May 09, 2017

Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor

May 09, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Left to right: Councilmembers Brian Jackson, Beau Wilson, Christine Hamner, Jim Spoon, Mike Burdge, Phil Nollan, Patty Dixon.

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building for a swearing-in ceremony and to elect the new Mayor and Vice-Mayor.

Ward Three Councilman Mike Burdge and Ward Four Councilwoman Christine Hamner were administered the oath of office by Judge Tom Askew. Hamner won election in November and, per City-charter, began serving the remainder of former Vice-Mayor John Fothergill's term immediately after election. Burdge ran unopposed.

City Councilors serve three-year staggered terms and select a Mayor and Vice-Mayor from within. The Mayor presides over council meetings and is recognized as the ceremonial head of government. The Vice-Mayor presides in the Mayor's absence. Neither has any additional administrative duties or powers, and are primarily ceremonial positions.

Mayor Burdge was nominated by Ward Six Councilman Brian Jackson for another one-year term as Mayor and was unanimously re-elected. "Mike, you represent us well," said Ward One Councilman Phil Nollan, who seconded the nomination. "I always get good feedback about how you represent us as a city. I'm proud to have you as our mayor."

Jackson commented that in the future he would like to discuss the pros and cons of rotating the duties of Mayor and Vice-Mayor as some other communities do.

At-Large Councilman Jim Spoon nominated Ward Five Councilman Beau Wilson for the Vice-Mayor position that has remained vacant since Fothergill's resignation in December. Wilson was unanimously approved.

Mayor Burdge has served on the City Council since 1996 and has been elected mayor twelve times. He also served a six-year stent as Vice-Mayor under former Mayor Bob Walker. He is a member of the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials. In 2013 he was awarded the Sand Springs Hometown Hero Award. He is a coach for the Charles Page High School Track and Field and Cross Country teams. Burdge graduated from CPHS in 1969.

Vice-Mayor Wilson has served on City Council since 2015 and is a CPHS Class of 2003 graduate. He holds degrees from Tulsa Community College and Johnson County College and opened Beau Wilson Insurance in downtown Sand Springs last year. He was previously nominated for Vice-Mayor in 2016 by Councilman Jackson, but declined the opportunity.

Councilwoman Hamner holds master's degrees in educational leadership and counseling, both from Northeastern State University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Rogers State University. She is a clinical supervisor at a foster care agency.

May 08, 2017

Former Sand Springs Councilman-businessman Kim Tilley receives John M. Hess Award

May 08, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Left to right: Brian Jackson, Christine Hamner, Beau Wilson, Kim Tilley, Jim Spoon, Mike Burdge, Phil Nollan, Patty Dixon. Former Sand Springs City Councilman Kim Tilley with current councilmembers.

Former Sand Springs City Councilman Kim Lee Tilley (77) was presented with the John M. Hess Award for Outstanding Citizenship at Monday night's City Council meeting for more than thirty years of community service.

Tilley was first elected in 1970 out of Ward 4 and served till 1975. He then moved to Ward 6 and served there from 1979 to 1982, and again from 1985 to 2009. Several of his terms were spent as Vice Mayor.

Tilley was also a small business owner in the community for many years, owning and operating Tilley's Grocery Store at 4th and Cleveland for more than two decades.

Tilley previously received a Resolution of Appreciation from former mayor Bob Walker.

May 05, 2017

Sand Springs Police Department invites community discussion of City Policing Plan May 18th at CPHS

May 05, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter provided a presentation regarding the Sand Springs Policing Plan at last week's Sand Springs City Council Meeting and discussed alterations made since their last presentation. He also gave updates on ongoing actions taken by the department.

The Department plans on listing all officers, employees, council members, and City administrators online for better transparency. They removed a section of the plan calling for increased penalties. They removed a plan to build jail space for long term holding of individuals with warrants.

The Department has increased the amount of written and verbal warnings in 2017, with a third of all citations issued being warnings without fines. External vests are becoming more common. They are collaborating with businesses along Wekiwa Road to combat aggressive panhandlers.

According to Carter, the department has seen a "dramatic cut down on meth labs in the last couple of years. The department also has an officer on the Hispanic Affairs Commission who is fluent in Spanish and able to translate.

