By Paris Rain, FOX23.com News Staff
INOLA, Okla. — Inola city councilors heard public comments Tuesday night on the creation of a new committee surrounding industrial development in the town.
This comes after concerns about Oklahoma Primary Aluminum’s proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola.
Following public comment, the Inola City Council voted to table the decision for the agenda item to create this committee called ICARE. The committee would be used to provide written reports to the town detailing evaluations of the community concerns and recommendations when it comes to industrial development in Inola.
For months, those who live in Inola have voiced their opposition against the massive proposed aluminum plant inspiring them to create a committee to come together as one, called the ICARE Committee.
“We feel like this development is all happening so fast, it’s happened. But it’s been going on for years, and nobody knew about it until last year,” said Inola community member Beth Richards.
ICARE stands for the Inola Community Accountability Review and Engagement Committee. It was created by the Stop the Inola Smelter Group as a way to get solutions to the community’s concerns about the smelter before the city council.
On Tuesday, during the Inola City Council meeting, multiple people explained to councilors why something like this is needed in the community and their continued concern about the smelter.
“This is a good step forward for the town and for the folks that have a voice, and I really hope that we’re making [an] impact and [protecting] our community as we go forward,” said a community member during public comment. “This isn’t just singularity for the aluminum smelter, this is for the industrial park so that we establish the baseline and as we go forward…If we don’t step in and do something, no one will.”
Inola Mayor Darlene Shear said she wanted more time to review the proposal before moving forward.
“I want to table this until the next meeting,” Shear said. “I’d like to think about this and go over the resolution to make sure we have everything we want for this committee.”
Some residents express concern after the meeting, saying the city’s version of the resolution broadened the committee’s focus beyond industrial development tied to the port and smelter project.
“Originally proposed was just industrial development and citizens’ concerns related to industrial development,” Richards said. “The resolution that was put forward seemed vague and left open to interpretation.”
Richards said the committee’s goal is to provide one organized channel for residents to communicate documented concerns and recommendations to city leaders regarding development at the port.
Council members said the proposal will return to the agenda at the next city council meeting.
In the meantime, residents who live within the Inola School District can submit resumes to the council if they are interested in serving on the committee.
The Stop the Inola Smelter Group will also host a meeting on Friday at 6 p.m. at Inola High School to help residents learn how to voice their concerns about the proposed development.
