First look at Case Community Park flood damage, cleanup day scheduled for Saturday

Sand Springs Parks Director Jeff Edwards surveys damages near the Will Ramsey Softball Complex.

Sand Springs City Council, Parks Advisory Board, and select members of the media were given a tour of the recently flooded Case Community Park Monday evening, getting their first look at the devastation inflicted by recent historic flooding.

More than a hundred acres of Sand Springs’s flagship park was under several feet of water for more than a week this past May. The park has undergone more than $10 million in renovations and improvements over the past five years, and much of that hard work has been undercut by mother nature’s recent fury.

Thankfully, most of the park’s amenities are insured and can be replaced. Additionally, the Parks Department removed more than $200,000 worth of tables, benches, trashcans, and other items prior to the water reaching them.

So far the City of Sand Springs has yet to do any work at Case, and Parks Department staff have been busy helping with volunteer efforts in the recently flooded Meadow Valley subdivision. The City will be hosting a community cleanup day Saturday, June 8th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Sand Springs Local Church Network will be working with the Parks Department to provide free lunch for any volunteers who come out.

The BMX Track and Will Ramsey Softball Complex took the brunt of the damage as those two areas are right along the river path and had a strong current running through them. The Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex and Jerry Adair Baseball Park were also flooded, but mainly due to backup from a creek that runs past them. Flood waters reached depths of 3-4 feet in the baseball facilities and 8-10 feet in the soccer fields and deeper parts of the park.

Parks Director Jeff Edwards pointed out that even while flooded, the parks were still serving their community. Case Park lies between the river and the levee, and an 80-acre section of the park is actually owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the floodplain.

All of the fencing around the softball and BMX parks will likely need to be replaced. The chain link is packed solid with leaves, trash, and other detritus. Much of the fence has collapsed or warped under the pressure from the current, which also eroded around the base of many fence posts.

Much of the electrical systems running through the park will need to be redone, and the concessions and restroom facilities will need extensive rehabbing. All of the artificial turf under the playgrounds will need to be replaced, though the playground equipment itself appears to be undamaged.

None of the disc golf baskets appear to have suffered significant damage, though much of that area has yet to be thoroughly inspected. At present time the grounds are too waterlogged to support heavy vehicles, and the BMX track is cut off due to a downed tree.

Fortunately, the annual Chillin’ ‘n’ Grillin’ festival that normally takes place in Case was already planned to relocate to downtown prior to the flooding, and celebrated its 8th year of festivities without a hitch this past weekend. Unfortunately, the 22nd Annual Sertoma Fireworks Show scheduled for July 3rd has been canceled, as has the 3rd Annual Riverfest, and the Summer Outdoor Movie Series.

Keystone Dam outflow reduced, community meeting scheduled and other resources for flood victims

For the first time in weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun significantly scaling back release rates at the Keystone Dam. By 2:00 p.m. Thursday outflow had been reduced from 275,000 cubic feet per second to 230,000. Inflow is down to 204,251 cf/s, its lowest rate since May 20th. The flood pool is at 104.9% with pool elevation at 755.5 feet. With no additional rains, the Corps is projecting 100,000 cf/s by June 3rd.

By Monday evening the Sand Springs Police had shut down Highway 51 all the way from Riverview RV Park to 145th West Avenue due to flooding from Anderson Creek. The Arkansas River tributary was one of the first places to flood in Sand Springs, taking out the Meadow Valley subdivision, the Webco Star Center, Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company, and Double H Sales.

National Guard checkpoints have been established at the Highway 51 intersections with 145th West Avenue, Town and Country Drive, and 165th West Avenue. Residents in those neighborhoods are still allowed to return, but the Meadow Valley subdivision was temporarily off limits.

At peak outflow, 145th flooded at the entrance to the neighborhood, cutting off access to anyone without a substantially lifted vehicle. However waters began to recede Wednesday evening. Some residents reported 2-3 feet reduction in water levels around their property.

Charles Page Boulevard closed Tuesday from 65th West Avenue to 74th West Avenue, then expanded to 81st on Wednesday. The National Guard is concerned about soil liquification under the roadway and potential sinkholes.

The Starbucks in River West shut down Monday and will remain closed until the Arkansas River flooding situation is resolved and the levee system is no longer at risk.

Case Community Park has been closed for the past week due to substantial flooding and will likely remain closed for some time.

Resources

Broadway Baptist Church will be hosting an informative event Thursday at 1000 North Adams Road for locals affected by the flood. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with remarks to begin at 6:30 p.m. Senator James Lankford, Congressman Kevin Hern, Governor Kevin Stitt, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith will be in attendance.

Senator Jim Inhofe will be on hand at 5:30 p.m. to speak with constituents, but will not be available during the 6:30 meeting due to a previously scheduled conference call. The event is only open to residents of Town & Country, Candlestick Beach, and other affected flood victims in unincorporated Tulsa County areas of Sand Springs. QuikTrip is providing free drinks and pastries for the event.

Angus Church at 4401 South 129th West Avenue is serving three meals a day for locals affected by the floods and tornadoes. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., lunch is at 12:00 p.m., and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. However, the Thursday dinner will be moved up to 5:00 p.m. so as to not conflict with the meeting at Broadway Baptist.

Broadway will be providing free dinner to flood victims, first responders, and military Sunday June 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The church is partnering with Rolling River Relief and Sand Springs Community Services to bring multiple food trucks. Broadway is also offering free clothing and some financial support. They can be reached at 918-245-7513.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. has opened a Disaster Relief Distribution Center at the Sand Springs Church of Christ Activity Building at 4301 South 113th West Avenue. Beginning Thursday, May 30th, they are open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with boxed foods, baby care items, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and more. Flood victims should bring a valid driver’s license or ID card with your current address. This is a distribution site only and will not be able to receive donations.

