Guymon council honors longtime director and advances city projects

The Guymon City Council opened its regularly scheduled meeting by recognizing a decades-long public service career and moved through a slate of administrative and infrastructure items that will shape local operations in 2026.

Council members in attendance included City Manager Mike Shannon, Sergio Alvidrez, Jason Eidson, Mayor Kim Peterson, Garrett Helton and Geraldine Sanchez, along with Treasurer Lynn Hoffman and City Attorney David Petty. The session began with a proclamation commemorating the retirement of Public Works Director Tracy Bowers, who will retire effective January 9, 2026 after 42 years with the city. Bowers began his career in 1984; council members noted his leadership and deep compassion for the community.

After approving prior meeting minutes, the Claims Registers and payroll for the previous month, council passed Resolution No. 26-01 and 26-02 and ratified the agreement between the City of Guymon and the International Association of Firefighters, maintaining labor relations for the fire department.

A significant infrastructure discussion centered on an agreement with Ardurra Group Inc. to provide services related to Sunset Lake. The proposed work includes integrating a raw water line from Well No. 24 to discharge to Sunset Lake, a move aimed at managing water resources for the lake and adjacent public uses. The council discussed technical and operational considerations and moved forward with approval of the agreement.

Council tabled Item 10, authorizing execution of a maintenance agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for highway illumination installation at SH-3 / US-412 and SH-136. City Manager Shannon recommended further discussions with ODOT before final approval, signaling council caution on long-term maintenance responsibilities for highway lighting and the need to clarify cost and liability.

In personnel action, the council approved appointment of Kim Baker as the new municipal judge. City Manager Shannon elaborated on Baker’s service stepping in previously for City Attorney David Petty and recommended her for the post, a decision aimed at continuity in municipal court operations.

Finance Director Rhonda Hindergardt presented proposed 2025 budget amendments, with Hindergardt noting that revenue projections looked better than in recent years. The council approved the amendments, a change that may bolster city services and capital planning.

Main Street Director Ronni Wilson reported that Career Focus has kicked off and announced a $10,000 grant from the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation to support work on the Main Street Building, a boost for downtown revitalization. Chamber of Commerce Director Erica Maddox updated council on upcoming events, including a Meet and Greet with Darrell Weaver.

The council then adjourned into the Utilities Authority Meeting, where all items passed. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Residents can expect follow-up on the ODOT lighting agreement, details of Sunset Lake work and how the budget amendments will translate into services and projects in the months ahead.