Carter also touched on current issues in the national climate such as immigration status. "If there is a victim of a crime, our first job is to protect and serve, regardless of immigration status. But we are not a sanctuary city." Carter wants anyone in Sand Springs to feel safe calling the SSPD without fear of being checked for credentials. However, he also said that Sand Springs cooperates with State and Federal investigations into individuals' immigration status and will make arrests on behalf of other agencies.

The police department has also made efforts to involve the community in review processes. Citizens have been involved on review boards for Use of Force investigations and complaints. "Nothing we do should be secret," said Carter. "We work for the community."

Sand Springs partners with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations when looking into Use of Deadly Force and In-Custody deaths.

The Sand Springs Police Department maintains an active social media presence through their official Facebook page. They will be holding a "Pop with a Cop" day at the Charles Page High School cafeteria on May 18th where citizens can meet officers, ask questions, and fellowship over a cold can of cola. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Department recently partnered with House District 66 Representative Jadine Nollan on House Bill 2159, which would authorize the Oklahoma Tax Commission to cancel the current registration on a defendant's motor vehicle should they fail to appear in court or enter a plea for unpaid fines, rather than having an arrest warrant issued. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 80-16, but died in the Senate General Government committee.

The Department recently celebrated a successful "Food for Fines" program that allowed people to pay outstanding fines and warrants without fear of arrest. More than 100 people had warrants recalled because of the event, which brought in 6,118 pounds of canned food for Sand Springs Community Services.

Officers are in their second year of physical fitness testing with the University of Tulsa.

The Department is also working on officer retention efforts. According to Carter, the department is four positions down from last year. The Chief cited competitive wages and a national anti-cop climate as reasons for difficulty in recruiting and retaining experienced officers.

In Other News:

Council unanimously passed the Consent Agenda, consisting of "routine" money transfers and resolutions considered to be standard in nature. Councilman Jim Spoon was absent from the meeting.
Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 17-36, adopting the Fiscal Year 2018 Master Fee Schedule. Councilor Phil Nollan commented, "Our fees are 50% higher than our competitor cities. I would like for us to take a look at that again in the future. Sand Springs has had an issue growing in the last few decades compared to other cities. A lot of things have changed to help us grow, but I feel like there's more areas we can continue to improve."
Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 17-37, adopting the FY2018 Budget. Finance Director Kelly Lamberson discussed an ongoing negative trend in Sales Tax Revenue.
Council sent back to committee a previously-approved plan to place a large City Logo on the McKinley West Tank. Alan Ringle, of Ringle Development, and Kenneth Benton, a resident in the area, protested the plan. According to research done by Ringle and Councilman Nollan, the previously approved logo was illegally sized for Tulsa County, who has jurisdiction over the property.
Council approved Ordinance 1299 by a 5-1 vote with Nollan voicing dissent. The ordinance requires backwater valves in all sanitary sewer building drains. "I openly do not support this," said Nollan. "I hate to make a new requirement that will cost homeowners or new developers extra money." Ringle also spoke in opposition to the ordinance.
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1300, effectively rezoning 721 N. Garfield Ave. from Residential Single-Family to Residential Duplex.
Councilman Brian Jackson gave a report on a "Sandite Power Hour" volunteer session where twenty individuals painted a hallway at Angus Valley Elementary.

May 04, 2017

ODOT looking at suspending construction work, commission defers award on new highway contracts due to funding concerns

May 04, 2017/ Scott Emigh

At its Monday, May 1 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission took unprecedented action on new construction projects due to the ongoing state budget crisis. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation also updated commissioners on proposals being considered by the legislature that would affect transportation funding and the impacts to construction already underway.

Due to the uncertainty of state funding to pay current obligations, ODOT Executive Director Mike Patterson reported to commissioners that the department had asked several construction contractors not to start work on 12 projects that were awarded in previous months. Additionally, Patterson has asked the eight field division engineers to prepare a plan of how to safely and responsibly suspend work on more than 80 road and bridge projects already under construction in the event that the deteriorating state funding trends continue.

“Suspending current highway construction due to a proposed reduction in state funding is not something ODOT has ever been faced with, but we are preparing for it now,” Patterson said. “Without a reliable stream of revenue coming in, it wouldn’t be fiscally responsible to keep incurring construction expenses that we have an obligation to pay.”

A fuel tax increase is a revenue replacement proposal under consideration by the legislature that would partially offset the proposed cuts.

