Ask Jenks with Kevin Short

Welcome to another edition of "Ask Jenks," the social media series where we tackle questions submitted by you, our amazing Jenks citizens. In this episode, we sit down with At-Large City Counselor Kevin Short to discuss some important community topics. We'll cover the city's noise ordinance and provide an update on the pedestrian bridge, addressing common concerns from residents.

Meet Your At-Large Counselor

Kevin Short serves as an At-Large Counselor, meaning he represents the entire city of Jenks. He lives in Ward 4 and is currently in his third year of his first term as a city counselor. When he's not serving the city, Kevin works full-time as the chief lending officer for Mayy Bank. It's worth noting that Jenks city counselors are elected, unpaid officials who volunteer their time to serve the community.

Understanding the Noise Ordinance

One common question from citizens is about the city's noise ordinance. Many wonder if Jenks even has one and how to get one in place.

Key Takeaways on the Noise Ordinance

• It Exists: Jenks does have a noise ordinance, which has been in place for 125 years. However, it's considered quite old and vague, not really fitting with how the city has grown and how technology has changed.

• Under Review: The city staff and council are well aware of the need for an update. The Planning Commission is expected to review and propose changes to the ordinance in the next two to three months.

• Public Input: Once the proposed updates are ready, they will be made available for public comment. This means residents will have a chance to review the suggested rules and provide their thoughts.

• Council Vote: After the public comment period, the City Council will vote on the modifications and amendments to put the updated ordinance into effect.

So, while there is an existing ordinance, big changes are coming to make it more current and clear for everyone.

Update on the Pedestrian Bridge

Another frequent question concerns the pedestrian bridge, specifically why a section remains closed and if it's still safe to use.

Key Takeaways on the Pedestrian Bridge

• It's Safe: The most important thing to know is that the pedestrian bridge is safe to walk and bike on. A consultant inspected the bridge in 2023.

• Material Issues: The inspection did find some material wear in one section, which is why that part was immediately fenced off. The rest of the bridge was confirmed safe for continued use.

• Repair Plan: Fixing the damaged section requires heavy equipment, which can't be on the bridge all at once. So, the repair work will be done in phases, starting from the banks and moving inward.

• Budgeting: This phased approach also helps the city budget for the repairs over several years, making sure the project can be properly funded.

• Timeline: Engineering work for the repairs is set to begin in late summer. The actual repair work is planned to start in early 2025 and is expected to continue through late 2025 for the first segment. More segments will follow after that.

The pedestrian bridge is a very important part of the community and is used by many people, so its repair is a top priority for the city.

Have More Questions?

We hope this episode of "Ask Jenks" helped clear up some common questions. The city encourages all citizens to submit their questions about any city project, process, or initiative. Your input helps guide these discussions and keeps the community informed.