Webco Industries to relocate Corporate Headquarters to former Rader Juvenile Center site in Sand Springs

The Sand Springs City Council authorized the sale of the former Rader Juvenile Detention Center to Webco Industries Monday evening, and approved the creation of a Review Committee to create a plan for a possible Tax Increment District.

The Sand Springs Economic Development Authority (SSEDA) has agreed to sell 48 acres to one of Sand Springs’ biggest employers, allowing the company to create a new leadership campus on the site.

Webco’s corporate headquarters is located in Sand Springs, as is the Southwest Tube and the Star Center Tube manufacturing facilities. Other Oklahoma locations include manufacturing plants in Kellyville and Mannford, and a distribution facility in Tulsa.

The company employs approximately 1,300 individuals nationwide and recently celebrated 50 years of operations by holding a festival at Case Community Park in Sand Springs, in which the public was invited. Webco employs 150 individuals at their corporate office, 250 at Southwest Tube, and 217 at Star Center Tube. The company generated over $500 million in revenue last year.

Webco previously purchased the 154 acres adjacent to the Rader facilities in 2012, which then housed the disused Hissom Memorial Center. Hissom was a state-run institution for individuals with developmental disabilities that was forced to shut down in 1994. When Webco purchased the property they constructed the 400,000 square foot Star Center manufacturing facility.

The City has previously created two different Tax Increment Districts. The first time was to incentivize Walmart to open their current north-side store. The second location was the Hissom site purchased by Webco. Webco has invested over $80 million in the Hissom site, and created over 150 jobs.

According to City Councilman and SSEDA Chairman Phil Nollan, “the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is to help support infrastructure, development of the site, organizational costs, stormwater systems, and industrial roads,” and to re-open an existing railroad crossing that has been disused since Rader closed. Webco is requesting up to $3.6 million in tax incentive.

The new facility will be called the F. William Weber Center for Leadership and will house the Webco Technology Center, Webco University, and eventually the Corporate Headquarters. This will not only preserve the existing 150 corporate jobs, but will allow Webco to continue to grow and invest in the Sand Springs community.

Before the TID is created, a Review Committee consisting of government and citizen representatives will be formed to provide recommendations and input on the proposed project plan. There will be one City Council representative, one Planning Commission representative, one Tulsa County representative, one Tulsa County Health Department representative, one Sand Springs Public Schools representative, one Tulsa Technology Center representative, one Tulsa Community College representative, one Tulsa City-County Library representative, and three representatives of the public at large, who will be appointed by City Council.

The Review Committee and the Planning Commission will both review the proposed project plan and make recommendations to City Council. Monday night’s resolution also authorized the City to enter into a Project Cost Advancement and Eligibility Agreement with Webco as project developer.

Webco has agreed to advance cost of up to $65,000.00 for professional services relating to the preparation, review, consideration, and possible approval of the project plan.

In other news:

Council unanimously approved a renewal of a memorandum of understanding with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office for third party reporting in line with the the Prison Rape Elimination Act. SSPD handles all sexual assault reports of Tulsa County inmates to ensure accountability.

Council unanimously approved final payment of $97,120.00 to Play By Design for installing new playground surfaces in Case Community Park, which was heavily damaged by flooding in May of 2019.

Council unanimously approved a resolution disclaiming any interest in lawsuits surrounding a new pipeline. Phillips 66 has filed three condemnation actions against landowners whose properties are along the pipeline route. Because the City of Sand Springs owns easements on the properties, the City is named as a defendant and has a right to respond to the suits, but is declining the opportunity.

Council unanimously approved specific use permits for two Medical Marijuana Processing Facilities at the Morrow Gill Business Park. The businesses are Rarextracts, LLC and Oklahoma Infusions Inc.

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing bidding for a new Sand Springs Municipal Lake Dam at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Gold Course. The existing dam was last upgraded 45 years ago, and the lake is crucial for irrigating the property. The resolution also authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to accept a bid, award a contract, and sign all relevant documents.

Council unanimously authorized City staff to apply for a grant from the FFY2023 Surface Transportation Program (STP) Urbanized Area funds. If the grant is awarded, the City plans to do a new asphalt overlay on 41st Street between 129th West Avenue and 69th West Avenue. The project has an estimated value of $3,192,099.00 and the City is requesting 71.7% or $2,288,920.00 from the STP.

Council unanimously approved a Maintenance Agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the new stoplight at the intersection of Highway 97 and Huskey Avenue. 

Council unanimously approved an amendment to an existing agreement with Craig and Keithline, Inc. for design and planning work in the Sheffield Crossing development. The total contract amounts to $268,752.00.

Council unanimously approved several appointments to various boards and committees. Debbie Nobles and Steve Clem were appointed to five year terms on the Museum Trust Authority. Steve Lang, Kenny Tate, Ryan Walker, and Brent Kellogg were appointed to the Economic Development Authority. 

Council unanimously approved a partnership between the Fire Department and Sand Springs Public Schools. The SSFD will offer an eight-week internship program to Charles Page High School students that will count for course credit and provide valuable on-the-job training in the field.