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Letterfrom the CityManager
HelloMuskogee,
I am Kendal Francis, and I am honored to step into the role of your new City Manager. My wife Heather and I, along with our children, are excited to be here and look forward to being a part of this wonderful community.
I have spent the last 30 years in local government service. Along the way, I have learned that the most meaningful work happens when we come together to tackle challenges, share ideas, and build something better for everyone. That is what I am here to do. I want to work with you to help Muskogee grow, thrive, and reach its full potential.
I firmly believe city government should be open, responsive, and focused on the people it serves. My leadership philosophy is simple: leadership is about serving others and adding value to their lives. I have shared that with the entire city staff and emphasized that moving forward, service to others will be at the core of everything we do.
In the days ahead, I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can. Whether it is at a community event, a city meeting, or just running into each other at the grocery store, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself, and when we do meet, please call me Kendal.
Be blessed!
KendalFrancis
City Manager
MuskogeePoliceDepartment
Chief Johnny Teehee
The Muskogee Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community through proactive law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response services. The department is committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining public order, and protecting residents and visitors through a variety of specialized units, including patrol, investigations, K-9, and community policing programs. The Muskogee Police Department works collaboratively with local organizations, city departments, and the public to build trust, enhance community engagement, and improve overall quality of life in Muskogee.
Officer Davenport and K-9 Officer
Tracker visited the students at Little Okie Academy.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recognized MPD for their work helping to spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month with a sweet treat.
MuskogeeFireDepartment
Chief Jody Moore
The Muskogee Fire Department (MFD) provides 24-hour emergency response services, including fire suppression, vehicle collision response, explosion management, and medical emergencies. Operating from multiple strategically located fire stations, MFD ensures rapid response times across the city. Firefighters are highly trained in firefighting, rescue operations, hazardous materials management, emergency medical services, and public fire education. In addition to emergency response, MFD conducts fire prevention programs, safety inspections, and public education initiatives, emphasizing preparedness, professionalism, and rapid response to ensure the well-being of Muskogee residents. In addition to fighting fire, they can also cook with fire. MFD won first place in the crowd pleasing BBQ and hot links divisions in the Exchange Club Chili and BBQ Cook-off. The cook-off is a fundraiser to raise money for children’s charities.
Planning&CodeEnforcement
Sarah Winkle, Interim Director
The Planning Department consists of three divisions: planning, code enforcement, and inspections. Code enforcement officers play a vital role in maintaining city ordinances related to neighborhood services, which include issues such as mowing, parking, trash, debris, and abandoned properties. The mission of Code Enforcement is to ensure Muskogee remains beautiful. This is achieved through their active presence in the neighborhoods and by addressing the concerns raised by the citizens.
SolidWaste&Recycling
Michael Stewart, Director
The Sanitation (Solid Waste) Division services approximately 13,000 residents and several hundred businesses in the City of Muskogee. The department operates four residential routes, one dedicated dead-end and handicap service route, and two commercial routes to ensure efficient waste collection across the city. The division utilizes five automated side-load trucks, which minimize direct contact between employees and refuse. Additionally, several semi-automated rear-load trucks are used for collection, allowing for manual assistance when necessary.
1,553 Visits to the Recycling Center: April 2025
16,598 Visits to the Recycling Center: FY 2025
Tons of trash collected in April
1,352.71
Tons of trash collected in FY 2025
16,397.71
PublicWorks/Streets
Michael Stewart, Director
In April...
The Street Division Completed
Utility Cut Repairs
Kershaw Drive received a 2-inch asphalt overlay, as part of the Southwest Zone Mill and Overlay Project
GallonsofWaterTreated inApril
Daily Average
14,139,033
Total Production in April
424,171,000
DrinkingWaterTreatment WaterDistribution
New meters installed in April
3
Water line locates in April
1012
GallonsofWaterTreated inFY2025
Daily Average
15,308,000
Total Production in FY 2025
4,209,700,000
New meters installed in FY 2025
32
Water line locates in FY 2025
10510
Crews have begun implementing improvements to the Haskell Booster Station. A generator was recently delivered and carefully placed at the job site with the assistance of a crane. To ensure stability, the installation was secured using 5/8 inch anchor bolts. Following this, a hydrostatic pressure test was conducted, successfully pressurizing the pipe to 152 psi to confirm its integrity and functionality.
