Bartlesville Council hears calls for transparency and compassion in homelessness policies

Bartlesville City Council members are urged to enhance transparency and compassion in their governance following a recent meeting that highlighted pressing community concerns. During the session on June 2, 2025, public comments focused on two significant issues: the need for a revised records retention policy and the ongoing challenges faced by the unsheltered homeless population.

Sarah Burnett, a local resident, called for amendments to the city’s records retention policy, emphasizing the importance of documentation in fostering transparency and accountability. She argued that without proper records of communications and decisions, citizens cannot effectively engage with their government. Burnett referenced the Open Records Act, advocating for a system that allows residents to access information about governmental processes.

The discussion then shifted to homelessness, with Noah Meadows and Shavonne Robles sharing their insights from the unsheltered homeless task force meetings. Meadows expressed concern that some individuals are falling through the cracks of the current shelter system, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to support all members of the community, regardless of their circumstances. He stressed that homelessness is a systemic issue that requires a compassionate response from the city.

Robles, the executive director of the Westside Community Center, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the complexities surrounding homelessness. She praised the task force's efforts to balance compassion with accountability, recognizing the challenges of addressing the needs of both the unhoused and the broader community. Robles emphasized that those experiencing homelessness should be seen as neighbors deserving of dignity and support, rather than problems to be fixed.

The meeting underscored a collective call for Bartlesville's leadership to prioritize transparency in governance and to adopt a compassionate approach to homelessness. As the city moves forward, these discussions will likely shape policies aimed at fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents.