City of Sand Springs to purchase additional land for Keystone Ancient Forest

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The City of Sand Springs held a regular City Council Meeting Monday night and approved the purchase of twenty acres adjacent to the Keystone Ancient Forest at a value of $100,000.

The property sits next to the entrance to the existing nature preserve and is not bound by the same rules as the preserve. Community Development Director Grant Gerondale hinted at the possibility of biking trails in the future.

The land is currently owned by the H. Sam Childers Trust. Childers was a crucial player in the development of the forest before his death in January of this year. Council also approved Childers as the recipient of the 2018 John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. The award will be presented this May.

The acquisition will bring the forest to 1,380 acres total. The land features 300-year-old post oaks and 500-year-old cedars, and was the site of an exploratory expedition by famed Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving in 1832.

The forest has multiple hiking trails, including a 0.6 mile ADA-compliant paved trail named in Childers's honor. Voters approved a general obligation bond issue this past November that will fund a visitors center and observation platform at the forest. The Childers Trust has pledged to donate $7,500 for naming rights to be applied to a future lobby or entrance area of the visitors center.

In other news: 

Council unanimously approved a measure of support for public school teachers. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves resolution of support for teachers

Council awarded a bid of $88,165 to Play By Design, Inc. for seven shade structures at Case Community Park. Four will be installed near the Great Lawn and three will be placed at the Rotary Super Splash pad. 

Council approved resolutions of dilapidation and public nuisance against properties at 118 North Franklin Avenue and 808 North Franklin Avenue. 

Council approved $28,838 for the purchase of a new unmarked detective vehicle for the Police Department, as well as $10,117 for tasers and pepperball launchers, and $38,286 for audio logging equipment

Council approved an agreement with Keithline Engineering Group at a cost not to exceed $45,740 for beautification of the City Water Treatment Facility.

Council declined to vote on a request for detachment from City limits by Smithee Holdings at 7298 West Charles Page Boulevard.

Council approved a bid of $1,062,555 to Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. for a rehabilitation project at the Northwoods Chloramine Booster Station.

Council approved the use of public funds for Oklahoma Municipal League membership, Mayors Council of Oklahoma membership, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce membership, Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce membership, Indian Nationals Council on Government Coalition of Tulsa Area Government membership, and Homebuilders Association membership, as well as participation in the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium, and OneVoice Day at the Capitol.

Sand Springs City Council candidates speak at Chamber forum

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Incumbent City Councilman Brian Jackson and former City Councilman Harold Neal spoke at a Chamber of Commerce forum Monday morning at the Sand Springs Tulsa Tech campus. The two are running for the Ward Six seat and the election will be held Tuesday, February 13th.

Jackson, 35, is in his third three-year term on the Council. He graduated Charles Page High School in 2002 and Oklahoma State University in 2007 before taking office in May of 2009. He is currently the Development Manager at Junior Achievement of Oklahoma.

Neal, 65, was a four-term councilman from Ward Five, serving from 2003 to 2015 before moving to his current ward. He graduated Liberty Mounds High School in 1970 and currently serves on the Sand Springs Planning Commission.

Jackson pointed to teamwork among the existing Council as pivotal to the recent community successes such as ALDI and Starbucks. According to Jackson, he first suggested that the City work to put a splash pad on the South side of the river at Pratt Civitan Park. 

Neal says he was recruited to run for his first term by current Mayor Mike Burdge. "I had a big interest in this city as far as the golf course. I was in that business for thirty years." According to Neal, he was an advocate for the golf course at a time when it wasn't as popular, pointing to the sales tax it generates at local convenience stores and eateries from out-of-town visitors as immeasurable. 

Jackson said Angus Valley Park is in need of new equipment but that the passage of a recent general obligation bond will pave the way for a new playground by Spring of 2019. 

Neal identified sidewalks as an area of concern in the ward and said he would advocate for more neighborhood sidewalks if he is elected. 

"I wish more people would call their councilmen when they have complaints," said Neal. "I've never failed to go to the City if one of my voters had a problem. I go to the City and take care of it for them."

City Councilperson is an unpaid position. The City has six wards and one At-Large position. Click HERE to view a map of the City wards. Only residents of Ward Six will be able to vote. The winner of the election will be sworn in at the May City Council meeting.

"Brian's always been a good friend of mine," said Neal. "We worked on the City Council together...I don't feel like I'm running against him. If he beats me that's fine, that's not a problem."

City of Sand Springs announces annual Budget Fair

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Sand Springs, OK -  The City of Sand Springs announces an opportunity for citizens to provide input into annual budget priorities for the community. This year's Budget Fair will take place on Monday, January 22, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Sand Springs Municipal Building, 100 E. Broadway, in downtown Sand Springs. This come and go event will take place on the second floor.

Departmental leaders including police, fire, parks, public works and more will be on-hand to listen to citizen input and help answer questions about annual operations and explain typical annual budget priorities. The Sand Springs City Council and City staff extend this important public opportunity to residents living within the corporate limits of Sand Springs to participate in the creation of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The City's annual budget year begins on July 1, 2018, and runs through June 30, the following year.

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com and follow the City on Facebook for the latest updates.

Angus Elementary spends a day in adulthood at JA Biztown

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Biztown Mayor Jacob Simpson and Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge pose in front of the Biztown Town Hall. Burdge is a volunteer with the Biztown program. 

74 students from Angus Valley Elementary traveled to Biztown last week to experience a day in the life of an adult at the simulated city owned by Junior Achievement of Tulsa. 

The fifth-graders spent a month in preparation, filling out applications, interviewing, learning how to do their jobs, and learning how to balance a checkbook.

Business managers began the day by taking out loans for their companies. They set rates for their products, such as Reasor's groceries, Arby's snacks, newspapers, and souvenirs, and had to make enough profit to pay their employees' wages and repay their loans by the end of the day. 

Wayne Moore A+ Auto Collision co-sponsored the trip for the second year and according to JA Development Manager Brian Jackson, the Angus Valley PTO was crucial in providing the opportunity for the kids. 

According to Jackson, more than 120,000 students have gone through the Biztown program since its 2003 inception, and in that time they haven't had a single disciplinary issue. Every Sand Springs elementary school sends students through the program. 

Junior Achievement is a non-profit youth organization that aims to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. The students work in various sponsored businesses, including Bank of Oklahoma, The Linde Group, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cox Radio, and the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper.  

Garfield STEAM Academy will visit Biztown on January 18th, and Limestone Technology Academy will visit March 2nd. 

 

City Council moves forward with plans for improved infrastructure, new safety facility

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Stormwater and Utilities Technician Jon Odle speaks at a regular City Council meeting. 

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday evening and granted Mayor Mike Burdge and City Manager Elizabeth Gray authority to approve various components of the building process at the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center. Because the project has several elements going out for bid separately, the City hopes to expedite the approval of the contracts without having to go before Council each time. 

The safety facility will feature a new police station, fire station, emergency dispatch, as well as municipal courts. It will be built in the new Sheffield Crossing development on the southwest corner of the Morrow Road-Highway 97 intersection. City officials hope to break ground on the new facility in January.

Council also authorized Mayor Burdge to sign off on all documents related to the Main Street Reconstruction Project. The City has a 50-50 fund match from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Main Street will be reconstructed from 1st Street to its southern terminus. An additional stretch of Main Street will be constructed to connect it to Highway 97 and new traffic lights will be installed at the intersection. An expressway frontage road will be constructed from Main Street to the existing Lincoln Avenue on-ramp.

