Public Meetings - Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

The Broken Arrow City Council met on June 10, 2026, at 9:45 AM for a regular meeting that included a consent agenda, several presentations, a public hearing on the proposed FY2026-2027 budget, discussion on multiple items, and preview and adoption of ordinances. The meeting also included subsequent sessions of the Broken Arrow Municipal Authority and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority. Consent Calendar - Approved consent agenda items I and K after pulling them for discussion. Item I was a resolution creating the Life Ride Fund (Medical Service Program Fund) as a committed fund balance, intended for full transparency and dedicated to the EMS program. City staff clarified that the fund is specifically for the program, contrary to online misinformation. Item K was a risk management services agreement with Aero Group, approved subject to amendment on the indemnification clause. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Hayes, a resident, spoke during the consideration of Item I. He expressed opposition to the mandatory Life Ride fee imposed on utility customers without a vote of the people, arguing that it removes citizen choice and is enforced through the utility billing system. He stated that he is not questioning the city's authority to provide ambulance services, but rather the lack of consent. He urged the council to work with citizens rather than face potential litigation. The city attorney advised against further legal discussion due to threats of litigation, but noted three responses to the Attorney General's office outlining the legal basis for the fee. The mayor offered to work with Hayes off-line. - No public comments were made during the citizens' opportunity to address council or during the public hearing on the budget. Discussion Items - Presentation and Award to Councilmember Lisa Ford (Item 7A): Councilmember Ford was recognized for 25 years of combined service as a city employee (20 years in the police department) and council member. She received a certificate and a pin. - Proclamation and Key to the City to Jeff and Bonnie Brown (Item 7B): Councilmember Ford presented a proclamation honoring Jeff and Bonnie Brown, founders of the Patriot Guard Riders, which began in Broken Arrow in 2005. The organization now has nearly 400,000 volunteers. The city awarded them the key to the city. - Senior Center Update (Item 7C): Annie reported on behalf of the Broken Arrow Senior Center. Key statistics: membership has grown to 3,762 (up from 2,651 in December 2025), daily attendance averages 600-700 across two buildings, and total programming hours exceed 35,000 per month. The lunch program serves over 1,900 meals per month, and volunteers contributed 22,593 hours in 2025. The center is "busting at the seams" and grateful for the recent bond passage. - Road Closure at Aspen and Jasper (Item 7D): Charlie Bright, Director of Engineering, presented a planned road closure on the west side of the intersection due to sandy soil causing road collapse during construction. The closure is expected to last one to two weeks, starting as soon as possible. - Public Hearing on Proposed FY2026-2027 Budget (Item 7E): City Manager Spurgeon presented the proposed $487 million budget, with 40% for operations and 60% for capital. The general fund is proposed at $158.5 million, with a 3% increase. Sales tax revenue is projected to grow by 1.5%. The budget includes $5.5 million for street maintenance and $187.7 million for the utility authority (BAMA). The city manager noted challenges including flat sales tax, rising costs, and over-dependence on sales tax. The impact of recent state legislation on property tax percentages will extend bond sales from 10 to approximately 14 years, delaying some projects. - Acceptance of Donated Benches (Item 9A): Senator Glesby presented a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution to donate two American 250 benches for Veterans Park. The council approved acceptance. - Patriot Guard Riders Monument (Item 9B): Councilmember Ford and Dan (a PGR representative) requested approval to move forward with installing a monument in Veterans Park recognizing the Patriot Guard Riders, at no cost to the city. The council directed staff to work with the organization on design and placement, with final approval to come back to council. - 25-Year Time Capsule (Item 9C): Ryan Bayes presented a proposal to install a time capsule in Veterans Park as part of the city's America 250 celebration. The capsule will be sealed and opened in 25 years (America's 275th anniversary). The council approved the placement. - Film Incentive Rebate (Item 9D): Tourism Manager Michaela Barton presented a request for a $50,264.14 film incentive rebate for the film "Live Like That," which used Broken Arrow hotels (665 nights) and hired local citizens, spending over $204,000 in local labor. Estimated economic impact: $429,000–$572,000. The council approved the rebate. - Reappointment to Planning Commission (Item 