Broken Arrow City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Broken Arrow City Council met on March 3, 2026, for a regular meeting. The session opened with an invocation by Pastor Rich Magnera, a pledge of allegiance led by a representative from Troop 935, and the unanimous approval of the consent agenda. The council heard presentations, discussed and voted on several items including a bond package update, an honorary street name, land use amendments, and collective bargaining agreements.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (motion by Councilor Green, seconded, roll call). No items were removed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council during the citizens’ opportunity (Item 8).

Discussion Items

• 7A – Presentation by Oklahoma Municipal League and recognition of employees reaching 25 years of service: Kelly Cox, Human Resources Director, and Mayor Joyce Calvert of Glenpool recognized 14 employees. Of those, eight were present: Chris Anderson, John Keith, Cindy Lane, Scott Oelke, Michael Schumer, Jerry Schuber, and two others (Mark Back and Ron Middleswart were absent). Lapel pins and certificates were awarded.
• 7B – Update on the 2026 general obligation (GO) bond package: The City Manager reported on the public education phase following the January 6 council approval of eight propositions. Since mid-January, nearly 30 meetings have been held with community groups, HOAs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the EDC. The Chamber and EDC endorsed the package. Next week, council members and staff will present to the Broken Arrow and Union Public School Boards. The estimated cost for Propositions 1–7 is $415 million, and for Proposition 8 approximately $53 million. Engineering estimates were developed by Jacobs, a consulting engineer, based on recent contracts and square footage. Public questions focused on estimate methodology and the possibility of extending the temporary sales tax in Proposition 8; officials repeatedly stated there is no plan to extend it and any extension would require a public vote. A dedicated phone line averaged 15 calls per week. The council expressed appreciation for the outreach effort.
• 9A – Honorary street name for Joanna Hamilton Cooper (Item 26-286): Laurie Hill introduced the request from Polly Porman and Deborah Woodard to create a temporary honorary street name “Joanna Hamilton Cooper Avenue” on North Date Avenue from Broadway to Kenosha. Joanna Cooper, 87, has owned and operated Broken Arrow Nursing Home since 1956 – 70 years in business. Polly Porman spoke in support. Councilors voiced strong support, citing Cooper’s long community service. The council discussed the temporary nature of the sign; the city manager noted the council sets the duration. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (roll call).
• 9B – PUD 2592-2025 (major amendment to PUD 50): Rocky Hinkle, Community Development Director, presented a request to change parking ratios from 1 space per 200 sq ft to 1 per 525 sq ft, remove old fire lane standards, and eliminate Bradford Pear tree requirements. The site is 64 acres south of Washington Street and west of Aspen Street. The Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0). An adjacent property owner’s concerns about drainage and dirt were determined to be pre-existing and not on the subject property. Staff recommended approval. A motion was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.
• 9C – Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP Lodge: Kelly Cox summarized the two-year agreement. Changes include a uniform allowance increase from $600 to $650 effective July 1, 2027 (after June 30, 2027, because funds cannot be obligated in the current fiscal year), allowing vacation accrual donations for severe illness/injury, and a provision for officers to purchase weapon accessories at cost. The agreement was approved unanimously.
• Fire Department Contract Me-Too Clause: Council acknowledged the me-too clause triggered by the FOP longevity increase. The IAFF will receive the same longevity increase (up to a 3% wage increase in addition to their agreed increases). The item was approved unanimously.
• 9E – Modification to Request to Appear Forms and Guidelines for City Council Meetings: Trevor (city attorney) presented updates to explicitly state chairperson powers regarding cancellation of public comment and maintaining decorum. Councilor Green reported the Planning Commission’s Bob Gorenson had questions. The council voted to table the item until the March 24 meeting to allow review by the Planning Commission.
• 10A – Preview of Ordinance 3907 (concrete hauler regulations): Trevor explained the ordinance addresses unlawful discharges of concrete residue and washouts, imposing vehicle equipment requirements consistent with state law and establishing civil penalties for non-compliance. Police officers will have additional enforcement authority. Council supported the measure; a motion to approve was made but the item remains a preview pending formal introduction.
• 11A – Adoption of Ordinance 1906 (heliport application contact correction): A technical correction changing the point of contact from Curtis Green to Rocky Hinkle (Community Development Director). The ordinance was adopted unanimously, along with an emergency measure.
• Council Remarks: Council members noted it is Read Across America Week, with several reading in schools. They also paid tribute to Ralph Pointer, a longtime VFW commander and beloved city volunteer who passed away at 94; a celebration of life will be held at the Veterans Center.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Recognition of 14 employees for 25 years of service: Accepted.
• GO Bond Package Update: Noted; continued public education with 34 days until election.
• Honorary Street Name (Joanna Hamilton Cooper Avenue): Approved unanimously.
• PUD 2592-2025: Approved unanimously.
• FOP Collective Bargaining Agreement: Approved unanimously.
• Fire Department Me-Too Clause: Approved unanimously (acknowledgment).
• Modification to Request to Appear Forms: Tabled to March 24, 2026.
• Preview of Ordinance 3907: Discussion held; formal adoption scheduled later.
• Ordinance 1906 and Emergency Measure: Approved unanimously.

The meeting then recessed into executive session.