The City of Sand Springs is pleased to announce the appointment of their new Fire Chief, Justin Hall. Chief Hall moves into the position after an internal process that was conducted upon the retirement of Fire Chief Mike Wood.
Read MoreThe Sand Springs Fire Department performed a successful water rescue late Sunday night, retrieving a stranded boat with a single passenger.
The boat’s pilot claims to have put into the Arkansas River before daylight Sunday morning and was stranded for most of the day. The 74-year-old man was without a cellular phone and his plight was reported by a third party who spotted him on the water.
The pilot says he recently purchased the boat and it was his first time putting it in the water. The vehicle began having motor problems early on and ultimately stalled out and partially flooded.
According to Captain Shelby Baughn, the Tulsa Police Department helicopter was unavailable to provide assistance, and the Tulsa Fire Department was called in to help. However, the Sand Springs rescue boat located the stranded vessel shortly before TFD arrived and the flooded boat was hauled out of the water just before midnight.
The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution to begin the Morrow Road Widening Project at their Monday evening regular meeting.
Council awarded the $1.407 million bid to Crossland Heavy Contractors. The existing two-lane asphalt section of Morrow Road between Highway 97 and Broad Street will be completely removed, the sanitary sewer main will be relocated, and a new three-lane road will be constructed with a central turn lane. The City hopes to have the project completed in time for the opening of the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center in the Spring of 2019.
The new public safety facility is under construction in the 400 block of West Morrow Road in the Sheffield Crossing development. It will be approximately 40,000 square feet and will house Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Jail, Emergency Operations Center and 911 Communications operations.
Council also approved a contract with GH2 Architects for the remodel design and conceptual master planning of the current Sand Springs Municipal Building in the downtown Triangle District, and for construction oversight of the project. The Municipal Building will continue to house administrative, financial, human resources, marketing, planing and zoning, and other departments.
In Other News:
Council unanimously voted in favor of an honorary street naming in recognition of Webco Industries founder, William Weber. Webco is the largest employer in Sand Springs.
Council unanimously approved the installation of tower grounding and antenna systems for the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Total Radio Inc. will execute the project for $34,644.
Council unanimously voted to purchase a 2017 Peterbilt 348 Series dump truck in the amount of $117,000.
Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending licensing requirements for sale of alcoholic beverages.
Council unanimously approved the use of the 2018 Community Development Block Grant for a project in Ray Brown Park. The $94,748.11 grant will be used for a paved walking trail through the park from 10th Street to 6th Street, as well as a swing set and ADA-accessible playground equipment.
The City of Sand Springs held a grand opening ceremony for their new Fire Station 2 facility Saturday afternoon in Prattville. The station is located at 4347 South 113th Avenue West.
HillSpring Church Pastor Brent Kellogg provided a blessing for the building and several key government officials attended and spoke at the ceremony.
The building replaced an older facility on the same location. The previous building was a sort of Frankenstein’s Monster, having been remodeled and expanded several times over the decades. The roof leaked, the quarters were small, there was only one communal bathroom, and the fire trucks couldn’t even get in and out anytime there was snow on the ground. The project was funded by an October 2015 sales tax initiative.
“It’s just a building at the end of the day, but it represents one heck of a fire department,” said former International Association of Fire Chiefs President Thomas Jenkins, who headed the Sand Springs department before current Chief Mike Wood.
“The building behind me is probably the most significant investment in public safety in this community in about three decades,” said Jenkins. It will only hold that honor for a few months, however, as the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center is currently under construction north of the river. That building will house the City’s police and fire departments, as well as municipal courts.
According to Wood, the $1.66 million facility was completed $22,000 under budget. The building is only 640 square feet bigger than the old facility, but the layout is purpose-built and single story.
Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs Fire Department will host a Grand Opening celebration of the newly constructed Fire Station No. 2 on Saturday, September 22. This event will take place at 4201 South 113th W. Avenue in Sand Springs, beginning with a presentation and speakers at 12 noon followed by a ribbon cutting at approximately 12:45 p.m. Members of the media and the general public are invited to attend.
Following those ceremonies, the public is invited to enjoy tours of the new fire station, FREE hot dogs and children’s activities (including inflatables) at the station until 4 p.m. Fire Chief Mike Wood and his staff are excited to share this state of the art public facility and invites families to meet their neighborhood firefighter.
“We’re looking forward to meeting some of the citizens of Sand Springs again to not only share with them our appreciation for their support of this new facility, but to also offer tours of the station and meet some of our firefighters,” stated Chief Wood.
The new facility was funded through a Sand Springs Public Safety Tax, which dedicates funding support for facilities such as the new fire station but also for critical equipment for both police and fire. With public improvements such at this, the City continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in the community and improving public safety.
“Fire stations like these only come along once every few decades for any community”, stated City Manager Elizabeth Gray, “and we are eager to show the citizens the results of their support and the well thought out professional design and construction that went into this new facility. We’re pleased to show them the added safety value for surrounding neighborhoods and the larger Sand Springs community.”
Sand Springs Fire Department staff moved into the facility on July 23 and began operations there immediately. The older station was demolished shortly afterwards.
The Sand Springs Municipal Authority unanimously voted Monday evening to move forward with plans for a partnership with the Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Sand Springs will lease the old Public Works facility at 109 North Garfield to the Chamber of Commerce at an amount of $1.00 per year, giving the Chamber room to develop a business incubator in the heart of downtown.
The Chamber will sublet office space to upstart businesses at a rate lower than most downtown office space. They will also provide resources to help young businesses get to a point of profitability that they can eventually move into the large amount of vacant downtown storefronts.
The terms of the agreement allow for either party to cancel the lease with a 90-day written notice for any reason. The City will receive 25% of the sublease revenue, while the Chamber will keep 75% to help with their economic development projects. The City will also receive a quarterly financial report and monthly update on the occupant businesses.
The Chamber will take possession of the building in "as-is" condition and will be doing a self-funded remodel to convert the building for their purposes.
Chamber President Kristin Cepak says it will take the Chamber about nine to twelve months to get the incubator program off the ground. The Chamber is working with The Forge, a curriculum-based certified business incubator in Tulsa, and 36 Degrees North, to create a fully certified program through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
In Other News:
Council authorized City staff to apply for Programming of Tulsa Urbanized Area Transportation Alternative Funds. The City is working to construct a sidewalk along the western side of 81st West Avenue from Tenth Street to Park Road.
Council unanimously passed Ordinance 1321 amending City zoning codes for the potential passage of State Question 788. Should medical or recreational marijuana ever be legalized in the State of Oklahoma, growers, processors, and retailers would have to apply for Specific Use Permits.
Council unanimously passed Ordinance 1322, aligning the City with State statutes regarding underage access to tobacco. The ordinance prohibits possession or sale of vapor products to youth under age 18.
City Council approved a $165,096.00 contract renewal with Superion LLC for financial software.
Council approved a $31,636.80 purchase order to upgrade all City employees to Microsoft Office 2016.
Council approved the purchase of 49 Dell PCs for Police, Fire, and Municipal Court departments in the amount of $37,240.
Council approved supplemental appropriations totaling $1,047,000.00 from the Municipal Authority Water Utility Fund to prefund building, golf course, museum, and park improvements. The water fund will be reimbursed when certain voter-approved bond packages are sold.
Council approved a $29,662.27 service agreement with Motorola Solutions to upgrade Police Department communications systems.
Council approved $107,397.00 for the purchase of three 2018 Ford Police Interceptor SUV units and one 2019 Ford Taurus unmarked detective units.
Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding and $3,214.75 payment to the Indian Nations Council on Government for 9-1-1 mapping and MSAG services.
Council approved $261,708.00 to subsidize EMSA services for the city.
Council approved $47,485.00 to furnish the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center and Fire Station No. 2.
Council accepted a $29,635 bid from Candle Electric for electrical work in Case Community Park. Candle will work to replace buried electrical wiring feeding the roadway lights. They returned the lowest bid out of three companies.
Council approved a final payment of $6,860.00 to Lambert Construction for their work in building a hardened storm shelter at Case Community Center.
Council approved an agreement renewal with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.) in the amount of $33,132.00 for operating the Sand Springs Recycling Program.
Council unanimously appointed Merle Parsons to the Board of Adjustment.
Council unanimously appointed Sharon Weaver to the Sand Springs Development Authority.
Council unanimously appointed Thomas Askew and Paul Shindel to the Planning Commission.
Council declared three residential lots as surplus, authorizing sale for residential development. The lots, located at 301 N Franklin Ave, 307 N Franklin Ave, and 505 W Broadway St, were donated in lieu of payment of liens.
Council approved $394,908.00 for the purpose of replacing Precision Approach Path Indicators and constructing a new Electrical Vault at Pogue Airport.
Conceptual rendering of Bilile A. Hall Public Safety Center by Dewberry Architects.
Conceptual rendering of Bilile A. Hall Public Safety Center by Dewberry Architects.
Left to right: Patty Dixon, Brian Jackson, Beau Wilson, Mike Burdge, Janice Bellew, Larry Stephens, Elizabeth Gray, and John Fothergill break ground on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center.
Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center ground-breaking ceremony.
City Manager Elizabeth Gray speaks at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center ground-breaking ceremony.
Janice Bellew speaks at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center ground-breaking ceremony.
Staff Sergeant Billie Allen Hall.
The City of Sand Springs broke ground on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center Wednesday morning.
The $10.7 million facility will house the north-side police and fire stations, 911 operations, a jail, and court rooms. It will be approximately 40,000 square feet and is located in the Sheffield Crossing development.
The facility is named for Sand Springs native Billie Allen Hall, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1966. A special forces medic, Hall was stationed at Camp A Shau when it was attacked by North Vietnamese regiments. After losing both legs to a mortar strike, Hall refused treatment and instead worked to treat other soldiers and coordinate medical efforts until he succumbed to his injuries. He was 26 years old at the time.
Hall has been honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 and inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2007 the American Legion Post 17 in Sand Springs unanimously voted to rename the Post in his honor, and the organization continually works to have Hall awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. There is also a memorial dedicated to Hall at the local Woodland Cemetery.
Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge invoked President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, quoting, "We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract."
"That's true of this property too," continued Burdge. "Every police officer and firefighter who enters this building will see and know the story of Billie Hall."
Burdge also celebrated the Sand Springs public safety forces, saying "we have one of the best police departments and fire departments in the (Tulsa) Metro Area."
Hall's widow, Janice Bellew, gave a heart-wrenching speech on her lost beloved. "We both grew up in the Widow's Colony...they were the first people we met when we moved in there."
"He would take the shirt off his back to give to anybody or help anybody out," she said through tears.
"He was three years old when his daddy died. My daughter was three years old when he died. It's just hard losing somebody. My daddy was killed in the Navy before I was born so I never got to know him. It's been a hard life for all of us, but you have to carry on.
"I remarried. I've got a son, two great grand kids. So we have a good life, even though I don't have Billie anymore that doesn't mean I've forgotten him. I lived too many years growing up with him."
City Manager Elizabeth Gray spoke briefly, saying "We want to thank the citizens for their vote of confidence that they gave us to do this. We want to thank the fire and police officers for bearing with us as we work to get them a facility they deserve."
Police Chief Mike Carter expects the center to be completed in about a year. City officials have also discussed the possibility of a veterans' memorial on the grounds.
Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle speaks at a regular City Council meeting.
The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday evening and granted Mayor Mike Burdge and City Manager Elizabeth Gray authority to approve various components of the building process at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Because the project has several elements going out for bid separately, the City hopes to expedite the approval of the contracts without having to go before Council each time.
The safety facility will feature a new police station, fire station, emergency dispatch, as well as municipal courts. It will be built in the new Sheffield Crossing development on the southwest corner of the Morrow Road-Highway 97 intersection. City officials hope to break ground on the new facility in January.
Council also authorized Mayor Burdge to sign off on all documents related to the Main Street Reconstruction Project. The City has a 50-50 fund match from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street to its southern terminus. An additional stretch of Main Street will be constructed to connect it to Highway 97 and new traffic lights will be installed at the intersection. An expressway frontage road will be constructed from Main Street to the existing Lincoln Avenue on-ramp.
In other news, City Stormwater Technician Jon Odle gave a presentation regarding ongoing issues with the City stormwater system. According to Odle, the City wastes countless man hours clearing out stormwater drains from illegal dumping such as leaves and grass clippings.
The City affirmed dilapidated public nuisance findings for properties at 2807 South Maple Drive and 918 1/2 North Franklin Avenue. Hearings were held for both properties and neither was contested. A resolution was passed authorizing the demolition of structures on both properties on or after Monday, February 5th with the expenses being the responsibility of the property owners.
The City approved $28,725.00 for the purchase of a new 2018 Dodge Durango SSV for the police department, so that an existing unit can be used by the new Community Development Director. The existing vehicle was expected to be replaced as soon as July of 2019.
The Council approved $7,000 to purchase a Toro Stand On Sprayer. The funds were generated by maintenance fees collected from the Baseball, Soccer, and Softball programs.
Mayor Burdge nominated Judy Treat and Michael Miller for appointments to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority. He also nominated Vicki Sisney and Grady Whitaker for reappointment to the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority. All four candidates were unanimously confirmed.
Members of the Sand Springs Fire Department turn dirt at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
Members of the Sand Springs City Council, City Manager Elizabeth Gray, and Fire Chief Mike Wood turn dirt at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
City Manager Elizabeth Gray speaks at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
Fire Chief Mike Wood speaks at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
Fire Chief Mike Wood speaks at the Fire Station No. 2 Ground-Breaking Ceremony.
Sand Springs City Officials and the Sand Springs Fire Department broke ceremonial ground on a new $1.5 million facility in Prattville Tuesday morning. Builders for the project are contractually required to take no longer than 240 days to complete the new Fire Station No. 2.
"It's a momentous event for us in Sand Springs and me as a Fire Chief," said Mike Wood. "After 21 plus years here, this is a very exciting day."
According to Wood, the existing Fire Station No. 2 was constructed in 1967 after the Harry S. Pratt Family Trust sold the property to the City for $10. Originally the property housed a parking bay for the trucks, and the living quarters weren't added till the 1980s.
The new fire station will be single-story, which Wood says will make it safer for firefighters. "We did suffer one (injury) several years ago on the pole, so we're keeping everything down on a single level. Even though this station has served us well, it was really not purpose-built. Not for the day we live in today and the things we try to do in our job." The new building will also have private shower rooms for the first time, opening the door to potentially hiring the department's first female firefighter in the future.
"For the last several years, we've had pretty major issues with trying to maintain this building," said Wood. "We've had a lot of challenges. As our job changes and our tasks changed, we've added a lot of features to the fire department that just don't fit in a station that was designed in 1966. We physically have to shovel snow out from in front of these bay doors if it snows during the night before we can get a truck out. That's not a good way to operate."
The project is funded via the Vision 2025 Sales Tax Extension, with the land purchased using funds from a 2006 General Obligation Bond passage. The building will be constructed slightly south and east of the current station, allowing the older facility to remain functional until construction is complete.
"It's a tremendous day for Sand Springs," said Wood. "We've got a lot of stuff going on in Sand Springs right now. You hear in the background that QuikTrip is going at full force, Braums is going in down the road. A lot of growth in River West. Hopefully here in just a few weeks we'll be doing a ground breaking on a $10 million facility downtown that will house police and fire. This is all attributed to the citizens of Sand Springs passing those initiatives and helping us build these projects. Some of these are long overdue."
"This has been sort of a long process, but we wanted to do it right and make sure that we build a station that we can be proud of and that will serve our citizens for years to come. I think we've done that."
"Staff did an excellent job of putting this together," said Mayor Mike Burdge. "They all pitched in and helped us sell it to everybody. It's a great project. We're more than just a little bit please with our fire department. We have the best public safety organizations in the metro area, bar none."
The existing Fire Station No. 2 was originally just a truck bay, with the two-story living quarters added on later.
Design plans for new Fire Station.
Left to right: Pastors Todd Nance and Steve Allen present Fire Chief Mike Wood and Police Chief Mike Carter with a donation towards Christmas bonuses for the departments.
The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance presented a check for $4,000 to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood to be used for Christmas bonus checks for the police and fire departments.
Carter spoke on the recent passage of five General Obligation Bond proposals and the wide margins of their approval. Proposal five was the closest vote with 58% in favor. "It was the biggest leap of faith for our community but we think it'll have the biggest payout," said Carter.
SEE RELATED: Sand Springs voters approve new infrastructure and park improvements, economic incentives
Formerly a power plant and fire station, this building could one day be the home of a micro-brewery and restaurant.
Council approved a promissory note between the City of Sand Springs and the Loaded Brewing Company, extending an existing note to March of 2018. The City first issued the note to SpringLoaded Brewery in 2014, allowing the brewery to make property improvements at 221 South Main Street with the goal of purchasing the building and opening a microbrewery/restaurant. The brewery has received five extensions while they continue to look for investors.
A "hardened-room" storm shelter planned for Case Community Center.
Council approved a $45,000 purchase order for parks supplies including benches, park tables, and trash cans. The money will come from a 2014 GO Bond fund.
Council approved a change in zoning for a 39-acre section of land on the north side of 41st Street, immediately next to HillSpring Church. The property was previously zoned commercial and has undergone extensive property improvements to be used as a private residence with agricultural buildings and livestock.
Council approved a $136,000 contract with Lambert Construction Company for construction of a hardened-room (storm shelter) at Case Community Center. Lambert had the lowest of seven bids.
Conceptual rendering for the new Fire Station No. 2 to be built in Prattville.
The City received ten bids for the construction of Fire Station No. 2 and Builders Unlimited of Tulsa was recommended to Council by Chief Wood. The resolution passed unanimously awarding Builders Unlimited a $1.4 million contact.
Council approved a resolution to "adopt a kettle" from Salvation Army. The City will gather volunteers to man a fundraising kettle at Reasor's for a ten-hour shift.
Designs for Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility. (SUBMITTED).
A new Public Safety facility is in the works in Sand Springs and the Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved the naming of the facility as the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility in a regular meeting Monday evening.
Staff Sergeant Billie Allen Hall was born on September 21, 1939 and killed in action on March 9, 1966 in Vietnam when Camp A Shau was assaulted with mortars and small arms fire by two North Vietnamese regiments. Hall was a medic in a company of 143 men sent to relieve the battered camp. Hall ran through the center of the firefight multiple times to assist in dragging the wounded to safety and treating them.
Staff Sergeant Billie Allen Hall. (SUBMITTED).
Hall lost both legs to a mortar strike but refused medical attention and morphine, instead focusing on helping others. He did not allow himself to be moved until he had finished treating other casualties and continued coordinating medical efforts until blood loss caused him to collapse into a coma and eventually die.
Hall is honored on Panel 5E, Line 132 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and is buried in Section 51, Site 946 in Arlington National Cemetery. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 and inducted into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2007 the American Legion Post 17 in Sand Springs unanimously voted to rename the Post in his honor. Legion volunteers are continually working to have Hall awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Design for Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility. (SUBMITTED).
The new facility will be constructed in the 400 block of West Morrow Road in the Sheffield Crossing development. It will be approximately 40,000 square feet and will house Police, Fire, Municipal Court, Jail, Emergency Operations Center and 911 Communications operations.
In the fall of 2015, the City of Sand Springs launched an online survey for residents of Sand Springs. More than 600 individuals responded, representing more than 3% of the population.
43.9% of residents view the image of Sand Springs as Good. 19.7% of residents have a negative view of the City. 44.5% of residents believe non-residents have a Below Average view of the City. 55.4% of residents believe non-residents have a positive image of Sand Springs.
28.4% of residents rank the quality of life in the city as High, 66.9% ranked it as Moderate, and 4.7% ranked it as Low.
79.8% over residents rank the quality of Public Safety as above average. 1.2% rank it as below average. 82.9% of residents are satisfied with Police services in Sand Springs while 1.8% are dissatisfied. 90.6% of residents feel safe while walking alone in their neighborhood. 71.3% of residents feel safe walking in downtown Sand Springs at night.
85.9% of residents are satisfied with Fire response services. 84.9% of residents are satisfied with the Emergency response service provided by the Fire Department.
49.3% of residents would definitely support a funding mechanism to hire additional police and fire personnel. 44.5% would possibly support it, and 6.1% would not support it.
85.4% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for sale. 63.9% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for rent. 81.6% of residents are satisfied with the overall condition of housing.
76.5% of residents have a favorable view of the appearance of downtown. 74.7% of residents are satisfied with the appearance of the business areas outside of downtown.
89.9% of residents sited Additional Retail/Restaurants as the primary development need in Sand Springs. 75.4% of residents listed Hardware/Home Improvement as the top retail need in Sand Springs. 93.2% of residents desire more Sit-down Establishments. 49.3% of residents visit Tulsa to eat very frequently.
46.3% of residents would definitely like to see an increase in establishments providing night life opportunities. 71.1% of residents would definitely support the redevelopment of old industrial areas as something else other than industrial.
47.5% of residents definitely support the construction of the Sand Springs Dam, 43.9% would possibly support it, and 8.6% would not support it. 64.3% of residents would definitely support development of the Arkansas River, 30.9% would possibly support it, and 4.8% would not support it.
51% of residents definitely support a system of city-wide trails, 41.2% would possibly support it, and 7.8% are opposed.
35.9% of residents would like to see additional Residential Development West of town, 31.6% said South of town, 24.4% said North of town, and 8.1% said East of town. 70.3% of residents are in favor of the annexation of additional lands into City Limits. 34.8% of residents support additional multi-family apartment complexes, with 24.9% opposed.
25.7% of residents are dissatisfied with the Sand Springs Parks and Recreational Opportunities. 36.1% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks in Prattville. 33.5% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks on the North side.
73.6% of residents cited a need for the demolition or redevelopment of blighted areas. 35.4% of residents said the Street and Road Conditions were in the greatest need of public improvement. 59.8% of residents believe Sand Springs road conditions are the same as other communities, while 27.6% believe they are better and 12.7% believe they are worse.
If public funding is required to improve the city, 66.1% of residents would support a dedicated sales tax, 33.1% would support a revenue bond, 31.2% would support a property tax, 21.6% would support development fees, and 15.8% would support a surcharge on utilities.
Sand Springs, OK- The City of Sand Springs announced Tuesday that fireworks permits will go on sale for $20 each, beginning Monday, June 12th . Permits can be purchased in person or online this year.
Citizens who wish to purchase a permit in person may visit the Fire Administration office at City Hall during regular office hours from Monday, June 12th through Monday, July 3rd. City office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Fire Administration will remain open for lunch hour purchases during the week of Monday, June 26th through Friday, June 30th.
“This will be the second year we are offering a convenient way for our citizens to buy permits,” said Sand Springs Fire Marshal Stan Smith. “Online permit sales will be available through noon on July 4th .”
Those purchasing a permit online can visit the City’s Web site to find the link for online sales. Online purchases begin Monday, June 12th through noon on July 4th.
“Online sales are open all hours and weekends, making it an easier option for many citizens that can’t stop by City Hall,” said Smith.
City fireworks permits must be purchased by an adult age 18 or older that serves as the responsible party for activities at an individual residence. Permits are non-transferrable. Residential streets can be used as a fireworks discharge area, provided residents do not hinder traffic and clean up any debris.
Permits will be valid for July 3rd and 4th between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and only applies to Class 1.4G Common Fireworks. The owner of the permit must supervise minors at all times during the discharge of fireworks.
The pre-set court fine for illegally discharging of fireworks in the city limits is $154. However, a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs can be imposed for serious or repetitive violations. Fees collected from permits offset overtime costs by police and fire officials who patrol neighborhoods to assure fireworks are being discharged responsibly with a valid permit.
For further information about fireworks permits, call the Sand Springs Fire Administration Office at 918-246-2548.
The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening and handed out a series of mayoral proclamations recognizing the Charles Page High School Wrestling Team for their State Championship wins this season.
The City of Sand Springs was recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Center for the Advancement of Wellness for achieving the certified healthy designation of "Excellence." They were also awarded the 2017 State Historic Preservation Officer's Citation of Merit for the exterior rehabilitation of Page Memorial Library, which now houses the Sand Springs Historical and Cultural Museum.
Parks Director Grant Gerondale provided a presentation on ongoing Parks Department projects. The department has been executing controlled burns at the Keystone Ancient Forest over the past months to keep overgrowth under control. They are also establishing a controlled burn line and trail that will be approximately three miles long when complete. According to Gerondale, the forest receives approximately 3,500 visitors per year.
The River City Park renovation is well under way. The department has planted nearly 200 new trees in the largest re-foresting project in the history of the city. Two new playgrounds have been installed that Gerondale described as "second to nothing in the U.S." The disc golf course is being relocated deeper within the park and is being expanded to a full 18-hole course. There will also be a "Thunder Cares" Court built in the park.
The park is still seeing extensive use in spite of ongoing construction. The Will Ramsey Softball Park and Inez Kirk Soccer Complex both saw more than fifty teams apiece at tournaments this past weekend and the BMX track has seen increased use in the past year. The Jerry Adair Baseball Park and the Soccer Complex are both undergoing expansion with the addition of new fields.
SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Town Development History
Council unanimously approved the transfer of $51,578 from the ODOC Home Fund to the Capital Improvement Fund. The ODOC Home Fund was part of a federal program established in the 1990s to provide low-interest loans to elderly residents for home repairs. That program has long since been defunct and the funds have sat dormant for more than a decade. The money will now be used to acquire and combine vacant properties where dilapidated houses once stood in older neighborhoods.
Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the use of Community Development Block Grant funding for construction of a sidewalk on the south side of 10th Street between Adams Road and Ray Brown Park.
Council unanimously approved an agreement between the City and the Sand Springs Public School District authorizing the use of $47,862.00 for the use of enhanced security systems, including video camera installation.