In other news, City Stormwater Technician Jon Odle gave a presentation regarding ongoing issues with the City stormwater system. According to Odle, the City wastes countless man hours clearing out stormwater drains from illegal dumping such as leaves and grass clippings. 

The City affirmed dilapidated public nuisance findings for properties at 2807 South Maple Drive and 918 1/2 North Franklin Avenue. Hearings were held for both properties and neither was contested. A resolution was passed authorizing the demolition of structures on both properties on or after Monday, February 5th with the expenses being the responsibility of the property owners. 

The City approved $28,725.00 for the purchase of a new 2018 Dodge Durango SSV for the police department, so that an existing unit can be used by the new Community Development Director. The existing vehicle was expected to be replaced as soon as July of 2019.

The Council approved $7,000 to purchase a Toro Stand On Sprayer. The funds were generated by maintenance fees collected from the Baseball, Soccer, and Softball programs. 

Mayor Burdge nominated Judy Treat and Michael Miller for appointments to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority. He also nominated Vicki Sisney and Grady Whitaker for reappointment to the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Trust Authority. All four candidates were unanimously confirmed. 

Harold Neal opposes incumbent Brian Jackson for City Council election

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Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson speaks at "A Taste of Sand Springs."

All three Sand Springs City Councilmen up for reelection filed declarations of candidacy for their seats this week. Ward Five Councilman Beau Wilson, 34, filed unopposed, as did At-Large Councilman Jim Spoon, 65. Ward Six Councilman Brian Jackson, 34, was the lone incumbent to draw a competitor. 

Harold Neal, 65, previously represented Ward Five and was first elected in 2003, unseating incumbent Berta Holmes. He served four terms from 2003 to 2015 and did not seek reelection to a fifth, clearing the way for current Vice Mayor Wilson. Jackson was elected in 2009 after unseating incumbent Kim Lee-Tilley. Both candidates have previously served as Vice Mayor.

The election will be held in March, with the winner taking office in May. City Council elections are nonpartisan and citizens may only vote in elections for their ward. 

Church That Matters Head Pastor Rusty Gunn, 40, filed unopposed for the Sand Springs Board of Education Office No. 3. He is the incumbent Board President 

Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance donates $4,000 for police/fire Christmas bonuses

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Left to right: Pastors Todd Nance and Steve Allen present Fire Chief Mike Wood and Police Chief Mike Carter with a donation towards Christmas bonuses for the departments. 

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance presented a check for $4,000 to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood to be used for Christmas bonus checks for the police and fire departments.

Carter spoke on the recent passage of five General Obligation Bond proposals and the wide margins of their approval. Proposal five was the closest vote with 58% in favor. "It was the biggest leap of faith for our community but we think it'll have the biggest payout," said Carter. 

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs voters approve new infrastructure and park improvements, economic incentives

Formerly a power plant and fire station, this building could one day be the home of a micro-brewery and restaurant. 

Council approved a promissory note between the City of Sand Springs and the Loaded Brewing Company, extending an existing note to March of 2018. The City first issued the note to SpringLoaded Brewery in 2014, allowing the brewery to make property improvements at 221 South Main Street with the goal of purchasing the building and opening a microbrewery/restaurant. The brewery has received five extensions while they continue to look for investors.

A "hardened-room" storm shelter planned for Case Community Center. 

Council approved a $45,000 purchase order for parks supplies including benches, park tables, and trash cans. The money will come from a 2014 GO Bond fund.

Council approved a change in zoning for a 39-acre section of land on the north side of 41st Street, immediately next to HillSpring Church. The property was previously zoned commercial and has undergone extensive property improvements to be used as a private residence with agricultural buildings and livestock.

Council approved a $136,000 contract with Lambert Construction Company for construction of a hardened-room (storm shelter) at Case Community Center. Lambert had the lowest of seven bids. 

Conceptual rendering for the new Fire Station No. 2 to be built in Prattville. 

The City received ten bids for the construction of Fire Station No. 2 and Builders Unlimited of Tulsa was recommended to Council by Chief Wood. The resolution passed unanimously awarding Builders Unlimited a $1.4 million contact.

Council approved a resolution to "adopt a kettle" from Salvation Army. The City will gather volunteers to man a fundraising kettle at Reasor's for a ten-hour shift.

Sweetie Pie's Bakery owner, employee recognized by Sand Springs City Council

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Mayor Mike Burdge presents Robin Porter with a Mayoral Proclamation. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs City Council had a busy regular meeting Monday evening. Mayor Mike Burdge presented two Mayoral Proclamations, two new police officers were sworn in, and a presentation was given on the new City Public Safety Complex.

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

SEE RELATED: New Sand Springs Public Safety Facility to be named in honor of war hero Billie A. Hall

Robin Porter was recognized for her work in creating Sweetie Pie's Bakery as a place of employment for an individual with disabilities. Porter employs Steve Scott at her popular downtown eatery and was recently awarded the 2017 Governor's Disability Employment Award of Excellence. Scott was awarded the 2017 Governor's Disability Employee Award of Excellence. He not only works at Sweetie Pie's but is also a frequent volunteer at the Sand Springs Senior Citizens Center. Both Porter and Scott were commended by Governor Mary Fallin in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion. They also received Mayoral Proclamations from Mike Burdge.

Mayor Mike Burdge presents Steve Scott with a Mayoral Proclamation. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Council approved a resolution for Notice of Election for electing City Councilors from Ward 5, Ward 6, and At-Large. The filing period will be from December 4th through 6th. Candidates must filed their declaration of candidacy with the City Clerk at the Sand Springs Municipal Building. A primary election will be held on February 13, followed by a general election on April 3.

SEE RELATED: Three City Council seats up for election this February, filing period set for December

Council approved a dilapidated public nuisance notice for an uninhabited and fire-damaged home at 1000 N. Birch Avenue. Following a 30-day challenge period, the building will be eligible for demolition on December 6th. 

Council approved an ordinance closing a 15-foot Sanitary Sewer Easement on the property of Braum's Hamburgers. The restaurant was recently demolished and will soon be rebuilt as a larger facility with more services.

Council approved a $38,328 expenditure to Ruhrpumpen for the manufacture of a submersible wastewater pump and motor. 

Council awarded a $62,477.56 contract to J.E. Dirt Wurx for a sidewalk improvement project in the RiverWest Development. 

Kenny Tate, Don Chatfield, Ryan Walker, and Mary Eubanks were each appointed to the Sand Springs Economic Development Authority (SSEDA). 

Council authorized Pogue Airport to pursue various State grants and approved up to $432,750 to match any awarded grants. 

Three City Council seats up for election this February, filing period set for December

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Left to right: City Council members Brian Jackson, Beau Wilson, Christine Hamner, Jim Spoon, Mike Burdge, Phil Nollan, Patty Dixon. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs City Council approved a resolution for Notice of Election at this week’s regular meeting. Three Council seats will be up for grabs in the coming election, including Ward 5, Ward 6, and the At-Large position.

The filing period will be held from Monday, December 4th through Wednesday, December 6th. Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the City Clerk between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the City Municipal Building.

Ward 5 is currently represented by Vice Mayor Beau Wilson, Ward 6 is represented by Brian Jackson, and the At-Large position is occupied by Jim Spoon.

Wilson is a 2003 Charles Page High School graduate with an Associates from Tulsa Community College and a vocational degree in Railroad Sciences from Johnson County College. He is a member of the Sand Springs Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, and is the owner of Beau Wilson Insurance in downtown Sand Springs. He was elected to his first term in 2015 and selected as Vice Mayor in May.

