KAY RABBITT-BROWER SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Beggs City Council heard comments from a resident about his sewer backing up, hired a new police officer while accepting the resignation of another, and approved a job description for the position of infrastructure administrator at its March meeting on Monday.

Acting in Mayor Jacob Branson’s absence, Vice-Mayor Chris Gore conducted the regular monthly meeting of both the city council, and the Beggs Public Works Authority.

Beggs resident Roger Black spoke to council members while acting in their role as the public works authority, advising them his sewer backs up in his home about every three months. He detailed how this affects his home, and what measures he has to take to alleviate the situation. He asked if the problem could be addressed by adding a grease trap to a specific area of the sewer line. Following a brief discussion, council members agreed the Okmulgee County Health Department should be notified for assistance.

Councilman Rick Roberts reported he had visited the City’s pump station to ask a question and was surprised he was denied access, saying he was told it was because he was not an employee of the City. City Attorney Heath Mueller explained that was correct, because council members are not employees. He went on to say only specific employees are allowed access to the pump station due to safety and security concerns. He suggested any council member can schedule an appointment when wanting to visit the pump station. There being no further business, the meeting concluded and the city council portion of the meeting commenced.

Following approval of routine items such as purchase orders, financial statements, and minutes from the Feb. 10 council meeting and the February 24 special meeting, the council approved a job description for the recently proposed infrastructure administrator for the City. It was pointed out the position still needs to be included in the next budget.

Discussion was also held on the deadline by which items could be submitted for council meeting agendas. Items need to go through the mayor, who can then request they be placed on the agenda. That deadline is 3 p.m. the Thursday preceding the Monday meeting.

No action was taken on the agenda item regarding the agreement between the City and County for Cooperative Road Maintenance. Mueller reported the agreement has been submitted to the district attorney’s office for review, and that he is waiting for a response from Assistant District Attorney Carmen Rainboldt. He reminded the council the agreement also requires approval from the county commissioners.

The council then went into executive session to discuss personnel issues. The session lasted approximately 22 minutes. When they came out of executive session, the council voted to hire Clifton Ramsey as a full-time officer, and to accept the resignation of part-time officer Danny Beaver.

Under New Business, Roberts asked for clarification on the purchase amount the mayor is allowed to spend without council approval. He stated he thought it was $25,000, which he stated he thought was “a little excessive.” Following a brief discussion, it was agreed the amount would be clarified.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.