Last Updated on September 7, 2022, 7:16 PM | Published: September 7, 2022
MOORE, Oklahoma (Free Press) — In a fairly quick Tuesday meeting, the Moore City Council approved several contracts and added new City Staff.
The Council first took a moment to remember Pamela Lewis, wife of Mayor Glenn Lewis, who died August 30. Mark Hamm spoke about her contributions to the Moore community, as she was a school teacher at Moore Public Schools for 28 years and served on the Moore/Norman technology board thereafter.
“She had the gift of hospitality, and loved to have people over to her home to share what the Lord had blessed them with,” said Hamm. “We miss her, and we grieve with Glenn, Laura, and her family.”
Contract with Jail
The Moore City Council first approved an annual jail housing contract with the Board of County Commissioners for Cleveland County. City Prisoners and Detainees will be housed within the Cleveland County Detention Center for a cost of $60.77 per prisoner, per day.
Police Chief Todd Gibson stated that this cost was $73 a day in last year’s contract, recommending approval.
Eastern Avenue project
The Eastern Avenue Widening and Reconstruction project will be constructed by Allen Contracting, who’s bid was 8% lower than the engineer’s estimate.
Assistant city manager Jerry Ihler stated that Allen Contracting “Is one of the largest contractors that does work for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation,” recommending approval.
He also stated that construction should start mid to late October and last for 1 year, with an open lane of the road going each way. The project will stretch from Southeast 4th Street to Southeast 19th Street on Eastern Avenue.
The Council approved all contracts unanimously.
New staff positions established
Moore’s City Council approved 5 new city positions and revised the job description of another, with a focus on management in the public works department;
- Heavy Equipment operator for the Sanitation Department, pay grade 108.
- Senior Heavy Equipment Mechanic for the Public Works Department, pay grade 110.
- Public Works Superintendent. Each division will receive a Superintendent, responsible for administering and directing activities in the assigned division within public works. Pay grade 116.
- Public Works Crew Chief. Each division will be given a Crew Chief to perform and direct the activities of work crews. Pay grade 110.
- Public Works Field Supervisor. Pay grade 111.
- Planner/Current Planner has been revised to be the Associate Planner. The City added environmental design and environmental planning to the education and experience requirements. Pay grade 115.
The Council approved all positions unanimously.
The next Moore City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 19th, at 6:30 PM.
Damian Powell is our government reporter for the smaller municipalities in the OKC metro such as Moore, Norman, Bethany, and Warr Acres. Damian is studying Political Science at the University of Oklahoma.
