Jenks City Council Addresses Power Reliability and Charts Downtown's Future

The Jenks City Council recently convened to address two significant issues impacting the community: recurring power outages and the ongoing development of a comprehensive Downtown Master Plan. The council heard from Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) regarding the causes and solutions for recent power disruptions, while also engaging with residents and stakeholders on the future vision for downtown Jenks.

Addressing Recurring Power Outages

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) presented to the Jenks City Council to explain the reasons behind recent power outages and outline steps being taken to improve reliability. Between November and December, Jenks experienced six power outages, with durations ranging from a few minutes to nearly five hours. Dwayne Apple with PSO acknowledged the inconvenience, stating, "We understand that it’s not only an inconvenience for you but you deserve better, you deserve for your power to be on." Mayor Cory Box emphasized the need for solutions, especially during cold weather, stating, "It’s not just enough to know here’s the problem. Is there hope that it’s going to get fixed?"

• Causes of Outages: PSO identified several causes for the disruptions, including squirrels interfering with equipment, foil balloons, and technology failures.

• PSO's Solutions: To mitigate future outages, PSO is implementing upgrades at the Jenks Substation, including improved technology and wildlife protection measures. They are also replacing two transformers at a substation on 116th and Peoria, with completion expected in April. Additionally, equipment has been added to over 30 power poles to prevent animal interference.

One notable outage in November affected over 3,000 customers, including Jenks High School, Freshman Academy, and West Elementary. A squirrel was identified as the cause of this particular disruption, leading to the de-energization of lines to prevent further damage.

Shaping the Future of Downtown Jenks

The city is actively progressing with its Downtown Master Plan, seeking public input through a series of open houses. Marcae Hilton, Director of Planning for the City of Jenks, explained that the plan aims to enhance the pedestrian experience while preserving the charm of downtown. Residents, business owners, and property owners have been invited to share their visions for the area.

• Plan Development: A consultant, Beck Design, has been hired to develop the plan, which includes analyses of parking and economic development. This is the fifth of six planned open houses for public feedback.

• Vision for Downtown: The goal is to create a vibrant, safe downtown that prioritizes pedestrian activity, potentially including wider sidewalks to accommodate outdoor dining and improved streetscapes.

• Master Plan Options: Three distinct options are being considered for the Downtown Master Plan:Option 1: Minimal changes with added landscaping.Option 2: Parallel parking on Main Street with seven-foot sidewalks, allowing for outdoor dining.Option 3: Relocating on-street parking off Main Street to dedicated lots or alleys, providing 14-foot sidewalks, enhanced outdoor dining spaces, and landscape buffers.

Investors are expressing enthusiasm for the city's efforts. Business owners like Elliot Nelson, who is renovating the historic City Hall building into a steakhouse, and Robert Butler, planning a wine bar and bookstore, see the master plan as crucial for revitalizing the downtown area. Bryan Wilks, co-founder of the Ten District, also highlighted the importance of the city's initiative in developing a downtown master plan.

Sources

• City of Jenks holds 5th open house for public feedback on Downtown Master Plan | News, fox23.com.

• 'You deserve better:' PSO explains recurring power outages to Jenks City Council, provides potentialsolutions, News On 6.

• Power restored in Jenks after large outage | News, fox23.com.

• Investors on board as Jenks works toward reviving downtown, KJRH.

• Power Restored In Downtown Jenks After Squirrel Causes Large Outage, News On 6.