Meeting Summary
The Bartlesville City Council addressed several key issues, including a detailed report on a July 2025 boil order incident, which was attributed to an anomaly at a sample station. The council also received an update on the ongoing negotiations with the Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Local 200, highlighting the city's focus on promotional and overtime reform. Additionally, proclamations were made for Homeless Awareness Month and Community Foundation Week, and updates were provided on the Unsheltered Homeless Task Force's progress.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Agenda
09:00The consent agenda was approved as presented, with several items pulled for separate discussion, including the Helping Org Summit minutes, Flock camera update, and water line replacement contract.
Water Line Replacement Contract
12:00A contract with Btown Construction for on-demand water line installation, with a maximum of $100,000, was approved to proactively replace aging water lines in various city areas.
Airport Hanger Project Change Order
19:00A change order of $128,787.27 for the airport hanger project was approved to include thermal imaging cameras for fire detection and to correct a discrepancy in the hanger door height.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Firefighters Union
42:00A Memorandum of Understanding related to the ongoing negotiations with the Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Local 200 was approved as presented by the city.
Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority Appointments
42:50Miss Sarah Freeman and Mr. Philip Bright were reappointed to fill two vacancies on the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority.
Upcoming Community Events
Homeless Awareness Month
Proclaimed by the City Council, encouraging citizens to support the Lighthouse Outreach Center's efforts.
Community Foundation Week
Proclaimed by the City Council, recognizing the Bartlesville Community Foundation's work.
Helping Org Summit
130 individuals from various agencies attended, sharing data and discussing charity tracker implementation. Noted a decrease in unsheltered individuals below 50.
Free Yard Debris Pickup
No special bags or tags required for leaves, grass, lawn clippings, brush, limbs, and tree debris.
Financial Matters
Water Line Replacement Contract
Max contract amount for on-demand water line installation with Btown Construction.
Airport Hanger Project Change Order
Additional cost for thermal imaging cameras and door height correction, funded by BDA and state grant.
Firefighters Union Offer
City's offer includes a 5% raise (2.5% merit, 2.5% COLA) for firefighters, consistent with other city employees.
Text-to-Give Account for Homelessness
Approved by the Bartlesville Community Foundation, with an initial $5,000 seed money.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during public comments. Angela Utley expressed concerns about transparency and truth regarding news stories about Item 10 (firefighter negotiations). Gary Warren asked several questions about the fire department's staffing levels, truck manning, comparison to other cities, and salary structure.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Federal government shutdown impacting arbitration process
Watch For
- Further updates on firefighter union negotiations
- Progress on the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency's tenant-based rental assistance program
- City Hall remodel project
- Downtown landscape project
- Capital election workshop later this month
Announcements
- Three openings on the Bartlesville Area History Museum Trust Authority.
- One opening on the Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.
- One opening on the Library Board.
- Two openings on the White Rose Cemetery Board.
- Be the Light shelter is now open and housing people.
- Bartlesville Community Foundation seeded the Text-to-Give account with $5,000.
- Concerns about the impact of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits and community efforts to provide food assistance.
Agenda Summary
Roll Call
Confirmation of council members' attendance.
Invocation by Pastor Jason Elmore
Prayer by Pastor Jason Elmore of the Friday Night Church.
Public Comments on Agenda Items
Opportunity for citizens to comment on items on the agenda.
City Council Announcements and Proclamations
Proclamations for Homeless Awareness Month and Community Foundation Week.
Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees
Discussion of openings on various city boards and commissions.
Consent Agenda and Docket
Approval of routine items, with some pulled for separate discussion.
Unsheltered Homeless Task Force Update
Presentation by Rachel Schwaller on the task force's progress, including the Helping Org Summit, Charity Tracker interest, and the new Text-to-Give account.
Presentation on July 2025 Boil Order Incident
Detailed report by Terry Lorenson on the E. coli positive sample, the investigation, and lessons learned.
Status Update for 2025-2026 Agreement Negotiation with Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Local 200
Presentation by City Attorney Jess Kane on the city's position regarding promotional reform and overtime reform, and the union's response.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bartlesville Professional Firefighters Local 200
Consideration and approval of an MOU related to the ongoing negotiations.
Discuss and take possible action to appoint members to fill two vacancies on the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority
Recommendation and approval for the reappointment of Miss Sarah Freeman and Mr. Philip Bright.
New Business
No new business items were presented.
City Manager and Staff Reports
Updates from the City Manager on staff retention, rental assistance, Civitan Park canopy, Madison Boulevard reconstruction, City Hall remodel, downtown landscape, Boots Hollow website, and free yard debris pickup.
City Council Comments/Inquiries
Council members shared comments and inquiries, including celebrating the opening of Be the Light shelter, thanking BCF for the Text-to-Give seed money, and addressing concerns about SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.