OILTON — The Oilton Public Works Authority (OPWA) Board voted to remove Patrick Kennedy from his position as chairman following a lengthy executive session during their regular meeting on Jan. 13. Kennedy later resigned “from it all” during the City of Oilton council meeting the same evening.
The council meeting was opened by Kennedy as mayor. Kennedy remained present during the call to order, roll call, and financial report, however, before agenda item number four commenced, he stood up, shaking City Attorney Josh Conway’s hand saying, “It was nice meeting you, I’m done with the whole shit.”
Conway proceeded to ask if Kennedy was resigning as mayor and Kennedy answered; “I’m resigning from it all.”
Kennedy was first removed as OPWA chairman prior to the council meeting following an executive session that lasted over two-hours during which all nonessential attendees exited the meeting including Kennedy, according to Conway. While in executive session, City Clerk Shannon Wilson and OPWA Supervisor Brice Wilson were called in for what Bagwell referred to as “witnesses to an accusation” in a statement she made in open session.
Following brief discussion in open session a motion to remove Kennedy as OPWA chairman was made by Brian Barton, seconded by Ry Hollingsworth, and approved by a 4-2 vote. After the vote was announced, Kennedy questioned the outcome asking, “So I’m not the chairman no more?” To which the city clerk responded, “Correct.”
Kennedy continued the OPWA meeting stopping after reading the agenda item for the chairman and supervisor updates saying, “You ain’t getting one from me that’s for damn sure.” and later telling Vice Chair Julia Bagwell to “take over” the meeting. Bagwell asked the city attorney how to proceed to which Conway confirmed the vice chair would continue the meeting.
As vice mayor, Bagwell took responsibility for running the council meeting upon Kennedy’s resignation. During which, Bagwell asked the city attorney whether she was able to vote on agenda items as acting mayor. Initially, Conway advised her to abstain from voting unless a tiebreaker vote was needed, resulting in no vote from Bagwell on agenda items four through six at which point Conway interjected saying; “Oklahoma State Statute clearly states that in the event of the president of the council serving as the mayor the president of the council shall still have all the powers, rights, privileges, and duties as other members of the council. So, you do have voting power Madam Acting Mayor.”
Moving forward Bagwell resumed voting as a council member while fulfilling her duties as acting mayor.
When the council reached the agenda item that was meant for discussion and action on the mayor, Hollingsworth moved to formally accept Kennedy’s resignation, declare the mayoral office vacant, and call for a special election, giving Bagwell and/or the city clerk permission to consult with the county election board on the matter.
The motion was approved unanimously.
In an official statement, Bagwell explained the city is now awaiting formal confirmation from the Creek County Election Board concerning the special election for the position of mayor. She said the council plans to hold a special meeting on Jan. 27 to officially announce the election date.
“The date currently being considered is April 7, pending confirmation from the Election Board,” said Bagwell.
A later motion for a resolution naming Bagwell as acting mayor and removing Kennedy from city financial accounts and trust authorities was also approved.
The removal and subsequent resignation of Kennedy followed months of documented disciplinary measures taken by city leadership including council agendas, meeting minutes, and statements made during public meetings. On Jully 22 of last year, officials made the decision to place Kennedy on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) in his role as both mayor and OPWA chairman. In the months following, Kennedy indicated he would not comply with the PIP and at one point gave council members an ultimatum to restore authority and benefits associated with the position of mayor and chairman or to fire him through statements he made during meetings. The initial decision of officials to place Kennedy on the PIP followed an outburst that resulted in damage to city property, according to now Acting Mayor Bagwell.
Following the meetings, Hollingsworth provided comment on what had happened: “The trustees almost all agreed to fire Patrick Kennedy from OPWA over lost faith… he has neglected his duties in the work place.” Hollingsworth added that he was confident in Bagwell’s ability to fill the role as Oilton’s acting mayor and OPWA chairperson.
“We just hope the citizens of Oilton will unite with the council and our acting mayor so the city will be better with the police department and leadership too,” he said.
The city clerk confirmed the OPWA board voted 4–2 to remove Kennedy as chairman and that Bagwell is currently serving as acting mayor and OPWA chairperson.
In Bagwell’s official statement she also confirmed Kennedy was no longer serving as mayor, steps had been taken to remove him as OPWA chairman, and that city operation will continue as expected; “The City will continue normal operations and will keep the public informed as additional information becomes available.”