County prepares for project bids at fairgrounds

May 16—A pre-bid meeting brought several companies out for work involving the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

CMAR Ken Shaw, with Hope Construction, told the Stephens County Commissioners on Monday morning after hosting the mandatory pre-bid for the erectors for the fairgrounds edition they had four companies attend.

"I heard from four different manufactures that are bidding supply," he said. "We're going to have a pretty good selection of bids to pick from."

According to Shaw, they will need a couple days to review what's being asked for.

"The goal is that the addition framework will look like the existing framework to where you don't see a transition," he said.

Prior to the project update, the board opened up old business to discuss bond insurance for county elected officials.

Chairman Kreg Murphree said they received questions back, but no detailed information. Murphree recommended to table the item until they have the necessary information back.

Next, the county board discussed an Interlocal Governmental Agreement with the City of Comanche under which the county will chip-n-seal about two miles of city streets, help with base preparation, as needed, and haul chips from quarry to City of Comanche. The City of Comanche will supply washed chips and oil for chipping.

Commissioner Russell Morgan said he had an email from Assistant District Attorney Charles Sifers with his approval, but they didn't have a signature yet.

The board approved the agreement upon Sifers' signature.

At 9:45 a.m., the county board opened up discussion on bids for the uplifting for one Stewart Stevenson M-1078 truck delivered to the Doyle Volunteer Fire Department.

Kaylee Kaiser, Stephens County Purchasing Agent, said they didn't receive any bids and they will look to get quotes.

Then, Morgan updated the board on the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center with preparations for Duncan's graduation on Thursday, the GOP Fish Fry on Saturday and the Duncan Noon Lions Club carnival on May 18-20 at the Claud Gill Arena.

Morgan said they were able to pick up a new event, Certified Oklahoma Bred Association (COBA), a pig show in June.

The COBA Summer Classic will take place at the Stephens County Fairgrounds June 23-24.

Morgan said they have hosted the events in Tulsa. He said there's two events with the largest event in January or early February.

In other news, the county board approved:

—To acknowledge two letters of resignation from fair board members, Luke Prichard and Burt Derryberry, who represent Stephens County District #1.

—Two cooperative agreements for District #1 and District #3.

The Stephens County Commissioners meeting will convene again at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 22, in their office of the Stephens County Courthouse, located at 101 S. 11th St. in Duncan.