Public Meetings - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

The Broken Arrow City Council met on October 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda with routine approvals, a public hearing on a rezoning application, presentations, recognitions, and several general council business items including development agreements, bond resolutions, and appointments. Key decisions included approval of a rezoning for Creek Line Village, a development agreement for Ven Park, multiple bond sales, and a one-time noise waiver for a New Year’s Eve concert. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the exception of Item AM (Transit agreement with Tulsa Transit), which was pulled for discussion and later approved separately. - Routine items approved included: meeting minutes (September 1 and 15, 2026), Planning Commission minutes (August 27 and September 10, 2026), three budget amendments (Nos. 15, 16, 17 for FY2027), a proclamation for “America the Entrepreneurial”, construction contracts, equipment purchases, easements, surplus declarations, a claims list, and several other administrative actions (Items A–AL, AN–AQ). Presentations and Proclamations - Youth City Council Swearing-In (Item 7A): The council recognized the 25th year of the program. Twelve new members (five freshmen, seven sophomores) were sworn in, bringing total membership to 25 for the 2026–2027 school year. Vice Mayor Parks and Councilor Green serve as sponsors. - Farmer’s CO-OP History Plaque (Item 7B): Staff presented two plaque options for the grain silo. Council requested color, inclusion of historical names (e.g., Orville White, McDerris), a QR code linking to the city website, and recognition of current council members. Staff will revise and bring the plan back at the next meeting. - Manufacturing Month Proclamation (Item 7C): The council declared October 2026 as “Manufacturing Month”. Amber Miller (interim president/CEO of the Chamber & EDC) highlighted that Broken Arrow is home to 300 manufacturers employing over 5,800 people with an average annual wage of $85,000, ranking third in Oklahoma for manufacturing. The proclamation was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Rezoning Public Hearing (Item 7D – BAZ-003014-2026): Several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed RSC (single-family residential compact) zoning on 39.18 acres at Creek Line Village. - Aaron Stoffel (west-side neighbor) requested denial, citing a lack of transition from RSC to adjacent commercial, and asked for a buffer fence to protect his horses from future residents. - Joyce Sanders (frontage on 193rd) expressed concerns about insufficient entrance width (660 feet) and requested 60-foot lots instead of 50-foot frontages. - Artie Locke (north side) opposed density, raised concerns about school capacity (noting 3,000+ homes already approved), infrastructure, and a possible Indian burial ground on the site. He argued the comprehensive plan designation may no longer be appropriate. - Rick Bates reiterated that the development does not fit the surrounding area (1-2 acre lots) and called it “postage stamp” lots. - A later speaker (south-side landowner) raised concerns about drainage from the proposed 160 homes and asked for assurance that detention would be adequate. - Joyce Sanders returned to reiterate concerns about a known cemetery on the property and asked when construction would stop if remains were found. - The applicant’s attorney, Natalie Cornette (Eller & Dietrich), stated that due diligence with the Oklahoma Archaeological Survey found no evidence of a burial ground, that the RSC district is the best fit (50-foot lots, 25% open space, exceeding 15% requirement), and that the comprehensive plan has designated this area urban residential since 1997. She noted willingness to add buffers and a fence along the west boundary. Discussion Items - Transit Agreement with Tulsa Transit (Item AM – 26-1568): Rocky Hinkle, Community Development Director, explained that the current pilot program (Phase 1 & 2) averages 850 riders per month in 2026, up 273% from 2024. Phase 3 (weekend service) was not feasible this fiscal year due to driver shortages and app-access issues. The city is hopeful that MTTA will provide weekend drivers next fiscal year. The agreement for FY2027 was approved. - Rezoning – Creek Line Village (Item 7D): Following the public hearing, the council closed the