By Donna Hales and D.E. Smoot
Muskogee’s mayor said accepting the use of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado provided by a local auto dealer was a mistake.
Mayor John Tyler Hammons returned the truck he has driven since about July 3 to Lake Country Chevrolet and Cadillac on Wednesday. Hammons’ decision to return the truck came after he heard about an encounter during which a city employee was told the mayor advised the dealership to disregard code enforcement efforts.
Hammons, who denied the allegation, said he received the pickup as part of a pre-employment arrangement under which he was to begin selling cars for Lake Country.
“It was a mistake in judgment on my part — I should have done a little bit of research,” said Hammons, who acknowledged the arrangement may have created the appearance of impropriety. “I agree it could be seen that way, yes. I make the pledge to the people of Muskogee I will be better.”
Hammons presented a copy of an application for a license to sell cars dated July 2 as proof of the employment agreement. Hammons would have received a commission for every vehicle he helped sell at Lake Country Chevrolet once his license was approved by the state. Hammons also provided a document on Lake Country letterhead stating the company agreed to furnish Hammons with a demonstration vehicle.
The vehicle agreement, also dated July 2, stipulated that Hammons was to insure the vehicle, and Lake Country would provide a dealer tag. Hammons signed the statement, agreeing to return the vehicle and tag at Lake Country’s request.
Hammons said he has done no work for Lake Country for which he believes compensation is due. Hammons said he has yet to receive word from the state about whether his application to sell cars was approved. Hammons said he ended the pre-employment agreement Wednesday with Lake Country.
“There were just too many discrepancies (with the code enforcement encounter), and I didn’t want to be associated with it.”
Planning Director Gary Garvin said the encounter between Lake Country and code enforcement occurred Tuesday as city officials were asking local auto dealers to remove cars that were parked on the grass or on the rights of way of city streets.
Garvin said a Lake Country representative told a code enforcement officer Hammons had advised the company to disregard inquiries or concerns about city zoning laws that forbid property owners from parking on grassy areas.
Hammons denied offering such advice, and the representative said to have made the comment denied knowledge of the alleged conversation.
Garvin said it is illegal to park on the grass.
“It is a parking violation we have been addressing on and off during the past couple of years,” Garvin said. “During one conversation, Greg Woods (of Lake Country) told them (code enforcement) the mayor had advised them it wasn’t illegal to park the cars on the grass.”
Woods denied knowledge of any such conversation with code enforcement or Hammons. The mayor, however, said Wednesday he told Woods to comply with city officials should they come knocking.
“I said if code enforcement comes or police, whatever they say to do, you do,” Hammons said. “The ordinance will be enforced as it reads.”
With regard to the free use of the truck, Hammons said he believes the arrangement was above board, but conceded the deal may have created the appearance of impropriety.
“I wasn’t hiding it,” Hammons said of the pickup, which was rear-ended by another vehicle Tuesday night while he was at the wheel. “The city knew about it.”
City Attorney Frank Medearis said in his research he found nothing illegal about Hammons driving the vehicle. City code prohibits city officials from accepting gifts or services from any entity that directly or indirectly does business with the city.
“Lake Country Chevrolet does not do business with the city of Muskogee,” Medearis said. “The mayor told me effective today he is no longer associated with Lake Country Chevrolet or receiving any benefits from them.”
Hammons said he plans to use this situation to strengthen the city’s code of ethics.