Uhaul of Tulsa is offering free 30 day storage rental to anyone impacted by recent flooding. This is only at Uhaul Centers, not neighborhood dealers. Participating locations are 6105 South Peoria Avenue, 5140 South 103rd East Avenue, 3500 South Sheridan Road, 1006 South Memorial Drive, and 504 East Archer Street.

Samaritan’s Purse arrived Thursday to help with the physical labor that flood victims will have to deal with. The nondenominational evangelical Christian organization helps with gutting damaged homes to prep them for restoration. They are stationed in the Prattville Center at 3 West 41st Street to receive volunteers and flood victims in need of assistance. You can reach Samartian’s Purse at 918-257-1381. Samaritan’s Purse will provide training Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Solace Church at 7314 West 41st Street will also be doing physical labor similar to Samaritan’s Purse. They can be reached at 217-853-1124.

Free meals are available for children up to age 18 from the Sand Springs Public Schools Child Nutrition Department. For information on locations and times, call 918-246-1430.

Sand Springs Community Services has food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, toys, and other household items at 114 West 4th Street. They can be reached at 918-245-5183.

Sand Springs Care Closet at 3417 South 113th West Avenue has clothing and toys. They can be reached at 918-269-8434.

Harvest Church is receiving donations of cleaning supplies and canned goods at 1601 West 4th Street and can be reached at 918-245-0193. They have free cleaning supplies and bottled water at both their Sand Springs location and their 349 South 49th West Avenue location.

First Presbyterian Church at 222 North Adams Road has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-1748.

Olivet Baptist Church at 155 North 65th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-260-5369.

CrossPoint Church at 4600 South 129th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-2534. They are accepting donations of bleach, gloves, cleaning supplies, bottled water, rags, and personal hygiene items.

HillSpring Church has clothing and licensed counselors available at 8801 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-955-2031. They are accepting donations of trash bags, cleaning supplies ,bottled water, gloves, toilet paper, and paper towels.

Church That Matters has licensed counselors available at 3 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-512-1486. They are accepting donations of bottled water, pre-packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, gloves, and trash bags.

For resource updates, visit https://www.churchthatmatters.com/floodrelief

The City of Sand Springs canceled their “Chipper Days” event schedule for June 1st. The next date is July 13th. Citizens with a City water bill for proof of residence will be able to bring tree branches for free disposal.

Beginning Monday, free tetanus shots will be available at Gilstrap Chiropractic Clinic at 3900 South 113th West Avenue.

Keystone outflow will increase to 275,000 cf/s, flood waters will rise

Flooding in the Riverside West subdivision in South Sand Springs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced plans to increase outflow from the Keystone Dam Sunday after yet another torrential downpour soaked the state during an already historic wet-season.

Tornado sirens wailed across Green Country Saturday night and into Sunday morning as deadly twisters ravaged towns like Tulsa, Sapulpa, and El Reno. But what might ultimately end up causing even more property damage than the winds is the rain that came with it.

The Tulsa area received around an inch of rain, while areas upstream were doused in as much as three inches in the last 24 hours. Most of that water will find its way into the bursting banks of the Arkansas River, where Dam authorities are slowly inching their way closer to the record-setting 1986 outflow levels.

As of 5:00 p.m. Sunday, the lake is releasing 256,401 cubic feet per second, with inflow of 300,000. Waters are 33.04 feet above normal and the flood pool is 109.93% full. Though the USACE has yet to match the 1986 record of 305,000 cf/s, it has been releasing over 250,000 since Thursday, and over 200,000 since Wednesday. Even in the tragic flood of 1986, the outdated levee system never had to hold this much water for this long.

The conditions show no sign of improving. Outflow will increase to 265,00 cf/s Sunday at 7:00 p.m., and to 275,000 Monday at 7:00 a.m. With more showers in the forecast for six of the next eight days, it is imperative that people be aware of their surroundings. Those who live in flood plains should be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Additionally, many businesses, shopping centers, and other non-residential areas could be affected in the event of a levee failure.

Sand Springs would likely face flooding as far north as Highway 412 in the event of a levee collapse. Even if your home is outside the flood plain, you should make yourself aware of the City’s levee-failure emergency evacuation plan.

The City of Sand Springs has issued a warning for the few remaining citizens in the flooded Meadow Valley subdivision, saying they won’t be able to perform nighttime rescues in the subdivision. Neighborhood holdouts are advised that conditions are only going to get worse. The City of Tulsa is encouraging voluntary evacuation of homes along the levees.

If you are unsure of how flooding could impact your neighborhood, call emergency management at 211.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs releases Levee-A Evacuation Plan, Tulsa encouraging voluntary evacuation

SEE RELATED: Leaking levees not a concern according to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner

City of Sand Springs releases Levee-A Evacuation Plan, Tulsa encouraging voluntary evacuation

The City of Sand Springs released an official Evacuation Plan for a levee-breach scenario Saturday afternoon. No levee breach has currently been detected but the City’s emergency services are being proactive.

No significant damage has been detected to Levee A at this time. However, the World War 2-era sand berms are increasingly vulnerable for as long as they are exposed to hydrostatic pressure.

In the event that a credible threat to Levee A is detected, the City will notify all businesses and citizens registered with the Emergency Phone Notification System. Businesses will be instructed to close immediately and to send all patrons and employees north of Highway 412/64.