hearing and voted on the rezoning. A motion to approve BAZ-003014-2026 (RSC) was made, seconded, and passed. (Vote tally not specified in transcript; likely unanimous or majority – the transcript shows “Motion passes.”) - Conditional Final Plat – County Line Crossing (Item 9A – PT-003063-2025): Rocky Hinkle presented the plat for 166 lots on 49 acres. No public speakers. Justin Morgan (Tanner Consulting) confirmed engineering is underway and buffers have been preserved. The plat was approved unanimously. - Development Agreement for Ven Park (Item 9B): Staff recommended approval of an agreement for public infrastructure improvements (road connectivity on Madison and Birch, conversion of a dry detention pond to a wet pond) associated with a mixed-use development (single-family, cottages, townhomes, retail, live-work spaces). The plan is unique and helps solve existing access issues. Approved unanimously. - Angie Gallant Appointment to Drainage Advisory Committee (Item 9C): Mayor Wimpee nominated Gallant, who researched drainage issues and expressed interest. The council approved the appointment with a term expiring October 6, 2030. - Central Park Plaza Roadway Panel Replacement (Item 9D – ST26170): Acting City Manager Schwab noted the low bidder could not provide bonds, so the council awarded the contract to Cherokee Pride Construction for $673,380 (the second-lowest bid). Cherokee Pride has a good track record with the city. Approved unanimously. - One-Time Noise Waiver (Item 9E): The council approved a waiver from 11:00 PM December 31, 2026 to 1:00 AM January 1, 2027 for a New Year’s Eve concert at Regent Bank Amphitheater. The noise ordinance normally restricts objectionable sounds from 11 PM to 7 AM (midnight on Friday/Saturday). Because New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday, a one-time waiver was granted. - Bond Resolutions (Items 9F, 9G, 9H): Three series of general obligation bonds were approved: - Series 2026A (9th series from 2018 election): $3,130,000 for streets, $5,000,000 for public safety facilities, $1,645,000 for stormwater (includes Lancaster Park detention facility, inadvertently omitted from list but corrected). - Series 2026B (1st series from 2026 election): $9,451,000 for streets (Prop 1), $3,248,000 for quality of life (Prop 3), $2,051,000 for public facilities (Prop 4). - Series 2026C (1st series from 2026 election for Props 5 & 6): $1,156,000 for stormwater and $844,000 for drainage. All bonds will have 20-year terms, price in November, and close in December. - NLC Voting Delegate (Item 9I): The council appointed Mayor Wimpee as voting delegate and Vice Mayor Parks as alternate for the National League of Cities Annual Business Meeting on November 21, 2026 in Nashville. - Preview Ordinances (Items 10A, 10B, 10C): - 10A: Ordinance closing a portion of right-of-way near Kenosha Street for Broken Arrow Public Schools auditorium. Previewed; no vote taken. - 10B: Ordinance amending Chapter 5 (Signs) to allow limited commercial banners on city-owned light poles in the events park (for Regent Bank Amphitheater and NSU). The council set it for planning commission review. - 10C: Ordinance adopting the 2024 International Fire Code (update from 2018). Previewed and set for adoption at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved minus Item AM, which was later approved separately (all items unanimous). - Youth City Council sworn in – 12 new members for 2026–2027. - Manufacturing Month proclamation approved unanimously. - Rezoning BAZ-003014-2026 (Creek Line Village) approved after public hearing. - Conditional Final Plat for County Line Crossing (166 lots) approved. - Development agreement for Ven Park approved. - Angie Gallant appointed to Drainage Advisory Committee (term 2030). - Central Park Plaza project awarded to Cherokee Pride Construction ($673,380). - One-time noise waiver approved for New Year’s Eve concert. - Three bond resolutions (Series 2026A, B, C) approved. - NLC delegates appointed. - Preview ordinances moved forward (10B set for planning commission, 10C set for adoption). - Executive session held for pending investigation (tort claim) and eminent domain litigation; council reconvened but no further action reported in open session. Note: The meeting was recessed for executive session and then the Broken Arrow Municipal Authority meeting was called to order; the transcript ends during that call.

