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.
Public Meetings - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Public Meetings - Broken Arrow, OklahomaThe 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.
The Broken Arrow City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda with two items pulled for discussion, a presentation from the Youth on Guard Memorial Foundation, an update from Northeastern State University, public comments on constitutional topics, and several action items including naming of spaces in the new South Broken Arrow library, a construction variance, and acceptance of a Google water replenishment grant. The council also previewed and approved multiple ordinances related to building codes, property maintenance, utility easements, purchasing authority, and right-of-way permits, and adopted an ordinance clarifying the Rose District noise exemption. Consent Calendar - Items Removed: Items Y (Wolf Creek Pedestrian Bridge pre-fabricated bridge purchase) and AE (legal notice of annexation for 75.48 acres) were pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion. - Item Y: Approved after explanation that the 80-foot pedestrian bridge was purchased pre-built to save time and money, replacing a bridge closed due to erosion. Motion passed unanimously. - Item AE: Approved with a corrected date (October 6, 2026) after a scrivener's error was noted. A citizen, Christopher Kocian, spoke against the annexation, arguing that the comprehensive plan's LUIS Level 2 designation conflicted with the stated agricultural zoning. The council noted the comprehensive plan map is not changed by annexation and approved the amended notice. Motion passed unanimously. - All other consent agenda items (A through AX, excluding Y and AE) were approved en bloc. Public Comments & Testimony - Brayden Rowland (item 8) spoke about property rights and eminent domain, referencing a letter regarding a road widening that requested citizens donate 30 feet of property. He argued that the process requires a jury determination and cited the Oklahoma Constitution and Supreme Court rulings. He questioned the council's authority and warned of personal liability. - Chuck Rowland cited Oklahoma Constitution Article 2, Section 1, stating that all political power is inherent in the people and that government officials are trustees and servants amenable to the law. - Alan Jackson emphasized the right to peaceably assemble under the Oklahoma Constitution and encouraged frequent recurrence to fundamental principles. He stated that government officials are servants of the people and must act in accordance with the will of the people. Presentations & Recognitions - Youth on Guard Memorial Foundation (Item 7A): Co-executive directors Ashley Johnson and Bailey Lunsford, along with sentinels Lonnie Chandler and Piper Watkins, presented a reenactment of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The foundation trains youth (ages 12-20) in a five-month program to perform a continuous vigil each Memorial Day weekend at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens. Mayor Wimpee presented a citation of recognition, and a certificate from Senator Langford was also given. Council members praised the program's discipline and impact. - Northeastern State University Update (Item 7B): Dr. Hanley reported that NSU enrollment is up 4.8% overall (fourth consecutive year of growth), with a 30% increase in freshmen (largest in university history) and a 19% increase in Broken Arrow campus enrollment. NSU is ranked 7th nationally in social mobility. He announced an exclusive higher education sponsorship of the new Broken Arrow amphitheater and that the graduation ceremony for the Broken Arrow campus will be held at the amphitheater. The economic impact of NSU in the region is nearly $1 billion annually, with a return of $13.49 for every dollar received. Discussion Items - Library Space Naming (Item 9A): Chief Jeremy Moore presented three spaces in the new South Broken Arrow library (makerspace, children's outdoor play area, educational classroom) for council to name. After discussion, council approved naming the makerspace after Farhad De Rogan, the children's outdoor play area after Vice Mayor Johnny Parks, and the educational classroom after Jan Collins. Motion passed unanimously. - Construction Variance for Harvest Church (Item 9B): Charlie Bright, Director of Engineering, requested a variance to allow concrete pouring starting at 3:00 AM for two days (September 15 and 16, 2026) due to high temperatures. Chad Brewer, construction manager, confirmed the request and agreed to notify neighbors. Council discussed enforcement mechanisms for noise complaints. Council member Ford