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Split vote threatens BPL citizenship program
City Council votes 2-2 on grant to fund salary; measure fails
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In a 2-2 vote on Monday, the City Council rejected grant funding used for the past 11 years to fund the salary of the Bartlesville Public Library's immigration/citizenship literacy assistant.
The move puts into question the continuation of programs aimed at helping Bartlesville residents obtain citizenship, in addition to learning English and other languages.
Two of the council's newest members, Tim Sherrick of Ward 1 and Larry East of Ward 2, declined to accept the grant, which is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, unless a stipulation was included that the City begin requiring participants to show proof that they are in the U.S. legally.
Mayor Jim Curd and Vice Mayor Trevor Dorsey voted in favor of accepting the grant; however, Ward 4 Councilor Aaron Kirkpatrick was not able to attend the meeting, resulting in a tie vote on the issue. In cases of a tie, the measure fails.
The $14,000 grant funds the salary of a part-time Library staff member who teaches the citizenship classes in addition to English and Spanish learning classes. The division also provides in-person onsite and offsite health literacy programs and weekly in-person and virtual literacy classes.
It is anticipated that losing the position could impact a large number of the nearly 100 active learners currently enrolled in the Library's literacy programs.
FAQs
Why can't Bartlesville Public Library just verify immigration status before offering these services?
Two reasons: Because the Oklahoma Department of Libraries administers the grant and therefore the Bartlesville Public Library cannot add stipulations to their grant requirements. And because this verification requires special equipment and training that Bartlesville Public Library and staff do not have.
Are citizenship tests being given to people who may be in the U.S. illegally?
It is important to note that Bartlesville Public Library does not administer the test for citizenship. This is done at the Tulsa offices of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which verifies immigration status before anyone can apply for and take the citizenship test.
Is there another way to fund this salary?
Options to fund this individual's salary through the City's operating budget are being explored.
Is there someone else who can administer the classes?
At this time, City staff are unaware of other language/citizenship classes offered free of charge in Bartlesville or the surrounding area.
Can Bartlesville residents just go to Tulsa for these services?
While Tulsa is presumably the nearest location that offers these services, it is a county library system that serves a community of 600,000 people. It is unlikely that Bartlesville residents would be accepted into their program due to the sheer volume of need in a community that size, and because Bartlesville residents do not pay taxes in Tulsa County and are therefore not legally served by its library system.
View the meeting HERE or at www.cityofbartlesville.org.
Stay tuned to City Beat for updates on this story.
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DONT TOSS THAT ENVELOPE!
Clean-up coupons to hit utility bills this month
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The City of Bartlesville, in coordination with Osage Landfill, provides an annual coupon good for one free trip to the landfill at any time during the year to the City’s Solid Waste customers. Coupons will be mailed to customers via their utility bill during the January billing cycle.
"City utility customers should be sure to look for them in their January bill," said Utility Billing Supervisor Tammy Hudgens.
The coupon is valid for City of Bartlesville Residential Solid Waste customers only. No commercial accounts or contractors will be permitted. One coupon is issued per customer and may not be duplicated.
The clean-up program is intended to help Bartlesville residents dispose of items typically too large or cumbersome for their weekly trash pick-up.
Items that are NOT permitted:
- Complete structures, including roofs
- Trees
- Vehicles
- Tires
- Batteries
- Hazardous materials
- Wet paint
- Appliances that have not had the compressors removed, such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. (Appliances must be certified “Freon free” if the compressor is not removed.)
- Demolished structures
Residents may take their items to Osage Landfill during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
For more information about this program, contact Public Works at 918.338.4131 or email bjmumma@cityofbartlesville.org. If you do not receive your coupon in your January utility bill, contact the Utility Billing Office at 918.338.4224 or utilitybilling@cityofbartlesville.org.
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Martin Luther King Day closures, trash schedule
City of Bartlesville offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Monday trash routes will be serviced on Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to the holiday. Monday customers will need to put their trash out no later than 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for their trash to be collected.
The City Recycle Center, located at 10th Street and Virginia Avenue, will be closed. The center will reopen as normally scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Police and fire services will continue as normally scheduled, with no interruptions.
