Jenks City Council and Public Works Authority Meeting Recap - October 15, 2024

The Jenks City Council and Jenks Public Works Authority held a joint meeting on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an animal welfare spotlight featuring a dog named Wrigley. The council then moved into public comments and general business, discussing various city projects and agreements.

Key Takeaways

• Concerns were raised about the condition of a local parking garage, including issues with cleanliness, lighting, and abandoned vehicles.
• The council approved payments for bridge maintenance and right-of-way acquisition for road improvements.
• A local business, Rustic Gate Creamery, was highlighted and encouraged for community support.

Parking Garage Concerns

A resident, Jason Demard, brought forward serious concerns about the parking garage at 727 East Main Place. He described it as uncleaned for a year, with feces, dead animals, garbage, and broken lights. He noted that the lack of lighting creates blind spots, encouraging illegal activities and vehicle abandonment. His wife, Kristen Demard, echoed these concerns, mentioning extensive communication with property management and city officials without resolution. She highlighted issues with expired elevator permits and inoperable elevators in their building, urging the city to hold property owners accountable.

City Projects and Approvals

The council addressed several key city projects. Item three involved authorizing a payment of $7,450 for construction costs related to the 96th Street bridge over the Arkansas River maintenance. This is part of an ODOT project, with the city contributing 25% of the construction costs. The maintenance involves working on bridge joints to ensure longevity, and while lanes will be shifted, at least one lane in each direction is expected to remain open.

Item four authorized an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for right-of-way acquisition along Elwood Avenue between 91st and 96th Streets. The city's contribution is $130,000, which is 20% of the total right-of-way cost, funded by a general obligation bond. This project includes widening the road and potentially adding a median. The council approved the payment and authorized the mayor to execute the agreement, with efforts underway to negotiate with the golf course property owner for a significant parcel.

Community Support Spotlight

Council member Mr. Brown took a moment to spotlight a local business, Rustic Gate Creamery. He encouraged residents to support local businesses, especially during economic downturns. He mentioned that the creamery offers not only ice cream but also "Jinx America" shirts, providing an option for residents to show community pride even if their children don't attend local schools. The business also features a small arcade and is seen as a safe place for kids to gather.

Meeting Adjournment

Following the discussions, the Jenks City Council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. The Jenks Public Works Authority meeting then commenced, quickly approving its consent agenda before adjourning at 6:26 p.m.