Patterson also noted that issuing new bonds to offset budget cuts is not a fiscally viable option, as in previous years. The agency has more than $485 million in outstanding bond debt, which costs about $57 million annually in debt service. Since 2010, the legislature has authorized several ODOT bond issues to help offset funding diverted from transportation. Now, the agency's cash balance has been depleted to the point that ODOT is no longer able to cover the required payments up front necessary to receive bond proceeds.

Citing funding concerns, the commission voted to defer award of new highway construction contracts for this month, approving contracts financed with only federal and county funds. Highway projects deferred include bridge work on Shields Blvd. over I-35 in Moore and I-35 over US-77 near Davis as well as pavement rehabilitation on SH-11 in Grant County and SH-45 and SH-132 in Garfield County.

Commissioners did award 11 contracts totaling $18 million to improve county roads and bridges in nine counties. Contracts were awarded for projects in Beaver, Caddo, Choctaw, Coal, Garfield, Johnston, Kingfisher, Nowata and Pawnee counties. A list of all awarded contracts may be found by visiting www.odot.org/contracts, selecting the April 2017 letting and clicking Go and then Award.

The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 5.

Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.odot.org.

May 02, 2017

This Week in Sand Springs

May 02, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Monday

8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys Golf Regionals - Bailey Ranch Golf Course, Owasso
8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls Tennis Regionals - Yukon High School
6:30 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting - Case Community Center
7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Education Meeting - CPHS Fine Arts Building

Tuesday

7:00 p.m. Clyde Boyd Middle School Spring Concert - CBMS Auditorium

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club

Thursday

9:00 a.m. 6A Girls Golf State Championship - Ponca City Country Club
11:30 a.m. CPHS Baseball vs Jenks - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Winner plays at 4:30, Loser plays at 6:30

Friday

100 Mile Yard Sale
8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Possible games at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on Thursday results

Saturday

100 Mile Yard Sale
7:30 a.m. OKUSA Wrestling East Regional Tournament - Sapulpa High School
8:00 a.m. 6A Girls Tennis State Championship - Oklahoma City Tennis Center
9:30 a.m. Track and Field 6A Regional Championship - Claremore High School
10:30 a.m. Chandler Park Lost City Climbing Competition
- Click here for more information.
1:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Regional Playoff at Jenks
- Depending on Thursday and Friday results

April 27, 2017

Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan passes Senate vote

April 27, 2017/ Scott Emigh

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister today praised Senate members for approval of a measure to help ensure that all students develop their own relevant and dynamic pathway for success in college, career and life. Authored by Rep. Jadine Nollan and Sen. Gary Stanislawski, House Bill 2155 phases in the implementation of an Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) over a three-year period, beginning with pilot districts. Oklahoma is one of only seven states that does not have a state-level ICAP strategy for students.

The legislation now heads to Gov. Fallin for her signature.

“Too many high school students wait until after graduation to begin exploring career pathways in career technology centers or colleges,” Hofmeister said. “By contrast, tailored career and academic plans made earlier in middle school help our students complete required courses and build foundational skills to be able to hit the ground running after high school with meaningful, self-defined career, college and life goals.”

Beginning in sixth grade, ICAPs will follow each student through middle and high school and evolve to reflect any changes in interests, strengths and growth. They will include interest inventories, written goals, a step-by-step plan to reach those goals, career surveys, academic progress measures and a list of completed apprenticeships, internships or mentorships. Students will be able to create individualized portfolios, utilize high-school planning tools, explore career options and access college campus information with the assistance of parents, school counselors and teachers.

Many graduates today lack the skills employers are looking for or the necessary coursework to succeed in college or career without remediation. Thirty-nine percent of all first-year college students in Oklahoma currently require remedial courses before earning college credit, a process that, according to the Center for American Progress, costs Oklahoma families $22.2 million annually. By defining career goals or post-secondary plans earlier in their education, students will have the opportunity to make important decisions regarding coursework and extracurricular activities that align with their postsecondary career and life goals.

In addition, ICAPs will encourage greater enrollment in advanced coursework in high school, particularly during a student’s senior year, and funnel more Oklahoma students toward postsecondary degree attainment or industry certification. Currently, only 54 percent of Oklahoma students complete a degree program or advanced credential after high school. By 2025, the Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development estimates that 77 percent of new jobs in Oklahoma will require some sort of postsecondary credential or degree. ICAPs will equip schools to close this so-called “workforce gap.”