9E): The council reappointed Mindy Payne to a three-year term on the Planning Commission, ending May 1, 2029. - Citizens Engagement Academy (Item 9F): The council approved the implementation of a two-part educational program (six weeks in fall, six weeks in spring) to improve civic literacy and resident involvement. - PSO Franchise Fee for Sewer Line (Item 9G): The council approved using PSO economic development funds to extend a sanitary sewer line to BAMA-owned property at the northeast corner of an intersection, which will also open up sewer access to all four quadrants, supporting future commercial growth. - Preview of Ordinance Amending Solicitation Rules (Item 10A): The council previewed an ordinance establishing a voluntary no-knock list for residents to opt out of door-to-door commercial solicitation. A survey of 2,898 respondents showed 93% support for such a list. The ordinance sets fines up to $500, license suspension/revocation, and clarifies definitions of peddlers vs. canvassers. The council voted to bring it back for final adoption. Key Outcomes - Approved: Consent agenda items I and K (with amendments), acceptance of DAR benches, Patriot Guard Riders monument (direction to proceed), time capsule placement, film incentive rebate ($50,264.14), reappointment of Mindy Payne, Citizens Engagement Academy, PSO sewer line project, and various ordinance adoptions (rezoning BAZ 2565-2025, closure of easements). - Votes: All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilmember Ford present except as noted. Roll call votes were recorded for each item. - Public Hearing on Budget: Opened and closed with no public comments. Final adoption scheduled for June 15, 2026. - Ordinance Preview: The solicitation ordinance (no-knock list) was previewed and set for final adoption in two weeks. - Executive Session: The council briefly recessed for an executive session (not detailed in the transcript).

The Visit Broken Arrow Tourism Board met on June 9, 2026, to discuss the 2026 Rooster Days festival recap, approve a hotel rebate for the FCA Women's Championship, authorize the purchase of 3D event letters, and select a marketing agency for FY27. Board members also debated sponsorship levels, Airbnb lodging tax collection, and a potential lodging tax increase. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (April 13, 2026) – Approved. (Note: The agenda initially listed Board of Adjustments minutes, but this was corrected; the item was approved unanimously.) - Meeting Minutes (May 12, 2026) – Approved by a unanimous vote. Discussion Items - Rooster Days 2026 Recap – Tiffany Shepard, Broken Arrow Chamber, presented statistics: attendance of 32,700 (down from 2025), peak attendance on Saturday, 95 parade participants, record-breaking run attendance of 650. Marketing partnerships with influencers Mike Collier and Mary Hathaway generated significant online engagement. A new media partnership with Zellner Media Group yielded over 1 million impressions and 184 radio commercials. The 2027 festival is confirmed for May 13–16. - Sponsorship Structure & City Contribution – Board members expressed concern that the City of Broken Arrow provides over $50,000 in cash ($20,000) and services (police $26,000, plus parks and streets department support) to Rooster Days, while receiving minimal branding. The title sponsor TTCU pays $20,000 for extensive benefits (parade position, stage time, logo placement, VIP parking, etc.). The board discussed renegotiating the sponsorship package, possibly offering only cash or services, and ensuring Visit BA and city logos appear prominently. The motion passed to direct staff to work with the Chamber to review the sponsorship structure and bring a proposal to the board. - FCA Women's Championship Hotel Rebate – Gary (FCA representative) reported that the 2026 event drew 109 athletes from 11 countries to Indian Springs Golf Club. Hotel room nights generated were 80 of 300 hoped, with many athletes using Airbnbs (46) or staying in Tulsa. The board approved a $3,333 hotel rebate (motion, second, unanimous vote). - Purchase of 3D Event Letters – Staff proposed purchasing two sets of large 3D foam letters ("I ❤ BA" and "Broken Arrow") not to exceed $16,818.67. The letters are portable, weather-resistant, and intended for events, conferences, and photo opportunities. A board member suggested adding a selfie stand to help visitors capture the full letters. The board approved the purchase with the addition of a selfie stand (unanimous). - Selection of Marketing Agency for FY27 – After reviewing 23 RFPs, a committee narrowed to five finalists who completed a sample project (marketing faith-based conferences). The board selected Sparkloft Media (Portland, OR) for a one-year contract. Sparkloft will visit Broken Arrow four times and focus on destination marketing strategy. The board approved the selection unanimously. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Meeting minutes (April 13 and May 12) approved. - FCA Women's Championship hotel rebate of $3,333 approved. - Purchase of 3D event letters up to $16,818.67, with added selfie stand, approved. - Marketing contract with Sparkloft Media approved. - Directives: - Staff to work with Chamber on revised Rooster Days sponsorship structure and bring back to board. - Staff to research Airbnb lodging tax collection, including legal requirements and examples from other cities, and present to board at next meeting. - Discussion: Board expressed interest in a potential lodging tax increase (currently 4% vs. Tulsa's 5% with 8% in TID). Staff will ask City Manager Spurgeon if he is ready to discuss the matter. - Next Meeting: The board will hear updates on the Christian Interpreters Conference (July 9) and the APO conference (July 13-15). The next regular meeting is expected in July 2026.

