The City Council voted 5-0 Monday to approve contracts with Freese and Nichols Inc. for the Caney River and Sunset Boulevard over Butler Creek Bridge Rehabilitation and Repair projects.
Approved by voters in the 2020 General Obligation Bond Election, the $1 million Butler Creek Bridge rehabilitation project includes a deck and approach replacement, pier protection, abutment repairs, and guardrail improvements. .
The Tuxedo Boulevard over the Caney River and overflow/pond Bridges Rehabilitation and Repair project includes the rehabilitation of both bridges. The rehabilitations necessary vary on each bridge, but include deck repair on the overflow/pond and eastbound Caney River Bridges and deck replacement on the westbound Caney River bridges, approach pavement replacement, pier protection, abutment repairs, bank stabilization, and guardrail improvements.
The contracts approved Monday include completing final plans and specifications to meet the recommendations of the inspection reports for both bridges. The contract price for the work on the Butler Creek Bridge is $208,560. The contract price for work on the Caney River bridges is $175,415.
Citizens present petition after Pride event
Ten citizens spoke during the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the City Council’s Oct. 3 meeting, with local resident Shannon King presenting a petition to the council requesting action on “adult entertainment” in City-owned parks. The petition is reportedly in response to an event held Sept. 10 in Unity Square Park, a City-owned facility that is managed by Bartlesville Community Center, which included an LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration and, later in the evening, a drag queen show.
Morgan Lawrence-Hayes, president of the event’s sponsor, Oklahomans for Equality, also spoke during the meeting, saying OKEQ also supports action to restrict adult entertainment in parks, as no portion of the Sept. 10 event included anything that could be considered “adult entertainment.”
The council is prohibited by the Open Meetings Act from discussing items brought up during this portion of the meeting but did say later in the meeting, under City Council Comments and Inquiries, that they appreciated hearing from the attendees and that the matter would be further addressed at a later time.
City Attorney Jess Kane is expected to prepare a presentation for the council’s next meeting, on Nov. 7, detailing what actions the City can and cannot take to regulate adult entertainment in public spaces.
“The agenda for that night will include Mr. Kane’s presentation as a discussion item so that the City Council can discuss these issues and provide guidance to City staff on how best to address the public’s concerns,” said City Manager Mike Bailey.
To view the petition and signatures, see Adult Entertainment Petition.
Minnesota Avenue Rehabilitation project
The council also voted to approve a contract for the Minnesota Avenue Rehabilitation project, a discretionary project on the voter approved 2018 General Obligation Bond ballot. The project consists of rehabilitating the asphalt pavement on Minnesota Avenue between U.S. Highway 75 and Madison Boulevard. Director of Engineering Micah Siemers said the final scope of the project will be determined during detailed design, the work will likely include some combination of milling, overlaying and full depth replacement along the alignment.
“The roadway will not be widened and drainage ditches will essentially remain the same,” he said.
Siemers said the project will be completed in conjunction with a water feasibility study for residences in the area.
“There are a handful of properties that receive water service from the City of Bartlesville through somewhat of a pseudo water district along Minnesota and Madison,” he said. “It is not officially a water district, but the properties were served by one meter from the City, and through some cooperative agreement the properties were sub-metered and payment was coordinated through one of the property owners. The individual who orchestrated all of this has passed away in the past year, which revealed the need to better serve this area.”
The study will evaluate right-of-way needs, utility conflicts, potential alignment and provide cost estimates for providing water service to the area.
The council voted to contract Freese & Nichols (FNI) for design of the roadway rehabilitation and the water feasibility study for a lump sum price of $82,468. The fees will be divided between the Minnesota G.O. Bond funds and available Water Utilities Department funding.
First Christian Church lease
The council approved a proposed lease agreement for the north portion of the first floor of the First Christian Church building. Legacy Church of Christ will use this portion of the church for services on Wednesdays and Sundays. The lease begins Nov. 1 and ends June 30, 2023 for a total cost of $9,600. The City recently began leasing the church pending the outcome of a Request for Proposals consistent with surrounding facilities, Bartlesville Community Center, Price Tower, and Unity Square Park.