OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Broken Arrow City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyBroken Arrow, Oklahoma
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:45:35

Transcript — Verbatim
1:49

Well, thank you, Mayor and City Council and everyone here gathered.

1:53

Uh if you allow me, I'd like to read a scripture first out of the book of Jeremiah twenty-nine uh seven.

2:01

Seek the peace and the prosperity of the city to which I've carried you.

2:05

Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

2:12

Our heavenly Father, we are grateful tonight that we can conduct the business of our city under the leadership and the guidance of your Holy Spirit.

2:23

I pray tonight for all of our city officials that you would grant them wisdom and discernment in all the matters in which they must decide.

2:33

Lord, your word says that when we lack wisdom to ask of you, for you shall give it.

2:39

I do pray for unity, a spirit of unity, not necessarily the agreement of thoughts or ideas, but the agreement of the heart.

3:09

And finally, Lord, I ask that you would enable all of our officials to have the grace that they need, the endowment of your power to do what they do.

3:19

And may they have a spirit of peace upon them.

3:34

Amen.

3:35

Thank you, sir.

3:40

Green.

3:41

Here.

3:42

Here?

3:43

Parks.

3:44

Here.

3:44

Wimpy.

3:45

Here.

3:45

Please stand and join Vice Mayor Parks for the Pledge of Allegiance.

4:16

I have items Y and AE.

4:18

Are there any other items to be removed from the consent agenda?

4:24

I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda of minus items Y and AE.

4:30

Second roll call.

5:00

Um as some of you may have known from complaints that we've received and everything else.

5:04

We had a bridge about a little over a year ago that we had to shut down inside the park that we own.

5:09

Um we shut it down because of Hakey Creek was eroding the bases of the bridge, and we deemed it wasn't safe anymore.

5:15

Um, eventually thinking the structure itself would fail due to the supports that were in the channel bed through the design process.

5:22

We tried to evaluate whether we were going to keep the existing bridge and just fix the abutments underneath.

5:27

Um and we determined the bridge was so old in age that since we're gonna get in there and be changing out all the sports, we might as well go and replace the bridge as well.

5:35

Um this particular item is unique because typically we do a design bid build process, um, but we don't usually procure stuff ourselves.

5:43

We usually have to go through the contractor.

5:45

Um, but in this particular situation, a bridge was already built that fit the parameters of what we needed, and so we could save a few months of procurement time and get a little bit cheaper by buying a bridge that already existed.

5:58

Um so this is a purchase agreement to purchase the bridge, and then we'll come back with a contractor later to build it, put it in place.

6:04

Happy to answer any questions you guys have.

6:07

Thank you.

6:08

I appreciate that.

6:08

I saw it on consent, and I just didn't know why where we were buying this bridge from, if we had ocean front property to go with it or what.

6:16

So it's like, oh, we at least we should hear about this bridge.

6:19

Absolutely.

6:19

So it's just a 80-foot pedestrian bridge, it goes through the park.

6:23

Um, as a kid that grew up in that neighborhood and actually played in that park a lot.

6:26

I can tell you that that's the shortest path for half of the neighborhood to get to the school system, and so it is a big deal to the people that live there because that's their shortcut to get to school every day for the kids have to walk.

6:37

Fantastic.

6:38

Thank you.

6:39

Thanks for clarifying that.

6:40

Thank you.

6:43

All right.

6:46

I'll make a motion to make a motion to approve item Y on consent agenda.

6:53

I'll second that motion.

6:55

Uh-huh.

7:00

I don't know if we have to do both before you motioned.

7:10

Item AE is approval of an authorization to publish a legal notice of annexation.

7:17

So if I may, the reason I asked for this item to be pulled as I was reading it, and then the first part of that uh item, it said the date it was coming to council was going to be on October 8th, and the second paragraph said it was going to be on October 6th.

7:30

So I wanted to get some clarification on that, so we were putting out accurate and true, transparent information for those who wanted to come.

7:37

I didn't want them to show up on the wrong date and not be able to get the information.

7:42

And that is correct.

7:43

Uh the correct date is going to be October 6th.

7:46

We had a scrivener's error in our 2026 planning calendar, so I apologize for that error.

7:52

Um, I think with the correction or you guys acknowledging the correction, we could still go with that notice and that um specific date.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use Planning████████████12%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Military Affairs███████████11%
Procedural██████████10%
Public Engagement████████8%
Noise Pollution████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Education███████7%
Arts And Culture███████7%
Summary of Proceedings

Broken Arrow City Council Meeting

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.

Meeting Transcript

Well, thank you, Mayor and City Council and everyone here gathered. Uh if you allow me, I'd like to read a scripture first out of the book of Jeremiah twenty-nine uh seven. Seek the peace and the prosperity of the city to which I've carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Our heavenly Father, we are grateful tonight that we can conduct the business of our city under the leadership and the guidance of your Holy Spirit. I pray tonight for all of our city officials that you would grant them wisdom and discernment in all the matters in which they must decide. Lord, your word says that when we lack wisdom to ask of you, for you shall give it. I do pray for unity, a spirit of unity, not necessarily the agreement of thoughts or ideas, but the agreement of the heart. And finally, Lord, I ask that you would enable all of our officials to have the grace that they need, the endowment of your power to do what they do. And may they have a spirit of peace upon them. Amen. Thank you, sir. Green. Here. Here? Parks. Here. Wimpy. Here. Please stand and join Vice Mayor Parks for the Pledge of Allegiance. I have items Y and AE. Are there any other items to be removed from the consent agenda? I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda of minus items Y and AE. Second roll call. Um as some of you may have known from complaints that we've received and everything else. We had a bridge about a little over a year ago that we had to shut down inside the park that we own. Um we shut it down because of Hakey Creek was eroding the bases of the bridge, and we deemed it wasn't safe anymore. Um, eventually thinking the structure itself would fail due to the supports that were in the channel bed through the design process. We tried to evaluate whether we were going to keep the existing bridge and just fix the abutments underneath. Um and we determined the bridge was so old in age that since we're gonna get in there and be changing out all the sports, we might as well go and replace the bridge as well. Um this particular item is unique because typically we do a design bid build process, um, but we don't usually procure stuff ourselves. We usually have to go through the contractor. Um, but in this particular situation, a bridge was already built that fit the parameters of what we needed, and so we could save a few months of procurement time and get a little bit cheaper by buying a bridge that already existed. Um so this is a purchase agreement to purchase the bridge, and then we'll come back with a contractor later to build it, put it in place. Happy to answer any questions you guys have. Thank you. I appreciate that. I saw it on consent, and I just didn't know why where we were buying this bridge from, if we had ocean front property to go with it or what. So it's like, oh, we at least we should hear about this bridge. Absolutely. So it's just a 80-foot pedestrian bridge, it goes through the park. Um, as a kid that grew up in that neighborhood and actually played in that park a lot. I can tell you that that's the shortest path for half of the neighborhood to get to the school system, and so it is a big deal to the people that live there because that's their shortcut to get to school every day for the kids have to walk. Fantastic. Thank you. Thanks for clarifying that. Thank you. All right. I'll make a motion to make a motion to approve item Y on consent agenda. I'll second that motion.

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