Plans scrapped for controversial Dollar General store in Sand Springs

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Plans for a controversial Dollar General store location have been scrapped following significant public outcry.

A one-acre vacant lot at 2702 North State Highway 97 was the intended construction site, but after more than 200 Osage County citizens submitted a petition in opposition, the business has shelved its plans.

The property is currently zoned residential and sits at the entrance to a residential neighborhood. However, it is also within close proximity to a gas station, water tower, mini-storage facility, church, and radio station. In the 1981 neighborhood plat, it was indicated that the lot would be allowed be either residential or commercial.

The Sand Springs Planning Commission failed to pass a recommendation either in favor of or against the rezoning, and the item was advanced to the City Council’s June 17th agenda. A continuance was then issued till the July meeting due to Dollar General’s inability to get a representative to the meeting.

Approximately 240 local residents signed a petition opposing the business, feeling that it was inappropriately encroaching on a residential neighborhood. Approximately 18 individuals submitted letters of support for the construction.

Last week a representative from Rupe Helmer Group, the property management organization representing Dollar General, requested that their application be withdrawn.

“After much discussion and consideration, Rupe Helmer Group will not pursue construction of the Dollar General at the proposed location on HWY 97 in Sand Springs,” reads an email from Executive Vice President Mike Mantle. “Given the local opposition and vitriol, we feel this is the best direction.”

Former K-Mart building in Sand Springs to become Medical Marijuana growing/processing facility

The Sand Springs City Council approved a Specific Use Permit for 1200 East Charles Page Boulevard at their Monday evening meeting, allowing a Medical Marijuana Growing and Processing facility to open in a building that formerly housed a Kmart department store.

The Sand Springs Kmart location closed in the summer of 2014 and has been vacant for the past five years.

The 84,210 sq. ft. facility was built in 1974 and sits on 7.39 acres in an area that is largely industrial. City Council also voted to rezone the property from Commercial Shopping to Commercial General.

AJT Strategies, LLC applied for the permit and is in the process of purchasing the building. The multi-million dollar facility is expected to undergo improvements valued between $500,000 and $750,000 as it is repurposed. They expect to employ between 20-25 employees once they open.

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City of Sand Springs recognizes flood recovery volunteers, swears in new officers

Municipal Judge R. Jay McAtee administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Sand Springs Police Officers Tyler Kruse and David Meacham at Monday evening’s City Council meeting.

Mayor Jim Spoon read a Mayoral Proclamation honoring the various organizations that helped during and after the historic flooding earlier this summer.

American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Sand Springs Local Church Network, Sand Springs Community Services, Team Rubicon, All Hands and Hearts, Platinum Oilfield Services, Kirby Smith Equipment, Yellowhouse Machinery, All Saints Episcopal School, and The Power of Partial Improvements were among the organizations mentioned in the decree.

Council unanimously approved the use of $207,559 in emergency reserve funds for flood recovery operations, including $8,000 on volleyball court sand, $11,000 on park-wide fill-in dirt, $31,000 on new fencing at the BMX Track, $30,000 on BMX Track asphalt, $17,000 on laser grading at the softball and baseball fields, $37,000 for new playground surfacing, $5,000 for soccer field irrigation equipment, $10,000 for dumpster rental, and $9,000 for new concessions building interior.

Resolution No. 19-31 and Ordinance No. 1335 were not voted on by the Council. Rupe Helmer Group requested the items be removed from the agenda after deciding not to pursue a controversial Dollar General construction project on Highway 97 in an area that some local residents believed should be reserved for residential development.

The Ward 4 Council Seat is currently vacant following the resignation of Councilwoman Christine Hamner, who recently moved outside of the Ward 4 boundaries. Because her term expires in the Spring, the Council is looking to appoint a temporary Councilperson rather than having a special election. Interested citizens can pick up an application from the City Clerk. The deadline for consideration is Wednesday, August 21st at noon.

Other Council news…

Council unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2020 insurance plan through the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group with annual premiums totaling $234,214.

Council unanimously approved a sales tax rebate agreement with Reasor’s LLC for Fiscal Year 2020. The City approved a ten-year $2 million rebate agreement in 2011 as part of an incentive package to bring the business to Sand Springs.

Council unanimously approved a $153,132 contract with Superion LLC for financial software.

Council unanimously approved a $27,804 contract with Tyler Technologies for Municipal Court software.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of three Dodge Durangos and one Dodge Charger for the Police Department at a cost of $106,467.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of two commercial Cub Cadet mowers at a cost of $25,598.

Council unanimously approved the purchase of a Jacobson Sprayer XP-175 at a cost of $50,744.

Council unanimously voted to continue an existing Transportation Agreement for Fiscal Year 2020. The City supplies a driver, 14-passenger bus, maintenance on the vehicle, and fuel in order to provide limited free transportation for senior citizens.

Council unanimously voted to renew a $57,020 contract with Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority for bus services in Sand Springs.

Council unanimously voted to approve a change order to a contract with Crossland Construction for the Water Treatment Plant Beautification Wall project, authorizing an increase of $30,324.23 in contract amount, and an increase of 33 days in contract times. The overall project is valued at $1,144,131.83 is funded via a voter-approved general obligation bond package.