Ward 5 boundaries.

Jackson is a 2002 CPHS graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of the Sand Springs Rotary Club, Tulsa Young Professionals, the Sand Springs Symphony League, and is a Sand Springs Salvation Army Advisory Council member. He is employed as the Development Manager for Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma and was first elected in 2009. He is currently serving his third term.

Spoon holds a Bachelor’s of Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the Sand Springs Rotary Club, Sand Springs Education Foundation, and Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy. He owns two Spoon Drug pharmacies in Sand Springs and was elected to his first term in 2015.

Council members must be at least twenty-five years of age at the time of taking office and must reside within the ward they are elected to. Members are elected to three-year terms, are not term-limited, and do not receive any compensation for their duties. The City Mayor and Vice-Mayor are elected to one-year terms from within by a vote of the Council.

Ward 6 boundaries.

Powers of the Council include the ability to appoint or remove the City Manager, to enact municipal legislation, to regulate bond elections and raise revenues, to investigate any and all municipal affairs, to appoint or remove members of various municipal boards, and to create or abolish any offices, departments, and agencies of the City government not expressly created by the City Charter.

The Council is required to hold at least one monthly meeting, and individual council members may not be absent from more than half of all meetings within a four-month period. Any council member may be removed from office for any cause through a recall petition and subsequent election.

If only one candidate files, they will inherit the position unopposed. If more than two candidates file, a non-partisan primary election will be held on February 13th, followed by a runoff election on April 3rd.

City of Sand Springs strives to improve the view around town

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City contractors clearing overgrowth along the bluffs near Highway 51. (Submitted). 

The City of Sand Springs is hard at work lately, beautifying parts of the city that see major traffic in an effort to improve the town's aesthetic and hopefully attract new businesses and residents. 

The most recent project is an overgrowth removal effort along the bluffs near the Highway 51-Highway 97 intersection. Similar projects are in various stages of completion along the Sand Springs Expressway, including the Katy Trail area along Charles Page Boulevard, and the Case Community Park area along Wekiwa Road. The projects were awarded to All Elements Solutions LLC at a total bid of $51,450. The work is expected to be done by November 13th with a $300/day penalty to the contractor for delays beyond that deadline. 

This mural will also wrap around the eastern (left) side of the silo and will include city-founder Charles Page pulling back a curtain to unveil Sand Springs. 

The City also recently commissioned a pair of murals from Josh Butts Creative Services. One is halfway complete and the other has yet to have its location announced. The City authorized $49,500 total for the two projects.

The City is 95% done with with a $6.2 million renovation of Case Community Park. One of the last remaining projects outlined in the Park Master Plan is the clearing of overgrowth along the river to enhance the view.

On the ballot this November are several General Obligation Bond Proposals that will allow the City to continue its efforts on a larger scale. City officials hope to be able to use landscaping to completely hide the Water Treatment Plant on Morrow Road from view. Gardens and other landscaping features would also be installed along major thoroughfares throughout the city. 

Former Jenks City Councilman Brian O'Hara wins Republican Primary for Senate District 37

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Brian O'Hara speaks at a Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Republican Party of District 37 nominated their choice for State Senator Tuesday in a crowded primary election with seven candidates. Former Jenks City Councilman Brian O'Hara won the special election with 41.86% of the vote. He will take on Democratic nominee Allison Ikley-Freeman in a November 14 general election.

O'Hara has worked as the Deputy District Director for Congressman Jim Bridenstine in Oklahoma's First District for the past four years. In the past he has served as a Jenks City Councilman and an Oklahoma Aquarium Board Member.

O'Hara was endorsed by Congressman Bridenstine, who called O'Hara "a friend, a conservative, and a man of integrity." 

Ikley-Freeman ran unopposed in the Democratic Party and will be a heavy underdog in the general election. In the 2016 election, Republican Dan Newberry handily defeated Democrat Lloyd Snow by more than 15% of the vote in a three-way election. 

Second among Republican candidates was Sand Springs City Councilman Phil Nollan with 32.13% of the vote, followed by Sand Springs Municipal Judge R. Jay McAtee with 11.12%. Nicole Nixon received 6.75%, Rick Hardesty received 5.21%, Sand Springs City Councilman Brian Jackson received 2.33%, and Grady Grant received 0.6%.

Sand Springs City Council approves General Obligation Bond vote for November

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter discusses the department's need for updated dispatch software at a Monday night City Council meeting. (Photo: Emigh).

The Sand Springs City Council unanimously approved a series of bond propositions at Monday night’s regular monthly meeting. The five propositions will appear on the ballot November 14th at the same time as the Senate District 37 special election. Each proposition will pass or fail on its own, and will require a simple majority of 50% plus one vote.

Proposition One totals $3.505 million for the purpose of improving street conditions and constructing new roadways. “The City has always made an effort to make streets and roadways here in Sand Springs a priority,” said City Manager Elizabeth Gray. $1.445 million will be used for street overlays and repairs, while $2.06 million will go to a new roadway over the levee separating Case Community Park from the Sheffield Crossing commercial development.

Proposition Two totals $2.27 million for the purpose of purchasing new public safety equipment and software. The money will be used to replace a fifteen-year-old Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software for the Sand Springs Police Department, as well as the Records Management System. A new ladder truck will also be purchased for the Sand Springs Fire Department. The new unit will be able to navigate tighter spaces and will have a ladder approximately 30 feet longer than the current unit.

Proposition Three totals $3.765 million for the purposes of beautifying, renovating, and generally improving public parks, lands, recreational facilities, etc. $592,250 will go to paving the parking lot at the Jerry Adair Baseball Complex inside Case Community Park. $203,000 will go to Museum building improvements, $420,500 will go to park improvements, $231,750 will go to neighborhood trail improvements, $2.06 million will go to improvements at the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, and $257,500 will go towards improvements at the Keystone Ancient Forest. KAF improvements will include a watch tower and a new visitor’s center.

Proposition Four totals $2.625 million for the purpose of improving municipal facilities and assets. $412,000 will go to purchasing a vacuum truck, $1.9055 million will go to City-wide beautification and landscaping, and $307,500 will go to City-wide computer hardware and software upgrades. According to City officials, the current vacuum truck is utilized daily and is one of the most heavily used piece of equipment in the city.

Part of the beautification and landscaping funds will go to the City Water Treatment facility on the corner of Morrow Road and Wilson Avenue. “We want to make sure that we don’t have an eyesore that people can see anymore,” said Gray. "The water tower is coming down, it’s already funded. The water treatment facility isn’t going to be moved, it’s just too expensive. We want to make sure that our city looks as good as it can.”

Proposition Five totals $6.180 million will go to acquisition, improvement, and development of lands for future economic development projects. “Our citizens still have wants that they want to see locally, and we want to see that happen,” said Police Chief Mike Carter. “Look no further than Walmart and Webco. Those would not have happened if the City didn’t have those resources.”

Under the proposal, the city millage rate will be kept to $13 per $1,000 of property value. According to City officials, the most Sand Springs citizens have ever paid was $13.5. “Even when we go to 13 mills, our millage rate will be below Bixby, Jenks, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, and Tulsa,” said Councilman Phil Nollan. “It was intentional,” added Mayor Mike Burdge. 

In other news:

Council approved a renewal of their ten-year sales tax rebate agreement with Reasor’s, LLC. The 1% agreement caps at $2 million and is currently at $1.022 million after five years.

Council approved a $251,708 annual subsidy of EMSA services.

Council approved a contract of up to $190,000 with Dewberry Architects for expenses relating to the new Public Safety Facility.

