Certificates of appreciation were presented during a recent Durant City Council meeting to businesses that helped the city feed employees and clear the streets after the ice storm.
Certificates of appreciation for support and dedication to the community were presented to Asian Gourmet, Roma Italian Restaurant and Chris Whittington of Proctor Construction by Vice Mayor Mike Simulescu.
Asian Gourmet and Roma Italian Restaurant donated food for 35 public works employees on Feb. 3.
Proctor Construction used a motor grader and a shadow truck to help the city clear major streets, the bypass, and highway after the ice storm. Chris Whittington received the certificate.
Simulescu also presented a proclamation to First United Bank that designated Feb. 13 United Acts of Kindness Day in the city encouraging citizens to participate in acts of kindness that uplift the community and reflect the spirit of generosity that makes Durant a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.
The council approved a notice of publication requesting bids to lease oil and gas interests of about 793.74 acres owned by the city and associated entities.
City Attorney Doug Elliott said he thought it was a good deal, and that hopefully, the city will receive many bidders.
City Manager Pam Polk said cities in Oklahoma need revenue diversification.
“Most everyone knows I believe, that in Oklahoma, the only state-appropriated funding cities receive is sales tax,” Polk said. “So, when you think we’re running this entire city on sales tax and utility fees and that’s it, so this is a great way to get some additional revenue.”
Council members approved a $396,560.00 bid and a contract with Overland Corporation to rehabilitate University Boulevard.
Phillip Hightower, public works director, said Overland’s bid was under budget for the project, which was estimated to cost $450,000.
“What this project is all about is the Seventh Street intersection will be totally reconstructed and the 12th Street intersection will be totally reconstructed, and then everything from Sixth Street to Bryan Drive that is paved will be milled and overlayed and striped,” Hightower said. “Any curbs that need to be fixed will be fixed.”
During the Durant City Utilities Authority meeting, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board presented checks in the amount of $34,115,000.00 and $15,595,000.00.
“This is for the water line and drainage and it’s the wastewater for the Main Street project which is coming up later this year, and we thank you guys for that,” Simulescu said.
The council also approved the following agenda items: - A resolution to rename the access road at Lake Durant as Little Blue Lane.
- Approved the $80,2000 purchase of computer software for the police department from Getac Brite to meet Criminal Justice Information Service compliance requirements and protect against cyberattacks.