The Broken Arrow Board of Adjustment met on June 8, 2026, to consider minutes from prior meetings and a public hearing on an appeal of zoning violations. The board unanimously dismissed the appeal after the city attorney advised that it was filed after the statutory 14-day deadline, rendering it not properly before the board. The underlying municipal citation had already been dismissed. Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 13, 2026 and May 11, 2026: Approved unanimously by a single vote (4-0). Members present: Michelle Bergwall (yes), Rebecca Hinkle (yes), George Jessquire (yes), Judd Hatch (yes). Discussion Items - Appeal of Zoning Violations (Item 26-826): The board considered a late appeal of four zoning violations for a 21.3-acre property zoned Industrial Light, located one-third mile west of Edmonds Road and one-half mile north of New Orleans Street. Chairman noted that the appeal was not filed within the 14-day period from the notice of zoning ordinance violation. City Attorney confirmed the appeal was untimely (filed March 17, 2026, well after the deadline) and that the municipal citation had been dismissed, leaving no pending issue. He recommended the board take no action as the matter was not properly before them. The board moved to dismiss the appeal. Key Outcomes - Motion to Dismiss Appeal: Passed unanimously (4-0). The appeal was dismissed as moot. Board members noted the procedural nature of the dismissal and confirmed no further repercussions exist. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at the conclusion of business.

The Broken Arrow Planning Commission met on May 28, 2026, at 11:30 AM. All five members were present: Mindy Payne, Jonathan Townsend, Jalee Klempa, Jason Cohen, and Robert Gorenson. The meeting addressed consent agenda items, four public hearings, election of officers, and administrative matters. Consent Calendar - Approved consent agenda (items 4A through 4D) as recommended by staff. Items 4C and 4D were forwarded to the city council meeting on June 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Public Hearings 6A – BA Townhomes at Bricktown PUD (PUD-002825-2026) - Staff and the applicant requested to table the item because a rezoning application was needed. The commission voted unanimously to table the item to a future meeting. 6B – Advance Alarms PUD (PUD-002802-2026) - The applicant proposed a 2,857-square-foot expansion on an industrial lot at 809 East Jackson Place, requesting reduced setbacks (10-foot east side, 5-foot rear) and no landscape buffer to the south. Applicant Lisa Quinnelli clarified the building materials (cementitious siding and thin set stone). The commission voted unanimously to approve per staff recommendation. 6C – Happy Hands Education Center PUD (PUD-002820-2026) - The nonprofit requested school use in an office neighborhood zone for elementary education serving deaf and hard of hearing children. Executive Director Jan Pride explained that 12 children are currently enrolled, with 17–18 expected next year. Students would be escorted across San Antonio Street in small groups, with a crossing guard and painted crosswalk. The commission approved the PUD 4–1, with Commissioner Mindy Payne voting no. The item will go to city council on June 15, 2026. 6D – Garvin Rezoning (BAZ-002810-2026) - The property owner requested rezoning 3.33 acres from agricultural and PUD to single-family residential compact (RSC) and abrogation of the existing PUD. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve per staff recommendation. Discussion Items - Election of Chairperson: Commissioner Jason Cohen was nominated and elected as chair for the upcoming year. The vote was 4–1, with Cohen voting no in jest. - Election of Vice Chair: Commissioner Jonathan Townsend was nominated and elected as vice chair. The vote was unanimous. - Commissioner Robert Gorenson raised a concern about the organization of public speaker sign-up sheets, requesting that staff present the list by agenda item to the chair. Chair Cohen acknowledged the issue and said he would adapt. Key Outcomes - All four public hearing items were advanced to the Broken Arrow City Council meeting on June 15, 2026, except for 6A, which was tabled. - New chair and vice chair were elected for the next year. - The meeting adjourned.