Council unanimously voted to authorize execution of all documents transfers, and payments related to the Main Street Improvement Project. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street south to its current terminus, and will be extended to intersect with Highway 97 just north of the Arkansas River bridge. A new frontage road will be constructed to connect Main Street to the Highway 412 on-ramp at Lincoln Avenue.

Council unanimously approved a reconciliatory change order to the Morrow Road Widening Project, increasing a contract with Crossland Heavy Contractors by $3,919.90 and 49 days. The project was completed last month at a final cost of $1,410,919.90.

Council unanimously voted to authorize execution of all documents, transfers, and payments related to the Highway 97 Wideneing Project.

Council unanimously voted to authorize all documents, transfers, and payments related to the Sand Springs Pogue Airport Electrical Fault and PAPI Upgrade.

Council unanimously voted to approve a Specific Use Permit for medical marijuana growing and processing at 1200 East Charles Page Boulevard in the former K-Mart building. They also voted to rezone the property from Commercial Shopping to Commercial General.

Council unanimously voted to rezone 1201 North Cleveland Avenue to Residential Manufactured Home. The property has been a mobile home park since the 1950s but wasn’t properly rezoned when zoning designations were changed to their modern format.

Council unanimously approved a resolution to accept a grant offer and authorize payment and signatures relating to a series of draining improvements at Pogue Airport.

In Municipal Authority meeting news…

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to a lease agreement with the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce for the former public works building at 109 North Garfield Avenue. The Chamber relocated their operations there a year ago and has been remodeling the building to create a small business incubator.

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to an agreement with Waste Management of Oklahoma, Inc.

Construction begins on new Highway 97 intersection

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs announces plans for additional construction at the recently acquired 18-acre Sheffield Crossing Development District (2300 S. Hwy 97) in Sand Springs. Following the City’s award of a $1.58M bid for the project, the contractor has begun construction of a new highway intersection with traffic control signals, roadway improvements and more along Oklahoma State Highway 97, just north of the Arkansas River. The work is slated for completion later this fall.

This new entrance (at the site of the former steel mill plant entry) will come with a new southbound turning lane, leading into Sheffield Crossing. Additional work will deliver a storm water system (to help carry rainfall away from the redevelopment area) as well as a new water and sanitary sewer line.

All of this is happening as the result of the City’s desire to bring new retail development to this high-profile site in Sand Springs.

“Since the land acquisition in 2017, which was the result of an excellent public/private effort with the OmniTRAX group, the City has pushed continuously towards improvements here. Planning, budgeting and more take time to coordinate, and we are pleased to now award the work and welcome the general contractor to the site,” stated Sand Springs City Manager Elizabeth Gray.

The City’s push adds to the value of this, the largest City economic development project in fifteen years. While the site is not completely ready, a commercially viable retail pad site will also receive rough grading for use in the future.

Drivers may have noticed a large mass of reinforced concrete still stockpiled there. This material is the result of a previous phase of demolition. The City is working with OmniTRAX (who are the current owners of the material) to finalize plans to repurpose the material in a future phase of the project.

While not part of this project, the City is also planning to add a paved (internal) roadway that will connect traffic from Morrow Road (near current Wal Mart site), through the Sheffield Crossing development, onto southbound HWY 97. Those project plans have not been finalized.

“It takes the full support of our City Council members, a vision for redevelopment, a committed staff and time to pull together multi-million dollar projects such as these in our community”, stated Mayor Jim Spoon. “We’ve been actively working on this for more than two years and feel this work will truly set the stage for our next phase of success.”

The 18-acre Sheffield Crossing site is owned by the City of Sand Springs. Inquiries about potential development or pad sites may be directed to staff at grant@sandspringsok.org or at (918) 246-2504.

Masonic Lodge places ceremonial Cornerstone at Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center

City and State leadership joined the Masonic Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Saturday afternoon for the placement of a ceremonial cornerstone at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center in Sand Springs.

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The new Public Safety Center is still under construction, but will house police and fire operations and a municipal court. The $10.7 million facility is being funded by Vision 2025 taxes and is named in honor of a Sand Springs native and Vietnam War hero.

Masonic Cornerstone ceremonies have remained relatively unchanged over the past few hundred years, and Saturday’s event went through many of the same rituals that iconic buildings from the nation’s infancy have gone through. To add local flavor, the Charles Page High School drum line performed prior to the ceremony.

“In the early Middle Ages, the members of the fraternity were architects and builders of the great cathedrals, palaces, and public buildings,” said Grand Master MIke Dixon. “Today, freemasonry is entirely philosophical. Building with knowledge and ideas rather than stone and mortar. Teaching ethics, morality, and self development rather than the art of cutting stone. Yet the tradition of Masonic involvement in the dedication of public buildings remains as strong and vital today as in the middle ages.”

The fraternity held multiple prayers, asking God to bless the building and the individuals who will occupy it. The history of Masonry in the United States was reviewed, and the cornerstone was consecrated with corn, wine, and oil. The stone was judged with a square, level, and plumb, then multiple masons and local officials were invited to spread ceremonial concrete along the edges of the stone.

A time capsule will be sealed behind the stone, including a membership roster of the local lodge, other Masonic papers, ink pens, local business cards, a bible, a letter from Police Chief Mike Carter to future Chiefs of Police, a newspaper, coins from the current year, and more.

“I truly appreciate the Masons that showed up today,” said Mayor Jim Spoon. “I know a number of you traveled from a long distance. It’s a very impressive ceremony, I’ve never been to a ceremony like this before. We’re very very grateful.”

Congressman Kevin Hern, a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason, also spoke at the event. “I’ve been in Washington D.C. about seven months now and you get to see the magnificent buildings that are there and that have been there for generations. Most all of them have had this experience at their time when they were built.”

“If you’re a voter and you voted for this, you’re a hero,” added State Representative Jadine Nollan.

“It was very important for us to name this facility for Billie A. Hall,” said Chief Carter. “He represents what we want our police officers and our firefighters to have as their core values - and that is service. There’s going to be a sign on the gate where our police officers will leave every day that will say “Always Serve” and “Never Give Up.” Both of those were embodied by Billie A. Hall and we’re so proud to honor him through this facility.”

“I truly think he should be given the Congressional Medal of Honor and I hope there’s a renewed effort to do that,” added Carter.

Case Community Park Splash Pad to reopen Friday

The Rotary Super Splash Pad in Case Community Park will reopen to the public Friday, July 19th, for the first time since a flooded Arkansas River submerged the 120-acre grounds on May 22nd.

The city’s flagship park was under as much as seven feet of water in some areas for more than a week during the historic flooding that saw Keystone Dam outflows in excess of 300,000 cubic feet per second.

Hundreds of volunteers have invested countless hours in cleaning up the grounds and facilities over the past six weeks.

The BMX track is open after extensive dirt work and repairs. The soccer fields, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, boat ramp, skate park, and picnic shelters are also open.

While none of the actual playground equipment was damaged by the flood, the artificial turf beneath the equipment was ruined. The playgrounds areas are fenced off and will remain closed until new turf can be installed in the near future.

The restroom facilities and concession stands are all closed, but port-o-johns have been brought in for the short-term.

Parks Director Jeff Edwards says it will likely be several weeks before the playgrounds can reopen, and months before the restrooms and concession facilities are finished.

Formerly known as River City Park, Case Park underwent a $6.2 million renovation in 2016 thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by local philanthropists Mike and Pat Case. It is located at 2500 South River City Park Road and is open from dawn till midnight.

Sand Springs woman opening free health clinic in Sapulpa

A Sand Springs woman is working to open a new free clinic for individuals who do not have insurance. Dr. Rachel Ray is one of the directors of the upcoming CURA For the World - Sapulpa clinic that will be opening to the public Tuesday, July 23rd.

CURA For the World is headquartered in Tulsa and was founded by Lebanese emigrant Dr. Jawad Trad in September of 2016. Since then, CURA has partnered with organizations in seven different countries to provide medical aid and food security to the impoverished. Dr. Ray and her partner, Dr. Zach Fowler, attended medical school with Trad.

The Sapulpa location is the organization’s first clinic in the United States under Project USA. They will be holding an Open House Sunday, July 21st from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a ribbon cutting that Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Doors will open for patient check-in Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

More than 27 million Americans are without health insurance, and the Sapulpa clinic is CURA’s first step in a larger plan to help that demographic. According to CURA, 17.4% of Sapulpans live below the poverty line, with the largest affected demographic being Females between the ages of 25-34.

“There are many uninsured people in our communities that are unable to secure health insurance and I see how this negatively effects the wellbeing of the patients and the health of our community,” says Ray. There are free clinics in Tulsa but the free resources on the west side of Tulsa and especially Creek county is very limited. There is currently no free standing free health clinic in all of Creek County.”

The clinic will offer free services to individuals with limited incomes, no health insurance, or who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. They will also help those who only have catastrophic care coverage, or individuals who have insurance, but can’t afford their high deductibles.

CURA will offer treatment for both routine illnesses and chronic conditions, as well as a limited range of medical testing, prescription drug assistance, women’s health care, and free child therapy sessions. They will not, however, be providing pregnancy testing, Pap smears, or STD testing, stimulants, controlled substances, or care for chronic pain patients.

Dr. Ray is a graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Oklahoma - Tulsa campus and currently resides in Sand Springs.

“I always knew I wanted a career in which I could help to make a positive and meaningful difference in the life of someone else,” says Ray. “Throughout my early education years, I was intrigued by the complexity of the sciences and the human body. I love to learn new things and medicine allows me to always be aware of the changes and advances in science and healthcare. The most special part of being a physician is the trust that we receive from our patients and the opportunity to help make their lives better.”

The clinic is completely volunteer based and will be open Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is first-come first-served and expects to be able to handle about sixteen patients per week. The team anticipates being able to expand their hours in the future.

“We plan to utilize our clinic to help bring more services to our community. We are partnering with different organizations so that we can provide lab work, diagnostic imaging and specialist evaluations to our patients. We will also bring in community education programs to help educate on nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco cessation. We are working to bring counselors for therapy services through partnering with Improving Lives Counseling Services. We are also developing a partnership with a local Sapulpa pharmacy to be able to provide reduced cost medications. We are not currently able to provide well woman exams or childhood immunizations, but we do hope to provide these services in the future.”

CURA Medical Clinic
1012 West Taft Street
Sapulpa, OK 74066

SouthSide Coneys holds grand opening, owned by Church That Matters

SouthSide Coneys celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting Monday morning in south Sand Springs at 1 West 41st Street.

Church That Matters, located in the same shopping center, recently purchased the business which was previously known as Terry’s Classic Coneys, and before that it was Ed’s Classic Coneys.

Ed’s built a brand as a 1950s-themed diner with hot rod red walls, Route 66 memorabilia, checkered racing flags, and frequent car shows. When Teri Buckner purchased the business in 2014, the name was the only thing to change.

The whole building got a facelift in recent weeks as it donned Sandite Black & Gold colors and a modern Sand Springs theme. School memorabilia is also expected to decorate the walls in the near future.

“Part of our vision since the beginning of our church has been to own and operate businesses,” says CTM Pastor Rusty Gunn. Not only will the businesses provide income for the church to expand its outreach ministries and missions, but according to Gunn, it also creates “touch points in our community where we can meet people that we wouldn’t normally get to meet.”

The church currently owns and operates the Prattville Market, a booth rental and resale store. It also owns Lee’s Charburgers, a food truck that operated out of the church parking lot throughout 2018 before shutting down this past winter. Lee’s is currently on hiatus, but Gunn says it is expected to return within the next year or two.

In addition to the aesthetic changes, the restaurant menu has also been changing. The chili used on the coneys is now made entirely in-house. Pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches have been added, as have pulled pork and BBQ chicken nachos.

“We want to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” says Gunn. “Matter to God, our city, and the world.”

Case Community Park in Sand Springs re-opens after extensive flood damage

Case Community Park in Sand Springs is officially open to the public for the first time since a flooded Arkansas River submerged the 120-acre grounds on May 22nd.

The city’s flagship park was under as much as seven feet of water in some areas for more than a week during the historic flooding that saw Keystone Dam outflows in excess of 300,000 cubic feet per second.

Hundreds of volunteers have invested countless hours in cleaning up the grounds and facilities over the past six weeks.

The BMX track is open after extensive dirt work and repairs. The soccer fields, biking/walking trail, disc golf course, boat ramp, skate park, and picnic shelters are also open.

While none of the actual playground equipment was damaged by the flood, the artificial turf beneath the equipment was ruined. The playgrounds areas are fenced off and will remain closed until new turf can be installed in the near future.

The Rotary Super Splash Pad is closed due to electrical damage, but is expected to reopen soon. The restroom facilities are all closed, but port-o-johns have been brought in for the short-term.

Formerly known as River City Park, Case Park underwent a $6.2 million renovation in 2016 thanks to Vision 2025 funding and a $2 million donation by local philanthropists Mike and Pat Case. It is located at 2500 South River City Park Road and is open from dawn till midnight.

Sand Springs Parks Dept. unveils new restroom facility at Pratt Civitan Park & Splashpad

Sand Springs City leaders and Parks Department staff gathered for a ribbon cutting celebration at Pratt Civitan Park Tuesday morning. The department recently completed construction on a new restroom facility with covered patio seating.

“The citizens of Sand Springs recognized the increased popularity of Pratt Civitan Park after the recently installed splash pad, and approved this need through the passing of a GO Bond,” stated Parks Director Jeff Edwards. “Our talented staff went above and beyond their normal job duties in our commitment to providing a more enjoyable park environment, to offer this custom comfort station to the public.”

The six-month project was completed by Parks Staff instead of being contracted out in order to save taxpayers money. The climate-controlled family bathroom is ADA compliant and uses magnetic door locks. It will be open during normal Park hours from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. Also attached to the building is a new pavilion and a pressure wash station for maintenance crews to more easily service the splash pad.

The 3.6 acre park is located at 212 West 43rd Street and features basketball and tennis courts, a swing set, grills, two covered pavilions, and the city’s only functional splash pad. The park is named for the now defunct Civitan Club who previously helped raise funds for the swing bay.

Improvements are also being made at Angus Valley Park and Ray Brown Park. Case Community Park is still closed at press time due to damages sustained during the recent historic flooding that completely submerged the hundred-acre park, which includes the Rotary Super Splash Pad. That closure has significantly increased the number of visitors at Pratt Civitan in recent weeks.

Pratt Civitan’s two pavilions are free on a first-come first-served basis, or can be reserved at $20.00 per hour.

Church That Matters buys Terry's Classic Coneys

Church That Matters has taken over ownership of Terry’s Classic Coneys in south Sand Springs and will soon be rebranding the restaurant.

Originally Ed’s Classic Coneys, the business built a brand as a 1950s-themed diner with hot rod red walls, Route 66 memorabilia, checkered racing flags, and frequent car shows. When Teri Buckner purchased the business in 2014, the name was the only thing to change.

The whole building will be getting a facelift in the coming months as it dons Sandite Black & Gold colors and a modern Sand Springs theme with school memorabilia. It will also be renamed Southside Coneys.

“Part of our vision since the beginning of our church has been to own and operate businesses,” says CTM Pastor Rusty Gunn. Not only will the businesses provide income for the church to expand its outreach ministries and missions, but according to Gunn, it also creates “touch points in our community where we can meet people that we wouldn’t normally get to meet.”

The church currently owns and operates the Prattville Market, a booth rental and resale store. It also owns Lee’s Charburgers, a food truck that operated out of the church parking lot throughout 2018 before shutting down this past winter. Lee’s is currently on hiatus, but Gunn says it is expected to return within the next year or two.