The Broken Arrow Planning Commission met on September 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM to consider consent items, a comprehensive plan amendment, and a site plan review for an industrial facility in the AeroForge innovation district. Key actions included unanimous approval of consent items, tabling of a land use amendment, and tabling of a building materials variance request pending input from city leadership. Consent Calendar - Motion and second to approve consent agenda. Unanimous vote (5-0). Item 4B to be forwarded to City Council on October 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the same chambers. Public Hearings - Item 6A (26-1525): Comprehensive plan amendment for Florence Estates. No public comments. Commission voted unanimously to table the item to the November 5, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - Item 8A (26-1531): Site plan for a proposed 38,000 square foot industrial facility located 1/8 mile east of Olive Avenue (129th East Avenue) and south of West Florence Street. The proposal includes architectural metal paneling exceeding 25% of exterior walls, which requires planning commission review per Section 3-3-5 of the zoning ordinance. Staff recommended denial based on non-compliance with primary building material requirements. - Madison Smith (GH2 Architects) presented the design, emphasizing it is an elevated metal panel system intended for an aerospace/aesthetic theme for the AeroForge innovation district. - Tyler Wallace (architect principal, GH2) noted that the design was coordinated with the Broken Arrow Chamber, city management, and Beck Design Group as part of a master plan for the innovation district. - Andy Feely (CSI Aerospace, the building owner) stated the company is behind schedule and needs the building to grow, and that the modern high-tech look is intentional. - Commissioners discussed the lack of a formal overlay district, the need for city council direction, and concerns about setting precedent. A motion to table the item to October 8, 2026 was made and seconded. - Vote: Unanimous (5-0) to table. During the continuance, staff will seek input from city management and/or city council regarding the desired architectural character for the innovation district. Other Business - Commissioner commented on a recent Oklahoma Municipal League conference where Mayor Deborah Wimpey was awarded Mayor of the Year, and thanked staff. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously, with one item forwarded to City Council. - Comprehensive plan amendment tabled to November 5, 2026. - Site plan reconsideration tabled to October 8, 2026, with direction to gather guidance from city leadership on the innovation district's design standards.

The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 220 South 1st Street. Chairperson Debra Wimpee called the meeting to order immediately following the City Council meeting. All five trustees were present: Wimpee, Vice Chairman Johnnie Parks, and Trustees Lisa Ford, Justin Green, and David Pickel. The meeting consisted of a consent agenda approval and a city manager update on a sewer rehabilitation project, with no public hearings, general business, or executive session. Consent Calendar - Budget Amendment No. 11 for FY2027 (Item 26-1485) – approved. - Budget Amendment No. 14 for FY2027 (Item 26-1504) – approved. - Enterprise Licensing Agreement with ESRI (Item 26-1387) – first year of a three-year software agreement approved. - Purchase of one PacMac Grapple Truck on a 2027 Western Star 47X chassis from United Engines via statewide contract SW0106 (Item 26-1423) – approved. - Purchase of one 2027 Ford Explorer SUV from Vance Country Ford via statewide contract SW0035 (Item 26-1424) – approved. - Purchase of six McNeilus 2848 ZR ASL side loader bodies on Mack LR64 chassis from Siddons-Martin Environmental via Sourcewell contract (Item 26-1457) – approved. - Award of annual utility stock items bid (Bid No. 27.104) to lowest unit price bidders (Item 26-1396) – approved. - Ratification of Claims List Check Register dated September 4, 2026 (Item 26-1462) – approved. - The consent agenda was moved by Trustee Green, seconded, and passed unanimously by roll call vote. Discussion Items - Sewer Rehabilitation Project Update – City Manager reported on a trenchless sewer repair project behind City Hall. The project uses cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining technology installed by contractor In Situ Form, avoiding excavation. A robotic cutter reopens existing pipe connections. The work will extend from East College Street through alleyways between Main and First Streets, continuing south on Fort Worth. Approximately one block will involve night work from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to minimize disruption to businesses. The Manager praised Tim Robbins and the utility/engineering/construction teams for their ingenuity and coordination. Previous alley rehabilitation on the west side was completed successfully. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously – All eight items were adopted without discussion or objection. - No items removed from consent agenda – The consent agenda was approved in its entirety. - No public hearings or general authority business were conducted. - Meeting adjourned after trustee remarks confirming no executive session, with a motion and second to adjourn.

The Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority met on September 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting followed the City Council and Municipal Authority meetings. Trustees approved the consent agenda and received a quarterly presentation on economic development projects from the Tourism & Economic Development Department. Consent Calendar - 26-1410: Approval of Amendment 2 to an agreement with BKL, Inc. for the Innovation District Infrastructure Improvements project (Project 2352100). - 26-1489: Approval of an agreement with Public Finance Law Group, PLLC for Tax Increment Finance Counsel Services. - 26-1503: Approval of Budget Amendment Number 13 for Fiscal Year 2027. - 26-1451: Acknowledgement of the August 2026 Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation’s Monthly Report. The consent agenda was approved by motion and second without dissent. Discussion Items Quarterly Economic Development Presentation (Item 5A) Travis Stevens, Director of Tourism & Economic Development, introduced Economic Development Manager Christy McLean, who provided updates on several key developments: - Arrow Forge Innovation District: CSI is in the design phase, with a groundbreaking scheduled for October 1, 2026. - Tiger Crossing (across from Broken Arrow High School): Seven pad sites; two Letters of Intent (LOIs) are in place, with five additional spaces to be leased. - Adams Creek Town Center: Rapid construction continues. Katrina Fresh, Wetzels Pretzels, Coldstone Creamery, and Fiora Mell Salon are open. Two restaurants are building out in the patio area. Home Depot plans a grand opening in the first week of November. TJ Maxx, Burlington, and Five Below are expected to turn over to tenants in September. - Aspen Ridge: Pre-development meetings for remaining parcels continue; the head and nail spa has not yet opened. Apartments are progressing, and the connecting road is complete. - Peak Development (west of Aspen Ridge): A credit union is under construction, McDonald's is open, and 7-Eleven will soon go vertical. A sit-down restaurant is still planned. - Shops at Aspen Creek: Phase one is nearing readiness for presentation to the board, expected within the next month. - Hotel Feasibility Study: The tourism department commissioned a study on the hotel/motel industry, particularly for south Broken Arrow. The study is expected to be returned this week and will be shared with the tourism board and eventually the council. Remarks by Chairperson Wimpee and Trustee Ford noted the need for additional retail at Aspen Ridge and confirmed that the traffic cones at the intersection of Tucson and Aspen have been removed, and a new stoplight in front of Home Depot is operational. City Manager Remarks City Manager Spurgeon discussed NSU (Northeastern State University) at Broken Arrow. Dr. Hanley recently presented on growth: due to legislation allowing a traditional four-year university (Senate Bill 701), enrollment has increased in just two semesters. A letter signed by the Mayor and City Manager was sent to the Regional University Systems of Oklahoma (RUSO) board, expressing support for the partnership. The city may need to present at a RUSO board meeting in 2027. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Quarterly economic development report received and discussed. - Hotel feasibility study anticipated by end of week; future presentation to council expected. - City Manager will continue coordination with NSU and RUSO regents, with a potential board meeting visit in 2027. - The meeting adjourned after a brief recess (no executive session held).