WasteWaterTreatment
Gallonsof WasteWater TreatedinApril
GallonsofWasteWater TreatedinFY2025
59 Daily Average
8,665,000
Sewer line calls for service
4,304,700
8 Daily Average Lift station repairs
The City of Muskogee is improving sewer service on the south side of town. Crews recently installed a 12-inch gravity-fed sewer line at the intersection of East 53rd Street South and Gulick Street.
Tera Shows, Interim Manager
The Communications Office handles all internal and external communications for the City of Muskogee. The Communications Manager serves as the primary contact for local media outlets, oversees press releases, manages the City of Muskogee's social media accounts, issues official statements on behalf of the City, and writes newsletters for employees and residents.
Exposition Facilities
Justin O’Neal, Director
The Civic Center and Hatbox Arena are the key exposition facilities in the City of Muskogee. Both venues host a variety of community events, bringing excitement and entertainment to the area. Whether it’s an amazing concert or an exhilarating rodeo, the Exposition Facilities have a place for every event.
AprilAccomplishments:
TheCivicCenterhostedthe EasternDistrictSpellingBee
HatboxArenahostedRheaLana’s ResaleEvent
HatboxRVParkhostedthe ExchangeClubChiliCook-off
HatboxAreahostedtheChamber ofCommerceannualbanquet.
HatboxArenahostedtheMHS Prom
HumanResources
Maggie Eaton, Director
The Human Resources Department plays a crucial role in supporting the City’s workforce. HR is in charge of managing and coordinating employee benefits, ensuring that employees have access to health insurance, retirement plans, and other vital programs. They maintain the confidentiality of personnel files, publish job announcements, recruit new talent, and hire staff. Additionally, HR oversees payroll processing to guarantee that employees receive their pay accurately and on time.
In April,
The
Human Resources Department hired...
One full-time employee
Twelve part-time employees
Four employees retired during the month of April.
Joe (Joe Buzz) Croftcheck Fire Captain
Drew Safell
Airport Manager
Jared Miller
Animal Control Officer
Roy Thornburg
Parks and Recreation
EmployeePromotions
Congratulations to the following employees who received promotions in April:
Ryan Hiner Fire Captain
Denver Coffee Fire Driver
James Moore
Police Sergeant
Steven Warrior Police Lieutenant
EmergencyManagement
Tyler Evans, Director
The Emergency Management Department plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. This includes storm spotting, tornado alerts, mass notifications, and collaboration with various agencies and jurisdictions during emergencies. The Emergency Management team partners with the County, State, FEMA, insurance companies, and other organizations to effectively manage emergencies and disasters.
In April,
the Emergency Management Department...
Provided on-site weather monitoring for Muskogee High School’s Discovering Options to Succeed Event.
Provided radios and equipment for the Azalea Parade.
Assisted the Fire Department and the American Red Cross with an apartment fire that affected 7 Muskogee families
Assisted the Fire Department and Muskogee County Emergency Management with the search for two missing people in the water.
Met with Cherokee Nation Emergency Management to coordi capabilities and resources
Dennis Read, Director
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FleetServices
Robert Sweptson, Director
The City of Muskogee’s Fleet Management Department operates a centralized maintenance program for city vehicles and equipment. The City owns more than 400 vehicles, 250 pieces of equipment and 450 small engine assets. The Fleet Management Department provides regular preventive maintenances as well as unscheduled repairs through internal maintenance operations and contracted services with commercial vendors Other responsibilities include collision repairs, assisting other departments with skilled services, fleet management services, GPS management and asset management. The Fleet Department does most repairs in-house with very little outsourcing, utilizing a fully-stocked parts room for timely repairs. In addition, Fleet Management is responsible for providing fuel, oil and grease for all on-road and offroad city equipment.
Construction continues on the new fuel station near the Fairgrounds. The tanks are in the ground and the columns for the canopy are in place.
AnimalControl
The Animal Control Department responds to calls concerning animal complaints or investigations within the city limits. Furthermore, the Animal Control Department manages the spay and neuter assistance program, offering eligible residents access to low-cost or complimentary sterilization services for their dogs and cats.