Officers will be sent to expedite traffic, Flood Warning Sirens will sound, and no traffic other than rescue personnel will be allowed to drive south of Highway 412/64 or North on Highway 97 from South Sand Springs.

In the event of a levee breach, areas affected would include Wal-Mart, River West, all of Morrow Road, the Atwoods Shopping Center, the Harris Shopping Center, and all of Charles Page Boulevard. A full map of affected locations is below.

Officers and volunteers will be stationed in the Charles Page High School football practice field at 10th Street and Adams Road to receive airlift rescues, who will then be sent to either Broadway Baptist Church or the Ed Dubie Field House.

Relief efforts will be coordinated from the Sand Springs Emergency Operations Center in downtown.

Because of the heavy industrial operations along the river, any flooding would call for Haz-Mat quarantine in areas like OmniTrax, Morrow Road, and the entire area between Main Street and Adams Road.

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The United States Army Corps of Engineers has expressed their intent to continue outflow in the range of 250,000-260,000 cubic feet per second until at least Wednesday, possibly longer if more rain affects the region.

During the historic 1986 flood, the levees were only exposed to current conditions for approximately twelve hours. They have currently been keeping flood waters at bay for more than 40 hours with at least 80 hours to go. This is the toughest test that Levee District 12 has ever endured. In December of 2016 Levees A & B were considered to be “Very High Risk” by the USACE with levee overtopping highly likely.

County officials have stressed the need for a new and improved levee system for years. According to a 2017 report, “the levees have a history of poor performance.” The 1984 flooding along Harlow and Bigheart (formerly Blackboy) Creeks caused overtopping, extensive erosion, and foundation failure of the floodwalls. Significant repairs were made after both the 1984 and 1986 floods, but concern remains.

Levee C nearly breached Thursday due to significant erosion, but Crossland Construction Company was able to build a new temporary levee overnight from shale and rock in the West Bank Soccer Complex.

The City of Tulsa is encouraging preemptive evacuation of residential areas along the levees and has increased the police presence in areas along Charles Page Boulevard. National Guardsmen have been placed along the levees to monitor the situation and help with any potential evacuations.

Leaks have sprung in the Levee A and B dikes at 65th and Charles Page Boulevard, an unincorporated area inside the Sand Springs fenceline. The leaks are only from joints and are considered to relatively insignificant. Sandbags were stacked along the area Friday to prevent erosion and guardsmen are monitoring the situation.

Leaking levees not a concern according to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner

On Memorial Day weekend 1984 the area surrounding 65th West Avenue and Charles Page Boulevard was completely submerged in the worst flood Tulsa has ever seen. The water level from that event is painted onto the B Levee dike as a sobering reminder of the devastation that ultimately left 14 people dead in Tulsa.

Fast forward 35 years and once again Oklahoma is facing a statewide flood of historic nature. As of midnight Friday, the Keystone Dam is releasing 251,901 cubic feet of water per second. The dam has been releasing over 200,000 for 36 hours now, but during that time the lake rose two feet due to inflow exceeding 300,000. The flood control pool is at 104.92% capacity.

Not only is the ever-rising Arkansas River threatening the south side of Levee A, but a flooded Harlow Creek is steadily rising on the north side of Levee B. Page Boulevard runs right between the two, and the large concrete dikes on either side are springing leaks. The runoff from these leaks has drawn concern from local residents, but it’s of no concern to Levee officials.

According to Tulsa County Levee Commissioner Todd Kilpatrick, the leaks are perfectly normal. The dikes aren’t solid, they’re made of several concrete slabs joined together. Currently, the water is only coming out of the joints due to hydrostatic pressure. The same sight has been observed at the Keystone Dam.

Although he has spent years lobbying for increased funding and a new modernized levee system, he maintains that the current World War 2-era system is doing its job. The biggest danger to the sand-based levees isn’t the amount of water behind them, but the amount of time they’re inundated, allowing the earth to soak. and potentially liquefy.

Though the Tulsa/Sand Springs border is still safe for now, things are gradually worsening back to the west.

Case Community Park is completely flooded. Softball, soccer, and baseball fields are all submerged, as is the BMX track, the disc golf course, playgrounds, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad. As of 8:00 p.m. Thursday, water was nearly to the roof of the old soccer concession stands.

Sand Springs Parks Director Jeff Edwards says the Parks staff worked nonstop to remove as much at-risk park equipment as possible before the rising water finally brought their efforts to a stop. He believes they saved as much as $200,000 worth of picnic tables and other equipment.

The park received a $6 million remodel less than three years ago, but Edwards says the park facilities and equipment are insured. Between insurance and potential FEMA funding, finances shouldn’t be a problem for rebuilding most of the park. However, it’ll take extensive man-hours to clear debris and make repairs. All of the utilities will have to be inspected, the artificial turf in all of the playgrounds will have to be replaced, and its unclear how the waters will affect the BMX track’s berms.

On the bright side, all of the new playground equipment is expected to survive the waters without damage, as is the new amphitheater and the art pieces around the Great Lawn.

The Sand Springs Animal Shelter was evacuated Thursday afternoon as flood waters began approaching the building. The animals are being temporarily housed at the Humane Society of Tulsa. Animal Welfare workers will still be available to help with rescues.

Highway 51 is closed for the foreseeable future from Riverview RV Park west to 137th West Avenue. All four lanes are submerged due to overflow from Anderson Creek. Anderson Creek has also flooded the Meadow Valley subdivision all the way up to 26th Street, as well as the Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company and Double H Sales.