The Broken Arrow City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda with numerous routine approvals, several presentations, public comments, discussion of data center regulations, appointments to boards, adoption of ordinances updating city codes, and an executive session on litigation. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda with the exception of items S and V, which were pulled for separate discussion. - Item S (Firefighter renewals for Oklahoma Task Force-1): The council approved the renewal for five firefighters to participate in the state urban search and rescue team. The council recognized their service and the program's value. - Item V (Indian Spring Sport Center Baseball Shade Structures): The council approved awarding the contract to Scissor Tail Construction with an amendment to include alternates one, two, and three, covering all eight remaining fields. The total cost increased from $340,164 to $404,387, with additional funding from 2018 GO bond funds. - All other consent items (A through R, T through U, W through AR) were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Alan Jackson: Spoke about property rights, citing the Declaration of Independence and the Oklahoma Constitution. He argued that government's purpose is to protect property and urged the council to protect existing residents from outside development. - Chuck Rowland: Raised concerns about stormwater runoff from a nearby development (Seven Oaks) causing flooding on his property, leading to tree damage and personal expense. He stated he had raised the issue multiple times without resolution and requested a process for follow-up. Discussion Items - Presentation of Citation to Officer Z. Vick: The council presented a citation and challenge coin to Officer Vick for saving an 8-year-old autistic child from drowning on May 27, 2026. The rescue was captured on body camera and featured on local news. Officer Vick was also recognized by Tulsa Crime Stoppers and the Oklahoma Attorney General. - Proclamation of Constitution Week: The council adopted a proclamation declaring September 15–21, 2026, as Constitution Week, presented to the Broken Arrow Creek and Creek Lands chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Council member Ford also received a DAR certificate for historic preservation work. - ScotFest Access Presentation: Community Development Director Rocky Hinkle presented the access plan for the ScotFest event (September 18–20, 2026) at Events Park. Parking will be at NSU with shuttles; accessible parking will be on 41st Street. Barricades will go up at 4:45 PM on Friday. The council noted this is likely the festival's last year. - Data Center Study Committee Update: City Manager Michael Spurgeon reported that the internal study group is continuing due diligence during the moratorium (in effect until end of 2026, with possible six-month extension). Key updates: coordination with Oklahoma City (considering separate classifications for hyperscale vs. smaller facilities, closed-loop cooling); PSO reported 7.1 GW generation capacity vs. 4.5 GW peak summer demand, requiring data centers to fund 100% of grid connection costs. The city has received two consultant proposals for zoning assistance. No recommendation has been made yet; a further extension may be requested. - Council Business: - Downtown Master Plan Advisory Committee: Appointed Farhad Doroga to the committee. - Visit Broken Arrow Board: Approved one reappointment (Ben Bowie) and three new appointments (Tammy Seal, Ravi Desai, Brad Gordon) for terms ending September 30, 2028 (Brad Gordon ends September 2027). - Construction Variance: Approved a variance for Brewer Construction at the new Ferguson Kia building to allow work starting at 3 AM for two nights. - Ordinances: The council adopted several ordinances (see Key Outcomes) with emergency clauses. - Remarks by Council Members: - Mayor Wimpee and council members reported on a sister city visit to Rincón de Ramos and Agua Caliente, Mexico, praising hospitality and future exchange opportunities. - Council member Ford reminded of upcoming events: ScotFest (Sept 18-20), Hops Bops and Bites Festival (Sept 26), Broken Arrow Invitational marching band competition (Sept 19), senior center pickleball tournament (Sept 20), Veterans Day Parade (Nov 7). - Vice Mayor Parks asked about stormwater detention policy; staff confirmed that post-development runoff must not exceed pre-development levels, a policy in place since 1994. He also noted the Town of Inola extended its moratorium on a smelter plant. - City Manager Updates: - Recognized retirements (5 employees with 10-38 years of service) and promotions/transfers (5 employees). - Provided an update on College Street widening project: east section (15th to 23rd) funded by Amazon ($4.2 million) with design and right-of-way nearly complete; west section (9th to 15th) is a city project with 60% design complete. - Announced a future presentation on the 2026 bond package (14-year plan) after receiving assessed values. - Reported that the contractor for County Line Road widening (ODOT project) was absent for five months; the city manager expressed frustration and plans to contact state legislators and ODOT about the contractor's performance. - Clarified that a scheduled meeting with Mr. Rowland and other residents was canceled because the city was named in a legal action, requiring attorney presence. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved as amended (items S and V approved separately; V amended to include all eight shade structures). - Presentation/Proclamations: Officer Vick recognized; Constitution Week proclaimed. - Appointments: - Farhad Doroga appointed to Downtown Master Plan Advisory Committee (unanimous). - Ben Bowie (reappointment), Tammy Seal, Ravi Desai, Brad Gordon appointed to Visit Broken Arrow Board (unanimous). - Construction Variance: Approved for Ferguson Kia building (unanimous). - Ordinances Adopted (all with emergency clauses, approved by roll call votes): - Ordinance 3954: Establishes permitting fees for right-of-way construction by non-franchised entities (fees tied to manual fee schedule). - Ordinance 3953: Increases City Manager's contract/purchase approval limit from $50,000 to $100,000; Assistant City Manager limit to $25,000. - Ordinance 3955: Adopts 2024 ICC codes and NFPA 2023 National Electric Code as amended by Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, with local amendments. - Ordinance 3956: Updates property maintenance code to reflect building code changes. - Ordinance 3957: Closes a utility easement on property near 81st Street and 145th East Avenue. - Ordinance 3958: Closes another utility easement in the same area. - Executive Session: The council entered executive session to discuss confidential legal matters regarding Drake litigation and McMahon litigation. No action was taken in open session following the executive session.

