Chickasha council approves oil‑and‑gas lease awards, water‑plant contracts and event permits

The Chickasha City Council approved multiple contracts and lease awards at a meeting, moving forward on energy leases, water‑system construction and several municipal service contracts.

Ryan Wood, a Chickasha resident, urged the council to address traffic safety on 25th Street, saying vehicles routinely travel “45, 55 miles an hour down that road” through a neighborhood with children and no sidewalks. He requested speed bumps and more signage to reduce the risk of accidents.

After citizen comments the council took up a package of agenda items. The body approved a second drilling permit for Camino Resources for a Salt Plains well proposed within city limits. Staff then opened a publicly noticed auction process under 64 O.S. §§ 1081–1082 for three lease tracts in Caddo County; Amanda (staff) explained the terms as three‑year primary lease periods, a per‑acre lease‑bonus bidding format and a minimum one‑fifth royalty.

The council entered executive session under Title 25 O.S. § 307 to review bids and reconvened to accept winning bids. The council approved separate motions to accept Continental Resources’ bids for all three tracts: Tract 1 (undivided ~80 acres, southeast quarter of Section 10, Town. 8 N, Range 9 W) at $1,700 per acre and a one‑fifth royalty; Tract 2 (undivided ~60 acres) at $1,700 per acre and one‑fifth royalty; and Tract 3 (undivided ~80 acres) at $1,700 per acre and one‑fifth royalty. Each motion was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

On infrastructure, the council approved a construction contract with Wind Construction Company for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project (CMA‑2023), accepting the required performance, payment and maintenance bonds under the Oklahoma Public Competitive Bidding Act. The council also approved Task Authorization No. 4 with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for construction‑phase and commissioning services for the water project. The meeting record alternately references a “60 MGD” and a “6 MGD” plant in different places; the council did not resolve that discrepancy during the meeting.

The council approved a renewal with Onward Fleet Solutions for Geotab GPS tracking of city‑owned vehicles in an approximate amount of $25,000 and authorized the mayor to execute the agreement. Councilors clarified that the service covers public‑works equipment, trailers and airport vehicles, while fire and police use separate tracking systems.

The council granted a temporary street closure for the 100–300 blocks of Chickasha Avenue for a downtown motor rally fundraiser, waiving associated fees. Brandy Terry, founder of the Darren Cook Foundation, said the foundation has kept donations local and plans to host multiple fundraising rallies; Angela Carter, representing Tiny Hands, Hearts and Souls Foundation, said proceeds will support local children affected by domestic violence and other community needs.

The council also approved the appointment of Patricia Arthur to the library board to fill a vacant term through June 30, 2027, and approved the consent docket with a note to verify and, if needed, correct a prior meeting minute.

Votes at a glance

- Camino Resources: second drilling permit — approved (roll call). - Resolution 20‑26‑11R (authorize publication and public auction for oil & gas leases) — approved (roll call). - Acceptance of Continental Resources bids for Tracts 1–3 (oil & gas leases): each approved (roll calls). Tract terms as announced at the meeting: $1,700 per acre and one‑fifth royalty for each tract. - Wind Construction Company: construction contract for Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project (CMA‑2023) — approved (roll call). - Freese and Nichols, Inc.: Task Authorization No. 4 for construction‑phase and commissioning services (CMA‑2303) — approved (roll call). - Onward Fleet Solutions (Geotab): renewal for GPS tracking ~ $25,000 — approved (roll call). - Temporary street closure for Downtown Motor Rally (Chickasha Avenue) — approved; fees waived (roll call). - Appointment of Patricia Arthur to the library board (term to 06/30/2027) — approved (roll call).

What’s next

Council adjourned after completing the agenda and the municipal authorities convened their meetings to consider related consent items and airshow/airport contracts. Several project contracts approved at this meeting move the water treatment plant and related capital work into the construction and commissioning phases; formal contract execution and any subsequent city staff reporting will follow the approvals.

Sources: Meeting transcript of the City of Chickasha council meeting (audio transcript segments).