In addition to the aesthetic changes coming to the restaurant, their menu has also been changing. The chili used on the coneys is now made entirely in-house. Pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches have been added, as have pulled pork and BBQ chicken nachos.

“We want to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” says Gunn. “Matter to God, our city, and the world.”

The grand re-opening will be held on Monday, July 15th with a ribbon cutting celebration at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend, and there will be special deals and drawings.

Sand Springs City Council issues continuance on controversial Dollar General location

Possible future site for a Dollar General store.

The Sand Springs City Council took no action on a controversial ordinance to rezone a vacant lot at 2702 North State Highway 97. More than fifty local citizens showed up in opposition to a proposed Dollar General location that they feel is inappropriately located in a residential area.

Council was schedule to vote on rezoning the land from residential to commercial to allow the construction of a Dollar General store by AAB Engineering. Because the Council meeting was moved forward a week from its previously scheduled date, Dollar General representatives were unable to be present for the meeting, and requested a continuance.

Because of the lack of representation from Dollar General, and because of the absence of Vice Mayor Patty Dixon, Council voted 5-1 in favor of delaying the rezoning vote until the July 22nd meeting.

In the rezoning application, AAB Engineering points to the close proximity of a gas station, water tower, mini storage facility, church, and radio station as justification for the commercial zoning. Additionally, a 1981 plat of the land indicated that business or commercial operations would be allowed on the lot.

However, the property sits at the intersection of Pond Drive, which is entirely residential. Approximately 238 local residents signed a petition in opposition of the rezoning, citing their desire for a quiet, rural community, and fear that the construction of a Dollar General would lead to additional future development in the area.

The City of Sand Springs voted to annex the Osage County land on May 20th. The Planning Commission voted 2-2 on the rezoning application at their last week’s meeting, failing to recommend either approval or denial of the request. However, the City staff has recommended approval.

Mayor Jim Spoon remarked that he was impressed with the public turnout for the meeting, and hoped to see as many citizens at the next meeting. One citizen remarked that they would be bringing even more opposition to the next meeting.

Police Chief Mike Carter gave a presentation regarding the 2019 Policing Plan and took public comment on the subject. This is the fourth year the department has adopted a policing plan and last year’s version was awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Community Policing Award.

All officers will be issued new business cards with their name, badge number, and a website address to file online compliments or complaints. Following an unscientific Facebook poll with 93% community approval, the department will no longer restrict the hiring of officers with visible tattoos.

The department recently purchased six new police bicycles. They have been used successfully to silently close in on late night burglary suspects, to patrol trails systems and crowded community events, and to teach children how to ride bikes safely.

As part of the department’s Community Policing and Crime Reduction Plan officers took 51 students from Sand Springs Public Schools to a Tulsa ropes course to participate in the Community Trust Champions project.

The 2019 Policing Plan also calls for increased traffic violation warnings in lieu of fines, an improved system of acknowledging community complaints and disciplining officers, increased training and certifications, increased transparency, collaboration with local businesses for economic development, participation in the Hispanic Affairs Commission, Autism Awareness Training, and Critical Incident Inoculation Training.

In Other News:

Council revisited a request by Councilman Brian Jackson to have a Masonic Cornerstone installed at the new Billie A Hall Public Safety Center. The motion was previously defeated at both May Council meetings.

More than a dozen Masonic Lodge members turned out in support of the resolution, and former City Councilman Dean Nichols spoke on their behalf. The measure was approved by unanimous 6-0 vote.

Council unanimously approved the Worker’s Compensation Plan through the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group with a yearly premium of $489,706.

Council unanimously approved a resolution clarifying the City’s rules regarding retention of certain public records. The resolution allows for the immediate destruction of emails, social media posts, text messages, voicemails, and browsing history, leaving their retention up to the sole discretion of the individual employees involved.

Council unanimously approved an agreement with Crawford & Associates in the amount of $50,000 for accounting and consulting services.

Council unanimously approved an agreement with Arledge and Associates in the amount of $35,875 for for financial statement audit services.

Council unanimously approved a continuance regarding a rezoning request at the former K-Mart building. Council will vote July 22nd on whether to rezone 1200 East Charles Page Boulevard from Commercial Shopping to Commercial General.

Council unanimously approved a ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Southwest Area Tactical Team.

Council unanimously voted to declare as surplus two 2007 John Deere backhoes for trade-in.

Council unanimously voted to purchase a Yanmar Vio-80 Compact Excavator from DitchWitch of Tulsa for $102,550, and an Interstate 50TDL Equipment Trailer for $27,750.

Council unanimously approved a resolution setting forth guidelines to assist the City in pursuing legal claims and in responding to legal claims against the City.

Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming a Declaration of Emergency following the May 2019 Flood Event. The declaration authorizes and affirms the execution of contracts, budget amendments, waivers of competitive bidding, and payments to the pursuant contracts to restore City property and equipment that was damaged during the flood. City Staff is currently estimating a budgetary impact of $1,581,600 in flood damages.

Council unanimously approved a Master Service Agreement with Motorola Solutions for recurring services related to Motorola MCC 7500 dispatch consoles.

Council unanimously approved the appointment of the following individuals to various boards and committees:

• Mike Burdge to Council Appointment Committee.

• Christine Hamner to Council Appointment Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Appointment Committee.

• Mike Burdge to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Jim Spoon to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Finance and Development Committee.

• Patty Dixon to Council Legislative Committee.

• Christine Hamner to Council Legislative Committee.

• Brian Jackson to Council Legislative Committee.

• Jim Spoon to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Beau Wilson to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Phil Nollan to Council Public Works Advisory Committee.

• Mike Burdge to the INCOG Board of Directors.

• Jim Spoon as Alternate to the INCOG Board of Directors.

• Jim Spoon to the INCOG General Assembly.

• Elizabeth Gray as Alternate to the INCOG General Assembly.

• Mike Burdge to the INCOG Legislative Consortium.

• Jim Spoon as Alternate to the Legislative Consortium.

• Derek Campbell to the INCOG - Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee.

• TJ Davis as Alternate to the INCOG - Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee.

• Phil Nollan to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.

• Daniel Comer to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.

• Harold Neal to the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

• Keri Fothergill to the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

• Phil Nollan to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority.

• Troy Zickefoose to the Tulsa County Criminal Justice Sales Tax Overview Committee.

• Leia Anderson to the Pogue Airport Advisory Board.

• Rick Westcott to the Pogue Airport Advisory Board.

• Elizabeth Gray to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

• Derek Campbell to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board.

In the Municipal Authority meeting following City Council, Trustees unanimously approved a $31,551 Agreement Renewal with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust for administering and operating the Sand Springs Recycling Project.

Trustees unanimously approved a one-year extension to a contract with Talley Golf, who operates the pro shop, grill, golf cart rental, and other services at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge.

Sand Springs Public Schools break ground on new 9th Grade Center and STEM Academy

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Sand Springs Public School District officials gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the new Ninth Grade Center and STEM Academy Tuesday afternoon.

The new buildings were part of a $33 million bond package approved by voters in March. The construction will allow for the reunification of freshmen with the rest of the Sand Springs high school students at the Charles Page campus. Currently freshmen are in the century-old Sand Springs High School building downtown, which has long outlived its usefulness.

The $14.28 million building will be conjoined with Charles Page through a central lobby, but will keep the younger students separated from the upperclassmen. In recent years the district has had to shuttle more than 75% of freshmen to the high school for daily activities like band, athletics, and other classes.

The new construction will also provide class space for expanded curriculum in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, as well as a new two-story lobby.

Construction is expected to finish in August of 2020, meaning the district will have one more year at the current Central Ninth Grade Center. CNGC will then be turned into administrative offices for the district.

Parade of Homes to feature 5 Sand Springs houses, local business returning winners

The annual Parade of Homes event is returning to the Tulsa area from June 15-23, and Sand Springs will have five houses featured in the program. Homes are open from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with free admission.

Concept Builders will be showing a house at 5330 Skylane Drive in Stone Creek Estates. Listed at $219,800, the one-story, 1,700 square foot home features three bedrooms and two baths. Also in Stone Creek is 5418 Skylane Drive, a $212,000 1,684 sq. ft. one-story by Gibson Homes with three beds and two baths.

Concept Builders has a one-story, 2,160 sq. ft. home in Teal Ridge at 1808 East 43rd Street. The three bed, two bath home is listed at $319,900. Gibson has a $373,000 one-story, 2,547 sq. ft. home at 4307 Teal Ridge Drive with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

WSB Homes is showing a $235,000 home in The Glens at Shenandoah at 416 East 48th Court. The one-story, 1,597 sq. ft. house has four beds and two baths. WSB Homes is a Sand Springs-based business operated by William and Amberly Bell at 2 East Broadway Street in the historic downtown Triangle District.

The Bells won 1st Place in the $800,000+ Ironwood Custom Homes category in 2012 and 2013, and in the $1 million Ironwood category in 2014. Last year they won Best Interior Design and 1st Place overall in the $174,999 category.

Sand Springs Police working on 2019-2020 Community Policing Plan

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter spoke about the department’s 2019 Community Policing Plan and took public comment at Monday evening’s regular City Council Meeting.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the SSPD has adopted a revised policing plan, and the department received an international award for their work last year. The department will weigh public and City Council suggestions/concerns and adjust their policing plan annually to address the ever-changing community needs.

One change coming to the department in the coming year is that officers will be allowed to have visible tattoos. “We’ve turned away some probably very good applicants because they had visible tattoos,” said Carter. The department recently ran a Facebook poll and found that 93% of respondents have no problem with officers showing tattoos.

The department will also have mandatory autism training for all officers over the next year. “Sometimes when you have a juvenile, or even an adult who suffers from autism, sometimes their behavior can be misinterpreted by a police officer,” said Carter. “That’s led to some bad things in the United States. We want to avoid that.”

Officers recently went through Critical Incident Inoculation with a psychiatrist to help them avoid PTSD and depression. New business cards will be also issued for all officers with a complaint/compliment space on one side of the card.

In other news:

City Council unanimously approved the sale of $6,500,000 in bonds at Monday evening’s regular meeting. Sand Springs citizens approved the bonds in November of 2017 to provide for economic development, aesthetic improvements, park enhancements, public safety, street overlays, and other infrastructure projects.

