[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6658851,"mediaKeyId","2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270","parentId",2477664,"title","Residents urge greater packet transparency; one public commenter alleges city attorney misrepresented contacts with state agency","audioSeconds",156,"startMs",138000,"endMs",294000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270&start=138&end=294","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270/thumbnail_138000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658851/Bartlesville/Washington-County/Oklahoma/Residents-urge-greater-packet-transparency-one-public-commenter-alleges-city-attorney-misrepresented-contacts-with-state-agency","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658851-2db105e329e8818dedb8df2c753f8d3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178048&Signature=EoFNCTkd7mIMCXEXJaY5hkSmyZBD32DSdgzvqhsiTm9eUckU02oIpgwN7BP5gaKlNRjsRnMKpS8-1CgOmhOBcL3KZU0d~~wW4a2aSmD78YiRgXsK8R8sEhpwF2ZZeerYCVmDaKCqKk4PKWQRPuzDza6pnW9-D4uw0Zg3mUkUeRwnVoakQDTcsKbuOeZerwK7qhraRekd6tT-auFAncxMERL~ykpvxbyxwZfQ7mnasFihDpcaW58Vrd1rZr2SyrCvv8QN33HW0gB584WYQ5UWCHm8aNZyDI8fljS1k4qyXBYqRgO41A6zOMJzCG08oHZDJPyGOqYEgWHn21AuW6FCmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bartlesville","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","During the public-comment period at the Bartlesville City Council meeting on March 3, two residents raised concerns about transparency in council packets and questioned statements made by the city attorney.

Sarah Burnett, who identified herself as a Rolling Hills resident, asked the city to publish complete meeting packets, including presentations, ahead of council meetings so citizens can research agenda items and comment knowledgeably. “How can citizens bring comment or communicate with their counselors when there's no available info regarding the agenda items?” Burnett asked, adding that she found blank pages for agenda items 10 and 11 and requested staff commit to publishing complete packets prior to action.

Joel Rabin (identified in his remarks as living downtown) addressed an unrelated matter involving the city attorney. Rabin said the city attorney told the council at a previous meeting he had met with the director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) and that the ODL director told him the Bartlesville Public Library’s citizenship training program was in compliance with state regulations. Rabin said an Open Records Act request to the ODL produced records indicating no such meeting took place and that the ODL director did not tell the city attorney that the program was compliant. Rabin urged the council to address what he called a “serious ethical issue” and said he would share the ODL response with the council.

Mayor and staff responses: A council member (Mayor/manager) responded later in the meeting noting that items 10 and 11 were brought by volunteer boards and that volunteer presenters do not always provide staff reports in the packet; the mayor offered to share a copy of materials received from the task force with Burnett. No formal council action was taken in response to Rabin’s allegations during the meeting.

Why it matters: The comments raise questions about the timing and completeness of materials provided to the public for council meetings and allege potential ethical or factual misstatements by a city employee, which the commenter asked the council to address.

What’s next: Rabin said he will forward ODL records to the council. Council did not take formal action on either request at the March 3 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bartlesville - City Council - Mar 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At public comment two residents urged better transparency in meeting packets; one also alleged the city attorney had falsely claimed a phone call and misrepresented the Oklahoma Department of Libraries' position on the library citizenship training program.","taxTitle","Bartlesville, Washington County, Oklahoma","taxId",62215,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658856,"Unsheltered homeless task force presents early findings; estimates 50–60 unsheltered within city limits",350,1696000,2046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270&start=1696&end=2046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270/thumbnail_1696000.jpg","/articles/6658856/Bartlesville/Washington-County/Oklahoma/Unsheltered-homeless-task-force-presents-early-findings-estimates-5060-unsheltered-within-city-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658856-85e9d1b418844ef9ec4ff5efea5a823f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178048&Signature=o9Bf8aaAFBFahs-rt2OUv-GMTC1k9bsyNX1mmlfIzeFUSn9JWvtffgijmXIzjM5TpKvG2jMm7j2tGLJw~e56supR64DXARwvggtRxqiK3OgoRXCZOE8cQ3rxAvukU32vFfwHb-0xhg0qi2Ux3R3R5xFuZqJcXAcuTCGCSNFG6SWIrLp1WCoGVQrF~vsde57bGJFjKyi8MEnhhtpwIsKaP9u0bYwlFXdxamO2Tx9L3lpDFM7EvRwUZI1930r9r86iY1rq~zIRb7AXdbpmQDfOxb-PZibaPsnoi375qFook0I76lKJUbPynPE73ADmpuP5hG4uo1GzoT5PZDj7O2XSqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rachel Schoeller, representing the volunteer Unsheltered Homeless Task Force, provided the Bartlesville City Council an update on March 3 about the group’s early work, data and next steps.

