Alex Walters
Sapulpa City Council: At its regular meeting on Monday, October 18th, the Council approved an ordinance to the City Code regarding Camping Permit Rules and Regulations that will prohibit long-term RV camping (30-90 day time frame) and establish the maximum stay as 14 days.
Parks Director Carson Lynch said that this will bring Sapulpa in alignment with other places in the state. “You can still have a nice 2-week vacation,” he said, but cannot reside in recreational camping areas. This is “very standard within the state and the Park Board recommended approval for it unanimously.”
Mayor Craig Henderson asked if Sapulpa has “problems with [camping guests overstaying their welcome],” and Lynch replied, “Yes,” and said that this “just makes for a more attractive, more recreational atmosphere.”
Mayor Henderson proposed the adoption of a proclamation recognizing Suzanne Shirey for her 18 years of service with the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, 13 of which she served as President. “It’s with the best feelings that I read this tonight,” he said, adding, “but it saddens me, too. I’m proud to know Suzanne and her family and want to recognize all the work she’s done for the community.”
An agreement between Titan Commercial Services (of Sapulpa) and the Parks and Recreation Department for janitorial services was unanimously approved at an annual fee of $11,750. The cost includes daily janitorial services for five park restrooms (Heritage, Liberty, Kelly Lane, Hollier, and Davis Parks) and the biannual power washing of them in June and December. The contract began on October 1st and continues through June 30, 2022.
It was approved to direct City Attorney David Widdoes “to take all necessary legal action with Taneha Utilities Authority” to resolve the pending claim involving its sewer district, as discussed in executive session. This is expected to be revisited at the City Council meeting on Monday, November 1st.
Board of County Commissioners: The 2022 County Holiday Schedule was set at Monday’s meeting. District #1 Commissioner Newt Stephens said they added Good Friday to the list this year so as to include the entire County with the Highway Districts, which are always closed, since the holiday falls on a Friday.
The County will purchase a Bobcat Hydraulic Breaker from White Star for $8,200. This was approved at the last meeting, but Whitehouse asked for a week to ensure the equipment is “universal,” i.e., capable of working on all skid steers. He reported that he did speak with White Star and that the equipment is universal, so the County will move forward with the purchase.
The BOCC signed an agreement with Premier Consulting Partners, as a broker for Creek County with Community Care, to provide group and voluntary insurance benefits for the calendar year 2022. Benefits include health, dental, vision, disability (short and long term), life insurance, cancer and accident insurance, individual hospital insurance plans, GAP and critical illness plans, and FSAs.
Sapulpa Administration & Finance Committee: City Manager Joan Riley recently met with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell on the site of the proposed Rock Creek Park, at the junction of Route 66 and Ozark Trail. Riley reported that Pinnell “loved it and is championing it,” and that it’s possible the City could receive some ARPA funds from his office for the project.
Sapulpa Board of Adjustment: Long-time board member and local attorney John Mark Young tendered a “reluctant” resignation at Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting. Young had a conflict of interest as the legal counsel for an application to be heard by the BOA in November and it was agreed (reluctantly) that he step down.
Sapulpa Planning Commission: A specific use permit to allow a church in a Commercial General district off Burnham and South Main (just east of the Caring Community Friends food bank) was unanimously recommended for approval to the City Council by the Planning Commission. Urban Development Director Nikki Howard reported that the church has received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy and that it is holding services there now. She said they have had no issues or complaints and that the building has adequate parking.
Justin Hershberger of Hersh Properties requested a rezone of property from Residential Multi-Family to Residential-Duplex at 200 South Mounds Street, on what’s known as Sugarloaf Hill. Hershberger plans to construct 8 duplex units consisting of 2 residences apiece, for a total of 16 homes. He said he will be adding new water lines, new sewer lines, and that ONG will take care of the gas lines. Each residence will have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and feature full brick facades with a one-car garage and driveway. Howard said that “Mr. Hershberger has constructed several of these in town” and that “they are always very well constructed.”
