Unlock $150K for Infrastructure: Understanding the OWRB REAP Grant

 In this episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Management Director William Shepard and Specialist Hunter Askew sit down with Ariel LaMontagne and Kretchen Olmeda from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to break down the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) Grant.

With up to $150,000 in funding available—and no match requirement—this program is a game-changer for Oklahoma towns and rural districts. Learn how to qualify, what documents you’ll need, and why applying early could make all the difference. Whether your municipality needs waterline repairs, sewer upgrades, or system planning support, this conversation delivers practical guidance that can move your projects forward.

🔗 For resources and the REAP grant application, visit omag.org/sewer-resources.

Cyberattacks are on the rise—and smaller municipalities are now a top target. In this episode of OMAG All Access, David Dalton, OMAG’s Director of Claims, is joined by cybersecurity attorney Zach Oubre of McAfee & Taft to discuss how cities and towns in Oklahoma can protect themselves.

Zach shares insights from years of experience helping clients navigate breaches, ransomware events, and phishing scams. Together, they walk through practical steps your municipality can take now—from improving email security to implementing multi-factor authentication and updating system patches.

Whether you’re a city manager, clerk, or IT professional, this episode offers straightforward advice to reduce your cyber risk and respond quickly when attacks occur.

Learn more at www.omag.org

In this special episode of OMAG All Access, hosts William Shepherd and Kyle Waid are joined by Benjamin Curry, Director of Emergency Communications and Management for the City of Edmond. Benjamin shares his journey from 911 dispatcher to emergency management leader and offers actionable advice for municipalities on preparing for severe weather, building key relationships, and maintaining essential services.

Whether you’re an emergency manager, a city official, or simply passionate about public safety, this episode is filled with valuable insights for protecting your community. 

 Join hosts William Shepherd and Randy Jacox on OMAG All Access as they talk with Tonya White from Garver, a funding specialist dedicated to helping Oklahoma municipalities make the most of their budgets.

Learn how to strategically plan projects, access funding opportunities, and effectively manage grants to stretch every dollar. Whether you're a city manager, public works director, or municipal leader, this episode is packed with practical advice to support your community's financial resilience. 

In this episode of OMAG All Access, hosts William Sheppard and Randy Jacox are joined by Tonya White, Water Funding Program Specialist at Garver, to discuss the importance of water and wastewater system master plans and capital improvement plans (CIPs) for Oklahoma municipalities. Tonya shares practical steps for getting started, how master planning supports funding efforts, and why internal collaboration is key to moving infrastructure projects forward. Whether your city is new to planning or simply needs to revisit existing strategies, this conversation provides valuable insights into aligning your needs with available funding opportunities. 

Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with other municipal leaders. For more resources and support, visit www.omag.org or connect with us on Facebook. Have a podcast idea? Email us at allaccess@omag.org. 

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host William Sheppard, Director of Risk Management at OMAG, is joined by Randy Jaycox and Brian Conroy from Duke’s Root Control to discuss innovative solutions for maintaining municipal sewer systems in Oklahoma.

Since 2018, OMAG’s partnership with Duke’s Root Control has helped municipalities prevent costly sewer overflows by keeping sewer lines clear and flowing. Brian shares insights into how chemical root control has benefited over 100 OMAG members, covering more than 2 million feet of pipe with a 99% success rate.

The conversation also explores new technology for identifying inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in wastewater systems. Brian explains how Duke’s cutting-edge Eye Tracker technology helps municipalities pinpoint problem areas and prioritize repairs—saving time, money, and compliance headaches.

Key takeaways include:
How OMAG’s Root Control Grant has helped cities and towns reduce sewer overflows
The role of advanced I&I detection in improving wastewater system efficiency
How cities can reduce treatment costs and prevent costly sewer overflows
The impact of acoustic inspections and micro-detection on system maintenance

If your municipality is looking to enhance wastewater management and reduce risk, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Find more resources at www.omag.org or send your podcast topic suggestions to allaccess@omag.org. 

In the latest episode of OMAG All Access, Risk Manager William Shepard sits down with Abby Whitaker of Blackmon Mooring to discuss the critical role of restoration services in municipal preparedness and recovery. From fire and water damage to biohazard cleanups and HVAC restoration, learn how having the right emergency response plan can save your city time, money, and resources.

