The McAlester City Council approved a series of infrastructure projects, equipment purchases and community funding requests during its April 20 meeting, with funding coming from a mix of federal and state grants, local tax revenue and existing city accounts.
The largest action was approval of a $4.78 million contract with MACH Energy Services for a water system project funded through Environmental Protection Agency and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund sources.
Councilors also approved a budget amendment allocating $5 million in grant funding to fully support the project, along with $90,000 for sewer line improvements near Park Avenue and Peachtree Place to address capacity issues.
Additional approvals included up to $150,736.95 for firefighting equipment, funded through the department’s share of a county quarter-cent sales tax, and $125,520 for new water treatment equipment to replace aging infrastructure.
The council also approved $2,500 in tourism funding to support MEGA Gymnastics in hosting the AAU Novice State Meet in McAlester. The event is expected to bring approximately 638 athletes and generate an estimated $215,000 in economic impact, according to the council report, as well as a budget modification allowing existing funds to be used to expand opioid education outreach.
Several ongoing projects, including improvements at Mullen Park and McAlester Regional Airport, received continued funding through previously approved city and project accounts as work progresses.
In other business, councilors entered executive session to receive confidential legal advice regarding a potential claim involving Calyx Energy.Â
After returning to open session, the council voted to authorize the city attorney to settle the claim No additional details about the claim or settlement terms were released. The City Council will meet again in two weeks at 6 pm in the Council Chambers