City councilors approved a series of proposals that would potentially allow the community to receive grants and what they say would “support and promote” various aspects of healthy living.
The Board opened its first resolution for the City to serve as a funding body for the grant application for the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board in partnership with Mary Dety & Family Services, Second Chance Ranch, Wichita Mountain Prevention Network, The Safe Center, Volunteers for America and Duncan Public Schools.
City Manager Chris Deal said the Department of Community and Economic Development is working with community organizations to prepare the grants.
“(The) grant will help support treatment and recovery programs, assistance with co-occurring disorders and mental health issues, opioid abuse education and prevention, appropriate prescribing efforts and strategies to reduce the supply of opioids in the city of Duncan and the state of Oklahoma,” he said.
Deal said the following organizations also partner with the city of Duncan.
“The funding source to assist in various programs to combat the opioid crisis being offered through the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board allows municipalities like Duncan to take the lead in grant applications,” he said. “As such, Duncan will serve as the fiscal body to ensure that funds are properly allocated to the programs, ensure that proper reporting is submitted and ensure that the program is administered in accordance with the standards of the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board.”
The board approved the proposal by a 5-0 vote.
The board introduced a second resolution to support and promote active living throughout Duncan.
Deal said the Department of Community and Economic Development works to improve the quality of life for residents.
“Through promoting active living throughout the community,” he said. “Active living is a lifestyle that integrates physical activity into everyday routines, such as walking to the store or cycling to work – activities that contribute to a healthy life.”
Deal cited examples of the quality of life in the community.
“Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional well-being; have lower rates of mental illness; have a lower risk of disease from some infectious diseases and have a significantly lower risk of depression and anxiety,” he said. “Neglecting both mental and physical health can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.”
He addressed events that may impact the community.
“Promoting programs that support active living throughout the community will improve Duncan’s overall health,” he said. “Improving our community health will reduce the common burdens associated with poor mental and physical health and will allow our citizens to excel in maintaining employment, completing education, and being able to contribute to the community as a whole.”
The board approved the proposal by a 5-0 vote.
The board unveiled its third resolution to support and promote farmers markets, community gardens and food pantries across the city.
Deal said the Department of Community and Economic Development wants to address “food deserts” in the community.
“Food deserts are neighborhoods where people cannot easily find fresh, healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins and where the USDA defines food deserts as areas where either the poverty rate is 20% or higher, or the median family income is below 80%,” he said. “Food deserts have a direct link to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and nutrient deficiencies across all communities. By improving access through the strategic use of farmers markets, community gardens and food pantries, the Department seeks to reduce these negative health impacts that our citizens face due to lack of access to healthy food options.”
Deal said the staff wants to partner with existing farmers markets, community gardens and food pantries.
“The Department of Community and Economic Development wishes to explore external funding sources, including grants and other state/federal funding sources, to better address the food deserts that currently exist in Duncan, Oklahoma,” he said.
The board approved the proposal by a 5-0 vote.
In other council news, Duncan Public Utilities Authority, trustees approved three salary requests: one for $4,955.33 to ADG Blatt for services at the new Duncan Fire Station #4 at Highway 81 and Camelback; Tetra Tech, Inc. for $1,051.68 for services of a sewer rehabilitation design phase one project. to one; and one to Freeze and Nichols for $8,873.22 for services on the El Rancho Water Tower Replacement Project.
At the Duncan Economic Development Trust Authority, trustees approved the first salary request for Public Finance Law Group, LLC. $12,500 for professional services for specialized consultation with the establishment of a tax increment district with a 5-0 vote.
The next City Council and DPUA meeting will be convened on Tuesday, April 14 at 5:15 pm in the Duncan Council Chambers located inside the Duncan Police Department.