Council approved the closure of the Southern half of Case Community Park from Sunday, September 3rd through Monday, September 4th. The park will serve as the launching point for the Great Raft Race that Monday. The park will also be closed to normal operations on September 9th and 10th due to the Riverfest Grand Opening event. 

Council approved a transfer of $20,000 for a sidewalk improvement project in Concord Estates.

Council approved an ordinance rezoning the formerly-planned Arms Estates housing addition from RS-2 to RS-3. Arms Estates was originally planned in 1958 but ceased development after a single home. The property is located between East 31st Place and East 32nd Place off South 113th West Avenue.

Alan Betchan of AAB Engineering plans on developing a twelve-lot subdivision named Rivercrest. The new zoning allows the lots to be as little as 60 feet wide, as opposed to 75 feet minimum under RS-2. The lots are expected to be about 70 feet wide and 9,000 square feet. The addition will include single-story homes approximately 1800 square feet, and two-story homes approximately 2200 square feet. They are expected to range from $200,000 to $300,000.

Council voted to create an exemption from the Sand Springs Parks Fee for new buildings on lots that have been previously developed as residential.

Council voted to approve current plans for a hardened room (storm shelter) to be constructed at the Case Community Center. Preliminary designs have been drafted by Studio 45 for a 40x14 room with an occupancy load of 97, able to withstand 250 mph winds. “This is simply a place for occupants of the building, this is not a community shelter” said Parks Director Grant Gerondale. The project will go to bid this fall.

Council awarded a $715,710 contract to Circle P Welding, Inc. for the replacement of the South McKinley Hills Water Storage Tank.

Councilman Brian Jackson announced the acquisition of several surplus books from the National Library of Congress that have been gifted to Sand Springs Public Schools.

The Sand Springs Museum Association will hold an annual meeting on August 5th that is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Connie Fisher, a museum volunteer and nationally acclaimed storyteller, will provide entertainment.

Sandite of the Week: Police Chief Mike Carter works to build police-community relations

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter was selected as our Sandite of the Week for his eagerness to involve the police department in the community and his efforts to build a highly-trained and effective police force.

Click here to view previous Sandites of the Week.

Last week, local business owner Joni Sporleder posted in a Sand Springs Facebook group with an idea to have an Independence Day parade downtown. Because it was too late to secure the necessary permits to block off a City street, Chief Carter organized a parade around the Clyde Boyd Walking Trail. SSPD officers manned their bikes and led more than a hundred citizens around the trail on everything from bikes and wagons to horses. After the parade, the department handed out free popsicles and awarded new skateboards to children with the most decorative bicycles and outfits. 

Also last week, Carter presented the new 2017 Policing Plan to City Council, who in turn voted unanimously to approve the document. The 24-page plan identifies policies designed to build trust, engage the community, reduce crime, increase officer training and education and to promote safety.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

Under Carter's leadership the department has made moves to increase the number of warnings and reduce the number of fines issued during traffic stops. Officers have been issued business cards with their name and badge number. A department Facebook page has been created to directly engage with the community, creating dialogue, and informing citizens about ongoing crime problems, trends, and investigations. 

Officers are all trained in Fair and Impartial Policing, which centers on the belief that all people have some implicit bias. The SSPD became the first department in the State to formalize an agreement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to allow the OSBI to conduct any and all investigations into officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death, as well as in-custody deaths.

 The department recently launched the "Pop With a Cop" program where officers and City officials hold monthly meetings in each of the City's Wards to meet with citizens and discuss police policy and city issues.

Last year the department held its first-ever "Food for Fines" program, allowing citizens to pay off up to $200 in fines with non-perishable food donations to Sand Springs Community Services.

Carter was promoted to Chief of Police in May of 2015 following an eleven-year stent as Deputy Chief. His promotion came on the heels of former twenty-year Chief Daniel Bradley's hiring as Assistant City Manager.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief, Carter worked in Crisis Negotiation on the Sand Springs SWAT team. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and completed the Police Executive Development and Leadership Curriculum at the University of Tulsa. 

Carter has been with the department since 1993 and is a recipient of the Medal of Valor, two Life Saving Awards, the American Red Cross Everyday Hero award, the City of Sand Springs Employee of the Year award, the Sand Springs Police Department Officer of the Year award, and the Sand Springs Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year award. 

City of Sand Springs accepts $2 million donation, sets date for upcoming bond election

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Nine-time State Champion Cheyenne Walden receives the "Heart of the City" award at Monday night's City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council held a regular meeting Monday night at the City Municipal Building. 

Mayor Mike Burdge presented recent Charles Page High School graduate Cheyenne Walden with a Mayoral Proclamation and the first-ever Heart of the City award for her accomplishments in competitive running. She is the most decorated athlete in school history and will run for Oklahoma State University in the fall.

SEE RELATED: Cheyenne Walden receives "Heart of the City" award from Mayor Mike Burdge

The City formally accepted a $2 million check from Mike and Pat Case. The Cases pledged the donation last year to help with the River City Park renovation. The park will be renamed Case Community Park at its grand re-opening this fall.

Click HERE to view recent photos of the park construction.

Human Resources Director Amy Fairchild gave a brief educational presentation regarding her department. According to Fairchild, the City has 199 full-time, thirteen part-time, five seasonal and one contractual employee. There are currently seven vacant positions, including three in the police department.

Click HERE to view open positions in the City of Sand Springs.

The Council unanimously approved the use of $99,474.00 to purchase four police pursuit units. The department will purchase two Ford Police Interceptor SUVs and two Dodge Chargers.

Council unanimously voted to approve the Parks Advisory Board's recommendation to terminate the Use Agreement with the Sand Springs Round Up Club. They also declared the rodeo grounds as surplus, allowing them to auction off valuables and demolish what's left.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Round Up Club petition hopes to reverse eviction from City park

Council unanimously approved a Deed of Dedication by the Sand Springs Home, officially dedicating South Lincoln Avenue as a public road. The City has been maintaining the road for a number of years under the assumption that it was a public road.

Council approved a new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority (MTTA) in the amount of $49,368. 

Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a complete update to the City Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 2002.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs approves new comprehensive plan for next fifteen years

Council unanimously approved the renaming of two park sites. The City Garden Park will be renamed the Inez Kirk Garden Park in honor of former City Manager Inez Kirk. The Inez Kirk Soccer Complex will also be renamed. City Officials are waiting to announce the new name pending the notification of the namesake's family.

Council unanimous approved a resolution adopting the 2017 Sand Springs Police Department Policing Plan.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

Council unanimously approved a resolution creating a new fireworks discharge permit classification. Previously the City only allowed the use of Class 1.3G (large professional) fireworks by organizations, and the use of Class of 1.4G (small consumer) fireworks by private individuals at a residential address. The new permit allows for organizations to hold public fireworks shows with 1.4G fireworks. The Class 1.4G individual use permit is $20, the Class 1.4G entity use permit is $40, and the Class 1.3G use permit is $100.

Council approved November 14, 2017 as the date for the 2017 General Obligation Bond election. The State of Oklahoma is already holding a Special Election that date to fill legislative vacancies.

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

The Sand Springs Municipal Authority met immediately following the Council meeting and approved the use of $58,770 to purchase a Ford F550 pickup for use in the Water Maintenance & Operations department.

Several citizens were appointed to various advisory boards. All positions are three-year terms with the exception of the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board, which is a one-year term.