Scholler said the task force — which has 16 members from diverse backgrounds, including law enforcement, health care, veterans and nonprofits — has met three times and will report to the council every other month. The task force reviewed data from local service providers: Be The Light reported it served about 97 individuals in 2024 and 111 so far in 2025; Grand (Grand Mental Health) and the Bartlesville Police Department provided outreach statistics; Agape provided meal counts (nearly 6,000 meals served so far in 2025 and about 65,000 in 2024, data she said reflected counts through January/early February).

Scholler said the committee has focused on distinguishing “homeless” (lacking a permanent address) from “unsheltered” (sleeping outside, in a tent, car or makeshift shelter). Based on outreach data, the task force estimates roughly 50–60 unsheltered individuals regularly within the Bartlesville city limits; that number could double (100–110) if nearby areas outside the city limits are included.

She said the task force has reviewed ordinances and case studies from other cities (including Austin, Texas, and the recent U.S. Supreme Court–related case involving Grants Pass, Oregon) but has not proposed changes or ordinances. Scholler said the group has identified gaps in data and coordination and intends to refine recommendations and work plans before proposing policy changes.

Council members praised the task force’s broad participation and noted the value of including a person with lived experience. Council and staff described ongoing coordination with Grand Mental Health, Agape and other nonprofits, and noted that some services (for example, warming centers) operate on limited schedules tied to weather conditions.

Why it matters: The task force’s preliminary statistics and cross-agency coordination will inform future city recommendations or referrals to staff and could guide policies or service investments affecting unsheltered residents.

What’s next: The task force will continue meetings and prepare actionable items and potential ordinance language for committee review before any council consideration.","The council received an update from the volunteer Unsheltered Homeless Task Force. The panel reported data compiled from local nonprofits and agencies, estimated 50–60 unsheltered persons within Bartlesville city limits (100–110 including surrounding areas), and said the group is still compiling options and has not proposed ordinances.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658861,"Council awards contracts for Yale Drive and Madison Boulevard reconstructions",632,1044000,1676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270&start=1044&end=1676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270/thumbnail_1044000.jpg","/articles/6658861/Bartlesville/Washington-County/Oklahoma/Council-awards-contracts-for-Yale-Drive-and-Madison-Boulevard-reconstructions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658861-6dde98567f1f731b7a96c5c87edab937/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178048&Signature=dBP4TXKnRmMwHJDQ6wV-DmN3teTEUcoVHHdyi4dFuudUuAkBPkh4R8g9401gAkBswvR8OnSYN1ACK2Ogv981EVQgt7UigF54qUwoB13eGjdwP9tyOh8OzaxGNs5ux~G5lAycmOQ7H3cHeTs6EhubCY0kB-lECW6LtR4SXI1gt6Y9ughciHV3ZMB6abSAsugIBgH7EUgPty52TrBCXZEeWMugIzkjz72rJBH~9vmygI9thoI9YmnAN6dJitXLeu9LSTjlFqlB8l6FeiOm0T-ryucKzXtV7itqJ0s22jiFX9Ny6gKVDRuk~zhtOHv7fyF4-IAm1V3GPvMnwb0IGTde8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bartlesville City Council on March 3 awarded two separate construction contracts to low, compliant bidders for street reconstruction projects funded in part by the city’s voter-approved 2020 general obligation bonds.

Vice Mayor Dorsey presented bid results for the Yale Drive reconstruction (bid number 2024-2025-012), describing the work as full reconstruction of Yale Drive from East Frank Phillips Boulevard to Southeast Adams Boulevard, including salvaging curb and gutter and replacing pavement with an asphalt section. Four contractors submitted, and staff recommended the low, responsive bid from KSL Dirt Works of Bartlesville for $572,306.06, which the presentation said was $223,838.94 under the remaining construction budget for that project. The council voted unanimously to accept staff’s recommendation.

Dorsey then presented bid number 2024-2025-013 for reconstruction of Madison Boulevard from Tuxedo Boulevard to the water tower. Five contractors submitted bids; staff recommended the low, compliant bid from KSL Dirt Works of $1,080,345.43. The project budget, explained during presentation, consists of the city’s portion (about $725,000) and a cost-share with the Delaware Tribe that could contribute up to $900,000; combined available funding was described as $1,450,000. The low bid was reported as $369,654.87 under the available budget. Council approved the staff recommendation by unanimous vote.

Both projects were described as part of the voter-approved 2020 GO bond program (issuances in 2022 and 2023 were cited in the presentation) and as priority projects in the city’s capital program. Staff confirmed that bid packages were publicly advertised, mandatory pre-bid meetings were held, and bids were reviewed for addenda and mathematical correctness before recommendation.