Abby shares expert insights on selecting a reliable restoration partner, preventing costly damage - especially during extreme weather - and what cities should consider before disaster strikes. Plus, hear how Blackmon Mooring’s nationwide resources ensure rapid response when every second counts. Don’t miss this informative discussion!

Learn more at www.omag.org.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Randy Jacox is joined by Asa Baker of Midwest Infrastructure Coatings to explore innovative approaches to manhole rehabilitation. Asa breaks down the advantages of protective polyurea coatings, highlighting how they save municipalities significant time and costs compared to traditional manhole replacement. With insights into the science behind their durable materials and real-world applications, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for municipal leaders.

Whether you're looking to extend the life of aging infrastructure, reduce costs, or implement proactive maintenance strategies, this episode provides the knowledge you need. Don’t miss the discussion on cutting-edge solutions that can safeguard your city’s sewer systems and optimize your resources. Listen now!

Have you ever wondered how to keep your city’s sewer system running smoothly and avoid costly backups? In this episode of OMAG All Access, Josh Pandian from Key Equipment & Supply and OMAG’s own Randy Jacox discuss the essential tools, technology, and strategies every municipality needs for sewer system maintenance.

From the importance of system mapping and jetter equipment to the value of camera inspections, Josh and Randy break down practical solutions for cities of any size. Learn how preventive maintenance, the right equipment, and systematic cleaning programs can reduce sewer issues by up to 85% while extending the life of your infrastructure.

If you’re looking to save time and money and avoid messy problems down the road, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and equip your city with the knowledge to manage its sewer systems effectively.

Learn more at www.omag.org.

In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Bill Tackett is joined by Mike Carter, the City Manager of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, who recently spoke at the OMAG Law Enforcement Showcase about the creation of a transformative "policing plan." This plan, developed under Mike’s leadership as the former police chief, has played a key role in fostering trust and transparency between the Sand Springs Police Department and its community.

Mike shares the story behind the plan, its evolution, and its impact on both the department and public relations. Mike provides valuable insights on how other municipalities can implement a similar approach, from addressing lessons learned after Ferguson to collaborating with officers, the city council, and the public. Tune in for a deep dive into proactive policing, community engagement, and how building a living, evolving document can strengthen relationships within your community.

For more information on how OMAG can assist your municipality, visit www.omag.org.

In this episode, OMAG Law Enforcement Specialist Kevin Katz chats with Mike Antu and John Massey from Lexipol, along with OMAG Associate General Counsel Ambre Gooch. They discuss Lexipol policies and Daily Training Bulletins (DTBs), which are valuable resources OMAG offers to its members at no cost. Lexipol’s policies are up-to-date with both constitutional and state laws, and they’re designed to reduce liability for law enforcement, improve department operations, and strengthen community relationships. 

With the rise in law enforcement claims and costs, OMAG members’ use or non-use of Lexipol policies and DTBs could impact their premiums, deductibles, or participation in OMAG’s General Liability Plan in the future. 

That’s why OMAG has pinpointed certain Lexipol policies that we expect our members to incorporate into their police manuals. By doing so, departments ensure they’re following constitutional guidelines, and their officers are regularly trained on those policies, helping to reduce liability. 

 In this episode of OMAG All Access, host Suzie Paulson sits down with McAlester City Manager Dave Andren and Public Information Officer Adrian O'Hanlon to discuss the comprehensive report they've developed for the city and its officials.

Tune in as Dave and Adrian share insights into the purpose behind the report, how it was crafted to meet the unique needs of McAlester, and the key recommendations for driving progress in their community. From policy updates to strategies for city improvement, this episode provides a deep dive into how local government can enhance transparency and collaboration. 

In the event of a critical incident, timely and proper reporting to OMAG is essential. The following situations require immediate notification to ensure appropriate response and support:

• Officer Involved Shooting
• Death in Custody
• Cyber Attack or Breach
• Workplace Fatality
• Use-of-Force Resulting in Injury

In this episode, Ambre Gooch and Kyle Waid discuss these topics and why it's important to call OMAG immediately. Learn more at www.omag.org.

 Hosted by Bill Tackett, OMAG's Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, this episode features special guests William Sheppard, OMAG’s Risk Management Director, and Kevin Katz, OMAG Law Enforcement Specialist.

Listen as they  delve into upcoming events and training sessions that OMAG is hosting, including the Sanitary Sewer Expo and the LELA Training Series. Discover how these initiatives are designed to enhance your skills, improve your community’s infrastructure, and ensure the safety and well-being of your municipality. Tune in to stay informed and get the most out of what OMAG has to offer.

Learn more at www.omag.org

On this episode of OMAG All Access, join OMAG Director of Risk Management, William Sheppard, as he sits down with Toye Waid from Consolidated Benefits Resources (CBR). Discover how CBR is crucial in helping OMAG streamline Workers' Comp claims. 

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

Years of academic research and on-the-ground experience have shown us that effective active bystandership can be taught. The Center for Innovations in Community Safety, partnering with global law firm Sheppard Mullin, has created ABLE* (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) to prepare officers to successfully intervene to prevent harm and to create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention.

ABLE is a national hub for training, technical assistance, and research, all with the aim of creating a police culture in which officers routinely intervene—and accept interventions—as necessary to:

• Prevent misconduct,
• Avoid police mistakes, and
• Promote officer health and wellness.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org/able

Online learning offers a versatile and accessible avenue for education, breaking barriers of time, distance, and resources. Its value lies in its flexibility, allowing learners to access a wide array of courses and materials from anywhere with an internet connection. Learn about the work the OMAG Risk Management Team is doing to provide valuable, relevant online learning from Risk Management Director William Sheppard.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org

Join OMAG’s Professional Development & Training Analyst Lori Mueller as she interviews Oklahoma Municipal HR Expo Keynote Speaker, Wes Martin from Grovity Leadership about Knowing and Living your Why.

Listeners can expect to gain a greater sense of clarity and how to live and work with enhanced intent and impact. Wes also shares a simple framework for putting in words your why so that it becomes easier.

 Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

In episode 63, Monica Coleman and Ambre Gooch, two of OMAG’s attorneys, engage in an insightful conversation, shedding light on a myriad of HR-related value-added services OMAG offers its members free of charge.

 Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

In episode 62, OMAG’s Law Enforcement Specialist Kevin Katz and Associate General Counsel Ambre Gooch discuss how a municipality can help a school district through the assignment of a municipal law enforcement officer as a school resource officer.

 Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

In episode 61, Jeff Bryant and Ambre Gooch, two of OMAG’s attorneys, discuss some of the value-added services the Legal Department at OMAG provides OMAG members. In particular, Jeff answers questions posed to him about municipal budgeting and the Oklahoma Open Records Act.  

 Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

On episode 60 of the OMAG All Access podcast, join Kip Prichard and Jerry Summers as they explore the ins and outs of Midwest City's big trash collection program, a community initiative that's more than just about getting rid of unwanted items. We'll take you behind the scenes to understand how the program operates, its impact on the environment, and the convenience it brings to the residents.

Learn more at www.omag.org

In Episode 59 of OMAG All Access, Bill Tackett interviews OMAG's Professional Training & Development Analyst, Lori Mueller about the gift of feedback.

If you've ever felt nervous about giving someone feedback, you're not alone. Most people have some anxiety around it and have never been taught how to give feedback effectively. Though feedback is an important element of personal and professional success. In this podcast, learn the value of effective feedback and tools to help you organize your thoughts to provide genuine, honest feedback.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org

This episode of OMAG All Access, hosted by Bill Tackett and featuring OMAG Law Enforcement Specialists Billy Carter and Jason DeLonais, explores the world of Lexipol Training for municipal police officers and discovers how OMAG's extraordinary commitment offers this essential training for free to its members.

Join us as we uncover the critical role of updated policies, procedures, and community trust-building in shaping top-tier law enforcement professionals.

Learn more by visiting www.omag.org.

This episode, hosted by Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, Bill Tackett, features an interview with Lori Mueller, Professional Development & Training Analyst about the OMAG Municipal Front-line Leader Academy. A program designed to help Oklahoma’s municipal leaders build leadership strength, stability, and consistency.

For more information, please visit www.omag.org.