The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, immediately following the City Council meeting. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Debra Wimpee with all trustees present. The authority considered and approved a consent agenda containing routine approvals, notifications, and purchase authorizations. No items were removed from the consent agenda, no public hearings or general authority business were conducted, and the meeting adjourned after brief remarks from the City Manager. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the May 5, 2026, Broken Arrow Municipal Authority meeting were approved. - 26-33A: Approval of Amendment 2 to the Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Cowan Group Engineering, LLC for Elm Creek Trunk Line Improvements (Project No. S.1606). - 26-651B: Notification of the City Manager's execution of an Emergency Services contract with McGuire Brothers Construction for emergency repairs within the Horseshoe Acres subdivision. - 26-699C: Approval of a Global Financial Professional Services Agreement with Municipal Finance Services. - 26-676D: Approval of an amendment to the previously approved purchase of four (4) McNeilus 2516 REL Rear Loader Trash Trucks from Siddons-Martin Environmental Group (via Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing) to include a five-year extended warranty coverage. - 26-686E: Ratification of the Claims List Check Register dated May 11, 2026. The consent agenda was approved by motion and second with no objections. Remarks and Updates by City Manager and Staff - City Manager thanked the in-house utility, street, and maintenance services departments for their hard work, particularly on sewer line replacements and upgrades downtown. He acknowledged the temporary inconveniences caused by the work and expressed appreciation on behalf of the council for the efforts of staff members, specifically naming Tim. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned with no executive session held.

On May 19, 2026, the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority (BAEDA) convened to receive the biannual report from the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for the period October 2025 through March 2026. The meeting included a presentation by EDC President and CEO James Bell, highlighting strong economic momentum, contract compliance, and future challenges. The authority approved the consent agenda and adjourned without further business. Consent Calendar - A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Board members present: Green, Parks, Wimpy). Discussion Items - 5A – Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Acceptance of the October 2025 – March 2026 EDC Biannual Report - Christy McLean, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Broken Arrow, introduced James Bell, President and CEO of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, to present the report. - James Bell presented the spring 2026 biannual report, stating that the EDC is exceeding delivery on its contract with the city. Key achievements cited: over the four-year period of the five-year Amplify Broken Arrow plan, the EDC directly supported projects generating $418 million in new capital investment and 2,525 new high-quality jobs (jobs paying above the average county wage) — 2.8 times the capital investment and 2.5 times the jobs promised, with one year remaining. - For the reporting period (October 2025 – March 2026): - Conducted 58 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visits, including a visit to Solar Turbines headquarters in San Diego. - Supported Project Sapling, which represents $32 million in capital investment, 52 new high-quality jobs, and a 38,000-square-foot expansion (approved by city council). - Received 32 Requests for Information (RFIs), responded to eight projects, and hosted four site visits. - Announced Project SAM (Amazon Last Mile facility), representing $61 million in new investment and 100 new jobs. - Continued advancing prospects including Project Ascend and Project Blade Runner. - Hosted two high-quality visits tied to the AeroForge site, which enhances Broken Arrow’s position in advanced manufacturing and aerospace. - Entrepreneurship program: 444 attendees at 1 Million Cups Broken Arrow, and 64 one-on-one entrepreneur support meetings. - Workforce development: Hosted a Solar Turbines hiring event connecting 50 job seekers, resulting in nine job offers; reached over 5,000 students through Manufacturing