2024.12.17 Jenks CC / JPWA Meeting 6PM

This meeting of the Jenks City Council and JPWA convened on December 17th at 6 PM. The evening began with the standard formalities, including roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council welcomed new employees and recognized outstanding service from several officers.

Welcoming New Faces and Recognizing Service

The meeting started by introducing new dispatchers Mercedes Dossy, Darcy St. An, and Rachel Navarro. Two new officers, Bradley McFarland and Andrew Spinner, were also introduced. Officer McFarland was playfully teased about a non-existent gum-chewing policy, adding a lighthearted moment to the introductions. Both new officers are set to attend the academy after the new year.

SWAT Team Commendation

A significant part of the evening was dedicated to recognizing the exceptional conduct of SWAT team members Kevin Nunley, Arthur Solomon, and Trevor Hash. They were nominated for the "Motorious Conduct Award" for their actions during an incident on February 4th, 2024. The team responded to an armed and barricaded suspect who was holding his wife hostage. Despite the suspect firing numerous rounds at the SWAT members, the officers maintained their professionalism and ensured the safety of themselves and others. Their actions were credited with upholding the highest traditions of the Jenks Police Department and the Southwest Area Tactical Team.

Animal Welfare Spotlight

Caleb Foster, the Animal Control Officer, presented a "spotlight" on Brazzo, a St. Bernard/Husky mix. Brazzo and his littermate were found near the new mall. His sister was recently adopted, and Brazzo is now looking for a home for Christmas. He's described as vocal, playful, and good with other dogs.

Public Comments

During the public comment period, Justin Little thanked Mayor Box and Councilor Abel for their participation in a recent town hall meeting, praising its openness and the insight gained into the city's leadership. Another resident, Ferris, raised concerns about a proposed development, specifically questioning the quality and long-term impact of homes built by a particular developer, citing potential issues with rentals and property values. Josh Glascock and Kelsey Verka also voiced concerns about the proposed development, focusing on lot sizes, the potential for increased rentals, and the delayed completion of promised amenities in existing developments.

General Business: Zoning and Development

The council addressed several zoning and land use matters:

• Consent Agenda: Most items were approved, with one item pulled for further discussion.
• Tulsa Regional Chamber One Voice Legislative Agenda: Councilor Brown expressed reservations about certain federal-level items within the agenda, citing fiscal conservatism, though he acknowledged the need for endorsement of other items. The council ultimately approved the agenda.
• Frasier Falls Major Amendment: The council discussed a major amendment to Planned Unit Development 127, concerning a residential development. Key points of discussion included lot sizes, the gated vs. non-gated aspect, and the developer's commitment to amenities. The council ultimately approved the amendment with a condition to maintain a minimum lot width of 55 feet, aligning more closely with the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Downtown Transition Overlay: An ordinance was discussed to amend the zoning of properties at 715 and 719 East Apache Place to align with the downtown transition overlay. This change aims to allow for more flexibility in land use, given the surrounding commercial zoning.
• Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Several amendments to the comprehensive land use map were considered, including rezoning a small area on Main Street to local commercial, reclassifying a large area known as the "River District" from parks/open space to regional commercial, and changing a residential area to public/semi-public to reflect its use by a church.

Public Works Authority Matters

The Jenks Public Works Authority (JPWA) also convened. Key decisions included:

• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Pole Barn Construction: Approved the award of a contract to Wolf Barn and Supply for a new pole barn at the Public Works compound to address space and safety concerns for equipment storage.

Lead Service Line Notice

Mr. Carr provided an update on the EPA's mandate regarding lead service lines. He explained the requirement for municipalities to inventory and notify residents about potential lead service lines, even on private property. The city sent out notices to approximately 1,800 unknown service lines, and the process of identifying these lines will involve digging and inspection. He clarified that the notices were about the material of the lines, not the water quality itself, and assured that the city would work to replace any identified lead lines as needed.