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On Monday's "City Matters" program hosted by KWON, Bartlesville's key figures provided insights into current municipal issues and transitions affecting the community.

Retirement of Shellie McGill

One of the significant announcements was the retirement of Shellie McGill, Bartlesville Public Library Director, after 35 years of dedicated service to the city. McGill, who has held various pivotal roles within Bartlesville's administration since 2000, expressed her fondness for problem-solving throughout her career. Starting as an accounting clerk, she later navigated through roles in IT, human resources, and finally leading the library and history museum divisions. Her retirement marks the end of an era characterized by her commitment to service and community.

Welcome Chief HC Call

Replacing David Topping upon his retirement, HC Call has returned for his second tenure as Bartlesville Fire Chief. With prior experience in neighboring fire departments and having served as fire chief in Collinsville, Chief Call brings a wealth of experience to Bartlesville's firefighting efforts. His appointment follows a rigorous selection process and aims to uphold the department's standards of excellence in public safety.

Transition at Adams Golf Course

Meanwhile, at Adams Golf Course, Jason Dochney assumes the interim role of Golf Pro following Jerry Benedict's retirement. The city is actively strategizing the course's future amidst Benedict's departure, focusing on maintaining operational continuity and exploring opportunities for enhancement.

Water System Disinfection Project

Terry Lauritsen, City Water Utilities Director, addressed the commencement of a significant water disinfection project starting July 15th. The initiative, known as a Temporary Free Chlorine Conversion, responds to recent biological activity detected in remote sections of Bartlesville's water distribution system. This process involves switching from chloramines to free chlorine, a stronger disinfectant, aimed at safeguarding water quality throughout the area. While the conversion may introduce temporary taste and odor variations, Lauritsen assured residents that the water remains safe to consume. The City plans extensive system flushing to mitigate any potential impact, ensuring compliance with Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality and EPA standards.

The program provided a comprehensive update on Bartlesville's proactive approach to municipal management, underlining ongoing efforts to enhance community services and infrastructure.