Meeting Summary
The meeting featured the swearing-in of Commissioner Garrett Bowers and the adoption of updated 2024 International Building and Fire Codes to maintain the city's high flood insurance discount rating. Significant progress was reported on the Drake Property housing development and the Santa Fe Depot restoration, while a joint resolution with the Ponca Tribe was passed to investigate mysterious black dust settling in the area.
Key Decisions & Votes
2024 International Building, Residential, and Fire Codes Adoption
11:50Adopted updated codes to ensure compliance with the Community Rating System (CRS), maintaining a 25% flood insurance discount for residents.
Joint Resolution on Black Dust Investigation
21:40A joint resolution with the Ponca Tribe to investigate the source of dark gray/black dust; Section 5 regarding potential legal action was removed as premature.
Drake Property Engineering Services
28:45Awarded an $89,398 contract to Cottle Engineering for the development of a new 23.5-acre residential subdivision.
OMPA Ground Lease Amendment
34:10Extended the ground lease to 2075 to allow the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority to construct a permanent office and training facility.
Upcoming Community Events
Ponca Politics Legislative Update
Held at City Commission Chambers from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM featuring state legislators.
Bridges of Hope Community Listening Session
Strategic Opioid Response Plan session at City Commission Chambers, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
Lifeguard Certification Classes
American Red Cross training for ages 15 and up; $180 registration fee.
Financial Matters
Cottle Engineering Services
Engineering for the Drake Property subdivision development.
Rick Scott Construction Change Orders
Change orders 18-21 for the Santa Fe Depot restoration, including a new alarm system.
OMPA Ground Lease
Annual rent for OMPA ground lease with a 2% annual increase.
Public Comments
No citizens spoke during the public hearing portions of the meeting.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- May 8, 2026: Anticipated completion of Lake Road bridge replacement.
Watch For
- Additional utility easement closings east of Hartford Avenue in approximately 60 days.
- Final plat approval for the Drake Property subdivision expected by September 2026.
- Occupancy of the restored Santa Fe Depot around July 1, 2026.
Announcements
- Commissioner Garrett Bowers was sworn in for a new three-year term.
- The Lake Road bridge replacement project began today.
- The RecPlex natatorium will be closed February 26-27 for LED lighting retrofitting.
- There will be no city work session on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Agenda Summary
Oath of Office: Commissioner Garrett Bowers
Administration of the oath for a new term by Judge Terrell.
Consent Agenda
Routine items including previous meeting minutes.
City Manager's Report
Updates on infrastructure projects, recreation facility schedules, and community health initiatives.
Ordinance Adopting 2024 Building, Residential, and Fire Codes
Updating city codes to the 2024 International standards to maintain CRS flood insurance ratings.
Ordinance Adopting 2024 International Existing Building Code
Adopting flexible codes to facilitate the renovation of historic and older buildings.
Partial Closing of Platted Utility Easement - Crawford Park
Vacating a 'paper' easement with no active utilities to allow for new home construction.
Joint Resolution Regarding Black Dust
Collaborative effort with Ponca Tribe to investigate and mitigate mysterious dust settling in the area.
Engineering Agreement for Drake Property Development
Contract with Cottle Engineering for civil design of a new 23.5-acre subdivision.
Change Orders for Santa Fe Depot Restoration
Adjustments to the Rick Scott Construction contract for the final stages of depot renovation.
OMPA Ground Lease Fifth Amendment
Amending the lease to allow OMPA to build a new administrative office and extending the term to 2075.