Day and Healthcare Career Days. - James Bell noted the EDC met or exceeded contractual deliverables on almost all metrics (99.99% completion), with the sole timing miss being the “Grounds for Development” report, which was delivered a few days after the January 2 deadline but before February. - Identified next barriers to growth: site readiness, available buildings, infrastructure alignment, and workforce pipeline development. - Following the presentation, Chairperson Wimpy asked about the timeline for groundbreaking of the innovation district anchor tenant (CSI). City staff Amber responded that CSI has entered the design phase for a location on approximately 15 acres south of the roundabout, near a drainage easement. A specific groundbreaking date is not yet available. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - The EDC biannual report was presented and accepted; no formal vote was taken on acceptance, but no objections were raised. - No general authority business, governing body remarks, or executive session items were addressed. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote.

The Broken Arrow City Council met on May 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a presentation from the Veterans Center, public hearings on comprehensive plan and zoning requests, and several ordinance adoptions. Key decisions included approval of a comprehensive plan amendment for Creekside Commercial Center, approval of a planned unit development (PUD) for 350 homes near Tucson Street, and tabling of an opioid abatement contract award. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved with the exception of item M (opioid abatement bid), which was removed for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7C (PUD 2519-2025): Two residents spoke. Ken Sandoval (3001 Westman Burren Court) expressed concern about traffic congestion on Tucson Street and the timeline for road widening. Steve Haigwood (address not provided) reiterated traffic concerns, mentioned public safety issues for emergency vehicles, and questioned the lack of a second egress for the development. He also noted that the road widening for Olive Street from Tucson to the Creek Turnpike was not included in the bond package. - An email from a citizen opposing the Creekside Commercial Center comp plan change (Item 7B) was received, requesting the area remain level six for commercial/retail. Presentation: Broken Arrow Veterans Center Annual Update - Brian Bandy, board chair, presented the 2025-2026 annual programming update. The Center provided $1,250 in gift cards to homeless veterans, contributed $1,200 toward the Owasso Vietnam veterans memorial, constructed three wheelchair ramps, repaired and donated three electric wheelchairs, and assisted 1,564 veterans with VA claims. The Center continues to operate in the black. Council members expressed appreciation for the work. Discussion Items - Item M (Opioid Abatement Bid): Councilor Green requested removal, citing last-minute calls from Creoks (a local partner) about concerns with a national company versus a local company for a comprehensive needs study. The bid was awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, but Creoks did not bid. A local company that did bid was 50% higher. City Manager Spurgeon recommended tabling to gather more information on why the national company was selected and whether council could choose a different vendor. Council voted unanimously to table until June 1st. - Item 7B (Comp Plan 2721-2026 - Creekside Commercial Center): Community Development Director Rocky Hinkle presented the request to change the comprehensive plan designation from level six to level two and three on 52 acres northwest of Houston Street and the Creek Turnpike. The applicant (Nicole, representing the property owner) described a master plan including commercial/industrial, multifamily (townhomes/condos), and single-family homes, with a collector road and trail along a creek. Planning Commission recommended approval 3-2. Councilor Green supported the project, noting growth eastward. Council approved the comp plan amendment unanimously. - Item 7C (PUD 2519-2025 and Rezoning - Aspen Creek Area): This PUD for 350 single-family homes on 90 acres north of Tucson Street and east of Olive Avenue was tabled from the May 5th meeting. Staff outlined a compromise of 8% open space (instead of 15%) due to right-of-way dedications. The developer (Alan Betch, AAB Engineering) noted a 12-18 month timeline before building permits, with