Stroud City Manager Bob Pearman announced his desire for retirement at the regular City Council meeting on May 14.
Pearman plans to continue in his current role until a replacement is found, with the City hoping to post an open position this week.
“Stroud is my home; I love the town and people who make it our town. I only want what is best for Stroud and feel it is time to step aside and turn over control to a younger, more energetic and capable leader,” he said. “I would like to thank the current Council and all those who have served with me the past nine years. Your support and vision have allowed us to accomplish many great things for Stroud.”
Other updates in his city manager’s report included the Peace Run from Bristow to Oklahoma City that will come through Stroud on May 21, and the overlay project on Allied and Elm. Pearman stated that the tinhorn at 2nd Street and 4th Avenue has been replaced and they are currently working on the box by the pond at the railroad track. The engineering is done and the project should start soon.
He also said the sidewalk is laid out in Foster Park, with concrete to be laid this week. The bridge is complete and in place, as is the outdoor fitness equipment and canopy. After that, it’s finishing the overlay; installing stripping, picnic tables, lightly, receptacles and benches; with the story book trail to finish this year’s part of the project. Pearman also said airport runway construction is ahead of schedule.
The Stroud City Council approved $673,094 for a street overlay project, which includes redoing the dam at Foster Park and widening 7th Street from Old Stroud Road to Circle Drive. City Manager Pearman said they plan to address the part of Old Stroud Road where it’s rough and buckling up from the truck traffic, as well as by the school where the new dressing rooms have been built.
The City Council allowed an exception to an ordinance that prohibits shipping con- tainers in residential areas. The resident who requested it is surrounded by property zoned as commercial -- where containers are allowed -- and stated that it would blend in with his home.
The Council approved a utility use permit for Valor Telecommunications of Texas and a contract with David Clanin for audit services for the City of Stroud. It also approved FiveToolManagement pursuing a USDA Economic Development Funding Opportunity as a way to invest in small businesses in the town.
It also approved a quote by VistaCom of $22,607 for a call recording system for the Stroud Police Department, an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement between the Stroud Police Department and Lincoln County, and design grant closeout documents for the Stroud Municipal Airport Runway Extension.
The Council also renamed the frontage road along the turnpike Miller Drive in an attempt to discourage trucks from using it, thinking it is an entrance to the turnpike.
A number of decisions were passed regarding Stroud Alumni on May 23 and Summer Fest on June 13. The Council voted to close down Main Street on those days and to relax an ordinance on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a public space.
Three re-appointments were approved: Raphe Thompson as a trustee of the Stroud Industrial Authority, Tammy Smith as a trustee of the Stroud Hospital and Development Authority and Linda Smith as trustee of the Stroud Hospital and Development Authority.
The Council approved the reevaluation of a surplus of a Ford Expedition and the replacement of globes on Main Street light poles with decorative petroleum globes. The project is to be funded by private donations.
The Council altered an ordinance regarding the transportation of open containers to include marijuana and discussed with residents the impact of data centers on communities.
The Stroud UtilitiesAuthority met immediately following the City Council meeting. It first tabled a decision on approving a lease to Kerri Rickner for a sober living facility at the Wilderness Center; however, as of Tuesday, the lease was approved, according to Pearman.
The SUA approved the hiring of Orr Construction to clean decamp ponds at theWaterTreatment Plant for $93,000 and drying beds at the North sewer plant for $23,120. It then denied a waterline extension to the east side of the airport property on 26th Street for $28,950 and on Allied Road from 17th Street for $26,000.