The mayor signed for the Checotah Public Works Authority a new lease agreement with the Endowment Fund Grand Lodge of Oklahoma of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) that will be in effect until 2055.

This lease covers the Checotah Sports Complex area and the further construction and betterment of land lease.

Part of the lease states:

• The CPWA for a period of Thirty (30) years commencing on the 1st day of January 2025 and ending on the 31st of December, 2055, for the annual rental of $10,000 per year for the first ten (10) years of the lease, $12,000 for the next ten (10) years thereafter and $14,000 for the remaining Ten (10) years. Annual rental to be paid upon the execution of this agreement, and like amount on the anniver- sary date each year thereafter during the term of this lease. As further consideration, CPWA agrees to mow the 100F cemetery located adjacent to the leased premises.

• It is further understood and agreed that the CPWA may assign this lease and/or sublet the premises, and/ or any part thereof, to the Checotah Recreational Authority, a public trust..

• It is further agreed by and between the parties that the CPWA will build, construct and maintain all means of ingress and egress, including parking areas, provide adequate security and protection to both the premises and person or persons thereon. CPWA will permit no liens for labor or material to be filed against the premises. In event any of such liens for improvements are filed, this lease shall terminate.. All improvements made upon the premises shall become the property of the Endowment Fund, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma I.O.O.F. at the termination of this lease..

• It is further understood and agreed between the parties that the CPWA will keep said property clean and mowed..

• It is further agreed by and between the parties that the CPWA will maintain sufficient insurance coverage to secure the premises and protect the I.O.O.F. from any liability. A copy of such policy will be furnished to the Lessor…

• It is further understood and agreed that said area so leased shall not be used for any other purpose other than for recreational facilities..

• The covenants and agreements of this lease shall extend to and be binding upon the heirs, executors and assigns of the parties hereto..

• This lease shall supersede any previous lease between the CPWA and the Endowment Fund,Grand Lodge of Oklahoma I.O.O.F.

• At any time, the Endowment Fund,Grand Lodge of Oklahoma I.O.O.F. chooses to sell the property in Exhibits A, B, or C, the City of Checotah/Checotah Public Works Authority has the first right to purchase property..If the Endowment Fund, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma I.O.O.F. does sell to a third party, the Endowment Fund, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma I.O.O.F.,will pay the CPWA 80% of the value of the improvements made upon the said property.

City councilman Mike Keys stated there are many new projects that the city is working on and many plans in the making. From another pavilion being built by the Splash Pad to the trail being widened to much more in the future, he hopes that the complex will continue to grow for future generations to enjoy.