County commissioners approve bridge projects

Sequoyah County Commissioners on Monday approved two bridge projects submitted by the circuit engineer, along with other agenda items addressed or approved.

Monty Proctor, engineer for the Eastern Oklahoma Circuit Engineering District 2, which serves Sequoyah and several other neighboring counties, submitted plans and a cover sheet for a new bridge over an “unnamed creek” in District 3, also known as Sallisaw View. The old structure has resulted in flooding on the road, according to Proctor.

Proctor said the County Improvement to Roads and Bridges (CIRB) funded project will include a 42-foot reenforced concrete block (RCB) bridge to replace the current structure located in the “upper tributary” of Sallisaw Creek. Plans for the project were due to be submitted six months ago, Proctor said, but work on Indian Road, delayed the plans.

Proctor also submitted plans and a revised cover sheet for a new county bridge over Cap Creek located three miles west and one mile south of Moffett in Sequoyah County District 1. Proctor said the plans include replacing the current bridge with a 55 ft. steel bridge.

District 1 Commissioner Ray Watts said the original plan was rejected and Proctor had the plans revised, which will be up for rebid. Proctor said that project will be funded by the county.

In other business, commissioners approved to lower the speed limit from 45 to 25 on N. 4690 due to safety issues with business traffic. They also approved to lower the speed limit from 45 to 25 on E. 1120 Road due to safety issues with business traffic. Both roads are located in District 3.

Under new business, commissioners approved the sale of property in Lakeview Addition for $465 to Stephen Diamantides with a contingency clause. In related business, commissioners also approved the sale of property in Valley View Addition #2 by Douglas Roaden in the amount of $485.

The following items were also approved:

• A bid for a 2,000-gallon tanker for the Rocky Point Fire Department. The bid went out to Deep South Fire Trucks of Seminary, Miss., in the amount of $286,800

• Transfer of funds from District 3 Sales Tax to District 3 T8

• To surplus three graders for District 1

• “Loyalty Oath” for the Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director, which is a requirement by the state, Jonathan Teague said

• Payment of Sequoyah County District 2 purchase order #1769 from FY 22/23 with 23/24 funds

• Transfer of funds from District 3 1103 CIRB account to 1102 Hwy. in District #3.

Citizens presentations included reports from Lindsie Dyer with People Inc. reminded everyone about the Angel Tree Project, as well as the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. Dyer said rides will be provided by KATS. More information will be published in Your TIMES when it becomes available.

Sequoyah County Undersheriff Charles House commended the Cherokee Nation and all who assisted with the recent FedEx driver incident.