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Krebs council awards $8,300 emergency contract to begin dam repairs after OWRB deadline
Summary
Facing an Oklahoma Water Resources Board order to fix a failing dam by Dec. 31, 2024, the City of Krebs council voted to award Padgett Diesel Repair $8,300 to begin immediate dirt work; councilors directed staff to seek multiple bids for concrete wall work and noted about $84,000 is available in a water-repair account.
Mayor Tommy Ray Walker said the city must act quickly after the Oklahoma Water Resources Board ordered repairs to a damaged dam and spillway, telling the council that "the dam is falling apart and the spill way" and that repairs must be finished by Dec. 31 to avoid fines.
The council met Nov. 12 under an emergency notice citing §311(A)(13) of the Open Meeting Act. Mayor Walker described collapsed walls and additional deterioration since a recent inspection and said crews would need to "cut 600 feet down the dam bottom" and clear trees within 30 feet on both sides of the spillway before installing concrete walls with substantial rebar.
Mike Kern, discussing finances for the project, said the city's KUA special-surcharge account holds about $84,000 and confirmed that money could be used for repairs. Mayor Walker said he did not expect the immediate dirt-work portion to exceed about $20,000; the contractor Padgett Diesel Repair quoted $8,300 to perform the dirt work.
Councilor Dan Heathcock moved to award Padgett Diesel Repair the quoted invoice to perform the listed dirt work; Councilor Connie Poole seconded. The roll call recorded Dan Heathcock—yes, Connie Poole—yes, Jason Wagnon—yes, and David Bailey—yes; the motion passed. Mayor Walker said he would continue to solicit competitive bids for the concrete-wall work and verify contractors carry insurance before hiring.
Councilors raised concerns about timing and weather. Councilor David Bailey said heavy rain and winter weather could prevent crews from accessing the site and that the city should show measurable progress to regulators in hopes of mitigating fines. Councilor Connie Poole questioned why the city had not published a broader request for bids earlier, noting the council had been aware of the dam issue in 2023.
Jonathan Clifton and Mayor Walker said an earlier plan to include the work with a water-plant construction loan did not proceed, and Fox Engineering is scheduled to review competitive bids for the longer-term repairs. Council members discussed calling another emergency meeting if necessary to authorize concrete work promptly.
The meeting also included brief administrative items—staff reservations for an OML dinner, holiday-dinner arrangements, and discussion of property abatements—and the council adjourned after recording the vote to award the dirt-work contract.
The council's immediate decision authorizes Padgett Diesel Repair to begin dirt removal and stabilization; officials said they will return to the council with concrete bids and contractor insurance documentation for the larger structural work.