Council unanimously voted to authorize the pursuit of a BUILD Grant Application from the U.S. Department of Transportation in partnership with OmniTrax. The City and OmniTrax hope to use the grant to improve extensive freight railway conditions and locations throughout the City. The grant would be an 80/20 matching grant up to $25 million.

The BUILD funds could be used to remove railway along Main Street and the crossing at the intersection of Morrow and Main, as well as to expand Main Street to three lanes. It could also be used for constructing a roadway over the Arkansas River levee, upgrades to Broad Street, and railroad upgrades and improvements along Charles Page Boulevard.

Council unanimously approved dilapidation public nuisance findings against 403 North Lincoln Avenue.

Council unanimously approved a $10,000 transfer of funds related to the upcoming 2019 Community Development Block Grant Water Line Replacement Project. The City will be replacing approximately 980 linear feet of 4-inch cast iron water line with 8-inch PVC water line along Lincoln Avenue from 4th Street to 6th Street.

Council unanimously approved the Final Plat for Stone Villa Second Phase I. The subdivision will consist of 45 lots on 9.5 acres south of 51st Street between Bahama Avenue and South 129th West Avenue. Council also approved a Public Utility Easement for the location of landscaping, fencing, and signage along the perimeter of the subdivision.

Councilman Brian Jackson presented a request to have a Masonic Cornerstone installed on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. The motion died at a previous Council meeting after concerns were raised about the cost of installation. Since then the Masonic Lodge has volunteered to cover the costs, but the motion died once again. Jackson and Patty Dixon voted yea; Phil Nollan, Beau Wilson, Mike Burdge voted nay; Jim Spoon and Christine Hamner were absent.

Council unanimously approved an ordinance declaring various items in the City and Police Department’s possession as surplus, authorizing the destruction of some items and the auction of others.

Council unanimously approved the creation of a Public Utility Easement at Keystone Ancient Forest to deliver water and electric utilities to a planned Visitors Center.

Council unanimously approved a $40,000 change order regarding parking lot additions and infrastructure improvements at the Case Community Park splash pad and baseball facilities.

Council unanimously approved the annexation of a vacant property owned by the City along the State Highway 97 right-of-way to Pond Drive.

Council unanimously approved the closing of a 20 ft. wide easement and right of way access in the Oakbridge Addition. By closing the easement it will allow a neighboring property to construct a single-family residence over the common lot line.

Jim Spoon elected Sand Springs Mayor, Patty Dixon Vice-Mayor

Jim Spoon was elected as Mayor of Sand Springs at Monday evening’s City Council meeting, and Patty Dixon was elected as Vice-Mayor. The mostly ceremonial positions are elected from within the Council ranks, and none of the Council positions are paid.

Prior to the Mayoral elections, Dixon and outgoing Vice Mayor Phil Nollan were administered the Oath of Office for a new three-year term. Dixon won a February election for the Ward 2 seat 64 votes to 8, while Nollan ran unopposed.

Outgoing Mayor Mike Burdge decided to take a break from Mayoral duties. He has been on City Council since 1996, has served thirteen terms as Mayor, and six terms as Vice-Mayor.

The electoral process is a simple “yea” or “nay” vote on a single nominated candidate at a time. Council members aren’t allowed to discuss their potential votes outside of meetings, and aren’t allowed to take any informal polls of their peers.

Spoon was nominated to replace Burdge by Councilman Beau Wilson. Spoon has held the At-Large Council position since 2015. He has owned the Spoon Drug pharmaceutical chain for forty years, and is a twenty-year member of the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy, appointed by multiple State Governors. He has previously served on the Sand Springs Board of Education, and was a founding member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation.

Spoon was elected six votes to one, with Nollan casting the sole “no” vote. Nollan later stated he was confused over the electoral process and expressed regret for his vote against Spoon.

Following Spoon’s nomination, Dixon addressed the Council regarding her opinions on the electoral process. Dixon stated she would like to see any Council members interested in being mayor or vice-mayor give a list of credentials and qualifications prior to any nominations in the future. She also gave her own background and expressed her willingness to serve in a more executive position.

Dixon previously held a Council position from 1990 to 1996, and returned to office in 2016. She has experience on the Parks Advisory Board, Museum Association, HEAL Committee, Sertoma Club, and Oklahoma Municipal League. She is retired from the Tulsa County Parks Department and co-owns Dixon Auto Glass with her husband. She is also heavily involved in the Sand Springs Community Theater.

Following Spoon’s election, Councilman Brian Jackson nominated Christine Hamner for Vice-Mayor, but Hamner declined the nomination and Jackson instead nominated Dixon. Dixon was unanimously elected to the position.

In Other News:

Daniel Bradley was presented with the 2019 John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. Click here for more information.

Outgoing Mayor Mike Burdge proclaimed Municipal Clerks Week in appreciation of City Clerk Janice L. Almy and Deputy City Clerk Kristin S. Johnston.

A proposal by Jackson died without a second. Jackson proposed the instillation of a Masonic Cornerstone at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. The stone would have cost between $500-$1000 to install and would have enshrined the names of various City officials on the front of the building.

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

City Council approves permits for two new Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

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The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved four Special Use Permits for medical marijuana facilities at their Monday evening meeting.

