The Gore Board of Trustees moved swiftly through a full agenda last Tuesday evening, approving several new ordinances, infrastructure contracts and grant applications during its regular monthly meeting.
The board began by approving minutes from prior meetings, the July financial report and purchase orders before turning its attention to new business.
Trustees approved a change of scope to the 2025 REAP Grant and later authorized submission of the 2026 EODD REAP Grant application, along with a resolution supporting the request. The board also approved a contract with Holloway, Updike, and Bellen Engineering for improvements to the 9th Street Wastewater Pump Station.
New ordinances passed
Eight new ordinances were unanimously approved by trustees, ranging from police administration to traffic regulation. These included:
• Ordinance 08-19-2025-1: Establishing the office of police chief.
• Ordinance 08-19-20252: Defining police custody of personal property.
• Ordinance 08-19-2025-3: Authorizing interagency law enforcement assistance.
• Ordinance 08-19-20254: Clarifying the mayor’s authority and duties.
• Ordinance 08-19-2025-5: Prohibiting obstruction of officers.
• Ordinance 08-19-2025-6: Establishing traffic administration and regulation.
• Ordinance 08-19-2025-7: Regulating sign placement.
• Ordinance 08-19-20258: Amending the court bond schedule.
All eight ordinances were passed as emergency measures, making them effective immediately.
Events, reports
Trustees voted to waive permit fees for two upcoming community events, Fin and Feather weekend and Gore Fall Cruise Night.
The board also entered into executive session for confidential discussion with Town Attorney Matthew Price regarding pending litigation. Upon reconvening, trustees authorized Price to pursue legal action on behalf of the town.
Mayor Robin Henry announced that the town’s new pickleball courts are now open to the public.
Police Chief Randy Taylor reported a marked increase in law enforcement activity since last month, including 49 calls, 151 traffic stops, 70 warnings, 29 citations, 17 reports, 12 agency assists, and one warrant served.
Fire Chief Jason Ohl reported 37 calls since the last meeting, including 28 medical emergencies, two brush fires, one swift water rescue, a vehicle fire, and two community service efforts.
Those efforts included assisting with cemetery plot mapping and raising nearly $1,100 for school supplies during Gore Public Schools’ Back-to-School Bash boot drive.
The town meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m., followed immediately by the Gore Public Works Authority (GPWA) session.
GPWA business
The GPWA board approved the July financial report, purchase orders and meeting minutes before addressing several water system matters.
Trustees formally accepted the completion of a 10-inch waterline project and voted to close the Oklahoma Water Resources Board account.
They also approved acceptance of a RIG Grant and authorized a $19,226 purchase from WesTech for water treatment media.
GPWA Administrator Jeremy Lane reported the system is experiencing 14% water loss due to three recent leaks on 6-inch, 4-inch and 1-inch lines.
Lane also noted the town has received 450 new water meters through a grant, with about 55 installed to date. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 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.
