Meeting Summary
The Muskogee City Council and Finance Committee met to approve several infrastructure projects, including a $175,000 sewer evaluation and the purchase of a new sanitation truck. Key legislative actions included updating the city's ethics ordinance regarding cell phone use during executive sessions and aligning local food truck and open records fees with new state laws. The council also honored Ernie Nton as the February Employee of the Month.
Key Decisions & Votes
Ethics Ordinance Amendment (Cell Phones)
11:55Amended Ordinance 4159A to prohibit council members from using cell phones or recording devices during executive sessions to reduce distractions, with exceptions for medical personnel and the City Attorney.
Food Truck Freedom Act Compliance
15:45Adopted Ordinance 4278A and Resolution 3075 to remove municipal permit fees for food trucks, bringing city code into compliance with the state's Food Truck Freedom Act.
St. Francis Property Transfer
38:40Approved a special warranty deed to transfer land adjacent to the new bed tower to St. Francis Regional Services as part of a 2022 settlement agreement following the tower's completion.
Police K9 Retirement
10:50Approved the retirement and surplus of K9 Max, allowing his current handler, Officer Taylor Hignight, to take ownership of the dog.
Upcoming Community Events
Employee of the Month Presentation
Ernie Nton was recognized as the February Employee of the Month for his 12.5 years of service in Public Works.
Financial Matters
Sewer System Evaluation (Tetra Tech)
Contract for flow monitoring and smoke testing in the northwest quadrant to address storm water infiltration.
Commercial Sanitation Truck
Purchase of a replacement truck from River City Hydraulics following an insurance total loss of a previous vehicle.
Safe Streets for All Grant
Federal grant ($389,500) with a city match ($97,375) for a safety and walkability planning study.
North Country Club Culvert Project Final Payment
Final payment to Cook Consulting LLC for drainage and infrastructure work.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Demolition abatement contract for 26 West Broadway Street (Struck from record)
Deadlines
- April 7, 2026: Planning Commission meeting to review residential zoning proposals.
Watch For
- Formal vote on Residential Zoning Solution B (Tiny Homes and RV Parks)
- Short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) ordinance development
- TESET Healthy Incentive Grant application for Rooney Park
Announcements
- The property west of the MLK Community Center was cleared of pollutants by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and is safe for expansion.
- Recognition of Ernie Nton as Employee of the Month.
Agenda Summary
Finance Committee Minutes
Approval of minutes from February 9, 2026.
Claims for City Departments
Review and approval of claims from Jan 31 to Feb 27, 2026.
Demolition Contract: 26 West Broadway Street
Contract for demolition and abatement.
Resolution 3080: Open Records Fees
Amending fee schedules for digital records and document searches to match state law.
Asphalt Milling and Concrete Bids
Awarding annual pricing contracts to Ross Construction and Good Concrete Finishing.
Final Payment: North Country Club Culvert
Final payment to Cook Consulting for drainage project 2024-11.
Retirement of K9 Max
Surplus of police canine to his handler.
Public Works Committee Minutes
Approval of minutes from February 9, 2026.
Amended Ordinance 4159A: Council Ethics
Prohibiting cell phone use by council members during executive sessions.
Ordinance 4278A: Food Sanitation Permits
Amending food truck permit requirements per state law.
Resolution 3075: Fee Schedule Amendment
Companion to Ordinance 4278A regarding food service fees.
Resolution 3081: Retail Food Environment
Supporting farmers markets and community gardens to combat obesity.
R1 and R5 Zoning Presentation
Discussion of 'Solution B' for tiny homes, RV parks, and modular housing.
MLK Center Property Certificate
Report on the Brownfield program results for 320 West MLK Street.
Sewer System Evaluation Agreement
Contract with Tetra Tech for northwest quadrant sewer study.
Sanitation Truck Purchase
Purchase of one commercial sanitation truck from River City Hydraulics.
Safe Streets for All Grant
Acceptance of federal grant for safety and walkability planning.
St. Francis Warranty Deed
Transfer of land adjacent to the new bed tower per development agreement.
Executive Session: Litigation and Personnel
Discussion of Polaris Technology lawsuit and performance reviews for City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk.