City Council approves measures related to infrastructure and development

/

Sand Springs City Manager Elizabeth Gray provided an update on the Sheffield Crossing Development Infrastructure Construction project at Monday evening’s City Council meeting.

The City purchased 18 acres of Highway 97 frontage from OmniTrax in December of 2017, on the former site of the Sheffield Steel Mill, with the intent of constructing a commercial development. City leaders hope to attract a large lumber/hardware store as an anchor for the Sheffield Crossing development.

Craig & Keithline Inc. has developed the initial infrastructure package, including an entry roadway, traffic signals, and storm and water facilities.

Two new traffic signals will be installed on Highway 97 as part of the project. One will be located at the entrance to Sheffield Crossing, and one will be located at the future intersection of the Main Street expansion. That intersection will join Main Street and Highway 97 with the new road planned along the top of the levee in Case Community Park.

Council approved a resolution waiving competitive bidding for certain traffic signal components for the development. The project deadline has already been pushed and the City hopes to save a few weeks on the delivery and installation of the traffic signal poles by purchasing them directly.

Gray commented that the massive piles of demolition rubble currently on the site will be used as filler within the development.

A representative from the City financial department gave an update on capital projects for fiscal year 2019-2020. The Capital Projects Fund will see an increase of $9.6 million in new funding, allocated to the following projects…

  • $50,000 Golf Course Pond Improvements

  • $15,000 Downtown Tree and Sidewalk Replacements

  • $10,000 River West ROW Mowing Contract

  • $100,000 Municipal Building Remodel - Furnishings & Equipment

  • $16,000 Municipal Building Badge System Replacement

  • $7,000 Sheffield Crossing Design Costs

  • $100,000 Traffic Signal Upgrades (Highway 97 Coordination Timing)

  • $25,000 Roadway Striping

  • $10,000 Project Design Assistance

  • $30,000 Speed Humps

  • $400,000 Sheffield Crossing Boulevard

  • $780,000 Street Overlays

  • $550,000 HWY 97T Rehab (Design and Construction)

  • $435,000 81st Weset Avenue Trail Connector (Design and Construction)

  • $100,000 Pratt Interceptor (32nd Street)

  • $20,000 Broadway WL Replacement (Main to Washington)

  • $150,000 WTP Improvements

  • $150,000 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements (Pumps)

  • $318,000 Highway 97 12” Water Ling

  • $850,000 Sheffield Crossing Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

  • $250,000 SRWCS One-Way Tank

  • $300,000 Charles Page Water BPS Upgrade

  • $300,000 East 41st Street Water BPS Upgrade

  • $150,000 Wastewater Treatment Plant VFD Upgrade

  • $50,000 Arc Flash Electrical Safety Improvements (SRWCS, WTP, WWTP)

  • $250,000 Diamondhead Tank Rehab

  • $30,000 Airport Construction Fund

  • $20,000 Fueling Thermal Upgrades

  • $15,000 Ray Brown Park Stormwater Detention

  • $1.35 million Sheffield Crossing Stormwater Infrastructure

  • $41,000 Golf Course Improvements

  • $140,000 New police vehicles

  • $50,000 Downtown Street Overlays

  • $75,500 Case Park Levee Roadway

  • $250,000 Golf Course Renovations

In other news:

SEE RELATED: City Council approves permits for two new Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Council approved a resolution declaring the City’s intent to apply for a Community Development Block Grant from Tulsa County Community Development Urban County funds. The City expects to be allocated approximately $94,748 which will be used for a water line replacement project from 4th Street through 6th Street on Lincoln Avenue. The City will be replacing 980 linear feet of 4” cast iron line with 8” PVC line.

One of the conditions for receiving CDBG funds is that recipients must implement an action to further fair housing. To comply, Council unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming April 2019 as Fair Housing Month.

Council unanimously approved $46,769 for the purchase of park amenities from Happy Playgrounds. The funds will provide for five park benches, 30 trash can sets, and 14 picnic tables for Case Park. $6,354 will come from the existing Case Park Project fund, and $40,415 will come from the remaining 2014 GO Bond funds.

Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming Dilapidation Public Nuisance administrative hearing findings for buildings at 104 North Franklin Avenue, 810 1/2 North Franklin Avenue, 313 North Industrial Avenue, and 704 1/2 North Washington Avenue. The resolution authorizes the City to demolish the buildings on or after May 13, 2019 at the expense of the property owner.

Council unanimously approved an expenditure of $5,250 to We B Trees for stump grinding and the planting of five trees in the downtown Triangle District. The funds will be taken from the General Fund Economic Development-Marketing budget.

Council unanimously approved the Final Plat for a single-family gated subdivision on nine acres South of 51st Street and East of Skylane Drive. The Villas at Stone Creek Estates will include 39 lots on two blocks.

Council unanimously approved the appointment of Justin Tockey to the Sand Springs Development Authority for an unexpired term to July 2021. Tockey is a Charles Page High School graduate and U.S. Navy veteran. He has experience as a Development Officer for a Methodist non-profit and is currently pursuing a certification in Financial Planning. He is an active member of the Sand Springs Rotary Club, and has previously participated in the Sertoma Club and the American Legion.

Council unanimously approved the selection of Daniel Bradley as the 2019 recipient of the John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. Bradley retired in 2018 after 38 years with the City. He spend 35 years at the Police Department, working his way up to Chief of Police before transitioning to Assistant City Manager. The award has been presented annually since 2003.

Council unanimously approved an amendment to a Franchise Agreement with CoxCom, LLC for E-911 services. The City has a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Cox for cable services, and the City collects a 5% franchise fee of approximately $220,000 per year. The amendment will provide an extension to the existing agreement for an additional five years.

Council unanimously approved the use of public funds for the following:

  • $2,100 for participation in the Oklahoma Municipal League Conference.

  • $1,310 for participation in the Mayors Council of Oklahoma.

  • $250 for participation in the OneVoice Day at the State Capitol.

  • $360 for participation in Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forums.

  • $250 for participation in Oklahoma Municipal League Day at the Capitol.

  • $1,500 for participation in the Mayoral Council of Oklahoma Board Meetings in Oklahoma City.

  • $3,500 for participation in the Tulsa Metro Chamber Washington D.C. Fly-In.

  • $2,200 to cover administrative expenses for Council/Administrative Workshops and the City Budget Fair.

  • $800 to cover City Manager/City Council Lunch Meetings.

  • $2,000 for membership in the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce.

  • $3,000 for membership in the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce.

  • $535 for membership in the Homebuilders Association.

  • $4,000 for membership in the Indian Nations Council on Government Coalition of Tulsa Area Government.

  • $16,000 for membership in the Oklahoma Municipal League.

  • $500 for membership in the Mayoral Council of Oklahoma.

  • $1,000 for miscellaneous membership dues.

City Calendar:
3/30 Keystone Ancient Forest Open Hike Day
4/4-4/7 Sand Springs Community Theater presents - Aladdin
4/6 Keystone Ancient Forest Hike With Your Dog Day
4/13 30th Annual Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival
5/3 Friday Flicks Outdoor Movies - The Incredibles 2
5/3-5/4 9th Annual OK 100-Mile Yard Sale Tour