PBA defers ACOG parking-lot request, approves event uses and a DA lease renewal

The Public Buildings Authority (PBA) met following the commissioners' session and deferred an ACOG request to use the Lincoln property parking lot for a "big rigs and rescue" event scheduled May 7 after trustees and staff raised concerns about loose gravel, potential rutting from heavy vehicles if the lot is wet, and whether insurance language would cover property damage.

A county staff member described the parcel as a gravel surface and noted that heavy vehicles could cause ruts if the lot is wet. Trustees discussed options including making approval contingent on weather or requiring ACOG to provide a contract or additional liability coverage. One trustee said approving without specific stipulations could lead to litigation; staff noted ACOG provides a certificate of liability insurance naming the PBA but that it may not cover specific property-damage scenarios. After discussion trustees moved to strike the item to allow further consultation with ACOG and the event organizer.

The PBA then approved a set of routine facility uses: Unity Christian Center Ladies in Fellowship Together was granted use of the event center on May 9 (8 a.m.–2 p.m.), and the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention was approved for a prison-ministry luncheon (9 a.m.–6 p.m.). Trustees also approved a lease renewal with the District Attorney's Office for 18,511 square feet on Northeast 23rd Street at $7.20 per square foot, listing the DA's monthly payment to the PBA as $11,106. The PBA approved a progressive payment of $52,467.32 to LINGO Construction from PBA bond funds and approved presented parking contracts.

All PBA motions were approved by voice vote as recorded in the public transcript. The PBA adjourned after routine approvals.