The Broken Arrow Planning Commission met on September 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included consideration of a consent agenda, two public hearings, and general commission business. Key items included approval of a conditional final plat for County Line Crossing (166 lots) and a rezoning request for Creekline Village (RSC zoning on 39.18 acres) which passed with a 3-2 vote. Consent Calendar - Item 4A and 4C were approved unanimously. Item 4B was removed from the consent agenda for public comment and separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Diana Barby (resident near the County Line Crossing site): Expressed concerns about a 50-foot greenbelt buffer not being confirmed, ingress/egress on 96th/97th/190th streets crossing her property, and stormwater runoff from increased elevation of the development. Requested the greenbelt be preserved. - Kathleen Doyle (resident on 96th Street): Opposed the development, citing concerns about the loss of privacy, tree removal, and the impact on surrounding large-lot properties. Stated that residents want a 50-foot greenbelt buffer. - Chuck Rowland (resident on 97th Street): Raised concerns about existing flooding from Seven Oaks detention pond, questioned the legality of the land sale by PSO under the Oklahoma Constitution, and argued that the developer (Lenar/Calera) has a history of causing flooding. Requested plat approval be stopped until drainage is resolved. - Sean Kitchen (resident): Criticized the land sale process and urged the commission to listen to the public and deny the project. - Tara Macon (resident in Seven Oaks): Spoke in support of greenbelt preservation, citing public health benefits of tree canopy based on research. - Aaron Staffel (landowner west of Creekline Village): Expressed support for development but requested a greenbelt on the west side, transition lot sizes (75-85 foot frontage perimeter lots), and a PUD with tiered lots and height limits to buffer agricultural neighbors. - Rick Bates (resident): Opposed the RSC zoning, stating surrounding properties are 1-2 acre lots and the proposed 50-foot frontage is still too small. Requested denial until larger lots (1-acre minimum) are offered. - Arthur Locke (resident on 114th & County Line): Opposed the development, citing that the lot sizes do not transition from the surrounding 1-2 acre properties and that drainage issues are not adequately addressed. Requested denial. - Ben Kimbrough (director of government affairs, Tulsa Home Builders Association): Supprted the Creekline Village application, stating the applicant has listened to feedback and the RSC zoning exceeds comprehensive plan requirements. Urged approval. Discussion Items - Item 4B – Conditional Final Plat for County Line Crossing (49.03 acres, 166 lots, RS3/RS4 zoning): Staff presented the plat details. The applicant (Megan Pasco) confirmed they are working through engineering comments and have an approved earth change permit. Commission members discussed fence installation requirements (allowing homeowner-built fences), dead-end streets vs. cul-de-sacs, and drainage concerns. The applicant stated they have added buffer reserves (Reserve D) along the north property line and a detention pond to handle runoff from Seven Oaks. The commission noted that the zoning does not require a landscape buffer against unplatted properties, but the developer voluntarily added reserves. The motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0). - Item 6A – Minor Amendment to PUD 92 (Sign Requirements): Staff briefed the request to increase ground sign height from 12 to 25 feet and area from 150 to 300 square feet to meet current code standards. No public comments. The motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0). - Item 6B – Rezoning to RSC for Creekline Village (39.18 acres): Staff explained that a prior application for RSP zoning was denied by the City Council. The new application proposes RSC (single family residential compact) with 5,000 square foot minimum lots and 50-foot frontages. The applicant (Natalie Cornette) noted the development will have approximately 164 lots, 25% open space (exceeding the 15% requirement), and will provide buffers, a playground, and a dog park. Commission discussion focused on lot size transition, greenbelt requirements, and the fact that the comprehensive plan allows RSC. Several public comments opposed the density. The commission split on the vote: Commissioners Payne, Gorenson, and Townsend voted yes; Commissioners Klempa and Cohen voted no. The motion passed 3-2. Key Outcomes - Item 4B: Approved (5-0). Will go to City Council on October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM. - Item 6A: Approved (5-0). No further review required. - Item 6B: Approved (3-2). Will go to City Council on October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM. - Staff announced the completion of a Housing and Demographic Study; paper copies were distributed to commissioners. - Commission member expressed interest in discussing dead-end street/hammerhead design standards at a future meeting. - Farhad, a long-time staff member, announced his retirement and received thanks from the commission.

