Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Broken Arrow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with medium priority
Haikey Creek Lift Station Phase IV upgrade
The joint lift station serving both Tulsa and Broken Arrow flows is severely undersized. The Phase IV project will rebuild it to handle 42 million gallons per day.
April 6, 2027 City Election Called
Ward 3, Ward 4, and the at-large council seats will be on the spring ballot, with filing periods and contests handled through the Tulsa County Election Board.
Police Chief Investigation
Broken Arrow’s police chief is at the center of an ongoing investigation, and lawyers are now speaking out about emails involving the city manager. It’s shaping up as a possible power struggle at the top of city hall that could end up changing leadership at the police department.
2018 Bond Fund Returns and Project Closeouts
Five completed or closed projects freed up about $589,000 in 2018 drainage bond money, returned to the appropriate basins for future use.
Ninth Street storm sewer improvements underway
A previously approved project to capture water crossing Ninth Street from about 17 acres near Indian Springs is moving forward — materials are being ordered and construction will be scheduled soon, which the 8451 South 9th Street homeowner says should ease his front-yard flooding.
Drainage and floodplain concerns near Little Lynx
Neighbors raised drainage worries for both Creek Line Village and the area south of it near the turnpike, including a resident worried about existing standing water. Staff explained detention rules require post-development runoff to match pre-development flow. Angie Gallant was appointed to the Drainage Advisory Committee.
Swan Lake Addition drainage improvements funding
The agenda called for the committee to consider recommending DENIAL of funding for drainage improvements in Swan Lake Addition. If confirmed, that would mean no city money directed there for now.
Turtle Creek Subdivision drainage study funding
The committee was to consider recommending the City Council fund a drainage study for the Turtle Creek Subdivision. A study is usually the first step toward fixing flooding or drainage problems in a neighborhood.
Regent Bank Amphitheater signage
Customers of the new Regent Bank building at the Expressway and Elm Place keep parking on the wrong side and walking to the wrong door, so the developer sought and won approval for larger directional signs and light-pole banners.
Support for Police Chief Lance Arnold
Two speakers, including the father of cadet Frank Lynn who died during training last year, publicly defended Police Chief Lance Arnold, criticizing how his character has been treated amid an unspecified internal matter.
Closure of a portion of right of way near Kenosha Street
A long-missing sidewalk gap on Kenosha between roughly Sycamore and Narcissus will finally be filled for $324,239.76 — well under the $382,000 estimate — improving walkability to the Walmart area.
ODEQ Consent Order Case No. 25-253
A variance or appeal case before the Board of Adjustment got pushed to March because the board didn't have enough members present. Anyone following this case will have to wait another month for a decision.
Elm Creek Trunk Line Improvements
Cherokee Pride Construction got the contract to replace manholes on the County Line trunk sewer from Washington Street to Houston Street. Aging manholes can leak groundwater into the sewer system, so this saves treatment costs down the line.
South Ash Avenue closure over Union Pacific Railroad
A short stretch of Ash Avenue next to the grain silo will close as part of the deal to buy land around the silo. The Rose District farmers market parking lot stays accessible.
Building and construction code updates
Broken Arrow is moving from the 2018 to the 2024 International Fire Code, with an emergency clause making it effective immediately. It keeps the city aligned with state building code recommendations.
Houston Street closure for Old Town waterline work
A narrow stretch of Houston Street (81st Street) between 79th Street and South Winwood Lane closes for about four weeks while crews rebuild the road. It'll be a detour headache for commuters, but the roadway — recently inherited from Wagoner County — was in very poor shape.
Verdigris River Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
A services agreement with Haynes Equipment Company will upgrade the telemetry and SCADA systems that let staff remotely monitor and control water and sewer infrastructure.
Tourism performance and Uber program changes
The rebate drops from $500 per 12 room nights to $500 per 20, now capped at $20,000 per event unless the board specially approves more. This ends big-ticket surprises like the $40,000 Grange rebate while still offering a competitive incentive.
FCA Women's Championship and hotel stays
A women's professional golf tournament is coming to Indian Springs May 13-15, bringing 132 players from 20 countries and an estimated $500,000 in local spending. The tourism board approved up to $15,000 in hotel rebates to help land it.
Elm Place water transmission line extension
A 16-inch water transmission line is being extended along Elm Place between Florence Street and Miami Street to strengthen water capacity as part of the city's capital plan and loan program. Bolding Construction won the job with the low bid of about $1.08 million.
Employee Health Insurance Rates
Revised employee/employer health insurance contribution rates were set to take effect January 1, 2027, affecting city workers' paychecks and the city's benefits budget.
EMS Equipment Purchases
Several consent items would equip Fire/EMS with new Stryker cots, power load systems, twelve LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors, and three Lucas mechanical CPR devices — the gear medics use on emergency calls.
School capacity amid rapid residential growth
Resident Artie Locke warned that more than 3,000 approved-but-unbuilt homes plus new subdivisions could overload schools like Rosewood Elementary and Childers. Council discussion noted district enrollment has actually been down four years, partly due to lack of affordable housing.
Tulsa Transit on-demand pilot program
The on-demand ride pilot is averaging 850 riders a month, mostly helping seniors and people without reliable transportation reach appointments and jobs. Weekend expansion is on hold because the transit authority lacks drivers and won't share its app.
Fleet HVAC renovation and lift station rehabilitations
A consultant agreement with Holloway, Updike, and Bellen covers rehabbing the Dresser Rand lift station, the equipment that pumps sewage uphill through the system. Rehabbing it keeps the wastewater flowing and avoids costly failures.