2025.01.21 Jenks JAA / CC / JPWA Meeting 5PM

This meeting covered a range of important topics for the Jenks community, including contract approvals, updates on facility projects, and discussions about upcoming events. A significant portion of the meeting focused on addressing resident concerns regarding power outages and outlining the steps PSO is taking to improve reliability. The council also reviewed and approved several ordinances related to city code and zoning, demonstrating a commitment to clear and updated regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Contract Approvals: The council approved a contract with PepsiCo for advertising and sponsorship, recognizing its value in supporting the aquarium.
• Large Animal Holding Facility Update: Despite initial concerns about concrete moisture, the project is back on track. A change from composite decking to pressure-treated lumber is expected to save around $20,000, though the project timeline has been pushed to April due to the concrete issue.
• PSO Power Outage Discussion: Representatives from PSO addressed recent power outages, acknowledging the unacceptable performance and outlining immediate and future solutions. They highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including substation improvements and the installation of smart switches, to enhance reliability.
• City Code Updates: Several ordinances were reviewed and approved, including revisions to alcohol-related laws and updates to general offenses to ensure clarity and compliance with state and federal laws. This included addressing issues like public nudity and noise ordinances.
• Economic Development and Marketing: Discussions focused on strategies to capture and retain commerce within Jenks, including improving transportation between key attractions like the mall and the aquarium, and exploring new marketing initiatives.
• Animal Welfare: The animal control officer provided an update on available dogs at the shelter and promoted an upcoming adoption event.

Contract Approvals and Project Updates

The meeting began with the approval of a contract with PepsiCo, which was noted as being in the contract under section three, item B. While the initial cost of $600 might not seem large, it was acknowledged as a worthwhile advertising opportunity to support the aquarium. Following this, the council moved to an update on the large animal holding facility. Initially, there was a significant issue with the concrete flooring not drying out fast enough due to moisture levels, which delayed the project. However, independent testing confirmed the concrete had dried sufficiently, resolving the problem. Additionally, a decision was made to switch from composite decking (TRX) to pressure-treated lumber, a change that is expected to save approximately $20,000. This change, along with the concrete issue, pushed the project timeline into April. Despite these delays, the project is still on track, and no additional costs are anticipated.

Addressing Power Outages with PSO

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by PSO regarding recent power outages in Jenks. Rodrigo Roas, External Affairs Manager, and Dwayne Apple, Vice President of Distribution Services, addressed the concerns, acknowledging that the performance in Jenks since November has been unacceptable. They detailed various causes for the outages, including equipment failure, squirrels, and even a mylar balloon. A key issue identified was an adjustment made to a piece of equipment in a substation that caused faults to affect the entire sub instead of sectionalizing the problem. PSO has since found and addressed this issue. They also discussed ongoing infrastructure improvements, including substation upgrades at 116th and Peoria, and at 91st and Elwood, which are aimed at improving reliability and capacity. The council and PSO representatives discussed communication strategies, with PSO agreeing to utilize social media more effectively to inform the public about outages.

City Ordinances and Zoning

The council reviewed and approved several ordinances. Ordinance 1662, a rezoning request for a property at 515 West Aquarium Place from residential to commercial shopping, was approved, with staff and the Planning Commission recommending it. Following this, Ordinance 1659 was discussed, which amends city code related to alcohol and offenses. This ordinance cleans up existing laws, updates definitions, and moves relevant offenses to the alcohol chapter. Concerns were raised by Councilman Brown about specific sections related to nudity, disturbing religious services, public assembly, and noise, suggesting a need for further review to avoid unintended consequences. The council agreed to table those specific sections for further consideration. Ordinance 1660, which updates general offenses in Chapter 14, was also discussed, with a motion made to approve it with exceptions for the sections Councilman Brown had concerns about. Finally, Ordinance 1661 was approved, amending the Jenks River Entertainment District economic development project plan to clarify legal boundaries, with the amendment being minor and within the allowed percentage increase.

Economic Development and Community Engagement

Updates were provided on various economic development initiatives. A town hall meeting was held for the Elm Street widening project, with plans for continued communication. The chamber of commerce reported on its activities, including numerous ribbon cuttings, networking events, and legislative luncheons. They also highlighted efforts in economic development, such as meetings with site selectors and participation in downtown development planning. A key discussion point was the need to capture and retain commerce within Jenks, encouraging visitors to explore downtown and other local attractions. Ideas such as a trolley system and improved wayfinding signage were discussed to create a "circle of commerce." The council also discussed a potential public survey for a new city slogan, aiming to refresh the city's branding.

Other Business and Future Planning

In other business, the council approved Resolution 857, declaring the necessity of acquiring an easement on property owned by Sparkman Land LLC and authorizing the city attorney to file an amended petition in the condemnation proceedings. The Public Works Authority also met, approving a resolution for a capital improvements interest expense to fund an Arbitrage rebate payment to the IRS. The chamber of commerce provided a detailed report on their activities, including upcoming events, economic development efforts, and staff restructuring. They also mentioned plans for a website revamp and a tourism kiosk. The council also discussed the possibility of a new marketing manager and the importance of community engagement in shaping the city's future.