“This legislation is a positive step forward and better positions Oklahoma students to achieve their aspirations and compete,” said Hofmeister. “Too many doors shut unnecessarily on students because of poor planning. Exploring career options and advanced planning fosters self-motivated learners.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will pilot ICAPs in selected districts during the 2017-18 school year, and increase the number of district pilots in 2018-19. In the 2019-2020 school year, they will become a graduation requirement for those entering ninth grade, as required by House Bill 3218, which the governor signed into law in 2016.

April 27, 2017

Oklahoma Department of Corrections population hits record 62,000

April 27, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Oklahoma City - On April 25, 2017 during the monthly Board of Corrections meeting at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, Oklahoma ODOC Director Joe M. Allbaugh informed board members that the agency had a record number of individuals in the system. "Today we have 62,000 in our system," said Director Allbaugh. "What bothers me is back in December we hit a record population of 61,000. It has taken just four months for an additional 1,000 people to be included in our numbers of incarcerated, supervised, and county jail backup."

ODOC population numbers (04/25/2017):

33,865 - Supervision (GPS monitored, community supervision, probation/parole)
26,380 - Incarcerated (Prisons and halfway houses)
1,755 - County jail backup (People who have received judgment/sentencing and awaiting transport to ODOC)

State prisons are at 109% inmate capacity, Director Allbaugh said relief is needed immediately, "Programs are the way to get us out of this pickle long-term. In the short-term the only thing we can do is hope and pray the legislature will step up and give us the necessary money to acquire, rent, beg, or borrow more additional beds to handle the influx."

The Crime and Justice Institute and the Pew Charitable Trusts have projected that if there is no action taken to reduce Oklahoma's prison population that ODOC will see a population increase of 25% over the next 10-years. Oklahoma will need three additional prisons to absorb those numbers at an estimated taxpayer cost of $1.2-billion in capital needs and an additional $700-million in operating costs.

Director Allbaugh also informed the board that there are currently 261 probation officers averaging a workload of 130 cases each. ODOC also has 1,803 correctional officers (CO) at facilities across the state. Hiring CO's has been one of Allbaugh's top priorities since heading up the agency.

April 27, 2017

Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Disproportionately Affecting Oklahomans; OSDH Encourages Testing

April 27, 2017/ Scott Emigh

According to a newly released study, there are an estimated 94,200 Oklahomans living with Hepatitis C virus infection. Estimates were developed by researchers at Emory University in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to better understand the number of people in each state living with Hepatitis C.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is encouraging residents to be tested for the virus as Oklahoma had the highest estimated prevalence in the nation at 3.34 percent, while the national prevalence was 1.67 percent. The report also indicates 523 Oklahomans died due to Hepatitis C from 1999-2012, ranking our state among the highest for Hepatitis C mortality.

Hepatitis C is a virus which can cause serious liver disease. In the early stage of infection, some people will have symptoms of illness including fever, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice; however, many persons will not have any symptoms at all. Approximately 75 to 85 percent of people who are infected with the virus will develop a chronic condition which can lead to liver problems, including cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer or death. New medications are available to treat chronic Hepatitis C, including new drugs which appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects than previous options. Although treatment for Hepatitis C is expensive, new drug regimens can result in a cure.

The virus is spread from exposure to an infected person’s blood. Exposure can occur when sharing needles or other injection drug equipment. Prior to 1992, Hepatitis C was commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Although rare, the virus has also been transmitted in medical settings in which strict compliance with infection control standards was not observed.

The OSDH is working to combat the issue by supporting Hepatitis C testing efforts at community-based organizations which offer HIV testing, offering educational programs for medical professionals and providing education in drug and alcohol treatment centers. Additionally, the agency conducts surveillance of Hepatitis C and has recently been awarded a CDC grant to expand upon these surveillance efforts.

The only way to know if a person has Hepatitis C is to obtain a blood test. The OSDH recommends testing for the following persons:

Anyone born from 1945 through 1965.
Anyone who has injected drugs, even just once or many years ago.
Anyone with certain medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and HIV or AIDS.
Anyone who has received donated blood or organs before 1992.
Anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
Anyone who has been exposed to the blood from a person who has Hepatitis C.
Anyone on hemodialysis.
Anyone born to a mother with Hepatitis C.

Although there is no vaccine to prevent the virus, there are ways to avoid becoming infected. These include:

Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones or other substances.
Do not use personal items which may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes or glucose monitors.
Do not get tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.

Hepatitis C testing is available through private medical providers, or at the following locations:

Oklahoma City

Expressions Community Center
2245 NW 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 528-2210 / eccokc.org

Red Rock Behavioral Health Services
4400 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 424-7711 / 1-877-339-3330 / red-rock.com

Guiding Right, Inc.
7901 NE 10th Street, Suite A-111
Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 733-0771 / guidingright.org

Latino Community Development Agency (Habla Español)
420 SW 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
(405) 236-0701 / lcdaokc.com

Tulsa

H.O.P.E. Health Outreach Prevention and Education
3540 E 31st Street, #3
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 749-TEST (8378) / hopetesting.org

Guiding Right, Inc.
549-A East 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74106
(918) 986-8400 / guidingright.org

Ardmore

MAMA Knows, Inc.
10 W Main Street
Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 226-4238 / mamaknowsinc.org

For additional information about Hepatitis C, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm.

April 27, 2017

Senate approves creation of independent commission to conduct performance audits of state agencies

April 27, 2017/ Scott Emigh

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday in a bipartisan vote approved a bill creating an independent commission to conduct comprehensive performance audits of state agencies. House Bill 2311 is authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

The bill creates the Agency Performance and Accountability Commission which is directed to conduct a comprehensive performance audit of state agencies, as well as conduct a diagnostic analysis of the state’s budget to identify spending trends. The commission would then make recommendations to the Legislature on how to implement best practices from both the private and public sector to ensure state government services are run in the most cost-effective manner.

“This year’s budget shortfall highlights the need to ensure state government is operating efficiently, but during ‘bad’ or ‘good’ budgets our goal remains the same: to ensure the most cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars. This measure will provide lawmakers with independent data to help us make more well-informed decisions about the state’s spending priorities. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve a state government run efficiently and one that delivers service at a high level and this bill moves us one step closer to achieving those goals,” Schulz said.

The measure now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments to the bill.

April 27, 2017

State Senator Kyle Loveless resigns amidst allegations of campaign finance misconduct

April 27, 2017/ Scott Emigh

District 45 State Senator Kyle Loveless irrevocably resigned his office Thursday morning amidst allegations of failure to follow proper procedures for reporting campaign donations.

Loveless, a Republican from Oklahoma City, was first elected in 2012 and re-elected this past November.

Loveless is currently under criminal investigation by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater with allegations of campaign fund misappropriation and embezzlement.

In a brief, three-sentence letter to President Pro Tempore Mike Shultz, Lovess said "Mistakes I have made are the responsibility of no one other than myself." Shulz wished Loveless and his family "best wishes moving forward."

April 25, 2017

Herbal Affair founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero award

April 25, 2017/ Scott Emigh

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Longtime Sandite Sandi Byerly was presented with the Hometown Hero award by Mayor Mike Burdge at the 28th Annual Herbal Affair Saturday afternoon in downtown Sand Springs.

Byerly is credited as having helped start the Herbal Affair and Festival along with the late Ruth Leib in 1989.

The "small" garden party attracted more than 800 visitors in its first year, and grew annually thanks to the efforts of Leib and Byerly. Today, the Herbal Affair attracts more than 25,000 individuals annually.

The City Garden Park houses a wine garden at the annual Herbal Affair.

According to a City press release, Byerly traveled the Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas countrysides seeking out the best gardeners, artisans, and food vendors in the region to help make Herbal Affair unique.

Local volunteer group The Herb Society was formed by the Byerly-Leib duo in conjunction with the City of Sand Springs.

Byerly opened The Garden Trowel shop in the former Sand Springs Railway station in the early 1900s, specializing in gardening and cooking. She also helped with the landscape design and installation of the City Garden Park across the Municipal Building.

Currently, Byerly designs and produces jewelry through her company, Elements of Nature.

Bylerly is a perpetually active volunteer in the Sand Springs and Tulsa communities, working with Special Olympics, Little Light House, and the Tulsa Boys' Home. She is a founder and former president of the Sand Springs Symphony League and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs choir.

Leib passed away in 2010, but not before receiving the Hometown Hero award in 1999. The Herbal Affair mural in downtown was also dedicated to her memory.

Click here to view previous Hometown Heroes.

