The session focused on issues with the town’s water meters. Note: The acoustics in the meeting room made parts of the discussion difficult to hear.
Dozens of Hennessey residents gathered Wednesday, August 20, for a citizen-led meeting to raise concerns about town management, utility billing, and financial oversight. Organizer Kelly Bullis stressed that the gathering was not an official board meeting but a forum for residents who felt unheard during formal sessions.
Three town trustees—Mayor Randy Bohnstedt, David Jones, and Harold Shaw—attended, along with Town Administrator Tiffany Rowen and Public Works Director Alyssa Kubat. However, because the event was not an official meeting, the town’s attorney advised them not to speak. Under the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act (25 O.S. §§301–314), trustees may attend and listen at such gatherings but cannot comment or act outside a posted meeting.
Pool Management Complaints
Ashley Zielny read statements from former lifeguards outlining concerns about past pool operations. Allegations included staff being ordered to handle chemicals without proper training, accusations of theft, underpayment for hours worked, and denial of breaks. Some lifeguards said they had to buy their own drinking water. Poor maintenance and insufficient chemical levels allegedly left the pool operating illegally at times.
Water Meter Concerns
Another focus was the town’s newly installed iPerl water meters, manufactured by Sensus. Resident Korey Vendetti, with professional experience in flow measurement, criticized the decision to purchase these meters. He noted that Sensus has faced lawsuits in other cities and replaced tens of thousands of faulty units.
Vendetti presented data showing repeated usage patterns—such as 44 to 48 gallons registering during overnight hours when no water was used. His family of five received a $240 bill despite relying on a private well for outdoor watering. He argued the town should have researched the purchase more thoroughly, especially since Sensus has already released a replacement model.
Financial Oversight Questions
Residents also raised questions about accountability. Allegations included city employees and vehicles being used for nonprofit work during city time, poor oversight of expenditures, and a controversial bid award that caused a $75,000 cost overrun. Other concerns included debit card usage, unexplained purchases, and maintenance problems at the water plant and cemetery.
“20 Questions” for the Town
Bullis read a list of 20 questions submitted by residents. Among them:
- Were staff working on the Reserve Police Officers’ Christmas project at Town Hall during office hours, and are there records of donations and gifts?
- Why have treasurer’s reports not been presented to the board?
- Bullis said: “I see that All About Hennessey is paid each month. What exactly is that amount for? It is my understanding that All About Kingfisher, Okeene, and Enid do not bill their towns for similar pages, so why is Hennessey being charged?”
Editor’s Note: The town is not paying All About Hennessey. KJ FilmWorks has a contract with the Town of Hennessey to operate the town’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, known as Discover Hennessey. These funds come from the Hotel Tax and may only be used for outbound promotion, signage, event planning, and branding. KJ FilmWorks also has contracts with Kingfisher, Enid, and, for the past three years, Stillwater. A full presentation will be given at the next board meeting.
Trustee Speaks Out
Trustee David Jones voiced personal frustration, saying he has been threatened by employees, laughed at during meetings, and ignored when offering new ideas.
A special Town Trustees Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall to specifically address concerns with the town’s water meters.
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