|
|
City Beat
Your city, your news
February 25, 2020
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
2020 CIP, GO Bond elections set for April 7
No tax increase; voters to decide funding for proposed projects
|
|
Bartlesville voters are set to decide the outcome of two City elections on April 7 that will determine funding for capital projects for the next several years.
The City will hold a General Obligation Bond Election and seek an extension of the existing half-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) sales tax on Election Day. Approval of the measures will result in funding for the city's capital projects over the next several years — without increasing taxes for Bartlesville residents.
"Capital project funding is limited for municipalities to General Obligation Bond funds and sales tax that is specifically allocated by voters for that purpose," said City Manager Mike Bailey. "On April 7, voters will decide funding for nearly $30 million in projects between these two elections, the outcome of which will determine how we proceed in the future and which projects we're able to fund."
It's important to note, Bailey said, that approval of both measures will not result in tax increases for residents.
"The City's mil levy will remain at 15 as existing bonds expire so there is no tax increase associated with the G.O. Bond proposal, and approval of the half-cent CIP sales tax would simply extend the existing tax for another five years," he said, noting that without approval the half-cent CIP sales tax will expire June 30, 2021.
Projects proposed for both the G.O. Bond Issue and the CIP extension primarily include improvements and maintenance to existing facilities and infrastructure.
"There really aren't any new projects included in either proposal," Bailey said. "The City Council ultimately selected projects that build on the services and amenities we already have, including much needed equipment for public safety, improvements to the roads and parking lots in our City parks, multiple street projects, bridge repairs and general equipment upgrades. We believe these are projects
that will help move our community forward and allow us to continue building a better Bartlesville. We encourage everyone to vote on April 7."
|
|
Proposed G.O. Bond projects*:
Emergency communications infrastructure/radio system — $2,040,000
This would fund a new radio system that will replace the older VHF radio system and improve coverage locally and statewide for police officers. This is a standard radio system the State of Oklahoma has built out into many areas of the state. Bartlesville is just outside the range of the statewide system. A local digital trunking radio system will provide more radio channels for local public safety to use in Bartlesville on a repeater system.
95-foot tower/ladder truck and equipment — $1,211,300
The tower/ladder truck will replace the Fire Department’s 1975 Snorkel truck, which is nearly 50 years old and does not meet current National Fire Protection Agency standards. The new truck will ensure that the department’s fire safety measures are up to date and that operating capabilities meet the requirements and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association.
Central Fire Station roof replacement (old portion) — $157,500
This funding will be used to replace the patched portions of the old roof that was not updated with the expansion of Central Fire Station, located at 601 S. Johnstone Ave., during the construction of the voter-approved Public Safety Complex.
Replace roof at fire stations No. 3 and No. 4 — $94,400
This project consists of replacing the roofs at fire stations No. 3, located at 100 E. Madison Blvd., and No. 4, located at 3501 Price Road. The existing roofs will be replaced with standing seam metal roofs.
GPS/camera parking enforcement system — $76,500
This system will allow the Police Department to implement a more efficient system for parking enforcement in the downtown area as it eliminates the need for marking tires with chalk and electronically manages the location and time duration of vehicles parked on public streets.
City Hall window replacement — $306,000
The single-paned windows/seals at City Hall are more than 50 years old and need to be replaced. Replacement would make it easier to heat and cool the building and save in utility costs.
|
|
Library skylight replacement — $128,000
The Bartlesville Public Library’s original skylight, which is made of acrylic, is more than 30 years old and is in need of replacement.
Library roof repair — $102,000
The existing standing-seam roof is in need of repair.
Paint striper — $224,500
This equipment is used by the Street Department to stripe the city’s streets. It would replace the equipment that is currently used, which is outdated and no longer capable of producing quality work.
Bridge rehabilitation for Tuxedo Boulevard over Caney River (No. 5 and No. 6) — $1,234,500
This project involves the twin bridges on Tuxedo Boulevard over the Caney River. The bridge for westbound traffic is in need of a deck rehabilitation/reconstruction and replacement of beam bearings. Preventative maintenance work, including patching the beams, piers and pier caps, would also be done to the eastbound traffic bridge while the project is underway.
