City Manager’s Report
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By Danny Delay
I would like to simply say, “Thank you,” to the many outstanding citizens of Atoka that have worked hard to clean up your properties and have helped your neighbors that needed help as well.
I would also like to thank all the volunteers that continue to make our downtown area look better every day; and to recognize The Chamber of Commerce, for volunteering to trim an area of trees on Main Street which greatly improved its appearance.
We are also working on a citizen of the year, to be announced at this year’s Christmas Parade.
The flu shot drive was a huge success, with 147 shots given. Thank you to everyone that made this event possible, and to all that participated.
I want to remind everyone, that we are serious about cleaning up the City of Atoka!
Code Enforcement officers are currently 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.
In an effort to assist our citizens in cleaning up their properties and getting rid of unwanted items such as trash, brush, etc., we will begin opening our transfer station on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; starting on Saturday, October 24th through Saturday, November, 28, 2020.
If we have enough participation, then we will extend the Saturday openings further.
We’ve had several instances where we have worked with citizens on a plan of action to correct whatever code violation was occurring, and we are always willing to work with anyone that is truly making an effort to correct the issue at hand.
Those that ignore their code violations will be subject to fines, hearings, etc. Our intent is to never have to reach this level; but if you continue to simply ignore your code violations, you leave us no choice. So, please do your part as a citizen of the City of Atoka!
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 should resume soon, as we are starting to receive the last groups of meters, and equipment associated with it. Then the Contractor will return, assisted by the city Crew, and get those remaining meters installed.
The Water Plant staff have been preparing their area for the parts and equipment to arrive that will be used on the refurbishing project that will be starting soon.
Our electrician repaired some issues we were having in the chlorite room, and a few other miscellaneous issues. The Water Plant is running on average eleven hours, and producing 453,000 gallons per day.
The Water/Sewer Maintenance Crew repaired water leaks on Montana Avenue, East Seventh Street, Sixth Street and Montana Avenue, ran a sewer line on Court Street and Minnesota Avenue, and cleaned up around some lift stations.
The Crew also read meters, did locates, and assisted other crews as needed. 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. A blower and a check valve were replaced on the Aeration Basin. Other routine maintenance has been addressed as needed.
The Capital Improvement Crew worked on patching pot holes on several streets in town, cleaned various storm drains, cleaned ditches and picked up trash along Highway 69, picked up brush on Main Street, cleaned out some alleyways, and weed-eating at several locations. 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 have painted the rails on the dock, cut limbs and hauled loads of brush at the City Lake. 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 10/01/2020 through 10/12/2020.
The Police Department responded to 218 disturbance and “other” calls for service and related incidents/actions (this does not include traffic stops or traffic contacts).
There were 17 municipal prisoners booked into the Atoka County Jail and six Municipal Court Arrest Warrant(s) served. There were 18 Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation National Incident-Based Reporting System Offense Reports filed in the Municipal Clerk’s Office and four Official Collision Reports filed in the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
There was one Emergency Detention (Mental Health). After initial evaluations and eventual medical clearances at the Atoka County Medical Center, the subject was transported to mental health facilities in Sherman, Texas.
Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Officers attended a First Responder Appreciation event at the United Methodist Church. During the event, a donation was made to the Police Department by the Atoka County Farmers Union/American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance Company.
Thursday, October 1, 2020, Officers directed traffic, provided security and organized a very large funeral procession for the funeral service of OHP Captain Jeff Sewell.
Chief Dodson continued to have weekly video meetings with a policy manual expert from Lexipol regarding the review and analysis of our existing Policy and Procedures Manual. The project is progressing and remains on schedule.
Routine problems occurred with the other police vehicles and departmental equipment during the referenced period. Repairs and maintenance continued as they normally do.
Animal Control
The following numbers were reported from 10/01/20 through 10/12/20.
• Dogs that were picked up by the Animal Control Officer: (04)
• “Other” animal contacts (or) warnings issued: (0)
• Dogs that were adopted from the pound: (0)
• Dogs that were claimed by their owners: (02)
• Dogs that were euthanized: (03)
• Animal carcasses that were retrieved for disposal: (03)
• Dogs that were being held in the pound: (04)
• Dogs that were properly registered according to City Code: (02).