a phased build-out over 5-7 years. Home prices were estimated at $500,000+ for the larger lots. Council discussed traffic capacity (8,300 vehicles per day on Tucson near Aspen, 6,500 near Olive) and the planned widening of Tucson Street (funded through 2018 bond, design to be completed by summer 2027, construction possibly by end of 2029). Public commenters expressed concerns about traffic and infrastructure timing. Council approved the PUD and rezoning unanimously. - Item 10 (Preview Ordinances): Four ordinances were previewed and set for adoption: (10A) closure of an easement north of Houston Street; (10B) zoning amendment for Walmart edition (neighborhood market and fuel station); (10C) closure of detention easement south of Omaha Street; (10D) closure of detention easement south of Kenosha Street. All were set for adoption with emergency clauses. - Item 11 (Adoption of Ordinances): Several ordinances were adopted: 3910 (correcting a zoning map error from 2023), 3911 (closure of easement south of Jasper Street), 3912 (closure of easement north of Albany Street), 3914 (closure of easement north of Houston Street), 3915 (closure of easement north of Houston Street). All emergency clauses were approved. Key Outcomes - Item M (Opioid Abatement Bid): Tabled to June 1, 2026 for further information on vendor selection. - Item 7B (Creekside Commercial Center Comp Plan): Approved unanimously. - Item 7C (PUD 2519-2025 and Rezoning): Approved unanimously. - Preview Ordinances (10A-10D): Set for adoption at a future meeting. - Adoption Ordinances (11A-11I): All adopted with emergency clauses. - Remarks: Mayor and council provided updates on Memorial Day events (Floral Haven, Veterans Park), Rooster Days success, South Main Street milling and downtown master plan update, and a data center inquiry (HB 2992) with ongoing due diligence. Executive Session - Council voted to take a brief recess for executive session (details not provided).

The Broken Arrow Planning Commission met on May 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered several public hearings, a building elevation request for a school aquatic center, and general commission business. Key actions included continuing two public hearing items due to notification errors and staff document needs, and approving a transparency waiver for the BAPS Aquatic Center. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda items (staff recommendations) with a roll call vote: Jonathan Townsend (yes), J. Lee Klempa (yes), Jason Cohen (yes), Robert Gorenson (yes). - Items from the consent agenda that go to the city council and planning commission minutes were noted. - No items were removed from the consent agenda. Public Hearings - Item 6A (26-497): Public hearing for SP-002762-2026 (public safety communications tower, 10.58 acres, CN commercial neighborhood, southwest corner of West Jasper Street/131st Street and South Aspen Avenue/145th East Avenue). Staff requested a continuance to the June 25, 2026 meeting because the 300-foot radius notification mailers were incorrectly based on the lease space rather than the entire parcel. The commission unanimously voted to continue the item to June 25, 2026. - Item 6B (26-653): Public hearing for BAZ-002789-2026 (rezoning of 0.24 acres from R3 residential single-family to DM downtown mixed use core, approximately one-third mile east of Elm Place/161st East Avenue and north of Houston Street/81st Street). Staff reported that the property was already rezoned in 2023, but a scrivener's error in the legal description omitted three historic lots (now one lot). A corrective ordinance will go to city council the following Tuesday. The planning commission determined no action was needed; the item was discussed and no motion was made. - Item 6C (26-679): Public hearing for PUD-002802-2026 (planned unit development, Advanced Alarm, 0.52 acres industrial light, south of Houston and west of 9th Street, 809 East Jackson Place). Staff requested a continuance to the May 28, 2026 meeting because an updated development outline was needed from the applicant. The applicant submitted the document that afternoon, but staff needed time to review. The commission unanimously voted to continue the item to May 28, 2026. Discussion Items - Item 8A (26-673): Consideration, discussion, and possible approval of building elevations for SITE-002713-2026, BAPS Aquatic Center (6.6 acres, zoned single-family residential preservation and downtown residential overlay district area seven, located 637 East