In a special called council meeting last Wednesday evening, April 22, members approved payment of $400,000.00 for the purchasing of 10.03 acres of land from Corey and Melissa Stevens for the purpose of drilling water wells outside the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer Buffer Zone. The Stevens had previously been paid $100,000.00 for test drilling.
Downey Construction recently completed the drilling of a well that produces approximately 190-200 gallons of water per minute. Members took no action on another agenda item to drill a second water well on the property.
Following the approval of the land purchase, members approved awarding a bid to CD Brown Construction for the transmission water lines from the well to the City of Sulphur Water Plant.
There were two sets of bids received for the line. Bids were received for installing a 12-inch line and also for an 8-inch line. When the motion was made to award the bid, the motion did not specify if the bid was for the 12-inch line or the 8-inch line. When questioned, City Manager Andy Freeman said the motion for the bid award would have to clarified at the regular May 11th council meeting.
Even though the bid awarded was not the lowest bid received, City Attorney Thomas Marcum told members they could award a bid other than the lowest, but must publicly note reasons and justify the reasons for awarding the bid.
Many compelling and logical reasons were stated by the board including some of the following: local contractor with local employees so the money stays here; extended warranty services; working with the city for many years and completing many construction projects for the city; experience with the layout of the city and county; positive relationship with the city; always willing to help the city by loaning of equipment or volunteering help with various city projects, plus more.
Members also approved a bid for a Sutorbilt 8 MP-RH Blower for the waste water treatment plant in the amount of $19,959.70.
Members approved the contract terms, effective start date and salary for the new City Judge.
Members approved the employment of John Walton as the new city judge at the regular monthly meeting on April 13. The position came open after the recent resignation of City Judge Rebecca Johnson.
Walton will assume the duties on May 4, 2026 at an annual salary of approximately $13,005.20.
An item to renew the contract with Choosing Charity, LLC, a grant writing firm, was approved by the board. The item had been tabled at the regular monthly meeting.