  • Nancy Riley was reappointed to the Board of Adjustment by unanimous vote.
  • Troy Cox was reappointed to the Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Joe Shelton was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Jason Mikles was reappointed to the Planning Commission by unanimous vote.
  • Mary Eubanks was appointed to the Economic Development Authority by unanimous vote.
  • Ronald G. Cloud was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Elizabeth Gray was appointed as an alternate to the Sand Springs/Sapulpa Joint Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. William Tom Campbell, Jr. was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Robert J. Flennor was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.
  • Dr. Mark Manahan was reappointed to the Airport Advisory Board by unanimous vote.

City of Sand Springs adopts new 2017 Policing Plan

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Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter speaks at a City Council Meeting.

The Sand Springs City Council recently approved the 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan. The department created their first policing plan in 2016 following national discourse on race, bias, and social injustice. The plan identifies six pillars that will help the department to better serve the public while effectively enforcing the law and promoting social justice.

Pillar 1: Building Trust and Legitimacy

In 2015-2016 the Sand Springs Police Department greatly increased the amount of warnings given during traffic stops to help combat accusations of "revenue  collection." According to Police Chief Mike Carter, nearly half of all traffic stops result in warnings instead of fines.

"There will always be traffic citations because that's what we're out there to do; enforce traffic laws," said Carter. 

SSPD officers will participate in and achieve the certification levels offered by CLEET.

The department will take steps to ensure that citizens may file a complaint for investigation. 

All SSPD officers have been issued business cards which identify them by name and badge number. The cards are given out on routine contacts as well as to anyone who wishes to file a compliment or complaint. 

The department aims to keep a more formal appearance to encourage approachability. Officers are allowed to utilize external body armor, but weapons are not allowed on the front of the vest. 

The department prides itself on its transparency. A seventeen-year span with zero shooting incidents came to an end in 2015, and video footage of the two incidents that year were released to media within three days. They have a policy of not charging fees for electronic document requests.

New officers are under immediate probation for a twelve-month period.

The department has had only one grievance filed since 1993.

The department is proactively working with local businesses to combat drug manufacturing and aggressive panhandling. 

The department employs a Spanish-fluent officer on the Hispanic Affairs Commission.

Regarding immigration enforcement, Carter says that "we're not a sanctuary city, but we are here to serve all people, even undocumented, if they are the victim of a crime." When responding to a report of a crime, SSPD officers will not inquire as to the immigration status of the victim. 

Pillar 2: Policy and Oversight

The department has two instructors who attended the Fair and Impartial Policing - Train the Trainer program that was sponsored by the COPS office of the Department of Justice. These officers in turn train all SSPD officers in anti-bias policing. The training centers on the belief that all people have some implicit bias.

The department has adopted a policy of consulting with non-police community members for input regarding complaint review. These representatives receive Use of Force training before participating.

The SSPD became the first department in the State of Oklahoma to formalize an agreement with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to conduct investigations into any officer-involved shooting resulting in injury or death, and in-custody deaths.

Pillar 3: Technology and Social Media

The SSPD has been using body cameras since approximately 2008. They were deployed department-wide in 2014.

The SSPD launched a Facebook page in March of 2016. The page has just under 4,000 "likes" at press time. The department uses the page to educate the public about ongoing crime problems, crime trends, and investigations in which the public's involvement is helpful. 

All officers carry a non-lethal weapon at all times and all patrol units are equipped with a Stinger tire deflation unit to help end pursuits. The department will also cease pursuing suspects if the situation begins to pose a likely danger to the community. 

The SSPD recently helped the Sand Springs School District obtain and install security cameras and a Lobby Guard system that requires all school visitors to scan a valid Oklahoma ID. That scan immediately identifies sex offenders and violent crime offenders. 

Pillar 4: Community Policing and Crime Reduction 

The SSPD participates in a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team with the cities of Bixby and Sapulpa, called South-West Area Tactical. The SWAT team employs a full complement of crisis negotiators with training in advanced levels of mental health. During the team's history, they have never injured or killed any subject.

The SSPD has a philosophy of community involvement through positive contacts. Officers participate in Neighborhood Watch and HOA meetings to hear first-hand concerns from the community. 

The SSPD recently launched the "Pop With A Cop" program where officers and City officials hold meetings in each of the City's Wards to meet with citizens and talk about the city.

The SSPD has never worked on quotas or taken fine revenue into account as it relates to enforcement efforts. The department claims some of the lowest fines in the metro area and looks to minimize increases. 

The department held its first-ever "Food for Fines" program last year, allowing citizens to pay off up to $200 in fines with non-perishable food donations to Sand Springs Community Services. The event granted temporary amnesty to individuals with outstanding warrants, allowing them to set up payment plans and get back in good standing with the department. The department also allows for community service to reduce or eliminate their fines.

The department also partnered with State Representative Jadine Nollan and State Senator David Rader on House Bill 2159, which sought to keep people out of jail while still holding them accountable. 

The department has instituted a policy of limiting officers in how many citations they may issue during a single traffic stop. Officers are required to attain supervisor approval before issuing more than three citations to one individual.

Individuals held in municipal jail on open charges are released within 72 hours as a matter of policy to prevent the risk of causing individuals to lose employment, as well as family strife, medical issues, etc. 

Pillar 5: Training and Education

Approximately 75% of all Sand Springs patrol officers are currently trained in advanced mental health techniques such as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model of police response to mental health situations. The department aims to have all officers trained by the end of 2017. 

All SSPD officers attend use of force simulator training instructed by the Oklahoma Municipal Insurance Group. The training covers shoot-don't shoot simulations, verbal interventions, and non-lethal force simulations.

All SSPD officers are trained in Verbal Skills, with focus on de-escalation and officer approachability. All SSPD officers attend annual training on the topic of custody and control techniques. Current policy discourages the use of force on children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. All officers are required to train and certify twice  year in firearms training. Officers are required to score 84% on a more complicated course than is required by the State of Oklahoma.

The department is training dispatchers and jailers in suicide prevention. The new jail facility is being designed free of potential hanging points with attention to any other ways that a suicidal subject may use the facility while in crisis. 

The department has a goal of achieving National and State Accreditation. 

Pillar 6: Officer Wellness and Safety

The department aims to ensure that officers receive the best training available and equip them with the best tools and resources. Every officer is equipped with body armor and tactical tourniquets. Body armor and seatbelts are required.

Any citizens arrested for resisting arrest or assaulting an officer are remanded to State court instead of municipal court. The department maintains that citizens who view an arrest as unjust must express their concerns through the judicial system, not during the arrest. 

SSPD officers are provided with gym membership and access to the city fitness center. Officers are physically tested by University of Tulsa students in the Exercise and Sports Science Program. The program tests officers for Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. 

The SSPD has authorized pay increases amounting to nearly $10,000 that will propel Sand Springs to the third-highest paying community in the Tulsa Metro area. Previously Sand Springs was eighth.

The department is also making changes to their hiring process and standards that have kept some potential applicants from applying. The department requires either 64 hours of college or time served in the U.S. Military. Previously they required four years of service, but that number is now reduced to two years.

The department will also lessen restrictions around visible tattoos due to the culture change and greater acceptance of body art. 

2016 Sand Springs Police Department Statistics

Calls for Service: 21,178
Traffic Citations: 4,077
Written Traffic Warnings: 2,065 - does not include verbal warnings.

The following statistics refer to reports of crimes only, and does not indicate crimes resulting in a conviction.