Council approved permits for a Cultivation Facility, a Processing Facility, and a Dispensary at 200 East Morrow Road. LightHeart Farms plans to open sometime in April in the building that formerly housed the historic Morrow Gill lumber yard.

Council also approved a permit for Oklahoma Harvest Health to open a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in the Wellston Park industrial center at 1104 West Wekiwa Road. In November Council approved a growing facility at the same location.

Council previously approved a slate of marijuana-related SUPs at their January meeting. Dr. Cannabis, LLC was approved for a cultivation facility and a dispensary at 3417 S. 113th W. Ave., Suite B3. Therapeutic Herbal Care, LLC was approved to open a dispensary at 1126 E. Charles Page Blvd. The Herbin’ Joint was approved to open a dispensary at 3417 S. 113th W. Ave., Suite A2.

Sand Springs voters overwhelmingly approve School Bond Propositions

Voters in the Sand Springs Public School District overwhelmingly voiced their support for a pair of general obligation bond measures Tuesday.

Proposition No. 1, totaling $32.85 million, passed with 92.83% in favor. 1,774 voted yes with only 137 against.

A second proposition totaling $1.3 million passed with 91.43% in favor to provide for new school buses. The measure received 1,749 “yes” votes and 164 “no” votes.

The new bonds won’t be sold until existing bonds are paid off, so the millage rate will remain the same and property taxes will not increase.

Totaling more than $34 million, the two measures will provide funding for a number of projects, most notably the construction of a new freshman wing on the Charles Page High School campus.

The new $14.28 million building will conjoin with the high school through the existing lobby, but will keep the freshmen separate from the upperclassmen for the majority of the day. Currently more than 75% of Central Ninth Grade Center are shuttled from downtown to the high school every day for athletics and other activities.

The new wing would also include several classrooms dedicated to the district’s STEM Initiative, enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum.

$7.2 million will go to technology enhancements throughout the district. Computer software systems will be updated to protect student data and provide mobile tech support, and WiFi will be improved and expanded throughout the district.

$825,000 will go to the district’s thriving athletic programs. Memorial Stadium will get new turf, the baseball and softball fields will be regraded, and wrestling mats and other athletic equipment will also be purchased.

Other Proposition No. 1 projects include:

• New gymnasium/storm shelter at Angus Valley Elementary.

• Bleachers for Garfield Elementary gymnasium.

• Electrical upgrades at Limestone Elementary.

• Playground upgrades at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy.

• Playground equipment for Early Childhood Education Center.

• ADA Accessible bathroom at Pratt Elementary.

• Removal of louvers on front windows at Clyde Boyd Middle School.

• Kitchen equipment at all district sites.

• Band uniforms and elementary music equipment.

• Additional space for Drama Department.

• Sound system upgrades to auditoriums and Ed Dubie Field House.

• District HVAC and roofing maintenance.

• Books and digital curriculum for all sites.

• Media Center materials.

• Painting, pavement, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.

Sand Springs to vote on new school bond projects Tuesday, including new Ninth Grade Center

Sandites will take to the polls Tuesday to voice their support or opposition of a nearly $33 million bond proposal.

The Sand Springs Public School District is hoping to pass two General Obligation Bond Propositions that would provide funding for a number of projects, most notably a new Ninth Grade Center and STEM Academy.

The current Ninth Grade Center is located at 14 West 4th Street in downtown Sand Springs. It is the oldest building in the district and is the former site of Sand Springs High School. According to district officials, more than 75% of freshmen are shuttled to the high school campus every day for classes, athletics, and other activities.

The district hopes to spend $14.28 million on a new Ninth Grade Center on the campus of Charles Page High School. The building would be partly connected to the High School through the existing lobby, but would otherwise keep the younger students separate from the upperclassmen for the majority of their day.

The new wing would also include several classrooms dedicated to the district’s STEM Initiative, enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum.

$7.2 million will go to technology enhancements throughout the district. Computer software systems will be updated to protect student data and provide mobile tech support, and WiFi will be improved and expanded throughout the district.

$825,000 will go to the district’s thriving athletic programs. Memorial Stadium will get new turf, the baseball and softball fields will be regraded, and wrestling mats and other athletic equipment will also be purchased.

Proposition No. 1 will total $32.85 million. Other Proposition No. 1 projects include:

• New gymnasium/storm shelter at Angus Valley Elementary.

• Bleachers for Garfield Elementary gymnasium.

• Electrical upgrades at Limestone Elementary.

• Playground upgrades at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy.

• Playground equipment for Early Childhood Education Center.

• ADA Accessible bathroom at Pratt Elementary.

• Removal of louvers on front windows at Clyde Boyd Middle School.

• Kitchen equipment at all district sites.

• Band uniforms and elementary music equipment.

• Additional space for Drama Department.

• Sound system upgrades to auditoriums and Ed Dubie Field House.

• District HVAC and roofing maintenance.

• Books and digital curriculum for all sites.

• Media Center materials.

• Painting, pavement, electrical, and plumbing maintenance.

A second proposition totaling $1.3 million will also be on the ballot to provide for new school buses.

If the measures pass, the new bonds won’t be sold until existing bonds are paid off. The millage rate will remain the same and property taxes will not increase. However, Sand Springs property taxes will drop in the near future if voters choose not to approve the measures.