Why it matters: Both reconstruction projects are intended to bring substandard roads up to current city standards and are funded largely through previously voter-approved GO bond proceeds and partner contributions, reducing immediate general fund impact.

Votes at a glance: Yale Drive (bid 2024-2025-012) — award to KSL Dirt Works for $572,306.06; Madison Boulevard (bid 2024-2025-013) — award to KSL Dirt Works for $1,080,345.43. Both awards passed unanimously.

","The Bartlesville City Council accepted low bids for two reconstruction projects — Yale Drive and Madison Boulevard — both funded through voter-approved general obligation bond proceeds and partner contributions. Both awards were unanimous.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6658865,"City council approves transfer of about 15 acres to BDA for 20,000-square-foot spec industrial building",1391,2588000,3979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270&start=2588&end=3979","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2477664-395bb7aeabb58224a556457adb7bb270/thumbnail_2588000.jpg","/articles/6658865/Bartlesville/Washington-County/Oklahoma/City-council-approves-transfer-of-about-15-acres-to-BDA-for-20000-square-foot-spec-industrial-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658865-7f103ae20810f67f1dd2c73825d16617/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178048&Signature=R8KsoYXbZnJ86C7FfoE0HtjAR2YOXlDJlrEWK7py3InJ5vnj-nq9S6~-qsIFe5-zbQsyxniZXKrS8FTvlOmtyhJ~iJze2wycBSPjRY9DHE7yco4Ye6DFoGATyyTFPpZcnVvoGhRG9UQ-mK-ODoXQHxVagvJl0udohqS59F-G2M-7K~sAUALxBqp7KycC1EqvPhqWFnxTBC1EvLWqYhe6gbAIhxXfNIUPBCV8gQ~tsvI188RiGqu31Kbj~VtfWonGix~i0GxqNdImo4LbjyNXMZDW-fWJJgdHe8kOe2lxc3tVU-QWegoElu3rx9ShVafH7oabZspyF8dQpNL-dSVRsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Batchelder, vice president of business development for the Bartlesville Development Authority, asked the Bartlesville City Council on March 3 to transfer approximately 15 acres in the Bartlesville Industrial Park to the BDA to enable construction of a 20,000-square-foot speculative industrial building.

Batchelder said the BDA has run out of ready industrial real estate and that a spec building would let the city recruit new companies that require specific facility characteristics such as ceiling height and floor depth. “The momentum is fantastic and we’re excited about continuing that this evening,” Batchelder told the council.

The BDA plans to divide the roughly 15-acre tract into three 5‑acre parcels. The initial phase would use the southernmost 5 acres for a 20,000-square-foot shell building that could be retrofitted for a tenant’s needs; the site design allows future expansion that could bring the campus to as much as about 80,000 square feet. Batchelder said one of the parcels is earmarked for an immediate expansion by Phillips Precision Machine, a local firm the BDA described as “busting at the seams.” Batchelder said Phillips currently employs about 45 people and could substantially expand with additional space.

Council members asked about how the building would be designed to meet market demand. Batchelder said CBRE, the commercial real estate firm the BDA uses, helped define size, ceiling height and other specs to match current demand and that tenants typically pay for specialty equipment while the BDA can provide limited tenant improvements when needed.

Council discussion also addressed how the BDA would fund construction. Batchelder said the building would be financed from the BDA’s real estate account — money generated from prior BDA transactions, including the sale of a former Siemens building and an ABB deal — not direct new appropriations from the city’s general fund. “This will be funded by the BDA through our real estate account,” Batchelder said.

Council moved and unanimously approved the transfer. Roll-call votes recorded by the city clerk show all voting members in favor.

Why it matters: The transfer gives the BDA immediate control of a build-ready industrial parcel and a tool to recruit manufacturers and other primary employers, which the BDA and council said could generate jobs, local spending and future tax revenue.

What’s next: The BDA will proceed with design and marketing of the 20,000-square-foot building and pursue tenants. The transfer includes flexibility for Phillips Precision Machine to expand on adjacent parcels if it chooses.

","The Bartlesville City Council voted unanimously to transfer roughly 15 acres in the Bartlesville Industrial Park to the Bartlesville Development Authority so the BDA can build a 20,000-square-foot speculative industrial building and parcel the site for future expansion and an immediate tenant expansion for a local manufacturer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge greater packet transparency; one public commenter alleges city attorney misrepresented contacts with state agency

Unsheltered homeless task force presents early findings; estimates 50–60 unsheltered within city limits

Council awards contracts for Yale Drive and Madison Boulevard reconstructions

City council approves transfer of about 15 acres to BDA for 20,000-square-foot spec industrial building