expressed concerns about complaints from previous variances and suggested stronger enforcement. The variance was approved. Motion passed unanimously. - Google Water Replenishment Grant (Item 9C): Tim presented a resolution accepting a $795,000 grant from Google for a non-revenue water savings and resiliency project. The project includes acoustic leak detection, pressure monitoring, a standby generator at the Green Briar booster station, and staff training, aiming for a 25% reduction in water loss by 2030 (120 million gallons saved per year). The grant was accepted, and the city manager was authorized to negotiate terms. Mayor thanked grant writer Molly Rogers. Motion passed unanimously. Preview Ordinances All preview ordinances were approved for adoption (with emergency clause where applicable). - 10A (26-1325): Adoption of 2024 ICC codes and 2023 National Electric Code as amended by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, with local amendments. Approved unanimously. - 10B (26-1326): Adoption of 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. Approved unanimously. - 10C (26-1353): Closing a utility easement in Graham Franklin Industrial Park. Approved unanimously. - 10D (26-1354): Closing a second utility easement on the same parcel. Approved unanimously. - 10E (26-1363): Ordinance 3953 increasing city manager's contract approval authority to $100,000, assistant city managers to $25,000, and authorizing settlement of tort claims up to $100,000. Approved unanimously. - 10F (26-1406): Ordinance 3954 establishing right-of-way construction permit requirements and fees, expected to generate $60,000-$80,000 annually. Approved unanimously. Ordinances - 11A (26-1341): Ordinance 3919 clarifying that the Rose District noise exemption does not apply to loud or explosive noises from motor vehicle exhaust. Adopted unanimously. - 11B (26-1359): Emergency clause for Ordinance 3919. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with separate votes on items Y and AE. - Library spaces named: Makerspace (Farhad De Rogan), Children's outdoor play area (Johnny Parks), Educational classroom (Jan Collins). - Construction variance for Harvest Church approved for two days of early concrete pouring. - Google Water Replenishment grant accepted ($795,000). - All six preview ordinances approved for adoption. - Ordinance 3919 (Rose District noise exemption) adopted with emergency clause. - Executive session was scheduled for the annual evaluation of the City Manager, but no action was reported in open session.
The City of Broken Arrow Planning Commission met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a staff update on the downtown master plan survey, and a request for future updates on PUD changes. The meeting adjourned with a vote of 3-1. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (August 13, 2026): The commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Commissioners present: Mindy Payne (yes), Robert Gorenson (yes), JLie Klempa (yes), Jonathan Townsend (yes). Commissioner Jason Cohen was recorded at roll call but not listed in the vote. Discussion Items - Downtown Master Plan Update: Staff member Jane reported on the open house held on August 17, 2026, noting good turnout at the event and the adjacent farmer's market. As of August 26, only 177 survey responses had been received; the communications department planned to send another blast to increase participation. Staff is coordinating a joint meeting between the city council and planning commission to gather feedback before the consultant refines the plan. Possible dates include September 30, 2026, or the third/fourth week of October. The meeting may be held by starting a city council session 90 minutes early. Commissioners expressed interest in providing input. - Request for PUD Updates: Commissioner Robert Gorenson asked whether any changes had been made to a planned unit development (PUD) when it went to the city council. Staff confirmed that if changes were made, the item would be sent back to the planning commission for reconsideration. Commissioner Gorenson requested that future staff notes on consent agenda items include a note on whether any changes were made to the PUD at the city council level. Staff agreed to provide regular updates. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The consent agenda, including approval of the August 13, 2026, minutes, was passed unanimously (4-0). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned on a motion by an unidentified commissioner. Roll call vote: Mindy Payne (yes), Robert Gorenson (yes), J Lie Clempa (no), Jonathan Townsend (yes) – motion carried 3-1. Commissioner Clempa voted no, with the chair noting, "He's gonna get us these days."
The Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority (BAEDA) held a brief regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following the City Council and Municipal Authority meetings. All five trustees were present: Chairperson Debra Wimpee, Vice Chairman Johnnie Parks, and Trustees Lisa Ford, Justin Green, and David Pickel. The sole action taken was unanimous approval of the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 3, 2026 BAEDA meeting were approved. - Amendment to Economic Development Agreement: Approval and authorization to execute the First Amendment to an Economic Development Agreement by and among CSI Aerospace, Inc., the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority, and the City of Broken Arrow (agenda item 26-62A). - Acknowledgement of Monthly Report: Acknowledgement of the July 2026 Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation’s Monthly Report (agenda item 26-1179B). - Ratification of Claims List: Ratification of the Claims List Check Register dated August 10, 2026 (agenda item 26-1294D). Remarks by Governing Body Members - Chairperson Wimpee noted that the approved First Amendment for CSI Aerospace relates to the company's move into Arrow Forge, expressing excitement about the development. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Consent Agenda: Made and seconded; passed unanimously by roll call vote (Pickel: yes; Green: yes; Ford: yes; Parks: yes; Wimpee: yes). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion and seconded roll call. The City Council then proceeded to the Broken Arrow Municipal Authority meeting as requested.
The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority met on August 18, 2026, following the City Council meeting. The board approved the consent agenda, received a presentation on the new Gold Lid Recycler program, and recessed into executive session to discuss pending litigation and legal matters. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, which included: approval of the August 3, 2026 minutes; acknowledgement of the July 2026 Solid Waste and Recycling Report; an agreement with the Metropolitan Environmental Trust for recycling center operations; an annual increase to Tulsa Transfer and Recycling's processing fee to $85.89 per ton plus SEA fee; an engagement letter with Hall Estill for legal representation regarding a conflict with Rural Water District No. 5; award of Bid 26.169 for trucking service to D & H Trucking & Removal LLC; rejection of Bid 26.168 for backfill sand and topsoil; Budget Amendment Number 5 for FY2027 and a State ARPA Interest Earnings grant; rescission of the natural gas commodity supply bid award to Symmetry Energy Solutions; and ratification of the Claims List Check Register dated August 10, 2026. Presentation - Trevor Bow, Recycling Program Coordinator, presented the Gold Lid Recycler program. The program recognizes 100 residents who demonstrate proper recycling practices—consistent setout and no contaminants—by providing new recycling carts with gold lids. Gold lids will be relocated to new qualifying residents every six months. The goal is to reduce contamination and incentivize proper recycling. Delivery began the prior week and will continue over four weeks, with 25 carts allocated per ward. Board members expressed enthusiasm and noted resident interest. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved by roll call vote. - The board received the presentation; no formal action required. - A motion was made and seconded to recess into executive session to discuss a pending investigation and potential litigation related to an alleged violation of Title 7, United States Code § 1926(b) by Rural Water District No. 5, as well as legal strategy and representation scope. The transcript concludes with the recess; no further open session actions are recorded.
The Broken Arrow City Council met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, presentations on Tucson Street improvements and the Data Center Study Committee, public comments on several topics, and action on a voluntary annexation and a construction variance for Fire Station 8. Consent Calendar - Item AA (26-1224) – Approval to declare police canine Thor as surplus property and retire him to his handler effective August 21, 2026. Pulled from consent for individual discussion. Council member expressed gratitude for Thor’s service; motion to approve carried with a second. Approved. - All other consent items (A through AT) were approved en bloc as part of the consent agenda after item AA was removed. Public Comments & Testimony - Alan Jackson – Submitted written materials and spoke in opposition to the 2026 rezoning request by the North American Islamic Trust Corporation, arguing that only the corporation had standing and that the City has authority to regulate corporations. Urged the Council to vote no on that change. - Grady – Expressed concern that license plate readers (flock cameras) constitute unconstitutional searches under Supreme Court rulings (Carpenter v. United States, Chatry v. United States) and would expose officers to personal liability. City Attorney Trevor Dennis offered to research the issue; Grady declined, asserting his own legal interpretation. - Chuck Rowland – Read an affidavit regarding destruction of property on PSO land sold to a for-profit company, claiming