The Tulsa Boys Home has evacuated all of their students. Privately placed boys have been picked up by their guardians, while wards of the State have been placed in temporary foster care.

The Riverside West and Town & Country subdivisions have flooded all the way up to 19th Street. At least seven blocks are under four feet of water or higher.

The White Water Recreation Area on the Southeast side of the dam has been completely flooded and closed off. Anyone wanting to view the dam will have to park on the north side of the river near Bush Creek Park.

As of 7:00 p.m. the beachfront at Candlestick Beach was flooded and beginning to cover parts of 14th Street. Voluntary evacuation is heavily encouraged for residents of the subdivision.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol has rescue boats staged at various points along the river. The Tulsa County Sheriffs Department is assisting with evacuation at Candlestick Beach and Town & Country, while the Sand Springs Police and Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Fire Department are occupying Highway 51 outside of Meadow Valley.

Click here to visit our Flood of 2019 homepage for extensive video and photo coverage.

City of Sand Springs Advising Citizens for Flood Potential

Sand Springs, OK - The City of Sand Springs is advising area residents, especially those in the Meadow Valley housing neighborhood to brace for the potential of additional flooding. Although the rain event has stopped for now, the lag time for waters upstream of Keystone Dam to reach Sand Springs can delay flooding activities downstream for several hours.

Last night, City of Sand Springs Police and Fire teams reached out (via phone messages and neighborhood visits) to residents in the Meadow Valley neighborhood, along HWY 51 in Sand Springs to alert residents of the potential for flooding. This area, and others in Tulsa County which may not be in City limits but are near the Arkansas River, may be affected by the planned increases in outflows from Keystone Dam later tonight.

In Sand Springs City limits, Case Community Park has now closed until further notice. All sports and trail related activities are cancelled at this site. The Case Community Center (1050 W. Wekiwa Road) however remains open.

The City urges residents to pay attention to street closures and the accompanying traffic barricades that are placed to protect public safety.

This afternoon, the USACE confirms that 100,000 cubic feet/ second (cfs) of water is being currently, with 20,000 cfs increases planned at 2 p.m.; 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., leaving the discharge at that time to be around 160,000 cfs. The USACE will revise dam operations as needed after that.

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.

Sand Springs schools take steps to prevent future carbon monoxide scares

CPHS Drama Instructor Andrea Campfield receives a Sandite Spirit Award. Click here to view full photo gallery.

After a recent carbon monoxide scare at Clyde Boyd Middle School, Sand Springs schools are taking steps to make sure it never happens again anywhere in the district.

Superintendent Sherry Durkee gave updates on the district’s reaction to a half-week school cancellation at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. CBMS and the Sixth Grade Center were closed for several days last week after students began exhibiting signs of carbon monoxide exposure.

An investigation into the school’s HVAC system revealed 8 out of 47 units at CBMS had become compromised, all of which have now been shut down, and replacements have been ordered. Workers are checking units throughout the district now and detectors are being installed in every single classroom throughout the district.

Durkee says she’s never even heard of a problem like this, that many districts do not have detectors, and some of those districts are reaching out to learn from the experience. Sand Springs will be educating all teachers on detecting signs of carbon monoxide poisoning going forward despite it not being a state requirement.

It’s common for HVAC units to develop leaks over time, and the mass failure was due to many of the units being purchased at the same time and aging simultaneously. The district already has quarterly inspections, exceeding those required by State law.

The Board also approved a resolution allowing Durkee to spend up to $75,000 following an emergency declaration without having to seek Board approval.

The middle school already has fifteen more minutes of instruction time than mandatory each day, so the lost days will not need to be made up.

In other news:

Charles Page High School Performing Arts Instructor Andrea Campfield was awarded a Sandite Spirit Award for her work with the CPHS Drama Department. She recently wrote and directed “When Merry Comes Home For Christmas,” which the Sand Springs Community Theater performed this past weekend.

CBMS students Kaitlyn Gurley and Hunter Cathey were given Sandite Spirit Awards for large donations they made to the Shop With a Cop program that helps provide Christmas presents for underprivileged youth in the area.

CBMS Life Applications for Students (LAFS) teachers Coy Caviness and Brad Ehmke were presented with Coins of Excellence.

The Board voted to rescind ballot language passed in the previous monthly meeting in favor of more specific verbiage that includes band equipment, wrestling mats, desks, and other items that will be purchased following a March bond election. None of the bond election plans have changed, Superintendent Sherry Durkee simply wanted to offer more transparency to the public on what the money will be going to specifically.

The Board voted to enter into an agreement with KKT Architects for designs for the new Central Ninth Grade STEM Academy Project.

The Board approved out of state travel for six district employees to attend the Solution Tree Response to Intervention at Work Conference in San Diego in March.

The Board accepted the resignations of Tammy Green and Dawn Jones, paraprofessionals at the Early Childhood Education Center, and Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, respectively.

The Board approved the hiring of a U.S. History teacher for CPHS, a science teacher at CBMS, and a paraprofessional at ECEC.

The Board voted to accept the resignation of Office No. 1 Board Member Krista Polankski. Because Polanski served more than half her term, the Board is able to either appoint a new member or leave the spot vacant till the next regular election.

Harper's Hut loses thousands to burglary at Sand Springs stand

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java was the victim of a brutal break-in Sunday night at their 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard location.

The perpetrator appears to have attempted jimmying open a window before giving up and kicking in the door.

CEO William Nozak estimates losses of more than $2,500 due to theft and damages. The culprit made off with more than $800 cash and an iPad, trashed the interior, and caused extensive damage to the doorjamb and window. The stand will remain closed on Monday for repairs.

