Broken Arrow Drainage Advisory Committee Meeting - October 26, 2026

The Drainage Advisory Committee met on October 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The committee considered a consent agenda with multiple project closeouts and bond fund returns, nominated a vice chair, and took action on four drainage-related proposals. All consent items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the July 27, 2026 meeting.
• Authorized closure of project SW2006 Covington Creek Bank Stabilization and return of $2,253.00 of 2018 General Obligation Bond funds.
• Authorized closure of project SW21110 Rushbrooke Drainage Improvements and return of $3,284.82.
• Authorized closure of project SW22030 Jasper St and 7th Drainageway and return of $99,010.00.
• Authorized closure of project SW22050 Cedar Ridge Estates and return of $3,080.73.
• Authorized closure of project SW23030 Shenandoah Valley Pond Outlet and return of $12,607.28.
• Authorized closure of project SW23060 Dallas and 4th Storm Sewer Replacement Design and return of $5,251.33.
• Authorized closure of project SW25080 Bristol Ponds and return of remaining 2018 GO Bond funds.
• Notified closeout and return of $25,000.00 from project 26-004.
• Notified return of $250,000.00 to Elm Creek Basin fund from project SW25060.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Turtle Creek Subdivision (Item 6B): The applicant's representative (the applicant's son, a plumber) stated the flooding has worsened over 40 years and that despite his own mitigation efforts (pumps, grading), the problem persists. He expressed support for the study.
• Oak Crest 4th Addition (Item 6C): The applicant, Michelle, described extensive flooding, standing water all summer, and a neighbor's sewer manhole that previously overflowed toilet paper. She noted the city's contractor left sod and sediment uncleaned, and that a water leak is currently causing flow. She urged the committee to approve the design study.
• Swan Lake Addition (Item 6D): Applicant John Groves explained that a culvert under 214th Street was covered when a neighbor's house was built in 2010, and that city crews dug a dangerous trench around his house. He stated the culvert is still blocked and asked for help.
• Spillway Improvements at 8451 South 9th Street (Item 6E): Applicant Jerry Wilkins reported his property has flooded six times in the past year, costing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. He argued the pond is overwhelmed by incoming stormwater and that previous larger pipes were replaced with smaller ones by a city contractor. He requested assistance.

Discussion Items

6A. Nomination of Vice Chairperson

Chair Hendricks nominated Donna Wallace as vice chair, citing her tenure. The nomination was seconded and unanimously approved (7-0).

6B. Turtle Creek Subdivision Drainage Study (Case 26-018)

Staff recommended approval of $30,000 for a survey and study to address runoff affecting the applicant's property, which receives water from over four lots. The area was platted in 1976 before current design criteria. Committee members discussed public benefit, noting potential impacts on multiple homeowners and possible sanitary sewer infiltration. The motion to recommend approval to City Council passed unanimously (7-0).

6C. Oak Crest 4th Addition Drainage Improvements Design (Case 26-019)

Staff presented a proposal to hire a consultant to design a storm sewer system from an existing 24-inch pipe through neighboring yards to a creek. The subdivision was platted in 1971. Public benefit cited was upgrading an outdated system. Committee discussion included concerns about erosion and potential damage to a new sanitary sewer. The motion to recommend approval to City Council passed unanimously (7-0). Staff also committed to addressing remaining issues (sod, sediment, and water leak) separately.

6D. Swan Lake Addition Drainage Improvements (Case 26-017)

Staff recommended denial because there is no adequate outlet for the water; a previous study estimated $1.7 million for full subdivision improvements. The applicant reported a blocked culvert under 214th Street. Staff noted streets and stormwater crews could clear ditches, but the applicant had previously filled in a ditch they dug. The committee voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend denial to City Council, with the understanding that streets and stormwater would investigate the blocked culvert.

6E. Spillway Improvements at 8451 South 9th Street (Case 26-020)

Staff recommended denial of $81,000 for construction of an auxiliary spillway weir. The pond is private and was built by a previous owner without proper permits. Staff argued the city should not pay for a private dam, though the adjacent 60-inch sanitary sewer manhole (serving 90% of North Broken Arrow flow) could be at risk if the dam fails. Committee discussion explored potential partial city participation for riprap to protect the manhole. The original motion to deny was withdrawn; the committee took no action, allowing staff to continue working with the applicant toward a possible cost-sharing agreement.

Key Outcomes

• Vice Chair nomination: Donna Wallace elected unanimously.
• Turtle Creek study: Recommended approval to City Council (7-0).
• Oak Crest design: Recommended approval to City Council (7-0).
• Swan Lake improvements: Recommended denial to City Council (7-0); streets and stormwater to follow up on culvert.
• Spillway improvements: No action taken; committee directed staff to explore alternatives with the applicant.