it was improper and harmed his property values. Alleged lack of due process and requested a response from the City. - BJ Jennings – Citing constitutional principles, argued that a private company is clear-cutting property obtained improperly from PSO, contrary to the original grant, and that the City has not responded to previous notices. Called for correction. - Martha Schmidt – Presented a notice and demand for liability of attorneys advising the City on constitutional matters, asserting that attorneys must swear affidavits that training aligns with state/federal constitutions. Demanded a response within 10 days. - Al Pool – Asked who decided to spend $150,000 on an airport feasibility study. Reported informal polling showing 500 opposed to an airport. City Manager Spurgeon later clarified the study was his recommendation as part of long-range planning. Pool expressed doubt about the feasibility and benefit. Presentations & Recognitions - 7A – Citation of Recognition – Mayor Wimpee presented a citation to Court Clerk Mikayla Pacin for being awarded the Oklahoma Municipal Court Clerks Association’s ‘Sara Bizzell Court Clerk of the Year Award’ for 2026. Council congratulated her. - 7B – Update on Northeastern State University Activities – Tabled to the September 1, 2026 meeting. - 7C – Tucson Street Improvements Design Options – Engineering Director Charlie Bright presented design options for widening Tucson Street from Olive to Aspen. Staff recommends a four-lane section (two lanes each direction) outside the commercial area to avoid expensive utility relocations (high-pressure gas line and PSO transmission line), saving $5–6 million. The intersection at Olive/Aspen will be fully built out. Council members expressed support for the cost-effective approach. - 7D – Data Center Study Committee Update – City Manager Spurgeon detailed the creation of an internal committee (chaired by Assistant City Attorney James Walters) to study land-use and regulatory impacts of data centers during a six-month moratorium. Subcommittees are focusing on legal, community development, utilities, transportation, finance, economic development, public safety, and technical aspects. An RFQ for consulting expertise has been issued. The goal is to bring recommendations to the Council by end of 2026 or within the moratorium period. No data center is currently proposed; this is proactive due diligence. Discussion Items - 9A – Voluntary Annexation of 75.48 Acres – Community Development Director Rocky Hinkle requested direction to publish a legal notice for the annexation of a property located 1/3 mile north of Washington Street (91st St) and west of Oneta Road (241st E Ave) in Wagoner County. The property owner (Robson Companies) intends to develop a single-family residential subdivision (total 215 acres) with extensive infrastructure improvements, including outfall sewers for Cambridge Estates, seven access points, 35–40% open space, and community engagement meetings. The property will remain zoned agricultural until a separate rezoning and PUD application is considered. Council approved the motion to publish the notice and set the public hearing for September 15, 2026. - 9B – Construction Variance for Fire Station 8 – Engineering Director Charlie Bright requested a variance to allow concrete pours for Fire Station 8 to start as early as 2:00 AM on three to four occasions to avoid extreme heat. Contractor Myers Cherry Construction would notify adjacent residents 24–48 hours in advance. Council approved the variance with a motion and second. City Manager Remarks - Downtown Master Plan – The advisory committee held a public forum and will recommend a joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting to present ideas. - Infrastructure – Water line repairs on South Main from 81st to 91st are complete; milling and overlay will finish by Labor Day. - Citizen Engagement Academy – Kicks off August 27 with 20 selected residents; six classes in Phase I. - School District – Thanked outgoing Superintendent Chuck Perry for his partnership; Steve Dunn will succeed him. - Water Production – Production reached 26 million gallons due to heat; plant operated well. - Build Act – Staff is preparing a presentation for the Council on how the state law will affect development. - Airport Feasibility Study – Spurgeon defended the study as part of long-range planning for economic development, noting inquiries from business leaders and pilots. He clarified the study is a feasibility analysis, not a commitment. Council members confirmed they had responded to public inquiries. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved with item AA removed and separately approved. - Canine Thor Retirement – Motion to approve item 26-1224 carried. - Recognition – Citation presented to Mikayla Pacin. - Tucson Street Design – No vote required; design option was presented for information. - Annexation Notice – Motion to publish legal notice and set public hearing for September 15, 2026, approved. - Construction Variance – Motion to approve variance for Fire Station 8 concrete pours carried. - NSU Update – Tabled to September 1, 2026. - Executive Session – Council recessed and moved to executive session to discuss pending litigation (Islamic Society of Tulsa lawsuit) and related requests for legal representation. No open session action reported.