College Street). The applicant (Nicole Shea, GHG Architects) proposed reducing the required ground-floor transparency from 60% to 50% on the north facade and 36% on the west facade, citing security concerns for a student-focused facility and the building's function (not mixed-use/commercial). Staff recommended approval. Commissioners discussed safety, materials (CMU block, brick, V-groove panels), and the security rationale for reduced glazing. The applicant clarified that the main pool area has no exterior windows, but a warm-up area has glass; the lobby glazing allows visibility out while student areas are more enclosed. The commission approved the request unanimously (4-0). Key Outcomes - Votes: Unanimous approval for consent agenda (4-0), continuances for items 6A and 6C (4-0 each), and approval of the BAPS Aquatic Center transparency waiver (4-0). No action on item 6B. - Directives/Next Steps: Staff to renotify for item 6A by June 25, 2026. Staff to review updated development outline for item 6C by May 28, 2026. The corrective ordinance for item 6B to go to city council. The commission discussed reviewing officer rotation and bylaws at a future meeting. Staff updates included the downtown master plan advisory committee, a focus group, and work on overlay districts for New Orleans Square and Arrow Forge.

This meeting of the Visit Broken Arrow board was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and covered several key actions including approval of hotel rebates for a blind conference and a film production, adoption of a tourism data tracking tool, and review of monthly financial and activity reports. Consent Calendar - Approved meeting minutes from April 14, 2026, unanimously. - Approved utilization of Zartico for tourism tracking data at a cost of $25,000 per year, for a one-year trial period. The board noted the potential to consolidate with the existing Placer data service (also $25k/year) after evaluation, to save costs. Discussion Items - MOCA (MOCHA) Conference for the Blind Hotel Rebate (Item 26-647): The board considered and approved a hotel rebate request not to exceed $2,500 for the My Limitless Vision Foundation's MOCA Conference for the Blind. The conference will be held at Stony Creek in Broken Arrow, May 26-28, 2026. Debbie, foundation representative, explained the event’s purpose: to connect blind and visually impaired individuals and professionals with resources across four states. Expected hotel room nights: 60. The rebate follows the policy of $500 per 12 room nights. This is one of the last requests under the old policy (changing June 1, 2026). The vote was unanimous. - Film Incentive and Hotel Rebate Approval (Item 26-649): The board reviewed a final film incentive and hotel rebate request for $50,268.14 from a production that filmed in Broken Arrow. The producer, Cassidy Lunan, reported 665 hotel room nights, local spending of approximately $23,000, and labor costs of $204,000. The project is scheduled for release in 2027. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval to the city council, as the amount exceeds $50,000. Director's Report - March Significant Spending: Included OTIA conference registration ($185 for Aaron), monthly billboard cost ($750), and state brochures ($150). - Remaining Grant Funds: $10,000 left for the fiscal year unencumbered. - Film Incentive Remaining: $11,628 unencumbered out of the original $100,000. (Flyover film currently filming.) - April Tax Collections: Down approximately 10% compared to the same period last year. No specific cause identified. Fiscal year-to-date collections remain above the previous year’s level. - General Tourism Activity: Participation in Film Day at the Capitol, quarterly hoteliers meeting, booth at farmer’s market, new municipal tourism professionals group, and MTHLA luncheon. - Upcoming Events: Rooster Days (this weekend), golf tournament (with potential rebate), and MOCA conference (end of May). - New Staff: Lisa Smith introduced as new administrative support. Key Outcomes - Item 26-647 (MOCA Conference Rebate): Approved unanimously (all members present voting yes). - Item 26-649 (Film Incentive): Approved unanimously, with recommendation to city council for final approval. - Item 26-650 (Minutes): Approved unanimously. - Item 26-657 (Zartico Data Tool): Approved unanimously. - Next Steps: Cassidy Lunan will present the film incentive request to city council; staff will proceed with Zartico implementation and evaluate potential consolidation with Placer.