2025.01.07 Jenks CC / JPWA Meeting 6PM

The Jenks City Council and Public Works Authority convened for their regular meeting, tackling a range of local development and zoning issues. Key discussions included a new residential development, changes to the city's zoning code, and updates on ongoing infrastructure projects. The meeting also featured public comments on various community concerns.

Key Takeaways

• New Residential Development Approved: A significant portion of land was rezoned for a new planned unit development (PUD), featuring 260 lots, increased lot widths, and enhanced amenities like a splash pad and sports court. The developer agreed to add a playground as a condition of approval.
• Zoning Code Updates: The council discussed and approved updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), primarily adjusting minimum lot size requirements for residential zones to better align with current development trends and community expectations.
• Infrastructure and Community Concerns: Public comments highlighted issues such as frequent power outages, the need for improved infrastructure, and concerns about the impact of new developments on existing neighborhoods. The council acknowledged these issues and discussed potential solutions and future actions.
• Future Development Outlook: Discussions touched upon the limited availability of developable land in Jenks, suggesting a future focus on redevelopment and infill projects. The council also noted the upcoming Elm Street widening project, which is expected to improve traffic flow in the southern part of the city.

Addressing Citizen Concerns: Power Outages

A resident brought up concerns about frequent power outages on Melody Lane, questioning the "squirrel" explanation provided by PSO. The council acknowledged the issue, with the General Manager of Public Works stating he would reach out to PSO to request a representative attend a future meeting to explain the situation directly.

New Residential Development: Jay-Z 24 PUD 151

The council reviewed Ordinance 1657, concerning the rezoning of approximately 73 acres for a new residential development. The property, generally located at 131st and Kimberly Clark Place, was rezoned from agricultural to a single-family residential district with a PUD overlay. The Planning Commission had previously approved the project with a 7-0 vote.

The proposed development includes up to 260 lots, with a focus on masonry construction for all homes. Key amenities planned are a splash pad and a sports court. A significant portion, about 17 acres, will be dedicated to open space. The developer also agreed to add sidewalks along Kimberly Clark Place, a requirement that involved coordination with PSO for an access easement.

During the discussion, council members raised questions about the dispersion of amenities within the development and the type of trees to be planted. The developer clarified that while the sports court and splash pad are currently planned for one location for family convenience, the final placement would be determined during the design phase. They also confirmed that the 100% masonry requirement applies to the first floor of homes.

Further discussion involved the potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly regarding water drainage and the accumulation of silt in ponds. The developer assured the council that the planned detention ponds are designed to manage drainage effectively and prevent issues seen in neighboring developments.

Concerns were also voiced about housing affordability and the potential impact on existing property values. The developer indicated that the homes would likely be in the $200 per square foot range, aiming for a price point that aligns with the surrounding market.

After considerable debate and public comment, the council ultimately approved the PUD with a condition. The motion included adding a playground of reasonable size and quality, to be verified by city staff, located in the southern portion of the property. This decision aimed to balance development needs with community feedback.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment

Item five involved a major amendment to the comprehensive plan's use map, changing a parcel located west of the Arkansas River at 91st Street from multifamily to regional commercial. This change was proposed to better reflect the mixed-use nature of a previously approved PUD for the area.

Zoning Code Updates: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Ordinance 1658 proposed updates to the Jenks zoning code, specifically the base district standards within the UDO. The amendments focused on increasing minimum lot requirements for certain residential zonings. The council discussed the evolution of the UDO since its adoption in 2022, noting the need to align zoning codes with actual development practices and community desires for larger lots.

The proposed changes included adjustments to lot area and lot width standards for various residential zones, such as increasing the minimum lot width for RS2 zoning from 55 feet to 60 feet. These updates aim to ensure new developments are consistent with the city's vision for residential areas and to address concerns about lot sizes in recent projects.

Council members also discussed the limited availability of developable land within Jenks, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful planning for remaining parcels. The conversation touched upon the future of development in the city, with a potential shift towards redevelopment and infill projects as large tracts of land become scarce.

Other Business and Public Works Authority Meeting

Following the council meeting, the Jenks Public Works Authority convened briefly. The General Manager provided an update on sales and use tax figures, noting a significant increase year-to-date. Updates were also given on ongoing projects, including the Elm Street widening, the aquarium facility, and Fire Station One.

The council also discussed upcoming community events, such as a State of Education luncheon and a Town Hall meeting focused on the Elm Street construction project. The Town Hall aims to provide residents with direct information and a forum to ask questions about the construction impacts.

Finally, the council addressed the ongoing power outage concerns, with a commitment to follow up with PSO. The meeting concluded with a reminder about upcoming legislative sessions and the importance of citizen engagement with local representatives.