Homicide: 1
Rape: 4
Robbery: 7
Assaults: 210
Burglary: 88
Larceny: 508
Motor Vehicle Theft: 68

Use of Deadly Force: 0
Tactical Vehicle Intervention: 0
Impact Weapon Use: 0
Less Lethal (non Taser) Use: 0
K-9 Bites: 0
Taser Use: 6
Physical Control: 5
OC Spray Use: 1
Pursuits: 11
Excessive Force reports: 0

The Mission of the Sand Springs Police Department is the protection of constitutional rights, protection of lives, reduction of criminal activity and fostering of community partnerships. This shall be accomplished by each employee being empowered to provide the best service possible. Our relationship with the Citizens of Sand Springs shall be the foundation for this success. Our legacy within this community will be service with honor, treatment of people with dignity and dedication to excellence.

Residents give their opinions on Sand Springs in online survey

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In the fall of 2015, the City of Sand Springs launched an online survey for residents of Sand Springs. More than 600 individuals responded, representing more than 3% of the population.

43.9% of residents view the image of Sand Springs as Good. 19.7% of residents have a negative view of the City. 44.5% of residents believe non-residents have a Below Average view of the City. 55.4% of residents believe non-residents have a positive image of Sand Springs.

28.4% of residents rank the quality of life in the city as High, 66.9% ranked it as Moderate, and 4.7% ranked it as Low.

79.8% over residents rank the quality of Public Safety as above average. 1.2% rank it as below average. 82.9% of residents are satisfied with Police services in Sand Springs while 1.8% are dissatisfied. 90.6% of residents feel safe while walking alone in their neighborhood. 71.3% of residents feel safe walking in downtown Sand Springs at night.

85.9% of residents are satisfied with Fire response services. 84.9% of residents are satisfied with the Emergency response service provided by the Fire Department.

49.3% of residents would definitely support a funding mechanism to hire additional police and fire personnel. 44.5% would possibly support it, and 6.1% would not support it. 

85.4% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for sale. 63.9% of residents are satisfied with the variety of housing for rent. 81.6% of residents are satisfied with the overall condition of housing.

76.5% of residents have a favorable view of the appearance of downtown. 74.7% of residents are satisfied with the appearance of the business areas outside of downtown. 

89.9% of residents sited Additional Retail/Restaurants as the primary development need in Sand Springs. 75.4% of residents listed Hardware/Home Improvement as the top retail need in Sand Springs. 93.2% of residents desire more Sit-down Establishments. 49.3% of residents visit Tulsa to eat very frequently. 

46.3% of residents would definitely like to see an increase in establishments providing night life opportunities. 71.1% of residents would definitely support the redevelopment of old industrial areas as something else other than industrial.

47.5% of residents definitely support the construction of the Sand Springs Dam, 43.9% would possibly support it, and 8.6% would not support it. 64.3% of residents would definitely support development of the Arkansas River, 30.9% would possibly support it, and 4.8% would not support it.

51% of residents definitely support a system of city-wide trails, 41.2% would possibly support it, and 7.8% are opposed. 

35.9% of residents would like to see additional Residential Development West of town, 31.6% said South of town, 24.4% said North of town, and 8.1% said East of town. 70.3% of residents are in favor of the annexation of additional lands into City Limits. 34.8% of residents support additional multi-family apartment complexes, with 24.9% opposed. 

25.7% of residents are dissatisfied with the Sand Springs Parks and Recreational Opportunities. 36.1% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks in Prattville. 33.5% are dissatisfied with the quantity/quality of parks on the North side.

73.6% of residents cited a need for the demolition or redevelopment of blighted areas. 35.4% of residents said the Street and Road Conditions were in the greatest need of public improvement. 59.8% of residents believe Sand Springs road conditions are the same as other communities, while 27.6% believe they are better and 12.7% believe they are worse.

If public funding is required to improve the city, 66.1% of residents would support a dedicated sales tax, 33.1% would support a revenue bond, 31.2% would support a property tax, 21.6% would support development fees, and 15.8% would support a surcharge on utilities. 

City of Sand Springs approves new comprehensive plan for next fifteen years

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The Sand Springs City Council recently voted to adopt a new "Sand Springs 2030 Land Use Master Plan," updating the city comprehensive plan for the first time since 2002. City employees first began the new plan in fall of 2015 and it was approved by the City Planning Commission in May.

The plan hopes to anticipate future development and provide a flexible tool for evaluating development proposals. 

Chapter I: Community History and Background

The first chapter of the plan is taken from Carl E. Gregory's The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. The chapter recounts the tale of Charles Page's acquisition of wealth and land, his charitable exploits, and his steps to develop the community that would become Sand Springs.

The town began with the relocation of a failing orphanage, the construction of the Sand Springs Home, the founding of the eighty-acre Sand Springs Park, the formation of the Sand Springs Railway, and finally the incorporation of the City in 1912 with approximately 400 citizens. 

Charles Page's generosity included the offering of free land to citizens and a $20,000 relocation bonus for companies. In 1918 he established a "Widow's Colony" alongside the Home. He recruited the relocation of the  Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company, Commander Mills, Southwest Box Company, and Sinclair Prairie Refineries. Less than ten years after its incorporation, the community had grown to more than 4,000 individuals.

In 1965 the City annexed the Prattville community on the south side of the Arkansas River, and in 1969 the City chartered a Council-Manager form of government.

Chapter II: Plan Development

In the fall of 2015, the Planning Department launched a community survey that received more than 600 participants. In the summer of 2016 an interactive map was presented to the community, allowing them to identify what type of development they would like to see in which parts of the community. It received over a hundred suggestions, including a revitalization effort along Charles Page Boulevard and a desire to see the site of the former Gerdau Steel Mill utilized.

Following the community surveys, input was also requested from each of the City departments regarding their needs and desires. Community property owners were contacted regarding their desires for undeveloped properties under their ownership, as well as developmental challenges and difficulties they have encountered. The public school district was consulted regarding future plans for growing the district. 

Chapter III: Social and Demographic Factors

The 2030 projected population by INCOG (Indian Nations Council of Governments) is 23,083 in Sand Springs. At the 2010 Census, Sand Springs had a total population of 18,906 residents, an increase of 8.3% from the 2000 population of 17,451. 

In 2010, the median age of Sand Springs was 36.5 years. The population was 81.8% white, 2.4% African-American, and 8.8% Native American. The average household had 2.63 occupants. The city had a higher employment rate than Tulsa County, Osage County, and the Tulsa Metro. The median household income in 2013 was $54,381, also higher than the Tulsa Metro, Tulsa County, and Osage County.

Chapter IV: Goals and Action Plan Strategies

Land Use

Goal 1: "Sand Springs will be a well-coordinated and planned community with uses that complement and support infrastructure improvements."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs will utilize sound land use planning principals that encourages the appropriate placement of a variety of housing, commercial, recreational, entertainment, and employment options throughout the community."

Goal 3: "The City will maintain land development regulations to manage future growth and development in a manner that protects environmental resources."

Quality of Life

Goal 1: "Sand Springs will be a community that encourages people to be active and healthy and that promotes healthy living and sustainability. This will be accomplished by providing opportunities for active living to all ages year round."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs will have a network of trails, sidewalks and bicycle transportation systems that safely connect parks, schools, libraries, neighborhoods, shopping areas, museums, and other historic sites."

Goal 3: "Sand Springs will be a community that has access to expanded health and wellness care, in addition to attempting to increase the availability of health food choices available to the community."

Goal 4: "The City shall be an aesthetically pleasing community based on a solid foundation of code enforcement and in seeking opportunities to improve zoning and development codes."

Goal 5: "Sand Springs shall have desirable/appealing parks offering recreational opportunities for the community."

