Council Honors Outgoing Members, Employee and Welcomes New

Incoming Ward 2 Commissioner Philip Gay, from left, incoming Mayor Ernie Martens, and incoming Ward 4 Commissioner Shannon Vann all take the oath of office from Sallisaw Municipal Judge John T. Cripps. 

Outgoing Sallisaw Mayor Jim Hudgens received a plaque from Interim City Manager Keith Skelton for his years of service to the council and community during Monday’s city council meeting.

Outgoing Ward 2 Commissioner Ro Poindexter received a plaque from Interim City Manager Keith Skelton for her years of service to the council and community during Monday’s city council meeting.

City employee Danny Keith, who served in telecommunications as the network operations manager for DiamondNet, receives a gift honoring his 14 years of service upon his retirement during Monday’s city council meeting.

During a brief meeting of the Sallisaw city commissioners Monday night, outgoing Mayor Jim Hudgens and outgoing Ward 2 Commissioner Ro Poindexter were honored with plaques for their service to the council and the community by Interim City Manager Keith Skelton. City employee Danny Keith, who served in telecommunications as the network operations manager for DiamondNet, was recognized for his 14 years of service with a special gift upon his retirement.

Incoming Mayor Ernie Martens, along with incoming Ward 2 Commissioner Philip Gay and Ward 4 Commissioner Shannon Vann were sworn in by Sallisaw Municipal Judge John T. Cripps. Their term of office begins at noon Monday, April 16. Prior to the swearing in and council meeting, the City of Sallisaw hosted a reception in the civic center to say “thank you” to members who are leaving the board, as well as welcome the new members.

In other council business, commissioners approved RS Meacham, CPAs & Advisors to conduct the city’s annual audit; approved the purchase of several vehicles for the landfill, street and water treatment plant departments; and approved redepositing a general fund CD with high bidder Armstrong Bank.

Skelton reported the city has several ongoing projects, some of which have been delayed by weather and rain. He also advised the staff has started work on the annual budget and reported no news on the status of telecom legislation.

After the adjournment of the city commissioners meeting, the commissioners convened for a meeting of the Sallisaw Municipal Authority. They approved an agreement with Darin Trueblood for installation of a telecommunications pole after a deed issue was resolved; approved a purchase order for two permanent shade structures for the Sallisaw Sports Complex, which will allow the Sallisaw Youth League to host state tournaments at the facility; and approved reinvesting a SMA CD with high bidder Armstrong Bank.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com