April 24, 2017

This Week in Sand Springs

April 24, 2017/ Scott Emigh

Monday

8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Tennis - Union Tournament
8:00 a.m. CPHS Boys' Golf - Bartlesville Tournament
5:00 p.m. CPHS Girls' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
7:00 p.m. CPHS Boys' Soccer - Home game vs Deer Creek
7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Owasso
7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting
8:00 p.m. Sand Springs Municipal Authority Meeting

Tuesday

CPHS Slow Pitch Softball - Regional Tournament at Westmoore
- times TBA
8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Tennis - Union Tournament
8:00 a.m. CPHS Girls' Golf Regionals - Broken Arrow
7:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Home game vs Owasso

Thursday

4:00 p.m. Frontier Valley Conference Track Meet - Union
5:00 p.m. CPHS Baseball - road game at Tulsa NOAH

Friday

4:00 p.m. CPHS Tennis - Rotert Night at Home
4:30 p.m. CPHS Baseball - Road game at Booker T. Washington

April 24, 2017

City Council prepares for upcoming bond election, discusses new roads and economic incentives

April 24, 2017/ Scott Emigh

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting earlier this month and discussed proposals for an upcoming General Obligation Bond Election. All of the proposals are still in their early stages and will likely be reworded, reorganized, and tweaked before being presented to the public. Council will hold public hearings on the proposals before they are finalized.

Proposal One relates to streets and roadways and in its current form would total $3.565 million. $1.445 million would be directed towards street overlays and repairs, while $2.06 million would be used to construct a new roadway over the levee separating River City Parks from OmniTRAX.

The new road would help alleviate traffic delays along Wilson Avenue between Morrow Road and US-64. Proposal One would also provide the City with new equipment for overlays, as well as street sign production.

Proposal One passed unanimously, minus Councilman Brian Jackson, who was absent.

Proposal Two relates to Public Safety equipment and software and would total $2.27 million total.

$1.137 million would be used to acquire new safety computer equipment and software. According to Police Chief Mike Carter, the SSPD are having frequent failures with the current software used for recording criminal activity.

The other $1.133 million would be used to replaced a 27-year old ladder truck. According to Fire Chief Mike Wood, the current vehicle is an open cab truck which is unsafe and no longer produced, and only has single-point seat belts. The truck has continued maintenance issues, the internal waterway is extremely corroded and could cost $50,000 to $100,000 to fix. The Aerial Master Stream failed at a mower shop fire a few years ago, there was a motor failure in 2006, and pump failures have also plagued the vehicle. The water tank is too small, the truck is crowded and poorly designed, and it's the only ladder truck in the department. The SSFD has applied for federal grants to replace the truck annually for the last decade but haven't received one yet.

Proposal two passed unanimously.

Proposal Three would provide for a renovation of the clubhouse at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course. The clubhouse would be redesigned to a more open event center concept. "We're doing well at the golf course and we want to maintain that reputation as one of the better golf courses in the Tulsa area," said Mayor Mike Burdge.

The proposal would also provide for parking lot lighting and electrical work at the Jerry Adair Baseball Complex, as well as Museum improvements, neighborhood park improvements, a new playground at Angus Valley, and neighborhood trail improvements around Pratt Elementary and Clyde Boyd Middle School.

Part of the funding would be used to build a visitor's center at Keystone Ancient Forest. According to Parks Director Grant Gerondale, current guided hikes are ran off a truck tailgate. The only bathrooms on the premises are port-o-johns. An observation tower would also be built in the forest.

One point of contention around the proposal was $3 million to be used for building a memorial for military, police, and fire. The proposed memorial would include the names of more than 5,000 Oklahoma servicemen and women with a water feature and a fire feature for retiring flags. The memorial would be built in the OmniTRAX development area next to the new City Public Safety facilities.

While all six council-members were in favor of building a memorial, debate arose surrounding how much should be spent and whether the memorial should stand as an individual proposal.

Ultimately, Councilman Jim Spoon moved that the proposal be approved with the memorial limited to $1 million instead of $3 million. The measure passed 4-2 with Councilwoman Patty Dixon and Councilman Phil Nollan voting against.

Proposal Four totaled $3.2 million and relates to equipment, building upgrades, and software. The funding would provide for the purchase of a commercial track hoe, a bulldozer, a Vactor truck, and city-wide beautification and landscaping. The City's water-treatment facility in particular would receive substantial landscaping improvements.

Proposal Five regarded economic incentives and land acquisition. Previous economic incentives provided for through bond issues led to the recruiting of Reasor's, Webco, and Wal Mart.

Proposals Four and Five were passed unanimously, though Councilman Spoon noted that they should consider separating the beautification aspect of Proposal Four into its own item.

April 17, 2017