The oldest of Harper's five locations, the Charles Page Boulevard stand is at the entrance to the Harris Center development.

Master Lube & Car Wash, also in the Harris Center, recently shut down their car wash services due to theft. The car wash reportedly had coin boxes and the change machine broken into repeatedly, and brushes and sprayers were stolen multiple times. 

Last season the Harper's location inside of Case Community Park was burglarized and thieves made off with candy, soda, coin change, and a portable speaker system. The new Berryhill location suffered about $400 in vandalism damages just a week after opening last month. 

Nozak says repeated theft in the Harris Center is making the area feel unsafe, but this case in particular appears personal.

Both the cash register and safe appear to have been opened with a keycode and were not forced. Nozak suspects it could have been an ex employee or friend of an employee. 

A police report has been filed and the department has assigned a detective to the case. Anyone with information can contact the department online at this link or may call 918-245-8777. 

Harper's Hut Berryhill snow cone stand vandalized, closed for repairs

Just a week after opening for business, the Harper's Hut Shaved Ice stand in Berryhill was the victim of overnight vandalism. 

CEO William Nozak says that Berryhill branch owner Jeff Lyles arrived Saturday morning to find both windows smashed out with rocks. The stand plans to remain closed until repairs can be made. "Stuff like this happens, but it's tough to swallow, especially for a new business owner."

Lyles, also a Sand Springs Public Schools Assistant Band Director, says that the incident will cost around $400 for new windows and installation. A police report has been filed and authorities are investigating security footage from nearby Berryhill Public Schools and New Home Free Will Baptist Church.

The Hut is located at 3110 South 65th West Avenue in the unincorporated Tulsa community of Berryhill, immediately across the street from Berryhill Elementary South, and less than a quarter mile from Berryhill Elementary North and Berryhill High School. 

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java opened its first stand in Sand Springs in 2014 and has since expanded to five locations in Sand Springs, Sapulpa, and Tulsa. 

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice receives counterfeit twenty dollar bill

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Can you spot the fake?

Harper's Hut Shaved Ice and Java recently received their first counterfeit twenty dollar bill of the 2018 summer season.

Getting ripped off is a tradition for the Sand Springs snow cone stand. Since opening in 2014, the seasonal hangout starts every year with a hard lesson on how to spot fake twenty dollar bills. CEO William Nozak likes to take the opportunity to teach other small business owners. 

While counterfeit detector pens cost only a few dollars, sometimes they run out of ink or simply get misplaced. Here's a few simple indicators to check the authenticity of a bill.

Modern twenties have two watermarks. On the left side of the bill is a security thread repeating "USA Twenty" from bottom to top. On the right side of the bill is a silhouette of President Andrew Jackson's face. Both can best be seen when held up to a light. 

All bills $5 and larger have a facial silhouettes and security threads. On fives and tens the bands are on the right hand side, the fifty is near the middle, and the hundred is on the left.

In the summer of 2017 Harper's unveiled a new snow cone flavor named the "Fake $20." Harper's Hut has two Sand Springs locations. The original hut is at 1124 East Charles Page Boulevard and a limited menu is available at the Case Community Park concessions stand. 

Sandlot Sno-Balls employee has phone and tip jar stolen

An employee at the Sandlot Sno-Balls shaved ice stand at 250 South Highway 97 was the victim of theft Saturday afternoon, according to company owner Brad Crain.

The perpetrator reportedly visited the stand earlier that day and ordered a snow cone, then returned later in the day for another. After ordering and paying, he swiped the stand's tip jar and an employee's iPhone while she had her back turned. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident can reach the Sand Springs Police Department non-emergency line at 918-245-8777.

Young, Weir, Scott, Teachnor receive awards from SSPS Board of Ed

The Sand Springs Board of Education held a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at Charles Page High School and handed out several awards to students and faculty. 

Charles Page High School athletes Carter Young, Riley Weir, and Payton Scott were presented with Sandite Spirit Awards. Young and Weir both won wrestling State titles this season, leading their team to a third place finish.

"(Carter is) an outstanding student and an outstanding young man," said Head Wrestling Coach Kelly Smith. "I'd say the same thing about Riley. Everyone gets to see that final moment...but you wouldn't believe the time and the work and the effort that these guys put in to get where they're at. They're really special to get to this level."

Scott was recognized for winning the Gatorade Football Player of Year award for the State of Oklahoma. His award came with a $1,000 prize that he donated to Sand Springs Special Olympics.

"(Payton Scott is) one of my favorite people on the planet," said Board Member Rusty Gunn. "He's so energetic, so happy. He makes other people happy, he's a great leader on the field and off the field as well."

Pianist Amanda Teachnor was presented with a Pacesetter award for her work in accompanying the Sandite choir and band programs. "Amanda has just done a wonderful job," said Choir Director Peter Whipple. "She's been playing piano for us as long as I've been here. Every day she goes beyond. We appreciate her so much, her work, her spirit, and her willingness to do everything."

Superintendent Sherry Durkee briefly recapped talking points from a District Dialogue session held prior to the Board meeting, including student and teacher walkouts, State funding, school safety, and recent threat hoaxes.

SEE RELATED: SSPS Superintendent Durkee addresses teacher walkouts at District Dialogue

"They were polite and informed," said Durkee, regarding recent student walkouts to protest State funding. "I personally think that was a good platform to have conversation about current events." Durkee visited Central Ninth Grade Center where students walked out for 22 minutes to protest $22 million in state budget cuts. 

"The people I was around tended to know what they were talking about. Not to say every single kid was engaged, but I said 'what are you here for?' and I got an earful," said Durkee. The district did not sanction the walkout and students were counted absent from class, but the schools did contain the students and keep the event organized.

Durkee said the district has adopted an unofficial policy of taking all potential school threats seriously in the wake of the Florida massacre. Several threats have been made in recent weeks against the high school and ninth grade centers. The district has been working closely with the Sand Springs Police Department to track IP addresses and find the source of the threats. So far, each threat has been determined to be a joke. 

In other news:

• Board approved out out-of-state travel for Clyde Boyd Middle School science teacher Janet Johnson to attend a Science Immersion Trip in Pigeon Key, Florida and an International Botball Competition in Indian Wells, California. 
• Board approved out-of-state travel for Sherry Pearson to attend the School Nutritional Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Board approved out-of-state travel for Athletic Director Rod Sitton and the Sandite Track and Field Team to attend a track meet in Mansfield, Texas.
• Board approved a lease agreement with the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center for graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2018. 
• Board approved the listing of nine school buses and seven other vehicles as surplus.
• Board approved a statement of agreement with the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for a 21st Century Community Learning Full Steam Ahead After School Program and Spring Break Camp from March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018. 
• Board approved a one-year license agreement with Employee Evaluation Systems, Inc.
• Board approved an agreement with Lifetouch Preschool Portraits for picture day in Fall 2018.
• Board approved the employment of one STEM Technology Teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. 
• Board approved a resolution setting a date, time, and place for the sale of $4,825,000 in General Obligation Combined Purpose Bonds. 
• Board approved the 2018-2019 School Calendar. 

Sand Springs Police receive new officers, equipment; partner with Creek Nation

Municipal Judge Tom Askew gives the Oath of Office to Christopher Perez and Kellsie Davis. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs Police Department had a busy night at the City Council meeting Monday evening. Two new officers were sworn in, two new policies were enacted, and an update was given on the new Public Safety Facility.

Officers Christopher Perez and Kellsie Davis received the Oath of Office from Municipal Judge Tom Askew.

A new Public Safety facility is in the works in Sand Springs and is slated for winter construction at the new Sheffield Crossing development near the intersection of Morrow Road and Highway 97. The Council unanimously approved the naming of the facility as the Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility.

Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter (left) and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Chief Robert Hawkins (right) announce a cross-deputization agreement between their departments. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Council authorized the SSPD to enter into an intergovernmental cross-deputization agreement with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The cooperative agreement will allow officers from both organizations to work together to avoid jurisdictional complications. The agreement allows officers to provide law enforcement services across jurisdictional boundaries, including arrests, pursuits, investigations, and other emergency situations regardless of whether such occurrences violate the criminal statutes of the other government. 

The City Council also authorized a memorandum of understanding between the SSPD and the Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners for third-party reporting. Under the agreement, the SSPD will handle all calls from Tulsa County Sheriff's Office inmates reporting rape, sexual misconduct, abuse, assault, and harassment. The SSPD will not be involved in the investigation of these allegations but will maintain a log of the reports and pass the information along to the investigating agency. The third-party reporting will allow the TCSO to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, ensuring that all reports are properly filed.

The SSPD is hoping to get some new equipment after the City Council authorized them to apply for an up-armored HMMWV through the 1033 federal government program. The $2,500 vehicle will not be equipped with any offensive weapons, and will be used for rescue missions and in armed-standoff situations. 

"This is going to be a rescue vehicle," said Police Chief Mike Carter. "This is not for us to take over our part of Oklahoma," he joked. The vehicle will offer protection for officers during events such as the 2012 two-hour standoff with an armed man barricaded inside an abandoned building in the former Gerdau steel plant. That situation resolved peacefully, but Carter reminisced that officers were concerned with how to protect themselves without armored vehicles. "We're the police, we're supposed to win the fights."

The HMMWV will not only be bulletproof, but its weight and height will make it safe in many flooding situations. Carter said the vehicle will likely be painted black and white like standard squad cars, and will say "RESCUE" on the side. He estimates the vehicle could be needed as frequently as four or five times a year.

The department was also granted a five-year contract extension with Axon Enterprises that includes increased video storage capacity, new camera replacements, and additional docking stations. The contract will cost $87,168.96 over the five-year period. 

Additional Oklahoma Assistance Headed for Gulf Coast States

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today announced that an Oklahoma shelter operations team is preparing to deploy to Shreveport, Louisiana, to manage two shelters for evacuees who have been displaced by Tropical Storm Harvey.

Fallin offered assistance to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. His emergency management officials contacted OEM requesting the shelter operation mission as widespread, historic rainfall continues to impact the Gulf Coast. The shelters are planned to open later this week and will accommodate 3,500 to 5,000 people.

Approximately 125 Oklahoma personnel will manage the shelter operations, including staff from OEM; Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; Oklahoma Forestry Services Division; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; Oklahoma National Guard; Oklahoma State Health Department; and numerous local emergency management departments.

In addition to the shelter deployment to Louisiana, six more swift water rescue teams deployed to Texas today to support the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) with water rescues as the state continues to respond to devastating flooding. Teams responding today are Bartlesville Fire Department Swift Water Team; Cherokee County Swift Water Team; Cherokee Nation Swift Water Team; Craig County Swift Water Team; Guymon Fire Swift Water Team; Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; and Wagoner County Swift Water Team. 

Including teams that deployed Monday, there are now 20 water rescue teams from Oklahoma responding in Texas.

The Oklahoma National Guard is responding to another request from the Texas Military Department to send personnel and equipment to support medical evacuations from southeast Texas.

“Oklahomans know how to respond because we've experienced these kind of tragedies, though not on this scale,” said Fallin. “Our soldiers and first responders are trained and ready to provide assistance to those impacted by Tropical Storm Harvey. I ask Oklahomans to keep them and the victims of this powerful storm in their thoughts and prayers.”

OEM Director Albert Ashwood said, “Oklahoma has been the recipient of support from neighboring states in the past, and we will do whatever we can now to return the favor and help the Gulf Coast.”

To support the continuing deployments to Texas and Louisiana, Fallin declared a state of emergency for Oklahoma so that state, county and local governments can adequately respond to the mutual aid requests and needs of the Gulf Coast states. Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.

Oklahoma officials also remind the public that the most effective way to support disaster survivors in their recovery is through cash donations to trusted, reputable voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations, which offer the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs. With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources nearer to the disaster location. This inflow of cash also pumps money back into the local economy and helps local businesses recover faster.

Officer Brian Tomsovic swears in with Sand Springs Police Department

Municipal Judge Jay McAtee administers the Oath of Office to Police Officer Brian Tomsovic. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Municipal Judge Jay McAtee administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Brian Tomsovic Monday evening at the Sand Springs City Council Meeting.

Officer Tomsovic is a move-in from the Ada Police Department where he served for the past three years. Tomsovic comes to Sand Springs with SWAT experience and has also received the same training that all new Sand Springs officers go through.

According to Police Chief Mike Carter, all officers new to the Department, regardless of prior experience, undergo the same training as a fresh recruit and complete the same rookie year probationary period.

Tomsovic made headlines in October of 2013 after rescuing a distraught woman on an Ada bridge who was threatening suicide. Tomsovic spent twenty minutes talking to the woman and ultimately gave her his phone so she could talk to a family member. While she was distracted on the phone, he reached for her to restrain her and prevent her from potentially jumping. After the event he was recommended by his Sergeant for the State of Oklahoma Life Saving Award. 

Sand Springs Police announce amnesty day for individuals with outstanding warrants

Deputy Court Clerk Kenny Penrod presents the "Food for Fines" program to Sand Springs City Council. (Photo: Scott Emigh)

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening and City officials announced an upcoming special amnesty day for citizens with outstanding warrants due to unpaid fines.

Deputy Court Clerk Kenny Penrod presented the "Food for Fines" amnesty program, which will be a one-day event on November 10th, a Thursday. The special program will last all day and will allow citizens with outstanding fines to come to the Police Station and pay them off or set up payment plans without fear of being arrested. The day will also serve as a food drive for Sand Springs Community Services. 

According to Penrod, there are currently more than 3,600 people wanted by the Sand Springs Police Department accounting for more than 9,000 active warrants. The majority of the warrants are due to unpaid fines of less than $200.

On November 10th only, citizens will be able to bring in certain food items requested by the SSCS at an exchange rate of $10 for every 1 item, with a cap of 20 items. 

Allowing citizens to pay off $200 fines for under $20 will hopefully encourage people to clear their name and remove the worry of being arrested during a routine traffic stop, while also providing a community service. 

The program will also serve to help get people back in the system. Even individuals whose fines are greater than $200 will still benefit from the program. They can pay off up to $200 of their debt, and can set up payment plans or community service hours to pay off the remainder. 

"It costs us money to put people in jail, have no doubt," said Police Chief Mike Carter. 

The program is expected to bring in individuals who would otherwise be unlikely to ever pay their fines. Once warrants are issued, individuals are far less likely to appear to pay their fines out of fear of being arrested. Citizens with low income who were unable to pay their initial fine will now be able to get right with the law.

Sand Springs Police sign external investigation agreement with Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Photo: Scott Emigh

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs Police Department took a proactive step in instilling transparency within the department Monday evening when Police Chief Mike Carter signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" between the City of Sand Springs and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

After a unanimous 7-0-0 vote by the Sand Springs City Council, Carter put pen to paper, officially putting in place a policy of turning over internal investigations to the OSBI when use of deadly force has occurred. 

In situations involving "the shooting or attempted shooting of a person by a law enforcement officer; the death of an intended arrestee during an arrest attempt; the death of an arrestee while in the care, custody, or control of the (SSPD); or the death of an arrestee shortly after being in the care, custody or control of the (SSPD)," the OSBI will take over as an unbiased external investigating agency.

OSBI Director Stan Florence addressed the City Council and stated "I applaud the Chief for his foresight in this matter. It's a wise move on the part of Sand Springs and I applaud the Chief in his wisdom."

"I am continuously impressed with how great our police department performs and how great their leadership is," said Mayor Mike Burdge. 

Officer-involved shootings are a rarity in Sand Springs. So rare that the department went seventeen years years without an incident before that era came to an end on April 11, 2015. On that day Officer Brian Barnett shot and killed Donald W. Allen, a paranoid schizophrenic who approached the officer with a loaded .22-caliber pistol after threatening to kill officers. Barnett was responding to a 911 call about Allen discharging his firearm in his backyard, within City limits. 

Although the SSPD has always had the ability to investigate in-house, former Police Chief Daniel Bradley, who is now the Assistant City Manager, made the decision to request the OSBI's assistance in the investigation.

2015 saw yet another officer-involved shooting in November that received international attention. That incident went viral not due to police misconduct, but due to body-cam footage of the erratic behavior of the suspect. Responding to a stolen vehicle call, Sand Springs Master Patrol Officer Matt Stacy engaged in a high speed pursuit of Stacy Ann Bunsey. The woman, who was determined to be under the influence, attempted to run the officer down after he exited his vehicle to set up tire spikes. He fired on her, but did not hit her and neither was seriously injured.

The OSBI investigated both incidents last year and ruled that each was a justified use of force. 

While shootings are very uncommon in Sand Springs, a Tulsa suburb with a population just short of 20,000, Carter and the Department have been working hard to be proactive in preserving their department's reputation of transparency and community trust. 

This agreement is just one of many activities the Department is engaging in to further build community trust and prevent any future incidents. 

The Department was one of the first in the State to utilize body cams on all officers, and have utilizing them for eight years. They have greatly increased the amount of warnings that are given in relation to the total number of traffic stops. Officers have been engaging in Crisis Intervention Team training, Fair and Impartial Policing training, Use of Force training, Verbal Skills training, and more. 

Carter wants to set a high standard of reputability regarding interactions with the mentally ill, impoverished, and minorities. "Our officers make this possible," said Carter. "It's not me, it's them."

City Council approves contract for new safety facilities and other news

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. 

Brian Carr with the Tulsa Area United Way gave a brief presentation regarding the 2017 United Way Campaign in which the City of Sand Springs participates. 

The Council planned to present a plaque to AEP/PSO employees for their recent volunteer work in removing and replacing netting at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course. A lot of the netting was damaged in the March 2015 tornado that also devastated a pair of mobile home parks and the Jerry Adair Baseball Park. Several AEP employees volunteered their services to the extensive project over the last year. 

Blake Little, Jake Kinman, James Cooke, Ben Bryan, Chuck Bunch, and Joe Chambers worked on the project. "That's kind of what Sand Springs is; people just jump in and help when they're needed," said City Manager Elizabeth Gray. The volunteers were unable to attend the meeting but the Council plans to find another day to meet with them and thank them.

The City voted to unanimously approve the consent agenda which included six items considered to be routine. Part of the agenda included approval of a renewed contract with EMSA for emergency medical services. The cost of EMSA's services will increase by approximately 17.89%, but it is not expected to impact the City at this time. The City expected and budgeted for the increase in Fiscal Year 2016, but the increase never came to fruition. 

According to Mayor Mike Burdge, 4-5% is the typical increase. This year the increase is so high "due to general increases in operating costs and the impact of Medicaid cuts on patient receipts," says EMSA Chief Financial Officer Kent Torrence. Fire Chief Mike Wood still considers it to be a good deal compared to other options. 

SEE RELATED: Keri Fothergill appointed to Sand Springs Planning Commission

The Council approved a new 2017 Calendar Year schedule of regular meetings for the Council and Municipal Authority. The new schedule will have the Council meeting once per month, which will total twelve regular meetings as opposed to the current schedule of nineteen. This year the Council has meet twice per month with exception for the summer months (June July and August) and holiday months (November and December).

The meetings are to be held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., the same time and day as they currently are. The meetings will be January 23rd, February 27th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, June 26th, July 24th, August 28th, September 25th, October 23rd, November 27th, and December 18th. December 18th is the third Monday of the month, as the fourth Monday falls on Christmas Day. There will also be a special session held Monday, May 8th to swear in new council members.  

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council members help fund Elementary field trip

The Council unanimously approved “a resolution affirming dilapidation public nuisance administrative hearing findings and authorization for the bringing of any action necessary in District Court.” The resolution applies to three dilapidated buildings slated for demolition sometime in October. The ten-day administrative appeals process expired without any appeals received and the property owners now have thirty days following the approval of the resolution to challenge the decision. The properties are located at 714 N. Washington Ave., 301 N. Franklin Ave., and 223 N. Industrial Ave.

SEE RELATED: Capital Homes to develop 87-lot housing addition in South Sand Springs

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves new ordinance relating to false alarms

City Council unanimously approved a contract with Dewberry Architects for design of the new public safety facilities. In September of 2015 the citizens of Sand Springs voted to pass a dedicated sales tax to build new police, fire, courts, and 911 facilities.

The City is still looking at 129th and Wekiwa as the optimal location for the new facilities, but is open to other locations should a better situation present itself.

The Council unanimously approved Resolution 17-02, related to park funding and improvements.  

Sand Springs City Council approves new ordinance relating to false alarms

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 1289 at their regular monthly meeting Monday Night. The ordinance regulates excessive false intrusion or fire alarms. The ordinance, backed by Police Chief Mike Carter, seeks to reduce the number of false alarms that the Sand Springs Police and Fire Departments respond to.

Unlike many cities in the Tulsa Metro area, Sand Springs does not currently regulate alarm operations. According to the report, “most alarm activations in the city limits of Sand Springs are false in nature, and are not indicative of true emergencies…the false alarms create a nuisance upon the peace of the community and take public safety officials away from other responsibilities.”

The ordinance will require all audible alarm users to adjust their system in a manner that will allow it to sound for no longer than fifteen minutes before resetting and silencing itself.

“All fire alarms activated within the City of Sand Springs, in all commercial businesses, or establishments open to the public, shall not be manually silenced by the property owner until in the presence of a member of the Sand Springs Fire Department, or their designee.

“It shall be an offense for any property owner to allow for an intrusion, hold-up, panic or fire alarm system operating on their property to have an excessive amount of false alarms. An excessive amount of false alarms shall be defined as more than 3 false alarms in a 30 day period.” After the third false alarm, the property owner will receive a notice granting 14 days to show proof from the alarm company that their system has been repaired. “Failure to show proof will result in the property being placed on a non-response list with the police department. The property owner will be obligated to show the system has been repaired in order to be removed from the list.”