On August 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the Broken Arrow Municipal Authority held a special meeting to discuss findings from the PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) study and proposed updates to the Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease (FROG) ordinance. No public comments were received. The authority took no formal votes but directed staff to continue monitoring and to engage businesses prior to bringing the FROG ordinance to the city council. Discussion Items Presentation of PFAS Study Findings and Future Considerations Tim Robbins, utilities staff, presented the results of a multi-year investigation into PFAS (specifically PFOS and PFOA) in Broken Arrow’s drinking water and wastewater systems. Key findings: - Drinking water samples from the Vertigris River Water Treatment Plant are generally below the EPA’s new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ng/L for PFOS/PFOA. The plant currently does not require treatment modifications. - Testing accuracy has improved since earlier UCMR5 sampling; staff now follows stringent protocols to avoid sample contamination (e.g., from makeup, sunscreen, or clothing). - If future regulations demand treatment, the preferred option is granular activated carbon gravity filters at an estimated capital cost of $100 million, with recurring annual costs in the millions. - Wastewater testing at the Lin Lane and Haikey plants showed varying PFAS levels (Lin Lane below 20 ng/g, Haikey around 60 ng/g in biosolids). The city is prepared for future biosolids regulations through planned compost facility upgrades. - The study included leachate from the landfill (BFI) which showed high PFAS levels, confirming the need for source control. - Staff is developing a PFAS roadmap for public education and will provide an executive summary of the 2,000-page final report to the authority. Trustees asked about Grand River water quality (a potential future source), and staff confirmed they used worst-case scenario planning. No action was requested from the authority; the update was informational. Staff urged monitoring state legislation regarding biosolids to ensure science-based regulations. Presentation of Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease (FROG) Ordinance Update and Sewer System Protection Brandy (utilities staff) presented proposed updates to the city’s grease ordinance, aimed at reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Key points: - From January 2023 to present, Broken Arrow experienced 160 SSOs; 104 (65%) were caused by FROG accumulation. - The city has approximately 443 known grease interceptors at food service establishments. Staff identified 20+ establishments without interceptors, 62 with rotted or non-functional units, and many facilities that had gone years without servicing. - Proposed ordinance changes include: requiring interceptors for qualifying new businesses, establishing a 25% capacity servicing rule, setting maximum service intervals, requiring documentation, and aligning grease concentration limits with neighboring communities (currently Broken Arrow’s limit is five times higher than Tulsa’s at the Haikey Creek treatment plant, a DEQ concern). - Implementation timeline is proposed at one to one and a half years, with staff working directly with non-compliant businesses to establish compliance plans. - Staff will present the ordinance to city council at the next meeting and will send explanatory letters and make personal contact with affected businesses. Trustee Green asked about communication with residents; staff noted they already educate at farmers markets and via utility bills. Trustee Ford requested that businesses receive individual contact to avoid surprises and to explain requirements. Staff agreed to that approach. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were passed. The authority received the presentations as informational. - Staff will provide an executive summary of the PFAS report and a PFAS roadmap to the authority. - The FROG ordinance will be brought to the city council for consideration at the next meeting, with prior outreach to non-compliant businesses. - The meeting adjourned on a unanimous voice vote (Pickel, Green, Ford, Parks, Wimpee – all yes).
Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved (5-0) the consent agenda as recommended by staff. - Items 4D and 4E will be forwarded to the city council on August 18, 2026. - No items were removed from the consent agenda. Remarks & Announcements - The commission received a notice about a retirement party for staff member "Hod" on August 14, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the senior center. Hod will continue as a part-time volunteer assisting with the downtown master plan. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with items 4D and 4E referred to the city council meeting on August 18, 2026.