In the Spring of 2022 prior to the Tornado, the City of Seminole began the grant process for new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) for City of Seminole Buildings. Sharon Emmitt, Director of Community Development for the City, spearheaded the project. Her direct efforts resulted in the Reynolds Wellness Center (RWC) receiving over $400,000 in new HVAC units. The bid called for the installation of five units with 68 combined tons.

“It is always exciting to find a grant that benefits our city. This grant was through the Department of Commerce, in an effort to make sure our public indoor spaces have the best possible air quality. This not only helps reduce the spread of coronavirus, but also other illnesses such as influenza (flu A and flu B),” Emmitt said. The City was also able to purchase COVID test kits, antibacterial machine sprayers and several building air sanitizers and ionizers with the funds.

The Seminole Community Wellness Facility Authority reached out to experts in the field to help prioritize a plan for HVAC replacement. It was determined that we would first replace our more troubling units, specifically those which required more maintenance than others. Secondly, we would replace those in areas that didn’t have a back-up air or heating source.

After months of planning and orchestration of the bid process, Jackson Mechanical Services from Oklahoma City received the bid. After several weeks of measuring, planning delivery, fabricating curbing for five new units and working with multiple sub-contractors, the day arrived for delivery.

On Thursday, the 165 ton crane from TNT Crane and Rigging arrived. After hours of preparation in moderate winds the process began. Following a late evening rain delay the project was complete. The safety crew used only 165 feet of the boom and a 23-ton counter weight to get all five units in place.

“First and foremost, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the City of Seminole, Seminole Community Wellness Authority, Jackson Mechanical Services, and everyone who had a role in the process,” said Matt Pollock, Executive Director of the Reynolds Wellness Center.

The Reynolds Wellness Center celebrated her 12th anniversary last December. “The Reynolds Wellness Center continues to be a vibrant part of our community,” Director Pollock stated. “Our recovery from the pandemic remains strong, as evidenced by our 2,663 active memberships. We value each and every one of our members and are grateful for the 5,534 monthly check-ins we have received since the beginning of the year.”