Council unanimously approved the use of $1,500,000 to construct a new building to replace Fire Station #2 in Prattville. The current building has undergone multiple remodels that have failed to improve upon chronic roof leaks, a history of mold issues, and an overall inadequate design.
This disused mill on old Highway 51 will soon serve as a welcome sign to the City.
Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the execution of several projects, including the commissioning of a series of murals around the community. One location planned to be the recipient of a beautification project is the abandoned silo on the property of Riverview RV Park on old Highway 51 in Prattville.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council approved the use of $1,500,000 to design and build a new building to replace Fire Station #2 in Prattville in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening.
The current building has undergone multiple remodels that have failed to improve upon chronic roof leaks, a history of mold issues, and an overall inadequate design.
The original facility was designed primary as a garage for holding volunteer fire department trucks. Eventually a single living quarter was constructed, then a second story was added in the 1980s. The residential structure also encroaches outside the property line by four feet along the west wall.
The apparatus bays use residential-quality garage doors and the ceilings are too low to allow proper routine maintenance. Whenever snow accumulates on the access drive the garage doors don't open high enough to allow the trucks to exit, meaning fire fighters have to keep the exits shoveled at all times.
Proposed floor plan for new facility.
Fritz Baily, P.C. estimates that all-new construction would cost approximately $1,357,020 as opposed to $1,237,376 for total renovation of the existing station. New construction would add more than 3,000 square feet as well as establish far better functionality.
The replacement building will be built further south and east of the current station so that the current facilities will remain open until construction is complete.
The facility will be single-story, allowing for faster response time. It will also include multiple shower rooms to provide more privacy. The current facility holds a common restroom, which will be impossible to use if and when the Fire Department hires female fire fighters.
One of three proposed plans for replacing the existing station.
One of three proposed plans for replacing the existing station.
One of three proposed plans for replacing the existing station.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council held a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building.
The city's Park Maintenance Workers were recognized for winning the first annual Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society Park Maintenance Rodeo. More than 40 workers from nine teams participated in the inaugural event. Kevin Rouk took second place in both the Plant/Week Identification Test and the Backpack Blower competition. Shawn Cole and Matt Hoover took third place in the Nail Drive and Backhoe Skills Course, respectively. Cole and Hoover then teamed up for the Truck/Trailer Obstacle Course and took first place. Sand Springs and Ardmore were tied for first place at the end of the competition and Shawn Cole won the title for the Sandites with a Nail Drive tie-breaker.
"Often times, government work goes unnoticed," said a memo from Projects & Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards. "It's likely because the work is performed quietly, behind the scenes, and while families and individuals are working themselves. What our staff does notice is the tireless efforts these gentlemen accept on a daily basis. They are true stewards of what great government can do for a community to make it a better place to live and play. They are quite deserving of recognition not only for their daily work ethic, but also their successes in winning the first ever State Park Maintenance Rodeo."
The City also received a routine report from an auditor who recognized that the City of Sand Springs has "presented fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the government activities..."
The Council approved the use of $1,430,278 for the reconstruction of 81st West Avenue from Charles Page Boulevard to East 10th Street. The project is estimated to cost $4,767,592, but 70% of that will be requested from the Federal government. The project will include substantial grading and drainage improvements, a left turn lane, as well as a sidewalk with crosswalk push-buttons and signals.
Council approved a Construction Manager at Risk Contract with Crossland Construction Company to manage construction of the Sand Springs Public Safety Facility. The new safety facility will be constructed in the Sheffield Crossing development.
Council approved the use of $246,256 for the replacement of the Highway 51 Standpipe. The contract was awarded to Circle P Welding, Inc, who also replaced the Coyote Trail Standpipe. The existing water tower was constructed in 1984 with a glass lining and will be replaced with a 125,000 gallon welded steel tower. The tower is expected to begin construction in March with a 120 calendar day contract time.
At the recommendation of Fire Chief Mike Wood, the Council approved an ordinance to allow the Sand Springs Fire Department to dissolve their existing local pension board and rely upon the State pension board. According to Wood, the local board has simply been an inconvenience and the department recently voted to eliminate it.
Council passed ordinance No. 1295, designed to simplify the existing purchasing policies of the City.
Council voted to accept a grant of $70,105 from the Tulsa County Urban County Funds, and to match it with $71,895 of City funds, for the purpose of replacing approximately 700 feet of deteriorated 6-inch sanitary sewer line with new, upgraded 8-inch sewer line along North Washington Avenue from 6th Street to 8th Street.
Council was presented with a letter from Sand Springs Community Services Manager Janet Eicher with the final count on the Food For Fines program. The program, which allowed outstanding fines to be paid through canned food donations, generated 6,118 pounds of contribution.
Sand Springs has officially met the criteria to become a Certified Healthy Community according to the Oklahoma Department of Health. There are three levels of certification and Sand Springs received the highest honor--Excellence.
Sand Springs City Manager Elizabeth Gray was named the Business Person of the Year by the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce and received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jim Bridenstine for her "outstanding and invaluable service to the community."
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council recently held their regular monthly meeting and representatives from the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance were present to present the Police and Fire Departments with a $4,000 donation for the purpose of Christmas bonuses.
Harvest Church Pastor Steve Allen, HillSpring Church Pastor Brent Kellogg, and First Church of the Nazarene Pastor Rod Thelander presented the annual donation to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood.
