Gore makes key decisions in recent meetings

The Gore Board of Trustees met in June and July where they appointed new members to the Gore Volunteer Fire Department, and administered the oath of office to assistant police chief Tracy Christenberry, fire chief Justin Ohl and fire department lieutenant Jeremy Lane.

June meeting

During their June 13 regular monthly meeting, Gore Mayor Robin Henry presided over the meeting, with trustees Matt Holland, Joni Couch, Gideon Miller, and Vice-Mayor Larry Pack all present.

The trustees conducted two public hearings, one regarding the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24, and another concerning the application for the Community Facility Grant for Haven Heights Road. Both hearings proceeded smoothly with no public comments.

Alisha Cherry from Platinum Realty took the floor to discuss plans for the development of Highland Park, indicating potential growth and changes for the area.

Gore Public Schools, represented by Superintendent Lucky McCrary, was given an exception to the Gore Code of Ordinances Chapter 3 Section 3-5. This decision allows for an Agricultural building and the keeping of animals for Gore High School.

The town’s budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year was approved, and the application for loan forgiveness funding from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board was also given a green light.

Various policy changes were approved, including Ordinance No. 06-132023-1 Summers Ferry and the Summers Ferry Policy. Additionally, the construction of a shelter and fee box at Summers Ferry was given the go ahead.

Several personnel appointments were discussed and approved, including the appointment of Holland as the Town of Gore Flood Plain Administrator. Notably, a motion to donate a 1997 Ford nutrition van to Gore Pirate Wrestling was withdrawn.

Executive session, appointments The trustees moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the employment, appointment, promotion, discipline, or resignation of Tracy Christenberry and Dakota Ellis. Following the session, Christenberry was appointed as assistant police chief, while Dakota Ellis was not retained as camp host for Gore Landing.

The trustees also approved the 2023 Warrant Expungement List, along with the 2023-24 Escrow Form, approving $414 to be applied to the premium.

Regarding the appointment of firefighters to the Town of Gore Volunteer Fire Department, Solomon Miller, Gideon Miller and Wade Rogers were all approved but Kirk Kuykendall was not, according to meeting minutes.

During the police chief report, Chief Jeremy Walters reported the department issued two citations and 26 warnings for the month of April, and $3,700 had been collected in citation fees since the last meeting.

During the fire chief report, Chief Justin Ohl reported six calls since the last meeting and a great turnout for Swift Water training, with eight other fire departments attending.

July meeting

Gore held its next regular meeting on July 11 with significant decisions being reached once again by the town’s leadership.

The Town Trustee Handbook was approved, along with Resolution 07–11-2023-1 endorsing the handbook.

The services of Robert St. Pierre, C.P.A., P.C., were retained for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year Audit. Furthermore, the MC Nutrition Agreement Lease was approved.

Executive sessions were held to discuss the employment, appointment, promotion, discipline, or resignation of Daniel Lawson, and evaluations and raises.

Following these discussions, Lawson was appointed as a full-time employee, and evaluations and raises were approved.

While Richard Henry Stoltman’s appointment to the Town of Gore Volunteer Fire Department was not approved, the council highlighted community events such as the Movie in the Park and Battle of the Bands, which were tentatively scheduled for the coming months.

During the police chief and fire chief’s reports, it was noted the police department had issued 15 citations and 41 warnings for June, and $1,041 had been collected in citation fees since the last meeting. The fire department had seven calls, and it was announced it has started its drone program.