I see several towns in Oklahoma now have texting 911 for emergencies in cases of intruders or domestic violence where it is not safe to speak. Do you know when that might be available in Bartlesville and if that is being looked into?
From Capt. Jay Hastings, Bartlesville Police Department:
The City’s Dispatch Center software would need to be upgraded to receive 911 text calls. Each cellular phone service provider is mandated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to provide the service at the request of the agency. However, we, or the City of Bartlesville 911 center, would need to pay additional expenses with AT&T and our CAD (Computer Aided Design) software company to receive the text messages.
We are currently looking at system upgrades that would accommodate this function; however, it would require additional funds that the City would be required to pay for from our annual budget for E911. Funds from cell phone and land line users are collected by the state and distributed to E911 centers around the state. These state funds only cover a portion of the actual expenses associated with running the E911 center. The City of Bartlesville covers the rest of these costs.
What is the status of new City of Bartlesville signage on Highway 75, both on the south and north sides?
City staff is currently working with property owners to sort out the land use for the new entry-way signs. Funding for these signs and consistent signage for larger City-owned parks and Pathfinder Parkway was recommended in the 2013 Community Strategic Plan and approved by voters in the 2018 General Obligation Bond Election. For more information, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.
I really appreciate the City allowing a onetime coupon for the landfill but I don’t have the capability to take items to the landfill. If I hire someone to haul off my items, can that contract person use my coupon since the items are coming from my address?
Yes, you can. Just make sure the person has your coupon and one of your utility bills. The most recent would probably be best.
I think I mistakenly threw away my coupon for the landfill. Can I get another one?
Yes. Contact Utility Billing located on the first floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., or call 918.338.4224 for more information.
Regarding the article in last week’s City Beat, “Bats, mussels slow Tuxedo Bridge project,” what species of bats and mussels are involved?
The bats of concern are the Northern Long Eared bat and the Tri-Color bat. The mussels are the Neosho Mucket, Western Fan Shell and the Rabbits Foot.