Meeting Summary
The Bartlesville City Council addressed a variety of municipal matters including the approval of a $206,000 water treatment plant upgrade and the dissolution of the Adams Municipal Golf Course Operating Committee. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a property abatement appeal involving FEMA floodplain regulations and the acceptance of a labor arbitration award regarding the city's contract with the International Association of Firefighters.
Key Decisions & Votes
Water Treatment Plant Polymer Blending Skid Replacement
18:45Awarded a $206,000 bid to Civil Builders LLC to replace 20-year-old polymer blending pumps, utilizing surplus funds from the Water Plant Capital Reserve.
Abatement Appeal for 329 N. Cass Ave
20:15The council granted the property owner a 30-day extension to conduct a cost study to determine if repairs can be made without triggering expensive FEMA floodplain elevation requirements.
Dissolution of Golf Course Operating Committee
42:10Repealed sections of the municipal code to dissolve the operating committee, moving governance to the City Manager and a new informal advisory committee.
IAFF Interest Arbitration Award
44:50Accepted the arbitrator's decision to adopt the Firefighters' last best offer for the 25-26 contract, despite the city's concerns over sick leave and promotional reform.
Upcoming Community Events
People with Disabilities Awareness Day
Proclaimed to increase public understanding and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
Oklahoma Cleaning Week
Recognizing the importance of cleanliness and the facility solutions industry.
Financial Matters
Water Treatment Plant Polymer Skid
Bid awarded for equipment replacement; exceeded original budget by $28,000 but covered by surplus funds.
Library Makerspace Grants
Combined grants from the Carnegie Foundation ($10,000) and Phillips 66 ($4,000) for a pilot makerspace project.
Adams Municipal Golf Course Revenue
Revenue reported for the six-month period since reopening in August.
Public Comments
Two neighbors spoke in support of the property owner at 329 N. Cass Ave, arguing that the owner is working hard to remodel the property and needs more time.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Abatement hearing for 329 N. Cass Ave (postponed 30 days)
Deadlines
- March 16, 2026: RFP deadline for Recycle Center operations
- March 24, 2026: Deadline for Police Department Park Patrol Survey
Watch For
- 2026-2027 IAFF contract negotiations regarding promotional reform and sick leave
Announcements
- Northeast Oklahoma Crime Stoppers Month (January 2026) proclaimed.
- Meritorious Conduct Awards presented to Officers M. Scott, G. Askew, and T. Heck for life-saving actions during a structure fire.
- Openings announced for the History Museum Board, Tree Committee, and White Rose Cemetery Board.
Agenda Summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
Standard meeting opening and establishment of quorum.
Invocation
Prayer led by Pastor Chuck McCarthy.
Public Comments
Citizens speaking on agenda items, specifically the Cass Ave abatement.
Proclamations and Awards
Recognition of Disabilities Awareness, Crime Stoppers, Cleaning Week, and Police Meritorious Conduct.
Boards and Committees Openings
Announcement of vacancies on various city boards.
Consent Docket
Routine items including library grants, golf course consulting, and BIA land use agreements.
Water Treatment Plant Polymer Skid Bid
Awarding bid for equipment replacement at the water plant.
Appeal of Abatement Order - 329 N. Cass Ave
Discussion of dilapidated structure and floodplain regulations.
Ordinance Repealing Golf Course Operating Committee
Dissolving the formal committee in favor of staff management and an advisory group.
IAFF Interest Arbitration Award
Acceptance of the 2025-2026 collective bargaining agreement for firefighters.
City Manager and Staff Reports
Updates on the Recycle Center RFP and Park Patrol Survey.