The Checotah City Council was called to order by Mayor Daniel Tarkington at 5:30 p.m. on July 10. Members present along with the mayor and city attorney were Councilman Earnest Myers, Councilman Jay Hayes, Councilman Joey Marion, Councilman Ronnie Brinsfield, Councilman William Wiles, Councilman Tony Fields, Councilwoman Jodi Greenleaf and Councilman Mike Key.

There were several Citizen’s Comments at this meeting.

First was Harold Niblett who addressed his concerns of the speeding vehicles in his neighborhood due to lack of stop signs.

Eddie Bell also addressed his concerns of the speeding vehicles in his neighborhood and suggested a speed hump to slow vehicles down before there is an accident.

Dillon McCullough, Joy McCullough and Carol Stafford all addressed their concerns about the bright lights flooding into their home from the pickleball court and the afterhours noise until 2 a.m. in the morning at the pickleball court. The McCulloughs live right beside the court and stated that they can’t rest when there are people on the court so late at night and some even come into their yard.

The mayor asked police chief Darren Glover to check out these speeding spots and get back with the council and then it was decided to make sure the public knew that the pickleball court was closed by 10 p.m. with no exceptions. A sign would be put up and police would ensure curfews were kept.

Departmental reports were given by: Police, Maintenance, Emergency Management and Ordinance.

Scheduled Business included: 1. A Motion made by Councilman Jay Hayes and seconded by Councilwoman Jodi Greenleaf on payment of invoice # 2230173 to Myers Engineering on the Gentry and Broadway Street Light Project in the amount of $506.00. Motion was carried unanimously.

2. A motion made by Councilman Mike Key and seconded by Councilwoman Jodi Greenleaf on the re-appointment of Sally Meador to the Library System’s Board of Trustees. Motion was carried unanimously.

3. Discussion was held on a Street Commissioner.

4. A motion was made by Councilman Jay Hayes and seconded by Councilman Mike Key on released and reissued purchase orders. Motion was carried unanimously.

5. Motion was made by Councilman Jay Hayes and seconded by Councilman Joey Marion on an auction to be held on surplus items. Motion was carried unanimously.

6. Motion was made by Councilman Jay Hayes and seconded by Councilman William Wiles on the city moving forward with a text alert system. Motion was carried unanimously.

7. Motion was made by Councilman Jay Hayes and seconded by Councilman Joey Marion on a new city website. Motion was carried unanimously.

Remarks and Inquiries by City Council: Closing time at Bessie Tabor Park, putting a timer on the lights at the park and pickleball court. Public safety committee to discuss placing of more stop signs and speed humps.