Published: July 22, 2008 08:33 am         

Commissioners discuss funding bridges

John Blickenfderfer of Guy Engineering in Tulsa discussed funds and bridge issues with Mayes County Commissioners in their Monday meeting.

Blickenfderfer said the county’s $50,000 request for materials from Circuit Engineering District was approved. The funds, which should be coming in next week, will go toward construction on the low water crossing on East 506 in District 3.

State emergency transfer revolving funds can be used for projects when county funds are not yet available. The revolving funds hold $25 million for the state of Oklahoma. The funds are divided by submitted applications. The limit for northeastern Oklahoma is $200,000 per project. At zero percent interest, the funds must be repaid within a year of starting the project.

Blickenfderfer said even with the revolving fund, maintenance dollars are still needed.

Commissioners approved county jail use and dispatching agreements. The towns of Adair, Chouteau, Salina, Langley and Disney have dispatching agreements with the county. Chouteau, Locust Grove, Adair, Salina, Langley and Disney have agreements for usage of Mayes County Jail.

Commissioners approved a law enforcement agreement with the town of Adair.

Mayes Emergency Services Trust Authority Director Rick Langkamp asked county commissioners about placing a 911 issue on the November ballot. Currently, 911 calls from northern parts of the county are routed to Vinita. Langkamp wants the citizens of those areas to be able to vote on having their 911 calls routed to MESTA.

Craig County receives approximately $1,500 per month in taxes for receiving the Mayes County emergency calls. Langkamp said money is not the issue. He is concerned about liability if calls are routed or dispatched incorrectly.

County Commissioners Melvin Pritchett and Alva Martin said they would like to see the issue on the ballot. Martin pointed out that those areas in the county will have to be given 911 addresses.

Langkamp said the exterior of the new 911 building has been sealed and sheet rocked. Workers should complete the interior and wiring within the next few weeks. He expects the dispatchers to be transferring to the new building by the middle or end of August.

Commissioners approved the relocation of three utility poles at Brushy Creek. They approved a utility crossing at Snowdale Park.

Commissioners wished Mayes County Treasurer Martha Carman a good retirement. Carman’s last day will be July 31. Demecia Franklin will step into the position of county treasurer Aug. 1.

     

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