City offices will re-open as normally scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
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City seeks proposals for Price Fields complex | |
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The City of Bartlesville is excited to announce an opportunity for qualified organizations to manage and oversee the operations of the Price Fields sports complex, focusing on youth baseball and softball leagues.
"We are seeking proposals from organizations with experience in league administration, tournament management, and facility maintenance," said Community Development Director Larry Curtis. "This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our community by enhancing recreational opportunities and maintaining high-quality facilities for players, spectators, and staff alike."
Key highlights of this opportunity include:
- Organizing and managing leagues and tournaments.
- Routine maintenance and operational management of the complex.
- Providing concession services and ensuring the upkeep of restrooms and facilities.
- Collaborating with the City to reinvest in facility improvements.
View the RFQ at www.cityofbartlesville.org for the full scope of services, requirements and evaluation criteria.
Submissions are due by 4 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the address provided in the RFQ.
"We encourage interested organizations to carefully review the Request for Qualifications document and submit a comprehensive proposal," said Curtis.
For more information, contact Curtis at lrcurtis@cityofbartlesville.org.
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Council OKs Start-Up Incubation Program at Centennial Park | |
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On Monday night, the City Council approved a start-up incubation program at Centennial Park which will be managed by the Park Board. The Park Board had unanimously recommended the program for approval during its November 2024 meeting.
The Start-Up Incubation Program is an initiative aimed at fostering local entrepreneurship and innovation. By repurposing a 500-square-foot building within the park, the program will provide an affordable short-term platform for start-ups and small businesses to launch and test their concepts in a real-world environment. The facility includes one room and a restroom, but lacks a kitchen, making it ideal for retail, gallery/showroom or other uses. Rent and city services will be provided at no cost to the tenant, with the exception of electricity, which must be set up in the business's name or charged back.
The six-month lease period is designed to maintain a rotation of businesses, ensuring fresh opportunities for new ventures and varied community engagement. Applications will be evaluated based on business feasibility, community impact, and alignment with the space's limitation. The structured application form requires detailed business goals, marketing strategies, and a financial plan, ensuring that selected participants are prepared to succeed within the program's parameters. The lease agreement outlines responsibilities such as maintenance, operational hours and compliance with municipal regulations to safeguard the City's investment in the program.
The initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth, attract visitors to Centennial Park, and enhance its role as a community hub. By offering this opportunity, the City demonstrates a commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering a thriving local economy.
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Council amends homeless task force, appoints 16 | |
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The City Council voted to approve a resolution to amend the unsheltered homeless task force to address the rise in unsheltered, homelessness and associated issues in Bartlesville.
The amendment added two additional non-voting members of the task force.
Members of the task force (and the task force member criteria they fulfill) will include: Mike Bailey, city manager, Christy McPhail, non-voting community member, Aaron Kirkpatrick, voting councilmember, Larry East, non-voting councilmember, Judd Strom, OK House Representative, Rachel Showler, mental health professional, Amber Vieux, medical professional, Sierra Compton, law enforcement official, Keith McPhail, nonprofit expert, Errol Hada, church representative, Tom Gorman, local business owner, Sherri Smith, citizen, Sarah Rowe, Bartlesville Public Schools representative, Dustin Ainesworth, veteran and formerly homeless, Alan Gentges, at large, and Lisa Cary, at large.
While reduction of the homeless population is the primary goal, secondary goals of the task force include reducing vandalism, littering, and other illegal acts associated with the unsheltered homeless population, and increasing confidence in public safety of and increase utilization of public spaces by addressing concerns linked to homelessness, and addressing public health concerns while improving conditions for unsheltered individuals.
The task force is expected to meet monthly for six months and to report to the council every two months.
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Police provide 18 rides home on New Year's Eve | |
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Bartlesville Police Department provided safe transportation to 18 individuals during its arrive home safe campaign, which ran from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve. There were zero impaired driving accidents or arrests during the event.