Goal 6: "The City will strive to have park equality by providing its citizens throughout the City parks that are well manicured, maintained, and functional for optimal enjoyment."

Goal 7: "Develop Case Community Park into a regional destination by implementing strategically planned park improvements and enhancements, thus creating a public space that is inviting, functional, appealing, and sustainable."

Goal 8: "Continue to develop the Keystone Ancient Forest into a premiere nature preserve/hiking venue in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area."

Goal 9: "Develop City-owned Sports Facilities into premiere venues with top quality playing surfaces, lighting, and amenities."

Infrastructure

Goal 1: "The City of Sand Springs strives to meet or exceed requirements of the EPA and ODEQ regulations at all times in constructing, maintaining, and operating all Water Treatment Pumping, Distribution and Storage Facilities and Systems."

Goal 2: "The City of Sand Springs strives to meet or exceed requirements of the EPA and ODEQ - for providing contemporary and adequate treatment facilities & operations to meet or exceed effluent discharge quality requirements, while making appropriate accommodations for conveyance and collection systems for treatment.

Goal 3: "Plan for new street improvement projects that provide for priority replacements & upgrades to maintain the best possible drivability with sufficient number of lanes, and include provisions for maximum feasible multimodal mobility."

Goal 4: "Plan for rehabilitation/new improvement projects that provide for priority replacements & upgrades to maximize stormwater detention and drainage efficiency and capacity."

Goal 5: "Plan to be a City that takes preventative measures to prevent damaging of the Earth's ecosystems and in order to maintain a high quality of life Sand Springs citizens and the Tulsa Metropolitan Area by managing and disposing of their waste efficiently and safely."

Downtown Area

Goal 1: "Sand Springs shall have a lively, active, and pedestrian oriented downtown with a mix of uses such as restaurants/bars, boutiques, shops, offices, and housing.

Goal 2: "Reinforce and enhance the City's downtown as one of the primary focal points of the community."

Public Safety

Goal 1: "Sand Springs Emergency Services will have excellent law enforcement/firefighter customer service that meets the needs of the citizens now and in the future."

Goal 2: "Sand Springs shall be a community with safe neighborhoods, shopping, and employment areas."

Goal 3: "Sand Springs will proactively maintain/replace public safety technology, equipment, and fleets in order to provide an effective capable workforce."

Goal 4: "Develop, Design, and Construct a Municipal Safety Facility."

Goal 5: "Develop and Maintain a Community Policing Plan."

Economic Development

Goal 1: "The City of Sand Springs will strive to promote local commerce, trade, and commodities by strengthening working relationships with the local/regional Chamber of Commerce, existing businesses, and institutions."

Goal 2: "Aggressively pursue new local, regional, or national restaurant and retail businesses."

Goal 3: "Identify and complete projects that will beautify Sand Springs, assisting with marketing and economic development."

Goal 4: "Evaluate and consider the acquisition of real estate for future development purposes."

Goal 5: "Encourage and engage Subdivision and Multi-Family Developers/Developments."

Goal 6: "Develop an Economic Development website resource hub and strive to educate and advance the objective of all involved with the City to be involved in assisting with economic development as possible."

Goal 7: "Sand Springs will have a strong independent local economy that compliments the surrounding region but is not dependent on it."

Chapter V: Future Development Plan

"The Plan is a policy document that lays out the blueprint of how the community should grow over time and where certain uses should be placed relative to their intensity. Other factors such as underlying zoning patterns, adjoining communities land use plans, and future capital improvements also played a role in determining where the land use categories were placed. However, the plan is a plan and is not inflexible or concrete. From time to time, there will be certain uses that are proposed that will merit additional evaluation and create the possibility for Plan amendments."

Sand Springs Round Up Club petition hopes to reverse eviction from City park

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The Sand Springs City Council moved forward Monday night with a plan to evict the Sand Springs Round Up Club (SSRUC) from River City Park and to demolish the rodeo arena. Nearly two dozen individuals from the SSRUC turned out to observe the regular meeting. Two spoke in defense of the organization, but the Council voted unanimously to confirm a unanimous recommendation from the Parks Advisory Board.

In a staff report presented to the Council, the Parks Department reported that “the situation has eroded at the Sand Springs Round Up Club’s (rodeo) facility to a point where they are no longer viable…with near record high use in the park…the time has come to dedicate the approximate 3 acres of space to future ‘higher and best use.’ Additionally, the City can no longer support the expenditure of public (taxpayer) dollars to support the club’s activities. In the short term, mixed use, multipurpose sports fields are planned there.”

Richard House, president of the club since January, spoke in protest of the decision. “We’re working, we’re trying to grow this club. This is a partnership. This is a group that’s been around for 71 years…we have to work with the City and with the Park’s leadership. The club is financially successful. We’re not insecure, we’re a viable club. We have 28 events on our schedule. We were busy driving that membership, creating new events, driving more participation.”

House and City leaders were at odds on almost all facts of the situation. Mayor Mike Burdge objected to the age of the organization, its level of participation, the state of the grounds, and the amount of time that the organization has been on a downturn.

According to the staff report, “At the October 2016 meeting of the Parks Advisory Board (PAB), all clubs provided reports on their activities. Concerns were raised about the SSRUC’s lack of events, attendance and maintenance. They were asked to ‘step it up.’ At the April 4, 2017 PAB meeting…the PAB moved to allow the club approximately 90 additional days (including a big rodeo event on Memorial Day) to show good numbers, statistics, improve maintenance and the overall look of the grounds and more.”

House stated that the organization was given only 60 days, not 90, and that they nearly doubled their membership during that period. Mayor Burdge said that the problems with the club have been going on for years.

According to House, “the Use Agreement specifically states that the City will maintain the safety of the facility. That stopped happening a year ago.” He also alleged that Parks Director Grant Gerondale inspected the bleachers just a half hour before the Andy Downs Memorial Day Rodeo, during which a spectator partially fell through a rotten board in the stands. Gerondale denied performing any sort of inspection and said he was only there for a few minutes to photograph the crowd. He stated that it is the responsibility of the SSRUC to inform the Parks Department of any maintenance needs.

Section 4 of the Use Agreement states that “The City shall maintain grounds to ensure public safety.” It also says that the SSRUC “shall be responsible for any damages occurring to City property that are a result of USER volunteers, coaches, players, board members, or by the general public during USER events. “ According to City finance records, the bleachers are 35 years old and are fully depreciated.

House also claimed that Gerondale’s tally of 121 attendees was taken half an hour prior to the rodeo and did not accurately reflect on the number who showed up right at event time.

The PAB met on June 5, 2017 and voted 7-0-0 in favor of terminating the agreement. The City Council also voted 7-0-0 in favor of approving the request by the PAB. The SSRUC will be given till October 31 to finish their season, then will have until December 31 to remove all of their property from the facility. Council also approved up to $10,000 to demolish the facility if needed.

Despite the unanimous vote, the SSRUC has begun circulating a petition on change.org to save the arena. Organized by Jared Brown, the petition has garnered 637 supporters at press time with a goal of 1,000.

“Sand Springs has a heritage of rodeos in this arena and there are plenty of citizens that would like to see that tradition continue,” states the petition. “I am hoping that this petition will help communicate how important it is to the people of Sand Springs.”

Click here to view the petition.

Sand Springs City Council to vote on removing Round Up Club from River City Parks

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The Sand Springs City Council will meet in a regular monthly meeting Monday night at 7:00 p.m. in the City Municipal Building. Immediately following the Council meeting, the Sand Springs Municipal Authority will meet in the same room. Council and Municipal meetings are open to public attendance and commentary.

