Escrow account distribution approved for infrastructure, sanitary sewer system work

Sallisaw will use $300,000 distributed from its escrow account with the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) for sanitary sewer system improvements and other infrastructure needs.

City commissioners approved the distribution of the funds and the allocation at a special meeting Thursday night.

When the city has favorable workers’ compensation claim activity, OMAG deposits a return from the loss fund into the city’s escrow account. The city’s escrow balance before the distribution was $586,644.88, and the city can use those funds in any manner it chooses.

In other business Thursday, city commissioners approved:

• An amendment to a work order of the master agreement for professional services with Garver, LLC in the amount of $39,500 for professional services related to the Sallisaw Municipal Airport airfield lighting project.

The amendment to the work order is an amendment to the original contract to include the services and fee for the construction phase of the project. The amendment was added to the contract in order to have the city reimbursed from the FAA.

The construction phase services in the amendment will increase the contract amount by $39,500. The contact total for all services provided by Garver will be $98,500, of which the city will be reimbursed 90%.

• Awarding a bid for sanitary sewer system improvements for Country Club Estates/Fryar Drive in the amount of $204,434 to RW & Son Pipeline Construction, Inc.

Five bids for the project were received and opened on Oct. 17. Bids were then turned over to the engineer for review and recommendation.

Other bids were from Tri-Star Utilities, Inc. — $346,100; Rockin L Dozer & Land Management — $403,275; Bolding Construction — $359,370; and Bennett, Inc. — $355,125 • A resolution approving execution of deed for transfer of real property to the Sallisaw Municipal Authority.

The transfer is for a small parcel of property owned by the city, located just north of the old chamber building across the railroad tracks (parking lot).

Grant report

In his report to the city commissioners, city economic development and grants director George Bormann said the Red Autumn festival on Nov. 4 drew about 1,000 more people than would normally be in downtown Sallisaw on a Saturday. He also said downtown restaurants had record days because of the increased traffic. He added that the Cruizin’ 64 chili cookout on Oct. 14 drew about 2,000 people.

City manager report

City Manager Keith Skelton told the city commissioners that the U.S. Labor Department has published proposed overtime regulations that state that most employees earning less than $55,068 per year are entitled to overtime compensation, regardless of whether they are currently classified as executive, administrative or professional (white-collar) workers.

Skelton also reported that city staff continues to work on modifications to the pool project. “We expect to issue bids again in December or January,” he said.

He also said the city has started clerical and field work to complete the lead water service line inventory required by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

SMA

The Sallisaw Municipal Authority met at the conclusion of the city commissioners’ meeting, an approved a purchase order issued to Specialty Fleet Sales, LLC of Mineola, Texas, in the amount of $161,714.10 for the purchase of a 2022 Ram 5500 4×4 bucket truck for the tree trimming department.

The department’s current bucket truck is an older model with many hours on it. The truck is expected to be available later in the month, and the company will hold the truck once a purchase order number is received. A second bid was also received from Altec Industries in the amount of $166,126.

Upcoming events

Nov. 16 — Christmas tree lighting

Nov. 23-24 — Thanksgiving holiday

Nov. 30 — Special SMA meeting with GRDA representatives

Dec. 9 — Christmas parade

Dec. 25-26 — Christmas holiday

Jan. 1 — New Year’s holiday