The Eufaula City Council began Monday’s monthly meeting by honoring retired Eufaula Volunteer Fire Chief Chad French.
City Manager Jacob Foos noted that French “served the Eufaula Volunteer Fire Department for more than 26 years, which included three and a half years as Assistant Fire Chief, and his last year and a half he led the department as Fire Chief.
“During his time with the department, Chief French remained committed to supporting his fellow volunteers, responding to calls, and helping maintain the department’s day-to-day operations. He played a steady role in training new members, managing equipment, and ensuring the department was ready to serve the community when needed.
“His years of service reflect a strong dedication to the people of Eufaula and to the role of the volunteer fire department in keeping the community safe.”
Mayor James Hickman, who was a child when French joined the department, presented him with a key to the city.
“These don’t get handed out freely,” Hickman said. “You have served this city for 30 years and your service to the city and our community is remarkable.”
The meeting room was filled with French’s family and friends.
“This is a very caring man,” Hickman said, recounting a story when he was a child and would ride a gokart around the cement plant. “You, being a caring man made sure I didn’t do that again. I appreciate that.”
He thanked French for his “lifetime of contributions to the community, for your leadership and dedication to the benefit the community for the next generation as the city continues to grow thank you so much.”
Other business
After some debate, the council approved a request by Ryan Alexander, owner of Readyline Equipment Rental & Construction for a Specific Use Permit for mixed use zoning on his property located on SH 9 west of Eufaula.
The location is currently zoned CG-Commercial General. The business is currently a retail equipment rental, construction office, and mechanic shop. The applicant wishes to install a portable concrete batch plant which is only allowed in IMIndustrialModerate.
Foos says to achieve that objective, the City code allows a property owner to seek to have the property rezoned to IM-Industrial Moderate, or obtain a Specific Use Permit for mixed use zoning. The application being considered is for a Specific Use Permit for mixed use zoning.
Alexander told the council the small concrete plant will meet the needs of small customers, such as homeowners and small business owners, who only need a small load of cement.
Possible issues of noise and dust were brought up by the council, but Alexander assured the panel that he would install the latest equipment and that the noise and dust would be minimal and not be a nuisance.
He said none of the neighbors within 300 feet of the site objected to his plans.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted in favor of the request, 4-1.
Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan and Ward 3 Council Member Evelyn Gulley questioned the approval of such a permit while the city is working on a comprehensive plan.
They were concerned that when the plan is finished the location might conflict with what the city wants. If they voted to approve the zoning change, they might be locked into the agreement.
However, it was stipulated that a condition could be added to the agreement that would require the concrete plant to be moved should there be a conflict between the comprehensive plan and the plant.
The council voted in favor of the zoning change 3-1. Morgan was the only no vote. Council Member Todd Warren was absent.
Fire department to get new equipment Fire Chief Greg Carmack requested that the council approve request for new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, at a cost of $95,000, and also for more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at a cost of $25,000.
Both requests were approved.
Carmack said the department has only four SCBAs, and one of those did not pass inspection.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is also needed.
PPEs are specifically designed for firefighters and includes a protective coat and pants that provide thermal insulation and physical protection during interior firefighting operations.
Foos said money for the two requests would come from the general funds.
Emergency management services The council voted to continue the partnership with McIntosh County for emergency management services at a rate of $1,250 per month for a total of $15,000 for Fiscal Year 2026.
Burris reappointed
Robyn Burris, who was appointed to the Eastern Oklahoma Library System Board of Trustees in 2022, was reappointed to serve from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. She was recently selected to be the board’s treasurer.
Abatement of nuisances Old School Pickups with a bid of $50,000 was the low bidder to enforce the city’s abatement code, which includes demolition of dilapidated structures. The money will be paid from general funds.
Board of Trustees candidates
Three representatives of District 2 on the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund (OkMRF) Board of Trustees were chosen to be on the ballot for upcoming elections.
Chosen were Greg Buckley, former Eufaula city manager and currently Town Administrator for the Town of Carlton Landing; Jimmy Robinson, Superintendent of Porum Public Works Department and Daniel Tarkington Checotah mayor.
The organization is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees elected by participating municipalities, ensuring member cities have a direct voice in shaping services and policies. By participating in this election, the City helps support continued member-driven oversight and ensures representation that reflects the interests of our employees and local government needs.
Investment opportunities
The city will join other government groups in establishing the Oklahoma Cooperative Liquid Assets Security System for the purpose of exercising investment power jointly to invest funds in concert with other participants. There are no minimum investment requirements.