One item on the Council's Consent Agenda is a recommendation from the Parks Advisory Board to terminate a Use Agreement with the Sand Springs Round Up Club (RUC).

The RUC is a nonprofit organization originally founded northwest of Sand Springs on Shell Creek Road in 1946. It was relocated to River City in 1971 during the administration of City Manager Royce Hunter.

According to the staff report filed with the City Council agenda, "the situation has eroded at the Sand Springs Round Up Club's (rodeo) facility to a point where they are no longer viable." 

"At the October 2016 meeting of the Park's Advisory Board (PAB), all clubs provided reports on their activities. Concerns were raised about the SSRUC's lack of events, attendance, and maintenance. They were asked to 'step it up.'"

"At the April 4, 2017 PAB meeting staff requested a notice to terminate the Use Agreement with the SSRUC. The PAB moved to allow the club approximately 90 additional days (including a big rodeo event on Memorial Day) to show good numbers; statistics, improve maintenance and the overall look of the grounds and more."

"The Memorial Weekend (Andy Downs) rodeo event was uneventful, with 121 counted attendees in the stands and a mere dozen more in the arena."

The Parks Board cited the growing success of other park tenants, most notably the West Side Alliance (WSA) and Sand Springs Soccer Club (SSSC). The annual WSA Cup regularly packs out both River City Parks and the West Bank Sports Complex in Tulsa.

"With near record high use in the park; with WSA Soccer Cup performing at the highest level to date and with requests by SSYFootball leaders and more for additional space the time has come to dedicate the approximate 3 acres of space to future 'higher and best use.' Additionally, the City can no longer support the expenditure of public (taxpayer) dollars to support the club's activities. In the short term, mixed use, multipurpose sports fields are planned there."

The Parks Board voted unanimously to recommend terminating the Use Agreement Contract no later than October 31, 2017. City Council will make the final decision Monday evening.

If the Use Agreement Contract is terminated, the RUC will have to remove all of their property from the facility and the City-owned property will be declared as surplus. Declaring the property as surplus will allow the City to demolish the the facility and auction off any valuable materials.

Other items on the agenda include:

  • Presentation of Mayoral Proclamation to Cheyenne Walden, recognizing her unprecedented success as a Charles Page High School Cross Country runner.
  • Acceptance of a $2 million check from Mike and Pat Case to be applied to the River City Park Improvements Project.
  • Purchase of four Police Pursuit Units for $99,474.00.
  • Appointments to various city boards and commissions.
  • Approval of a complete update to the City Comprehensive Plan.
  • Renaming of City Garden Park as Inez Kirk Garden Park.
  • Renaming of Inez Kirk Soccer Complex as the Roger S. Bush Soccer Complex.
  • Adopting the 2017 Sand Springs Policing Plan.
  • Approval of November 14, 2017 as the election date for the 2017 General Obligation Bond election.

City Council approves improvements to town infrastructure, discusses latest accomplishments

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The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. Outgoing Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation, Marketing Manager Kasey St. John provided a presentation regarding the Sand Springs Marketing department, and numerous appointments were made to City Boards.

SEE RELATED: Board of Adjustment Chairman Randy Beesley receives Mayoral Proclamation

St. John expressed pleasure with the success of the City's goals for the past year. The City recently held the Second Annual Ancient 5K at Keystone Ancient Forest, participated in the Tulsa Home and Garden Show, and hosted the 28th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival with more than 20,000 attendees. A self-guided "Historic Tour" has been created on the City of Sand Springs website, and physical signage will be placed throughout the city by the end of the fiscal year. 

St. John set a goal to have a facebook following equal to 10% of the city's population by the end of the year--a feat which they easily surpassed with more than 3,500 followers at press time. A Sandite Pride News story shared on the City's facebook page is currently their most viewed post of all time. City officials have attended 18 major events this year to promote Sand Springs. The City is also working to redesign and relaunch the official website. A promotion website, SeeSandSprings.com, was launched this past year to help attract businesses and developers.

City Council unanimously approved $100,000 for use in installing a "Public Safety Hardened Room" in the Case Community Center. The funding for the project is part of a public safety sales tax that went into effect in January. 

Council unanimously approved $25,000 for use in rehabilitating the Shell Lake Dam, which is currently approaching the century mark in age.

Council unanimously approved $31,085.68 to continue partnering with the Metropolitan Environment Trust (M.e.t.) for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The City has utilized M.e.t. services for more than thirty years. M.e.t. accepts fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, oil-based paints and paint thinner, flammable liquids, lawn chemicals, automotive fluids, cooking oil/grease, aerosols, household and car batteries, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no additional charge to City residents.

Council unanimously approved a request from CHC Kirkwood LIHTC LP for a Resolution of Support for a tax credit to rehabilitate a 76-unit housing development located at 400 E. 6th Street. Kirkwood Senior Apartments are a Multifamily complex for elderly and handicapped residents, located next to Charles Page High School. The tax credit, if approved, will come from State funds and will not affect City finances directly. The complex hopes to invest $3 million in property and housing improvements.

Council unanimously approved the use of $93,767.31 in Vision funding to purchase and install ten LED colored lights beneath the USHWY 412 overpass to "bridge" the downtown community with the new River West development. 

Board Appointments:

  • Mike Burdge, Brian Jackson, and Patty Dixon were appointed to the Council Appointment Committee for a one-year term.
  • Mike Burdge, Jim Spoon, and Patty Dixon were appointed to the Council Finance and Development Committee for a one-year term.
  • Jim Spoon and Christine Hamner were appointed to the Council Legislative Committee for a one-year term.
  • Beau Wilson, Phil Nollan, and Christine Hamner were appointed to the Council Public Works Advisory Committee.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG Board of Directors for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG General Assembly for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Mike Burdge was appointed to the INCOG Legislative Consortium for a one-year term with Elizabeth Gray as an alternate.
  • Brian Jackson was appointed to the INCOG Tulsa Metropolitan Area Transportation Policy Committee for a one-year term with Derek Hamil (sp?) as an alternate.
  • Cathy Burdge and Richard "Rick" Barnett were appointed to the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board for a three-year term. 

In other news:

  • Sand Springs Fire Department Driver Ray Hall recently won the 2017 Mountain Bike National Championship. He competed in a 50-mile long course with major elevation changes and rough terrain.
  • The City of Sand Springs received their 27th consecutive Government Finance Officers' Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
  • According to Finance Director Kelly Lamberson, the City is "doing well with our spending, remaining below projections by 16.1 percent."
  • Sand Springs Police Sargent Jason McGinnis was named the Rotary Officer of the Year. McGinnis is a U.S. Navy vet, who was in charge of 50 caliber machine guns. According to Police Chief Mike Carter, he is a driving force behind Special Olympics funding and the Sand Springs leg of the torch run.
  • Rumble strips were recently installed on 41st Street between Prattville and Berryhill at a cost of $18,000. 
  • Captain Jeremy Wade was named the Rotary Firefighter of the Year. According to Fire Chief Mike Wood, "(Wade) is a phenomenal employee, always goes above and beyond." He has been with the SSFD for nearly sixteen years.
  • The Fire Department recently hired Sand Springs local Zachary Mosley. "(Mosley) is going to be a great rookie for us. He hit the ground running this morning and we're glad to have him," said Wood.
  • Sand Springs recently received an improved Insurance Service Office Class Two rating that places the department in the top 1% of Oklahoma communities and in the top 2.8% in the nation.