Kingston Town Council voted to open up the application period for a police chief during a meeting June 11.
Last month, the council voted to fire Chief Kasey Cox with Vice Mayor Loren Runyan being the only one to oppose the termination.
In last week’s meeting, Runyan suggested taking no action on accepting applications until the situation with Cox is finalized.
Mayor Sarah Jones said, “There is nothing else,” and Runyan replied, “Oh, yes there is. There is a lot more than you think out there, lady.”
Jones replied, “There isn’t.” Council member Max Ponder said that according to the town attorney, it is a closed action.
Jones made a motion to open up the application period process and all council members voted yes except Runyan. Steve Miller is currently serving as interim chief.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Runyan requested that the council open up a special session to discuss the termination of Cox and that he knew he would not receive his request, but he is asking for it.
Ponder said the situation is a closed matter, according to the town attorney.
Runyan said, “I don’t care what the attorney says. He has a right to address the accusations that was made about him. If it’s not with us, let him go to the attorney general or the district attorney and file charges against us, the council.”
A citizen asked if there was no right to appeal.
Jones then made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
“They just run,” a citizen said, when the council voted to adjourn the meeting. Council members left the building and a police officer told citizens the meeting was over and that the doors to town hall would be locked.
In other action during the meeting, the council agreed to temporarily allow Chad Hale, Shannon Beshirs and Mike McConnel to dump at Kingston’s sewer plant because Madill is currently having problems that hopefully, will be resolved soon. The charge will be $20 per 1,000 gallons of sewage.
A July 4 parade along with serving watermelons in the park was approved by the council. A parade was held last Fourth of July.
No action was taken on hiring an independent grant writer for the town. Ponder said the town needs money and that he would like to research hiring someone to help write grants.
Kyle Henry, transportation director for the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA), was present, and he said SODA can provide these services.
“We just need something from the city on a specific project,” Henry said. “You’ve got access to us and I don’t want the city paying for something you can get for free.”
Town clerk/treasurer Michelle Bearden said the town has received several grants through SODA.
The council also discussed the following agenda items: - Renewed a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for employee insurance.
- Voted to move up to the next level in the Oklahoma Municipal retirement fund which will provide employees an increase in retirement benefits.
- Agreed to give Steve Miller a $40 increase in the insurance stipend he receives because his insurance cost has increased and he is not on the town’s insurance policy.
- Tabled action on copy writing “Lake Texoma Boat Show” and the town logo until speaking with the attorney.
- Tabled transferring the Dodge Ram from the police department to the fire department.
- Took no action on repairing potholes on South Willis Street, South Fourth Street, North Harney Street and others. The one on Willis has since been repaired and the pothole on Fourth Street was scheduled to be repaired that week and Harney Street was still wet at the time of the meeting.
- Voted to appoint Max Ponder as the liaison/commissioner for Kingston Public Works. This position was previously held by Danny Southerlend who has since resigned from the council.
- Voted to open up the application period for a code enforcement officer.
- Agreed to file on the town’s insurance for damage to Elite Counseling’s parking lot from water leaks.
- Voted to extend the mileage on the take-home vehicle policy from 15 to 20 miles. Runyan voted no.
- Voted to provide pants and hats as part of the uniform for Kingston Public Works employees.
- Approved extending the sewer main on Sterling Street behind ReHydration station.
