Retirees, Longtime Employees Recognized at Meeting

The Board of City Commissioners began their monthly meeting Monday night by bidding farewell to a pair of employees who recently retired from the City of Sallisaw.

John Stewart (above left) retired Jan. 31 from the wastewater plant, said City Manager Keith Skelton, who presented Stewart with a commemorative gold watch in recognition of his years of service. “He has always been a good, dependable employee and he is greatly appreciated,” Skelton said.

Police Chief Terry Franklin presented a watch to Thomas Bridgewater (above right), who he said had been his co-worker for 20 years and his friend since they were both 10 years old. “It’s been an honor,” the chief told Bridgewater.

In addition, Skelton presented Beau Gabbert and Kenny Shakingbush (above bottom) with the Oklahoma Municipal League’s 25-year Service Award for their years of service with the city.

In business matters, the commissioners discussed the ongoing work at the Sports Complex Walking Trail.

Skelton said crews have been working on finishing touches such as installing benches, trash cans and other amenities, but what he is most excited about, and which the commissioners unanimously approved Monday, is a new exercise station from Happy Playgrounds LLC of Tulsa. The project, which will cost up to $48,000, will include the equipment, a layer of turf that will go over the original concrete and a shade structure that will go over the entire area.

The commissioners also learned about a plan for the city to purchase power from Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative to allow Sallisaw to provide electric service to campsites at Brushy Lake. After hearing from Keith Skelton on the measure, the commissioners approved the plan.

In other business, the commissioners approved the assignment and transfer of a lease from Eric Johnson to Eric Johnson dba Floatdriver LLC and approved several updated administrative policies regarding family and medical leave and alcohol and controlled substance testing.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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