Monday, August 2nd’s regular Creek County Commissioners meeting took place at 9 a.m. in the ballroom of the Collins Building. Commissioners Newt Stephens and Leon Warner were present. Commissioner Lane Whitehouse was absent and Roy Smith, First Deputy, sat in his place.
Sapulpa Main Street to use courthouse parking lot during Blowout
Cindy Lawrence from Sapulpa Main Street spoke about using the courthouse parking lot for the organization’s annual Route 66 Blowout on Saturday, September 12th. She said they would also need it the day before to set up the event. A discussion was had about sending notices to the employees impacted by this and putting signs up a couple of weeks early. This was unanimously approved.
Road improvements requested in area west of Sapulpa Walmart
Neighbors from the area of West Taft Avenue from Wickham Road to Mesa Road and Sunset Lane requested road improvements. District 3 residents Duane Snapp and Tim Pak said that the condition of the roads is poor, that there have been several accidents, one death, and that the traffic going over the speed limit is continually increasing. There was discussion about how much property taxes go towards road improvements (not much, according to District 1 Commissioner Newt Stephens) and the need to do a traffic count in the area. It was decided that Stephens and District 2 Commissioner Leon Warner will discuss this issue with District 3 Commissioner Lane Whitehouse to begin the process of studying this issue. The neighbors came with a petition of 30 signatures agreeing to there being a need to improve roads in this area.
County Assessor’s office gets new equipment for remote work
JaNell Enlow’s request to purchase new technology to expand remote work capabilities and to participate in new training procedures from the Oklahoma Tax Commission for the Creek County Assessor’s office was approved. She and her employees need additional equipment in order to continue to work from home and to complete their continuing education hours. These purchases will be filed under the CARES ACT.
County Justice Center in agreement with tribe to house tribal inmates
A new agreement with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to house tribal inmates at the Creek County Justice Center for $50 per inmate, per day, was approved. There was a lengthy discussion between County Attorney Andrew Goforth, Sheriff Bret Bowling, and the commissioners about the effect of the recent McGirt Ruling on the topic, other county’s charges for housing these inmates, how many inmates currently incarcerated in our system this will affect, and how to handle tribal inmates with certain conditions. This contract will begin on August 17th, 2020.
How the County is preparing for jury trials
There was a discussion about the recent resolution covering COVID-related matters, in particular, how to prepare for juries in October. Stephens asked Judge Laura Farris for updates, and she explained that she will be meeting with the Health Department and Emergency Management Department to decide where to hold the jury selection process and any additional steps that may be required. Her hope is to “make this process safe for all potential jury persons.”
