October 2025
General updates
OMES Capital Assets Management is happy to share the October edition of the CAM Newsletter – highlighting developments from our six departments and bringing you the latest news regarding Oklahoma's assets.
Please note that, moving forward, deferred maintenance updates will be covered in the Construction and Properties section of this newsletter.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the CAM team. Not sure who to reach out to? Review the CAM Service Map, linked under Resources to the right, to find quick-access contacts for every department.
Resources
Surplus
Professional moving services available for a fraction of the cost of contractors
Surplus is proud to provide reliable, cost-effective relocation solutions for agencies across the State of Oklahoma. On Oct. 13, we partnered with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), who shared the following positive feedback about their experience with our service:
"Oklahoma DRS recently worked with OMES CAM Surplus services to move furniture for our unit, and the entire process was excellent from start to finish," said Lori Hurst, rehabilitation technician III. "The scheduling process was simple, and our point of contact was extremely helpful throughout. The moving team arrived on time, was very polite, and went above and beyond to ensure DRS was completely satisfied once the job was done. Our move involved many logistical details, and OMES handled everything with professionalism and care."
If you're interested in Surplus' moving services, complete our request form to initiate the process.
Real Estate and Leasing Services
Clara Belle's Cafe now open at the State Capitol Building
Clara Belle's Cafe has officially opened its doors in the Capitol! Owner and operator Donna Heins has a lifelong passion for making people happy with great food. It all started when she was a young girl in Lawton, Oklahoma, rolling pastry dough for homemade fried pies to sell at Fort Sill.
Clara Belle’s is a scratch kitchen where Donna and her crew serve flavors from around the world. Donna’s husband, of German heritage, provided the family recipes for the Taste of Germany items, with brats originating from a 165-year-old Wisconsin company. The Taste of the South features the Louisiana muffuletta, her signature sandwich, and other homestyle kitchen favorites. In addition to Italian and Mexican specialty dishes, Clara Belle's offers breakfast items, homemade sides and soups, coffee beverages and teas, and an assortment of sweet treats in the dessert case.
Donna says she got her courage from Gov. George Nigh, whom she met at the Capitol when she was 16 years old, and who told her she could accomplish anything; to her, those words were eternal.
Donna and her crew can’t wait to serve you! Select the button below to preview the menu, and find Clara Belle's on the ground floor of the Capitol next to the gift shop.
Oklahoma Human Services receives thousands in proceeds from utility easements
REALS recently assisted our partners at Oklahoma Human Services in renewing two easements for natural gas pipelines in Enid, resulting in $94,730.85 of realized proceeds to support OKDHS services and operations.
Oklahoma Historical Society agricultural surface lease auction
REALS recently completed a sealed bid auction for a surface lease behind the Spiro Mounds Archeological Center in LeFlore County on behalf of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The five-year lease contract was awarded for $10,501.80.
REALS assists state agencies in maximizing value achieved through the state’s owned and leased real property. To request services or ask a general question, submit a ServiceNow ticket.
Facilities Management
Simplified facility maintenance service
This month, the Office of Facilities Management (OFM) successfully launched a new work order system at all 28 OMES-managed buildings!
Tenants throughout the Capitol Complex can now use the new system to request maintenance for plumbing issues, HVAC problems, water leaks, structural issues, pest control and other concerns. The simplified portal will enhance our ability to provide a safe, comfortable workspace through quality facilities and responsive service.
Flyers with a QR code to easily submit requests have been posted in each building. Additionally, tenants can use the building-specific links below to submit a work request. Please include specific location details, such as floor and/or room numbers, on all service requests.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building's facility manager.
- ABLE Commission Building
- Agriculture Building
- Agriculture Lab
- Attorney General Building
- Lincoln Data Center
- M.C. Connors Building
- Oklahoma Judicial Center
- Oliver Hodge Building
- Sequoyah Building
- State Banking Department Annex
- State Banking Department Building
- State Board of Pharmacy Building
- State Capitol Building
- Transportation Building
- Vezey Veterans Complex
- Will Rogers Building
Parking safety tips
In light of a recent incident involving theft from employee cars in the Capitol Complex, we want to remind you of some important safety tips to help protect your personal belongings. The suspect involved in the recent event has been apprehended, and the stolen valuables have been returned to their owners. However, ongoing vigilance is essential for preventing future incidents.
Before you leave your car
- Lock everything: Secure all doors, windows and sunroofs.
- Take your keys: Never leave the keys in the ignition or hide a key in the car.
- Hide valuables: Keep all valuable items out of sight by placing them in the trunk or glove box before you arrive at your destination.
- Don't leave the car running: Never leave a running vehicle unattended.
- Hide papers: Do not leave mail or documents with personal information out.
When walking in the lot
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings; try to avoid looking at your phone.
- Trust your gut: If you feel something is wrong or someone is following you, go back inside and contact security or the police.
- Walk with purpose: Walk confidently and stay on well-trafficked paths.
Fleet Management
More than 50 state vehicles equipped with AVLs during installation days
Fleet Management is excited to share that our automatic vehicle locator (AVL) installation days, held Oct. 8 and Oct. 22, were a smashing success!
Over the course of two days, we installed new Geotab devices in more than 50 agency vehicles, marking a significant step in complying with Executive Order 2025-03.
Thank you to all our agency partners who dedicated the time to participate.
To learn more about Geotab and find opportunities to get it installed in your agency's fleet, visit our AVL informational webpage.
Winter is coming! Prepare your fleet for colder conditions
Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.
As cooler temperatures approach, we recommend checking your agency's vehicles for the following:
- Low-temperature window washer fluid
- Ice scrapers
- Tires
- Batteries
Visit the Fleet webpage for more winter driving tips and information!
Construction and Properties
Deferred maintenance status
This month, the team is preparing for our next round of projects to begin at the quad buildings adjacent to the State Capitol Building. These projects are expected to kick off in November and December. Concurrently, we continue to manage multiple projects.
Active projects
At the Agriculture Building, work continues on the electrical system and Phase 5 of the lighting, ceiling grids, variable air volume drives and air handler unit projects.
At the Denver Davison Building, work is underway on the electrical system, east entryway and elevators. Additionally, the electrical system, elevators and air handler units are still under construction at the Transportation Building.
Coming soon
Air handler units are slated to be replaced at the Will Rogers and Sequoyah buildings. At the Oliver Hodge and M.C. Connors buildings, work will begin shortly on the air handler units as well as the electrical and fire suppression systems.
Active project updates
Jim Thorpe Building
The Jim Thorpe Building project is progressing as planned, with many key systems and components completed this month.
Construction progress
Plumbing, vent and supply piping is complete, as are the roof terrace structure and concrete deck. Additionally, the mechanical ducting and hydronic piping have been pressure tested, and the major mechanical equipment is ready for startup. Many systems, including the electrical, framing and fire suppression systems, are nearing completion.
Upcoming
In the coming months, the installation of the ceramic tile, carpeting and millwork will begin. Additionally, discussions are in progress with a final potential tenant to lease the remaining basement space. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board space is 50% designed.
Completion of the project is scheduled for August 2026, though select areas of the building are on track to be completed ahead of schedule.
Kelley Building
Demolition is complete in the annex and main building, making way for a new and improved space. Work continues on the annex mechanical, electrical and framing systems.
Completion of the renovation is scheduled for August 2026. When complete, the main building will serve as office space for state agencies, and the annex will serve as a day care facility for state employees.
National Guard Arch and Park
Construction has officially begun on the 45th Division National Guard Arch and Park on the State Capitol grounds! Crews have installed fencing and are now clearing the site to prepare the monument's foundation.
This project, created by House Bill 4012 during the 2024 legislative session, aims to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s National Guard service members and provide a space of remembrance for visitors of the People’s House.
Central Printing and Interagency Mail
Jon Paulk's retirement: Celebrating 43 years of state service
As the enterprise manager of Central Printing, Jon Paulk has set a high standard of craft and care, and his expertise and leadership will truly be missed as he enters retirement. He is held in the highest regard for his 43 years of service in state government, and we extend our best wishes to him in his new chapter. Read more about his impact from the people who know him best – the Central Printing and Interagency Mail team:
"I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Jon," said Kathy Kugler, deputy enterprise manager. "Jon focuses on keeping the customers happy while also running the shop as efficiently as possible. But he has been more than just a boss; he has been a mentor, a guide and at times, a compassionate ear. I consider myself lucky to know him. I don't want to get all sentimental but he's just a genuine, good guy. I can't thank him enough; he will be missed."
"I have been at Central Printing with Jon for over 22 years now and we haven’t always agreed on everything, but it has been absolutely amazing to see the growth and patience he’s acquired over time, while still remaining steadfast in his core beliefs and mission," said Elvinn Tillman, reproduction manager. "While Jon is always focused on productivity, he never misses an opportunity to lighten the mood with his famous jokes. His work ethic and can-do attitude have been a great example for everyone at the shop. He will be missed, and I wish him the best in his new season of life!"
"Central Printing and Interagency Mail have benefitted so much from Jon's time here," said Thomas Weems, customer service supervisor. "He's not only an excellent leader, but he's an excellent person. Jon cares about the people here, what we do, and how we benefit the rest of the state. He's been a constant source of knowledge and humor for all of us. I am thankful for spending the past six years of my career with Jon. His retirement is well earned!"
Employee spotlight
Paul Haley, chief architect
You know him, you love him! This month, we're excited to highlight a valued member of our Construction and Properties team – Paul Haley!
Paul is an exemplary member of our team and has been with OMES before it was even OMES. Starting as an architect in 2005 with the Department of Central Services, Paul has climbed the ladder, taking on additional responsibility and overseeing pivotal projects across the State of Oklahoma. You may be wondering what have been his favorite projects to work on. According to Paul, his top five are the Oklahoma Judicial Center, State Capitol Restoration, Attorney General Building, Illinois Scenic River Restoration and the Office of Judicial Affairs Next Generation Campus.
His favorite part about working for CAP is the variety of projects and the team's culture and commitment.
Paul began working in commercial construction in middle school and continued through his college graduation. He has been a licensed architect for over 29 years and has designed buildings for a variety of industries.
"Even as a professional architect, my best efforts come when I don’t take myself too seriously and acknowledge that I must be an amateur every time," said Paul.
When he's not working on architecture, he enjoys gardening, cooking, fishing, music, writing and finding the humor in life.
Thank you for your dedication to serving those who serve Oklahomans!