Bridge rehabilitation for Sunset Boulevard over Butler Creek (No. 16) — $1,020,000
Temporary patching has been done to the existing bridge on Sunset Boulevard over Butler Creek until more extensive repairs can be made. This project would provide a full rehabilitation and deck reconstruction in addition to maintenance work on the piers and pier caps.
|
|
Yale asphalt rebuild (Adams to Frank Phillips) — $867,000
Yale Avenue in this area is a concrete street in need of complete concrete panel replacement. Due to the extensive damage and cost of panel replacement, a more cost effective asphalt reconstruction is planned. Some curb and gutter will be replaced as well.
Crestland concrete panel rehab including Baylor Place (Baylor Place to Adams Boulevard) — $775,500
Located near Madison Middle School, this area is heavily used by school buses and other traffic and is in need of repair.
Delaware asphalt mill and overlay (Fifth Street to Hillcrest Drive) — $536,000
Delaware Avenue, which carries bus traffic serving Central Middle School, is in need of repair.
Bridge rehabilitation for Tuxedo over Caney River overflow (No. 9) — $331,500
This overflow bridge is located just east of the twin bridges on Tuxedo Boulevard over the Caney River, which are also targeted for repairs. The bridge has steel piers that are damaged due to corrosion issues. This will be a preventative maintenance project to avoid future deterioration.
|
|
Highland concrete panel with mill and overlay (Sunset to Aledo) — $586,500
This is a two-part project consisting of both asphalt and concrete. Highland is one of the primary access points for the north end of Oak Park off Sunset Boulevard.
Dewey asphalt mill and overlay (Adams to 16
th
Street) — $382,500
Dewey Avenue, one of the primary routes from downtown to the neighborhoods south of Adams Boulevard, is in need of repair.
Madison asphalt overlay (Tuxedo Boulevard to water tower) — $229,500
Madison Boulevard is an aged asphalt street in need of maintenance. This project will include approximately a half-mile asphalt overlay on Madison.
|
|
Indoor tennis/pickleball courts — $459,000
This would fund the modification of two tennis courts at Johnstone Park (next to the Richard Kane YMCA) to allow indoor tennis and pickleball play. The courts will be enclosed with a steel structure designed for future expansion of the indoor space.
Lighting for Robinwood Park Soccer Fields — $357,000
Light poles from the Price Fields Complex will be repurposed and used to install lighting at the Robinwood Park Soccer Fields. This funding is needed to complete the project on the south three fields.
Sooner Park parking lots (including Sooner Pool) — $255,000
This project includes paving existing gravel and deteriorated asphalt parking lots at Sooner Park.
Basketball court with gaga ball pit — $102,000
This project consists of construction of a basketball court with
a gaga ball pit at Sooner Park.
Jo Allyn Lowe parking lots — $87,000
The parking lot on the east side of Jo Allyn Lowe Park, which is located on Price Road, would be upgraded to a paved parking lot rather than gravel and these funds would also be used to rehabilitate the parking lot on the west side of the park.
Douglass Park shelter — $81,500
This project will consist of construction of an open sided steel shelter at Douglass Park similar to those that have recently been constructed at Civitan Park and Sooner Park.
|
|
Johnstone Park ring road, roundabout, access drives and angled parking — $280,500
This project includes the construction of a roundabout near the entrance of the Johnstone Park playground (east of Kiddie Park) at the existing T intersection and improvements to the ring road circling the playground, as well as the park’s access drives. Existing gravel parking inside the park will be upgraded as well.
Sooner Park ring road and access drives — $204,000
This will address the existing ring road circling Sooner Pool and the area north of it, possibly including two-way traffic and extending the Pathfinder trail from the east into the park area.
Sooner Park restroom remodel — $81,500
Both restrooms inside the park would be remodeled with this funding.
Bicycle signage — $40,500
This funding will provide signage along existing bicycle routes located in several areas of the city. The project is one of several outlined in the City’s recently updated
Bicycle Safety Action Plan. The project will also incorporate shared bike lane striping as funds allow.
Lyon Park access drive/parking — $12,500
The parking lot and access drive at
Lyon Park, located at 100 N.E. Choctaw, would be improved with this funding.
Greens rebuild — $714,000
This project includes rebuilding nine holes at Adams Golf Course. The greens at Adams have exceeded their design life and need to be rehabilitated.
Civitan Park berm/fence — $51,000
This funding would be used to construct a berm and install fencing at
Civitan Park, located at 1430 S.E. Silver Lake Road, to serve as a physical and visual barrier between the park and adjacent traffic.
|
|
Proposed CIP Projects*
Police emergency vehicle replacement (8) — $1,450,000
This allows for the purchase of eight new police vehicles per year so that older models requiring costly repairs can be rotated out of service.
Police emergency vehicle equipment/labor — $580,000
This will fund equipment and labor required to ready police vehicles for use. The process includes the installation of sirens, lighting, technology and other equipment used by police officers.
Body-worn cameras — $100,000
This is part of an ongoing program to equip police officers with body-worn cameras. This funding would be used to purchase 10 cameras per year for the duration of the five-year CIP period.
Taser lease/purchase — $85,300
This will fund the lease/purchase of 55 new tasers per year to replace older/non-functioning equipment. Tasers are available as an option to police officers when non-lethal force is required.
General Fund vehicle replacement — $1,425,000
This program was established to allow for the replacement of General Fund fleet vehicles, or vehicles for which a separate fund does not exist, over the course of the CIP period in an effort to minimize costly repairs for aging vehicles and to reduce safety concerns associated with vehicles in disrepair. This program applied to all City departments except police and fire.
|
|
Street repair/reconstruction/preventative maintenance — $4,500,000
This funding is used to complete repairs and reconstruction as well as preventative maintenance projects for the city’s streets. Street projects slated for this funding are selected each year as part of the CIP Budget process based on recommendations from the citizen-driven Street and Traffic Committee, citizen complaints and requests and staff assessment.
Update Pavement Condition Model/Street Sign Assessment — $100,000
Long-term street repair and preventative maintenance planning is based on the
Pavement Management Analysis Report, an in-depth report on the condition of the city’s streets and how to best manage repairs and rehabilitation based on an analysis performed by IMS (Infrastructure Management Services) of Tempe, Ariz. A premise of the report is that streets that have not yet begun showing extreme signs of disrepair be upgraded as part of a preventative maintenance program, which has proven to be more cost effective for taxpayers. The report is typically updated once every six years; however, the current report was last updated in 2012. A Street Sign Assessment is planned at the same time so that street signs can be repaired or replaced in a similar fashion.
Community Center security system replacement — $78,000
The existing security system and cameras at the Bartlesville Community Center are outdated and inadequate. These funds would be used to bring that system up to date.
Community Center speaker replacement — $75,000
The existing sound system components at the Bartlesville Community Center are generally outdated. These funds will be used to bring the system up to date.
|
|
Downtown landscape improvements — $800,000
This funding would complete areas identified for beautification in the downtown area several years ago, including Johnstone Avenue, Fourth Street and remaining work on Frank Phillips Boulevard and Dewey Avenue. The goal of the downtown landscaping plan is to reduce maintenance cost of the downtown landscaping by simplifying the number and type of plantings and beds while also improving the aesthetics.
Pathfinder Parkway - maintenance/repair — $257,000
Pathfinder Parkway consists of 12 miles of asphalt pathway located throughout Bartlesville. This priority funding ensures money is available for repairs and/or expansion of the existing path.
Oak Park basketball court — $100,000
The current basketball court at Oak Park is a re-purposed tennis court that is in disrepair. These funds would be used to completely reconstruct a full-size basketball court with additional goals located on the perimeter for half-court functionality.
Douglass Park parking lot — $50,000
These funds would be used to resurface the Douglass Park parking lot, located at 509 S.W. Bucy Avenue.
|
|
Sunset Pathfinder extension and pedestrian bridge — $400,000
This multi-phased project consists of eventually widening Sunset Boulevard, which borders the western boundaries of Bartlesville, and constructing a bicycle/jogging trail from Hensley Boulevard to Oak Park Road and a pedestrian bridge over Butler Creek. This funding would kick the project off with construction of the pedestrian bridge, tying the existing trail to the bridge and extending it north to Oak Park Road.
Lifecycle replacement of playground wood mulch — $250,000
Wood mulch is used at the City’s parks to act as a cushion and meet safety requirements for fall heights on playground equipment. The mulch deteriorates and erodes over time and needs to be supplemented. These funds would be used at a rate of $50,000 each year over the CIP period to keep up with loss and degradation of the playground mulch.
|
|
Security lighting in parks — $75,000
One of the primary complaints the City receives about the parks is lack of adequate lighting for safety. These funds would be used to begin installing lighting in parks to increase safety.
Replacement of shade structures at Sooner and Frontier Pools — $60,000
The shade structures at Sooner Pool and Frontier Pool consist of a durable fabric stretched over and between decorative steel frames. The material has a life expectancy as it is subjected to the elements for months at a time. These funds will be used to replace existing shade structure material.
JoAllyn Lowe turf reestablishment — $50,000
Turf reestablishment is needed at the park, located at 2600 S.E. Price Road, due to erosion issues. The cost also includes the removal of at least two damaged trees, which will allow for more sunlight needed for the grass to grow between the pond and the west parking lot.
Replace roof on north end of Pro Shop at Adams Golf Course — $30,000
These funds would be used to replace the roof over the Pro Shop at Adams Golf Course, which is the only portion of the Pro Shop roof that has not been renovated. The roof is in need of replacement.
|
|
Choctaw Drainage — $250,000
The Choctaw Drainage system is an open channel system located in the area of 13
th Street and Choctaw. This funding would replace a culvert underneath Choctaw that is in disrepair and address erosion issues on the open channel located along 13
th Street and Choctaw Avenue.
Also included in the proposed CIP projects are numerous vehicles, mowers and other equipment to be used by the City's Parks, Water and Street departments and at Adams Golf Course, as well as several computers and IT equipment.
|
|
At a glance: Capital Elections 2020 FAQ
General Obligation Bond, Capital Improvement Projects
|
|
What is this, when is it and who can vote?
Registered voters who reside within the city limits of Bartlesville will have the opportunity to decide funding for several proposed community projects and other improvements during elections set for April 7. Voters will decide passage of a General Obligation Bond Issue and an extension of the half-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) sales tax.
Will approval of this bond issue increase my taxes?
No. Approval of these projects will not result in an increase in taxes. G.O. bonds are funded through ad valorem, or property taxes, which are paid by Bartlesville property owners. CIP funds come from the half-cent CIP sales tax. The City’s mil levy would remain at 15 with approval of the G.O. Bond Issue, which would have no impact on ad valorem taxes. Approval of the CIP extension would result in no change in sales tax.
How much will this cost?
Voters will consider projects proposed for G.O. Bond funding in four categories:
- Public Safety Buildings and Equipment
- Municipal Buildings and Equipment
- Streets and Bridges
- Parks and Recreation
G.O. Bond projects total $16.4 million, which includes the "cost to issue" the bonds (COI), and will be issued over a period of three years.
CIP projects total $13.7 million. Approval would extend the tax, supported by voters since 1990, for another five years.
How are the projects decided?
At any given time, the City of Bartlesville has a working list of capital needs that total over $100 million. City staff and citizen committees narrow the list and then the City Council is tasked with determining the bond amount and deciding which projects will be put before voters in an election. This process was recently completed, and now it’s time for the voters to decide.
How much are these projects by category?
