City Manager’s Report – By Danny Delay
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The last two weeks have been extremely busy; as all of our staff have been taking care of their normal workloads, as well as, working hard during our fall clean-up week.
We picked up over 67,000 pounds of clean up items, plus many loads of brush. I hope everyone took advantage of this free service to all of our city residents.
Again, I want to remind everyone, that we are beginning a proactive approach to cleaning up the City of Atoka; which will include Code Enforcement officers going around to all places where existing violations are occurring to ensure the landowners are aware of the exact nature of each violation, what they need to do to correct it, and what the consequences will be if they don’t correct it.
This will require every citizen doing their part to make Atoka the beautiful place it can become. Please do not hesitate to let us know, if you see an area or dwelling, etc., that needs cleaning up or has become a safety issue and so forth.
We all deserve to live and work in a clean and safe city; and our goal is to make that happen here in Atoka, as soon as possible.
The Meter Project has slowed down a little, as we wait for the remaining new meters to arrive; probably within a week or so. Then the Contractor will return, assisted by the city Crew, and get those remaining meters installed.
Again, we have begun utilizing the new billing software and as with anything new, we are working through any issues as they arise. If there are any questions, customers can contact the billing office for answers.
We truly understand the frustrations that arise when a change occurs; and I’d like to personally thank all of our customers for their patience during this transition.
The Water Plant staff have finished painting all the new parts for train 2 and are waiting on the rubber ends to arrive and be replaced and then that train will be ready to return to operation.
Our electrician came out last week and repaired several electrical issues we were having. The Water Plant is running on average fourteen hours, and producing 420,000 gallons per day.
The Water/Sewer Maintenance Crew fixed a water leak on Maple Lane and ran a sewer line on McClendon. The Crew also read meters, did locates, and assisted other crews as needed.
We received the $6,000 grant money covering almost half of the cost of the recently purchased sewer camera. I really appreciate these employees for always helping wherever and whenever needed to ensure our ultimate mission is accomplished.
The Wastewater Plant is continually working to reduce the sludge content and running well. Other routine maintenance has been addressed as needed.
The Capital Improvement Crew worked on patching pot holes on several streets in town and cleaned various storm drains. They also worked extremely hard during Clean-up Week, loading and hauling brush and other items. I truly appreciate the way this crew also jumps in and helps other crews at all times.
The Parks Crew has been mowing, spraying, and weed-eating all of the city properties, right-of-way’s, medians, and cemeteries. They also worked extremely hard during Clean-up Week, loading and hauling many loads of brush. Again, I appreciate this crew helping elsewhere when needed to do whatever needs done on any given day.
The Atoka Police Department general activity report for the reporting period of 09/17/2020 through 09/30/2020;
The Police Department responded to 209 disturbance and “other” calls for service and related incidents/actions (this does not include traffic stops or traffic contacts). There were 16 municipal prisoners booked into the Atoka County Jail. There were seven Official Collision Reports filed in the Municipal Clerk’s Office. There were zero Emergency Detention (Mental Health).
Monday, September 28, 2020, the mandatory annual CLEET firearms qualifications were held at the Police Department firing range. All of our police officers successfully completed the course and were certified.
The next day, the Atoka County Sheriffs Office and other local law enforcement agencies utilized our firing range to complete their mandatory CLEET firearms qualifications as well.
On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Chief Dodson assisted Oklahoma Highway Patrol Captain Cannaday in briefing everyone involved; on the particular duties of each department to ensure all areas of security, safety, and traffic control, would be covered before, during, and after the funeral services for Captain Jeff Sewell.
Thursday, October, 1, 2020, our officers, along with the help of many other law enforcement agencies provided traffic control and extra patrol during the funeral for Captain Jeff Sewell and for the funeral procession that followed.
It was an honor to witness the professionalism and brotherhood of all the law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS personnel. City employees, etc. working together in unison to honor our beloved local hero.
