he will continue FOIA requests and coordination with state boards and made himself available to provide the documents he obtained. The council did not announce a separate enforcement action at the meeting; the city indicated it was waiting for the state boards' findings before issuing any administrative orders.