The funding breaks down as follows:
- Public safety buildings and equipment — $6,326,500
- Municipal buildings and equipment — $4,686,500
- Streets and bridges — $13,373,500
- Parks and recreation — $5,353,500
- Drainage — $375,000
Oklahoma law requires that 70 percent of the projects in each category be specified in the ordinance calling for a G.O. bond election. The law also requires that these projects be completed with the bond funds. The remaining 30 percent are “discretionary” and do not have to be specified in the ordinance, nor is completion required. However, the City of Bartlesville has completed all projects identified as “30 percent projects” in the past.
While this law does not apply to the CIP election, the City handles these projects in a similar manner in an effort to simplify the process as much as possible and maintain complete transparency.
|
|
Downtown streets project to start in May; Work underway on Frank Phillips
|
|
When are Bartlesville downtown streets scheduled to be resurfaced?
Funding for the Downtown Streets Mill and Overlay project ($2,030,300) was approved by voters in the 2018 General Obligation Bond Election and includes a mill and overlay and restriping on downtown streets between Hensley Boulevard and Adams Boulevard (north/south) and Cherokee Avenue and Keeler Avenue (east/west).
This project is being timed to coincide with the completion of the Tower Center at Unity Square construction, underway at Sixth Street and Dewey Avenue, and the East Downtown Storm Sewer project, which currently has the intersection of Fourth Street and Osage Avenue closed, in an effort to avoid having to do the streets resurfacing in patches or having to re-surface following construction of the above two projects. The next phase of downtown landscaping improvements along Frank Phillips Boulevard will also be incorporated into the resurfacing project, for which plans are nearing completion.
Design plans for the Downtown Streets Mill and Overlay project are about 85 percent complete, according to Director of Engineering Micah Siemers.
"Our goal is to advertise bids on March 1, open bids March 23, and hopefully award a contract for the project at the April 6 City Council meeting," Siemers said. "Construction would most likely start in early to mid-May dependent upon contractor availability."
It's a date
When is Operation Clean House this year?
Operation Clean House, a multi-agency sponsored event aimed at helping Washington County residents dispose of hazardous household items, will be held 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18. Details will be announced soon.
Road work ahead
Can you tell me why the orange cones are on Frank Phillips all the way from the railroad tracks to Sunset Boulevard?
That's the beginning of the Frank Phillips Boulevard mill and overlay project approved by voters in the 2018 General Obligation Bond Election. Contract crews recently began saw cutting and other work in preparation of the resurfacing project, which involves a mill and overlay between Park Street and Sunset Boulevard.
ODOT's call
Are there any plans to add a traffic light at the U.S. Highway 75 and 2200 Road intersection? That intersection has seen increased traffic with the development in the area over the past few years.
This would be a decision of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, as ODOT owns and maintains all highways within the state, including this intersection. City staff is not aware of any plans by ODOT to install a traffic control signal at this location.
|
|
Concrete repairs
Water Department crews work Monday to remove uneven sidewalk concrete in front of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Half of the job was done late last year when the department removed concrete to repair a nearby water leak. Street Department crews will replace the sidewalk later this week.
|
|
|
Progress update
Tower Center at Unity Square
Construction continues on the Tower Center at Unity Square, located near Sixth Street and Dewey Avenue. The community green space will feature a performance stage, lawn area, centralized locations for food truck service and a water feature, as well as the existing fountain, natural rock, boulders and native grasses throughout, restrooms and a storage facility. The project was approved by voters in the 2018 General Obligation Bond Election.
For more information about this project, see
www.cityofbartlesville.org
.
Photo submitted by Stan Peterson
|
|
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:
- One opening on the Construction and Fire Code Appeals Board
|
|
Job Listing
The City of Bartlesville is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
|
|
Want City Beat delivered to your inbox each week?
Sign up
!
|
|
Do you have questions you would like to see answered or addressed in City Beat? Let us know! Email kwilliams@cityofbartlesville.org, attn. City Beat.
|
|
Kelli Williams, Editor
401 S. Johnstone Ave.
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-338-4132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