Oklahoma Municipal League representative Missy Dean presented awards to employees who have served the city for 25 years. Police Captain Jay Barnett, Captain Todd Enzbrenner, Lieutenant Gary Everett, Deputy Chief John Mars, Fire Driver Charles Bowman, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Kenneth Boswell, Water Maintenance Operations Supervisor Donnie Wicker, and City Clerk Janice Almy were all recognized.
Storm Water and Utilities Technician Jon Odle gave an annual address to the Council regarding the City of Sand Springs Storm Water Plan. Odle discussed the damage done by citizens dumping leaves, grass clippings, and other debris into the street and stormwater drains. He suggested the City find ways to educate the community about the subject.
The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1293 amending existing zoning code. Under new regulations, minimum aesthetic standards have been set regarding the amount of visible metal a building may be constructed of. Each side of a new building will be limited to certain percentages of visible metal, though exceptions may be granted through the Board of Adjustment. The ordinance does not apply to existing buildings and is modeled after existing regulations passed in neighboring communities.
Council also approved Resolution No. 17-14, adopting a Safe Routes to School policy for the City of Sand Springs. The policy sets in place an outline for the City to follow when evaluating streets or other improvement projects that will provide safer and more efficient ways for pedestrians to travel to and from school.
This was Vice Mayor John Fothergill's last meeting with City Council as he will be vacating his seat before the Spring election. The two-term Ward 4 councilman was recently approved as a chief deputy for the Tulsa County Commission and is legally unable to hold dual offices.
Christine Hamner and Nancy Riley have filed to run for the vacant seat this Spring. Riley is a former Republican then Democratic State Senator. She also ran for Council against Fothergill and the late Pastor Terry Scott. She came in second in the primary election, defeating Scott, then lost to Fothergill in the runoff.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at City Hall and approved several City ordinances and resolutions. Only nine citizens showed up to the public event.
Mayor Mike Burdge presented a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the Sand Springs Rotary Club for their contribution toward the Rotary Super Splash pad in Case Community Park. "It was great working with Parks, and we're thrilled with how the project turned out," said a representative from the Rotary Club.
City Council unanimously approved a specific use permit allowing the construction of the new Public Safety facility to be constructed in the Sheffield Crossing development. The facility will house the new Police Headquarters, Fire Station, Training/Conference areas, and a Municipal Jail. The jail is a simple local lockup similar to what's already located in downtown, but slightly larger. A special use permit is a standard requirement for any City jail and the proposed location received little-to-no objection from abutting property owners.
Council unanimously voted to support the 2017 OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda. The seven-page agenda represents the City and surrounding area's priorities for the upcoming legislative session and what they hope the State and Federal legislatures will focus on. The agenda lays out thirty bullet points in three categories, including: creating an educated and healthy workforce, building infrastructure critical to business, and ensuring a prosperous economy.
SEE RELATED: OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda
Council unanimously voted to approve an ordinance allowing the use of three-year rabies immunizations. Existing ordinance require an annual vaccine for dogs and cats within the City limits, but some veterinarians have begun use of a three-year vaccine that previously wouldn't have been sufficient from a legal standpoint. Pet owners may now make use of either form of vaccine.
Council unanimously voted to affirm two abandoned and dilapidated properties on the North side of the river as public nuisances, clearing the way for their demolition. The properties are located at 514 1/2 N. Washington Ave., and 521 N. Lincoln Ave.
Council unanimously voted to authorize the transfer of property located at 320 N. Lincoln Ave. This allows the City to sell or convey the property. The land is currently being looked at by an anonymous local technical school program that wants to use the property for a housing construction project. The property is now declared as surplus and neighbors have thirty days to protest its use in such a manner, if they so desire.
Consent Agenda, unanimously approved 7-0-0
Council approved a contract with R.L. Shears Company to conduct a sidewalk inventory and prepare a pedestrian improvements plan for the South side of the river. The City previously contracted with Shears Company for a similar project on the North side of the river, using grant funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. The South-side project will also be funded with a TSET grant of $49,880.
Council approved resolution 17-10, redirecting $60,000 from the Economic Development Capitol Fund to the Morrow Road Widening project. The section of Morrow Road from Highway 97 to Broad Street will be expanded from two to three lanes in preparation for the construction of the Sheffield Crossing development and the future City Public Safety Facility. The City has contracted with Craig & Keithline, Inc. for the project.
Council authorized an expenditure of up-to $30,369.25 to Garland's Backhoe Service, Inc. for a BPS Water Line Relocation project along Highway 51. As part of the same project, Council approved expenditure of up-to $67,960 to Tomcat Consultants, LLC. for the rental of temporary portable water tanks for six months while the Highway 51 Standpipe is replaced.
Council approved an additional $2,700 payment to Nova Painting, LLC to the existing $219,100 contract for sandblasting and painting of the Prue Road water tower.
Council approved expenses up-to $82,000 payable to Tetra Tech, Inc. for the Northside Water Distribution Disinfection System Improvement project.
In Other News:
Sand Springs citizen Gregory Fisher was recently named by Governor Mary Fallin to the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority. He is filling a newly created position and will serve as a representative of Sand Springs.
The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge restaurant is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.
City offices will be closed November 24th through 25th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Chandler Park Lights on the Hill festival begins November 25th.
