Bloodsworth is promoted to Fire Captain

The Town of Gore’s Board of Trustees convened at 6 p.m. on April 16, addressing key issues vital to the community’s welfare and progress.

With public speaking absent from the agenda, the board swiftly moved through various motions, including the approval of minutes, financial reports, and purchase orders from the previous month. Notably, the board received and reviewed the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Audit.

During discussions surrounding the Gore Town Council Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy, Gideon Miller outlined eight essential components for the policy’s effectiveness, prompting unanimous approval by the board to approve the policy.

Furthermore, the board approved resolutions for an Ethics Policy, an Opioid Grant and an ODOT Trail Grant.

The trustees also voted to approve changing the scope of the 2023-24 REAP grant for the repair and repaving of the road project involving Haven Heights.

Amidst discussions on fiscal matters, the board unanimously agreed to amend the 202324 Fiscal Year budget, allocating additional funds of around $200,000 to the Street & Alley fund for essential repairs and repaving projects.

The board convened into an executive session to discuss the employment status of Lee Bloodsworth. Following deliberation, the board unanimously approved Bloodsworth’s hiring as a fire department clerk at a rate of pay of $150 monthly, bolstering municipal services.

Bloodsworth was also recently promoted to the rank of Captain, having over 20 years of experience as a firefighter. He also serves as a swiftwater team member and training officer.

The board addressed public safety concerns by voting to surplus a firearm and approving a (MOU) Memorandum of Understanding agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Additionally, the board allocated funds for the purchase of five park benches, thanks to a donation from Cherokee Nation and Councilor E.O. Smith.

A total of 23 citations and 32 warnings were issued by the police department for the previous month, according to meeting minutes, while the fire department reported 24 calls since their last meeting. The second FEMA class has also concluded, complimenting the department with 12 FEMA certified members.

During the public works authority meeting, all minutes for the previous month, including financial reports and purchase orders were approved, with clerk Lisa Settlemyre reporting a 22 percent water loss for the town, with the meetings concluding at 7:17 p.m.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.