Broken Arrow Drainage Advisory Committee Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Broken Arrow Drainage Advisory Committee met on April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider eight agenda items requesting funding for drainage studies, designs, and construction. All items were funded from the 2018 general obligation bond proposition six. The committee voted unanimously to recommend all items to the City Council, which will consider them on May 19, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Drainage Advisory Committee special meeting minutes of February 23, 2026 (Case 26-549). Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Murta Roca (homeowner at 323 East Midway Street): Described repeated flooding of her garage and crawl space since purchasing the home on February 20, 2026. She pleaded for relief, stating that the drain in front of her house is too small and that water has caused mold and structural concerns. She noted her life savings are invested in the home and she cannot continue living with the flooding.
• Stephen Jones (property owner near Freeport and Date): Thanked the committee for considering the cleaning of an overgrown channel. He described years of worsening flooding, including an 18-inch water depth through his backyard and a jet ski that floated through during a storm. He reported that debris from power company tree trimming has contributed to the blockage.
• Bob Henderson (homeowner in Forest Ridge subdivision near Houston and Midway): Represented three neighbors. He stated that since construction began on the Antler Falls subdivision in fall 2025, his backyard has been flooded from November 2025 through March 2026. He expressed concern that the problem will return once construction ends and requested a French drain or other solution to reroute water before it reaches their yards.
• Unnamed retired Tulsa fireman (property owner near Aspen Creek): Described erosion and downed trees along Aspen Creek due to increased runoff from upstream development. He noted that he has already spent significant personal effort and resources shoring up the bank with concrete and soil, but the problem persists. He requested assistance with clearing trees and bank armoring.
• Treasurer of Aspen Pond HOA (name not provided): Confirmed cracking and erosion on both sides of the concrete channel near Vandever Elementary School. He stated the HOA has maintained the area as best they can and requested help.
• Art Hawkins (Executive Director, Indian Nations Council, Boy Scouts of America): Explained that a concrete weir built in 2008 at the Boy Scout Pond is being overtopped, causing erosion and threatening the downstream sewer trunk. He noted that a channel was cut into their property upstream, increasing water volume. He requested assistance to design a mitigation solution.
• Matt Cokewit (homeowner in Cambridge Estates): Described frequent flooding from an inverted crown street system. He noted that water runs through his yard even in light rain and that a previous city repair left a culvert misaligned. He asked that the proposed pipe system also address the upstream culvert issue to provide a comprehensive fix.

Discussion Items

• Item A (26-569) – Survey near Elm and Washington for drainage design ($12,000): Assistant City Manager Kenny Schwab presented the history of the area, noting that the commercial parking lot drains into a small, often-clogged pipe that causes water to enter a homeowner's yard and house. The survey would help design a larger inlet and pipe. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item B (26-570) – Conceptual report and preliminary design for drainage solution at 323 East Midway ($75,000): Schwab described a 75-year-old drainage system affecting 12–20 homes behind Rhodes Elementary. The system lacks easements and has no defined channel. The study would assess flow rates and design a conveyance system. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item C (26-571) – Cleaning of overgrown channel near Freeport and Date ($50,000): David (staff) explained that the channel drains 175 acres at 652 cubic feet per second (1% flood) and has become blocked by debris and downed trees, causing flooding to adjacent properties. The cleaning would be contingent on obtaining permission from property owners. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item D (26-574) – Design of storm sewer near Houston and Midway ($50,000): Schwab described groundwater and surface water issues in Forest Ridge subdivision, exacerbated by construction of Antler Falls. The design would be coordinated with an upcoming road redesign. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item E (26-575) – Clearing of Aspen Creek to restore drainage and protect utilities ($75,000): David presented aerial photos of downed trees and exposed sanitary sewer encasement. The work would include tree removal and bank armoring with riprap. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item F (26-576) – Feasibility study for channel health in Aspen Pond subdivision (amount not specified in transcript): Schwab described a concrete-lined channel that has cracked and eroded, threatening a property line fence and a school playground. The study would assess repair options. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item G (26-572) – Design mitigation plans for Boy Scout Pond outlet structure ($70,000): Schwab explained that the pond's outlet is overtopping, causing erosion and threatening a major sewer trunk line. The design would evaluate better armoring or capacity improvements. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item H (26-543) – Construction of drainage improvements in Cambridge Estates ($60,000): Schwab presented a design already completed for an inverted crown street system that floods front yards. The construction would install an underground pipe system. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.

Key Outcomes

• All eight agenda items were recommended to the City Council by unanimous votes (5-0).
• The recommendations will be placed on the consent agenda for the City Council meeting on May 19, 2026.
• Funding for all items comes from the 2018 general obligation bond proposition six.
• The committee noted that property owners will be required to grant drainage easements where necessary, and that public meetings will be held for affected residents.