The Sand Springs Festival of Lights Christmas Parade is currently scheduled for December 2nd. There is currently no word on if the Chamber of Commerce will reschedule the event should the Sandite Football team win their playoff game Friday night. Last year the Charles Page High School Football team won their semi-final playoff game and qualified for the State Championship for the first time in 49 years. The Chamber rescheduled the Parade for that Saturday so as to not conflict with the historic game. The Sandites are once again in the semi-finals Friday and the State Championship game is once again on the same night as the parade. The theme for this year's parade is "All American Christmas" due to 2016 being both a Presidential Election year and an Olympic year.
The Sand Springs Community Theater will be putting on a free play on December 4th at the Central Ninth Grade Center. "Tomato Plant Girl" recently won its category in a competition in Stillwater and will be moving on to the Regional performance in Lafayette, Louisiana in April. The December performance will be free, but will also be taking cash donations for the April trip, as well as canned food donations for the Sand Springs Community Services.
The Sand Springs Parks Department recently won an award for their renovation of the Jerry Adair Baseball Park following tornado damage in 2015. The award recognizes both the quality of the renovation as well as the timeliness.
The Food for Fines amnesty day the City recently implemented saw more than 291 participants, more than 100 of whom had warrants recalled as a result of their canned food donations. The day began at 8:00 a.m. with people lined up waiting, and the two City workers involved worked till 7:30 p.m. with no lunch and no breaks. The City doesn't yet have numbers on loss/gain of revenue, but considers the event to be a large success.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council unanimously voted Monday evening to ban the use of electronic cigarettes on all City property, including public parks. Ordinance No. 1290, presented by City Planner Brad Bates, amends the existing City of Sand Springs Tobacco Free City Properties and Buildings Ordinance to include vapor-based products that have gained popularity in recent year.
The City of Sand Springs has been a "tobacco-free" city since 2009 in an effort to alleviate public health concerns and promote a healthy public environment. The City qualifies as a Certified Healthy Community and Certified Healthy Business through the State of Oklahoma's Certified Healthy program, entitling it to certain grant funding through the State Health Department. To-date, the City has received $50,000 that have been used toward healthy living and improvement studies. This new amendment is a step toward Gold Level recognition from the Health Department that would qualify the City for an additional $50,000 grant.
In other news, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which is made up of items considered to be "routine," including:
Following the Consent Agenda, the Council also unanimously passed Resolution No. 17-08, with the purpose of informing Sand Springs citizens of potential impact of State Question 777 on the ability of the City to to regulate land use activities and other potential effects.
SQ777, also known as the "Oklahoma Right to Farm Amendment," will be on the November 8, 2016 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. The specific text of the question can be viewed here. Resolution 17-08, drafted by Vice-Mayor John Fothergill, reminds citizens of the role local government plays in regulating land usage and zoning according to the community desires and needs. The full resolution can be read here.
City Council unanimously approved a resolution concerning the location of the future public safety facility for the City. Resolution 17-06 was unanimously passed, authorizing the City to purchase 10 acres at a cost of $1.00 per foot from OmniTRAX. The current planned location of the facility is on the South side of Morrow Road, across the street from the Walmart Supercenter. The transaction will cost the City approximately $435,600. The purchase is not final yet, but the terms of the agreement are not expected to change.
Stone Villa Second addition.
Council unanimously approved the final plat for the new Stone Villa addition in South Sand Springs. The addition will include 87 lots on 19.8 acres.
In Council Correspondence, Pogue Airport and Airport Supervisor Ken Madison received praise for the quality of the airport and the hospitality of the administration.
Boy Scout Troop 507 was on hand to observe the City Council meeting and get a taste of local government.
By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief
The Sand Springs City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 1289 at their regular monthly meeting Monday Night. The ordinance regulates excessive false intrusion or fire alarms. The ordinance, backed by Police Chief Mike Carter, seeks to reduce the number of false alarms that the Sand Springs Police and Fire Departments respond to.
Unlike many cities in the Tulsa Metro area, Sand Springs does not currently regulate alarm operations. According to the report, “most alarm activations in the city limits of Sand Springs are false in nature, and are not indicative of true emergencies…the false alarms create a nuisance upon the peace of the community and take public safety officials away from other responsibilities.”
The ordinance will require all audible alarm users to adjust their system in a manner that will allow it to sound for no longer than fifteen minutes before resetting and silencing itself.
“All fire alarms activated within the City of Sand Springs, in all commercial businesses, or establishments open to the public, shall not be manually silenced by the property owner until in the presence of a member of the Sand Springs Fire Department, or their designee.
“It shall be an offense for any property owner to allow for an intrusion, hold-up, panic or fire alarm system operating on their property to have an excessive amount of false alarms. An excessive amount of false alarms shall be defined as more than 3 false alarms in a 30 day period.” After the third false alarm, the property owner will receive a notice granting 14 days to show proof from the alarm company that their system has been repaired. “Failure to show proof will result in the property being placed on a non-response list with the police department. The property owner will be obligated to show the system has been repaired in order to be removed from the list.”
Sandite Pride News, LLC is a locally owned and operated Sand Springs, Oklahoma news source, serving the community since 2014.
What is Sandite Pride News?
Sandite Pride is the only locally owned and operated news source for Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Sandite Pride News was founded in 2014 by Scott Emigh. The site is primarily focused on Sandite sports, Sand Springs city development, events, and community news.