The Visit Broken Arrow board met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. Key items included an update on the inaugural Broken Arrow Film Festival, approval of a sponsorship for the Performing Arts Center's Spotlight Series, and a report from the Tourism Director. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (26-1440): The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting. - American Junior Golf Association Hotel Rebate (26-1427): The board voted to table this item pending verification of information. (Motion carried unanimously.) - Spotlight Series Sponsorship (26-1335): The board approved a $20,000 sponsorship ($4,000 per show) for the 2026/27 Spotlight Series at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. The motion included discussion of enhanced benefits such as a two-page spread in the playbill, a Visit BA table in the lobby, and promotional opportunities. (Motion carried unanimously.) Presentations - Broken Arrow Film Festival Update (26-1428): Festival director Brad Heath presented the final schedule for the inaugural event on October 2–3, 2026. He reported 30 states represented, multiple university student entries, and approximately 24 local business sponsors. The two-day festival will feature panels, a VIP event on Friday night at Regal, and picture cars (including a Ghostbusters car used in a featured film). The Muscogee Creek Nation signed on as title sponsor. Marketing efforts include hotel room blocks, restaurant guides, and social media outreach. The laurel for official selections will include "Broken Arrow" to promote the city. Board members expressed strong support, noting the festival's potential to showcase Broken Arrow to filmmakers nationwide. Board Member Comments - Airbnb Tax Discussion: Board members raised the issue of collecting hotel taxes from short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.). Tourism Director Michaela noted this is a priority and will revisit with legal counsel to determine if a council vote is needed. Members emphasized the potential revenue, citing occupancy rates of approximately 60% in Broken Arrow and noting that the uncollected tax could be equivalent to adding a large hotel. - Sports Tourism: The Tourism Director reported meetings with sports groups to gather economic impact data, especially after the bond failure. Discussions with Indian Springs revealed interest in tennis tournaments and a need for a southside hotel; the golf pro Lance reported roughly 2,500 hotel room-night demands annually from golf tournaments alone. The board noted that many sports events are self-sufficient but data collection is important for future initiatives. - Uber Program Changes: The Tourism Director announced changes to the free Uber ride program to prevent abuse: users will be limited to four trips per month, and codes will become unique per user rather than generic. This aims to ensure the program is used as intended (attracting visitors) rather than as free transportation for frequent local users. Tourism Director Report (26-1430) - Fiscal Year 26 Expenditures: The department ended the year with over $140,000 added back to reserves, partly due to savings on magazine ads and unspent hotel rebates ($33,000 left in the incentive program). The Tourism Director noted careful management of funds. - August Spending: $1,500 on Uber, initial payment to Sparkloft (marketing agency), and a $12,500 rebate to the Christian Interpreters Conference. - Conferences: The board attended the Esto conference in Philadelphia, where they were finalists for an innovation award (category: innovation in film). The competition included organizations with much larger budgets and staff. They also participated in the One Voice legislative agenda for tourism, engaging on state and federal film legislation. - Upcoming Events: Film booth at Oklahoma City Fair; board appointments/reappointments on September 15; an experience lab for creating visitor experiences; and final preparations for the film festival. - July Occupancy Numbers: Provided but not detailed in the summary. Key Outcomes - Approved: Meeting minutes (unanimous). - Tabled: AJGA hotel rebate request. - Approved: $20,000 sponsorship for Spotlight Series (unanimous). - Directives: Tourism Director to work with legal on Airbnb tax; to continue sports data collection; to implement Uber program changes; to explore enhanced partnership with the Performing Arts Center (including potential Visit BA table, promotional materials, and ticket confirmation links). - Next Steps: Film festival on Oct 2–3; focus on data gathering for sports tourism; ongoing collaboration with Sparkloft; and preparation for the November 3 Straight No Chaser show.

The Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority met on September 1, 2026, following the City Council and Municipal Authority meetings. The board unanimously approved the consent agenda and received an update from the City Manager on the transition of the new amphitheater from construction to operations. Consent Calendar - Approval of the August 18, 2026 meeting minutes and ratification of the August 25, 2026 claims list check register. (Consent agenda approved by roll call vote with all trustees present voting in favor.) Discussion Items - Amphitheater Update: City Manager provided an update on the Regions Bank Amphitheater, stating that the venue is transitioning from construction to operations. Legends Global has been selected as the operator. Staff hiring has begun, and a temporary CEO is anticipated later this year. The City Manager plans to arrange a tour for council members in October. He noted that the technology and wind walls being installed will be a "game changer" and that the project is ahead of a comparable venue in McKinney, Texas, which is eight to nine months behind schedule. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned without further business. No public hearings, general authority business, or executive session were conducted. No public comments were received.

The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority met on September 1, 2026, to consider consent agenda items and a major construction contract for biosolids improvements at the Haikey Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The meeting also included remarks on water operations during a heat wave and a historical anecdote about a former mayor. Consent Calendar - Items Approved Unanimously: The consent agenda (Items 3A–3J) was approved as a whole by a roll call vote of 5–0. This included approval of minutes from August 18, 2026; Budget Amendments No. 6 and 7 for Fiscal Year 2027; acknowledgment of July 2026 water supply and wastewater monitoring reports; a professional services agreement amendment with Insituform Technologies, LLC for sewer rehabilitation; an amendment with Holloway, Updike and Bellen, Inc. for wastewater collection system rehabilitation; the purchase of a 2027 Western Star 49X chassis with dump body; and ratification of the claims list check register dated August 25, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Item 6A – Award of Biosolids Improvements Contract: Environmental Division Manager Emily Rowland presented a request to award the lowest responsible bid to Crossland Heavy Contracts, Inc. for the RMUA Haikey Creek WWTP Biosolids Improvements (Project HC21020). She noted the project has been in development for 5–6 years and will allow the plant to operate independently of Tulsa. The total bid is $48,199,000, shared 50/50 with Tulsa. A USDA grant of $9.6 million reduces the net cost to $38,599,000, with Broken Arrow’s share at $19,299,500. Construction is expected to take 730 days, with a grant deadline to begin fertilizer production within three years. Trustee Ford asked about funding; Rowland confirmed the 50/50 split. Trustee Parks asked about confidence in the price; Rowland stated the bids were very competitive given federal Buy America requirements. Parks also asked about the timeline, and Rowland explained the 730-day period includes submittal approvals and equipment ordering. The motion to approve the contract was made and seconded, and passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Remarks and Updates by Governing Body and Staff - City Manager reported that August 2026 was extremely hot, with water production peaking near 26 million gallons and currently averaging over 20 million gallons. He thanked Tim Robbins and the water plant team for maintaining operations and noted they are monitoring for potential burn bans. - Trustee (likely Chairperson Wimpee) shared a story about Broken Arrow’s first female mayor, Vinny Lynn Ombe, who served one term in 1931 and famously threatened to cut off water to residents who did not pay their bills. The trustee suggested naming the water plant after her, and the idea was met with positive informal discussion. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5–0). - Item 6A – Biosolids Construction Contract: Approved unanimously (5–0). - Next Steps: The contract with Crossland Heavy Contracts, Inc. will be executed; construction to begin following submittal approvals. - The meeting was adjourned after a motion and unanimous vote.