“The goal of this event was to minimize impaired driving in our city,” said Police Chief Ickleberry. “This initiative demonstrates the department’s dedication to the well-being of all Bartlesville residents. By utilizing this service, individuals contribute to making New Year’s Eve a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone.”
This was the seventh year for the event, which began in 2018.
"We continue to see growth in both awareness and utilization of this service, and we hope it continues to be successful every year to help keep our community safe," Ickleberry said.
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City offers free Christmas tree mulching at Sooner Park | |
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The City of Bartlesville will again offer free Christmas tree mulching this season at the upper level parking lot of Sooner Park, located near Madison and Tuxedo Boulevard.
Undecorated trees may be dropped off at the designated fenced area, just east of Madison Boulevard, after Christmas. Trees will be accepted through Jan. 24.
The mulch will be made available to the public.
For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 918.338.4154.
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Police Department to host Flock Safety Forum Jan. 16 | |
The Bartlesville Police Department announced last week that it will host a Flock Safety Forum beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16.
The event will be held in Lyon Hall at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 2201 Silver Lake Road in Bartlesville. The forum is open to the public and will provide valuable insights into the implementation and benefits of Flock Safety technology in our community.
The evening will include a presentation by representatives from Flock Safety and members of the Bartlesville Police Department. Attendees will learn about how Flock Safety systems are utilized to deter crime, aid investigations, and foster stronger community partnerships.
The Bartlesville Police Department encourages all residents, business owners and community stakeholders to attend. For more information, contact the Bartlesville Police Department at 918.338.4001 or dbelkins@cityofbartlesville.org.
For more information, see Flock Camera System FAQ or www.cityofbartlesville.org.
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Library: New Year, New You with health-focused programs | |
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As we welcome 2025, Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services (BPLLS) continues to provide opportunities for people wishing to adopt healthy habits and wellness awareness in the New Year. Thanks to a $5,000 health literacy grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and a $5,000 Washington County Healthy Living Fund grant through the Bartlesville Community Foundation, BPLLS provides exercise classes, healthy cooking classes, and health and wellness presentations to the local community free of charge.
According to the 2023 America’s Health Rankings Annual Report by the United Health Foundation, Oklahoma’s overall health ranking dropped to 47th place.
“By offering these free health literacy classes, we hope to improve this ranking and the health of the Bartlesville community,” said Literacy Coordinator Cheryl Dorris.
The public can look forward to exercise classes such as Pound, Foam Roll & Stretch, HIGH Fitness, Tai Chi, Yoga, Dance ‘N Define, Zumba, and Rev + Flow. Two healthy cooking classes are offered: In the Kitchen with Susan, held on the first Tuesday of the month through May, and Fast, Fresh, & Fabulous with Chef Hilary, held on the third Thursday of the month through June.
All programs are free and open to the public. Now that the weather has turned colder, most classes will be held in Meeting Room A at BPL. Weather permitting, some fitness classes may be held at Unity Square. Always check BPL social media for any class location changes. All health literacy class schedules are listed as events on the BPL Facebook page and BPL website, www.bartlesvillelibrary.com.
For more information, contact the BPLLS office at literacy@cityofbartlesville.org or 918.338.4179.
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Do you have what it takes? Bartlesville Fire Dept. is hiring | |
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Do you have what it takes to become a firefighter with the Bartlesville Fire Department? The BFD is now accepting applications for an upcoming applicant testing process in February (dates TBA).
The application process includes a written test, oral review board and physical agility tests
Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31 in order to be considered.
For more information or to apply, visit www.cityofbartlesville.org.
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Help wanted
Are you looking for a career that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits and an opportunity to serve your community? We've got you covered! Click here to view open positions and submit an application. For questions or more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 918.338.4221.
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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 available 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 open committees/board positions, for more information or to apply, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.
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Check this out
Did you check out our annual report? The City of Bartlesville has released its first annual report, offering an in-depth view of the City’s performance for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The report’s goal is to showcase City operations, as well as offer a financial overview, updates on capital projects, public safety statistics, details of community development initiatives and spotlights on each department. The full report can be found here or by clicking on the photo above. Printed copies are available at City Hall, the Bartlesville Public Library and the Bartlesville Area History Museum.
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