City Beat April 7, 2021

City Beat

Your city, your news

April 7, 2021

Welcome to City Beat, a free weekly e-newsletter containing the latest news and information about the City of Bartlesville and related topics. Get yours delivered each week! http://bit.ly/2eaFETx

Election 2021

Voters OK 1/4-cent ED sales tax extension

Economic development tax funds job programs, retail, tourism

Bartlesville voters overwhelmingly said "Yes" to extending the existing 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax extension in an election held Tuesday. According to unofficial results from the Oklahoma Election Board, support for the proposed extension passed by a huge margin — 78.14 percent of the vote.

The tax, first approved by voters in 1986 and approved every five years since, supports the City's economic development and tourism efforts — keeping jobs and sales tax dollars in Bartlesville and bringing new businesses to the area.

“Since its inception in 1986, the 1/4-cent sales tax dedicated to economic development has proved invaluable in efforts to attract and retain a broad spectrum of businesses employing many of our friends and neighbors," said Mayor Dale Copeland. "We deeply appreciate the positive results of this election asking voters to approve renewal of the successful 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax for another five years. From our past successes, we can now springboard our efforts to continue development of primary jobs and enhanced retail offerings. Thank you, Bartlesville, for your vision and support of this important tool for our ongoing future success.”

Revenue from the ED tax over the years has funded such projects as the Bartlesville Industrial Park, Walmart Distribution Center, the Hilton Garden Inn and countless others, as well as helped bring and retain hundreds of jobs to the area with investments in ABB, Springs Global, Husky Portable Containment and Phillips Precision Machining. Retail accomplishments with thanks owed to the voter-approved tax include the Silver Lake Village Shopping Center, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and the redevelopment of the former Kmart facility.

"The Bartlesville Development Authority is grateful for the community’s trust and investment in our efforts with approval of this small tax so many times over the decades," said Bartlesville Development Authority President David Wood. "Thanks to that confidence and the outcome of the election on Tuesday, we will continue to work together to shape Bartlesville’s future."

State Election Board records indicate 1,606 people voted in the election with 1,255 votes in support of the extension and 351, or 21.86 percent, against.

Photo by Michael Wray

News & Updates

Gratitude

Municipal Judge and former Vice Mayor Alan Gentges, third from left, received a parting gift following his years of service on the City Council during a council meeting on Monday. From left, Vice Mayor Jim Curd, Ward 5 Councilor Trevor Dorsey, Mayor Dale Copeland and Ward 2 Councilor Paul Stuart were on-hand to thank Gentges for his service. "He was always there and was always working, not just at council meetings but before, during and after those meetings," said Copeland. "We talked often, and I valued his wisdom, his insight and advice as he helped guide the city. He did a tremendous job."

It's official: City to receive COVID relief funds

Grant to provide assistance for utilities, rent, mental health

City officials were notified recently that Bartlesville has been awarded COVID relief funds from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the amount of $936,189. The funding will be used to help Bartlesville residents experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 virus.

"This is the first grant that we will receive from the federal government that is intended as direct assistance to the citizens of Bartlesville," said City Manager Mike Bailey. "We have been anxiously awaiting the outcome of our application and are very happy to announce that Bartlesville has been chosen as a recipient of this funding. It really is great news."

"This will be a tremendous benefit," said Mayor Dale Copeland.

The Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Disease Relief Program provides grant funding for activities that address the health and economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are intended to pay costs not covered by other forms of assistance and that specifically benefit persons of low and moderate income. Areas of relief included in the application, as required by the ODOC, are:

Mental health
Rent
Utilities

Application for the grant was approved by the City Council in January and confirmation was received by the council during a meeting on Monday. The City of Bartlesville has not yet received the funding.

"This has been approved, but this has not been funded," said Copeland. "The grant acceptance process is still in development, so there are not funds in Bartlesville waiting to be disbursed."

Assistant City Planner Nancy Warring said the next step in the process is for City staff to attend a Zoom training later this month to learn more details about the funding and administration of the program.

"We know we will be working with local non-profits for funding distribution rather than providing funds directly to individuals," Warring said. "For instance, CONCERN will assist with rent and utility assistance while Grand Lake Mental Health Center will participate with mental health assistance. But we will have more detailed information following the training this month and will begin a concentrated effort at that time to educate everyone on how to proceed in applying for assistance."

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Bartlesville City Council proclaimed April 11-17 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during a council meeting on Monday. From right, Mayor Dale Copeland and Vice Mayor Jim Curd presented the proclamation to Lead E-911 Dispatcher Tammie Long, E-911 Dispatcher Lisa Baker, Special Assistant to the Chief Rick Silver, Lead E-911 Dispatcher Greg Oates, and E-911 Dispatchers Hannah Harbour-Secondine and Ali Pittman. City E-911 dispatchers provide dispatch services to Bartlesville Police Department, Bartlesville Fire Department, Bartlesville Ambulance, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Dewey Police Department, Ramona Police Department and 12 rural fire departments.

National 'Take Back Initiative' set for April 24

The Bartlesville Police Department will once again participate in the National Rx Drug "Take Back Initiative" program. The event, sponsored by the Dallas Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, allows citizens to safely and legally dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at specific collection sites located throughout the community.

"Last year when Covid-19 hit, this initiative was canceled; however, we will be participating in the event this year, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 24," said BPD Capt. Kevin Ickleberry.

Citizens are encouraged to bring any prescription drugs they wish to dispose of to the following locations, no questions asked:

Bartlesville Police Department 615 S. Johnstone Ave.
Bartlesville Fire Station No. 3, 100 S.E. Madison Blvd.
Bartlesville Fire Station No. 4, 3501 Price Road.

Citizens may drop off unwanted prescription medications for disposal. No effort will be made by law enforcement personnel to count, inventory or log medications.

No needles, cleaning supplies, or general household waste should be placed in the boxes.
Pill medication may be in the original container, zip lock bags or loose.
No attempt should be made by the police or the citizens to open up containers and remove the pills.
Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

For more information, contact the police department at 918.338.4001.

Photo: File

Recycle center closed after fire at processing facility

The City of Bartlesville recycle center is temporarily closed due to a fire last week at the Tulsa Recycle and Transfer center.

The City transfers recycled items collected at the center, located on 10th Street east of Virginia Avenue, to TRT for processing.

"They had a lot of electrical damage to their facility as a result of the fire so they are busy trying to make those repairs," City Public Works Director Keith Henry said today. "We have not been notified of when those repairs might be complete, but we will reopen our center as soon as they are up and running."

Cimarron Transit offers free rides for COVID-19 vaccines

Cimarron Transit, the company that manages and operates the City of Bartlesville's public transit system CityRide, is providing free in-town rides to assist citizens wanting the COVID-19 vaccine. Riders must reside in Bartlesville and have an appointment scheduled.

All rides are subject to availability. To schedule a ride, call 918.336.2233.

Volunteer Opportunities

Board, Committee & Commission Openings

The City of Bartlesville has numerous boards, committees and commissions that are driven by citizen volunteers. All citizens are encouraged and welcome to apply.

Board applications are located online and in the city manager’s office, located on the second floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Applications are kept on file for two years. To view a complete list, see Boards, Committees & Commissions.

The City currently has the following committee/board openings: