Broken Arrow City Council Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Broken Arrow City Council met on April 21, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. to hear presentations from Cox Communications and the Military History Center, receive updates on the RAISE grant and road closure, and vote on multiple resolutions, appointments, and contracts. Key actions included approval of a railroad crossing agreement, award of street rehabilitation projects, and appointment of trustees to the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by motion (Councilor Ford) and second, with all members present voting in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizens addressed the council during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Cox Communications Annual Report – A representative presented a five-year investment of $41 million in Broken Arrow infrastructure, including fiber-deep network reaching every corner of the city. Cox paid $815,000 in franchise fees in the past year. The company employs 110 residents in Broken Arrow. Cox offers affordable broadband plans: $9.95 for households with a K-12 student on government assistance, and a $30 plan for other low-income households. Cox also highlighted community engagement, including $31,000 in teacher grants and a $10,000 grant to Broken Arrow Neighbors. Councilor Parks expressed appreciation for Cox’s responsiveness to constituent concerns and for educating employees about the city’s GoBond initiative.
• Military History Center Annual Update – General Tom Mancino reported on the past year’s activities, including awarding a $1,000 scholarship, hosting a Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, and participating in parades. The museum is open Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., admission $5. New exhibits include a Holocaust wood carving. The museum remains the #2 attraction in Broken Arrow on Travelocity. Councilor Parks noted the Memorial Day banner program and hours for the public.
• RAISE Grant Project Update – Charlie Bright, Director of Engineering, presented a status update on the $5.84 million federal grant (with $1.46 million city match) for multimodal improvements along the Broken Arrow Expressway corridor. The grant covers design (up to 60%) and environmental review. A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. Potential controversial changes include reducing business drives (similar to the New Orleans Square project) and limiting left turns. A service road on Elm Street and realignment of Queen Street were discussed. Councilor Ford asked about Lyn Lane and Highway 51; Bright noted that the 2018 bond includes funds for the Lyn Lane/Kenosha area and that the project cost could be $50–70 million, requiring federal support. Councilor Wimpey highlighted the importance of the project for safety and traffic flow.
• Road Closure Request – Houston Street – Travis Small announced a night closure of Houston Street between 23rd Street and old Highway 51 on April 27–28, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., for storm sewer installation. Notification boards will be posted.
• Resolution 1740 – Support for NLC Women in Municipal Government Conference – Councilor Ford presented a resolution to support hosting the National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government conference in Broken Arrow during the last week of June 2026. The city will provide support but not full funding. The conference is expected to bring over 100 attendees from across the nation. The resolution was approved.
• Appointment of OMAC Trustees – City Manager Spurgeon recommended appointing Justin Battles (Mustang), Tim Lyon (Midwest City), and Pam Polk (Durant) as trustees to the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group board. The council approved the appointments.
• Professional Consultant Agreement – Knapholt Construction – Shannon Marshall presented a $49,000 contract for construction management services for the Municipal Services Administration building. The contract covers pre-construction estimates and project management. The council approved.
• Conditional Final Plat – Oak Creek Crossing – Rocky Hinkle presented a plat for 118 single-family lots on 39.5 acres (R2 zoning). The planning commission approved 4-0. No public comments were made. Councilor Parks noted past concerns about drainage and sewer issues, which have been addressed. The plat was approved.
• Railroad Crossing Agreement – Gary Street – Kenny Schwab detailed a six-year effort to create a new at-grade railroad crossing near Gary Street to improve access to the school, industrial park, and amphitheater. The agreement with Union Pacific includes a one-time grant fee of $21,888 and estimated construction costs of $681,625 (total ~$703,513). Annual maintenance costs are $15,200 ($13,000 for signals, $2,000 for surface). The crossing will have two lanes out, one lane in, and will be signalized. The existing 219th Street crossing will be closed after construction. Councilor Parks asked about timing; the railroad will schedule construction after signing. The council approved the agreement.
• Street Rehabilitation Awards – Steeple Farms and Oak Tree States – Charlie Bright reported that Cherokee Pride Construction was the low bidder for both projects, totaling $823,152 (Steeple Farms) and another project (Oak Tree States). Bright noted that Cherokee Pride’s competitive pricing has saved the city over $3.5 million in the last two years, allowing additional neighborhoods to be funded. Councilor Parks acknowledged past complaints but noted the contractor’s responsiveness. Both projects were awarded.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution 1740 to support the NLC Women in Municipal Government conference in Broken Arrow (June 2026).
• Appointed Justin Battles, Tim Lyon, and Pam Polk as OMAC trustees.
• Approved professional consultant agreement with Knapholt Construction for $49,000.
• Approved conditional final plat for Oak Creek Crossing (118 lots).
• Approved railroad crossing agreement with Union Pacific (total cost ~$703,513, annual maintenance $15,200).
• Awarded street rehabilitation projects to Cherokee Pride Construction: Steeple Farms ($823,152) and Oak Tree States (amount not specified in transcript, but awarded as low bid).
• Council noted the passage of seven of eight bond propositions (April 7, 2026) with high approval percentages, and that Proposition 8 (sales tax) did not pass. The city manager announced a downtown master plan advisory committee first meeting (May 13, 2026), a budget workshop in May, and the search for a new emergency management director.