Gore trustees make hiring decisions in meeting
In the latest monthly meeting of the Gore Board of Trustees, held on March 19, a series of decisions were made regarding town affairs, ranging from employment appointments to community events and equipment purchases.
In the latest monthly meeting of the Gore Board of Trustees, held on March 19, a series of decisions were made regarding town affairs, ranging from employment appointments to community events and equipment purchases.
Mayor Robin Henry, along with vice mayor Larry Pack and Trustee Randy Foley, conducted the 6 p.m. meeting with two trustees, Matt Holland and Joni Couch, notably absent.
A notable point of discussion was Ordinance No. 03-19-2024-1, regarding a search fee. While public speaker Gideon Miller urged for the item to be tabled due to concerns over omitted wording, Henry moved for its approval, a motion that was supported by Pack and Foley.
Town of Gore officials expressed gratitude to Caleb and Emma Montgomery for their generous donation of a swing set, enhancing Owens Sports Complex.
However, due to a lack of proper quorum, the discussion on passing the ordinance as an emergency was skipped.
Following, the meeting transitioned into an executive session to discuss the employment statuses of Keenan Gibson and Travis Darwin. Upon reconvening, motions were made and unanimously approved to hire Gibson as a police officer at a rate of pay of $15 per hour, and Darwin as a reserve police officer at $14 per hour.
Several other decisions were made during the meeting, including the purchase of a H500SF Mounted Thermal Fogger for $5,740, approval of a web hosting agreement with PCA Web Design and Hosting, scheduling of a cleanup day on April 27, and allocation of funds for advertising the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt.
Additionally, the revised School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement was approved, and the appointments of Ken and Claudia Lacey to the Town of Gore Volunteer Fire Department were also confirmed.
In the community updates section, Lisa Settlemyre, town clerk, announced the generous donation of a swing set to the Steve Owens Sports Complex by Caleb and Emma Montgomery, enhancing recreational facilities at the complex.
Police chief Tracy Christenberry reported on February’s citation statistics, highlighting revenue collection, while the fire chief shared updates on emergency response capabilities and training initiatives, and the department’s progress in becoming a medically responding unit. With a spirit of collaboration and progress, Mayor Henry adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
GPWA meeting During the public works authority meeting, the trustees unanimously voted to approve a Cherokee Nation/ OKAC digital mapping contract, and to purchase a Kubota 60-inch diesel zero turn commercial mower.
GPWA Administrator Jeremy Lane reported a 5 percent water loss for the previous month, and said the water line at Haven Heights is now complete, along with the first phase of the water plant.
This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.
