[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6546281,"mediaKeyId","3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9","parentId",3795608,"title","Consultants propose 2,000-sq.-ft. addition, makerspace and ADA upgrades for Newcastle branch; estimated cost about $1.4 million","audioSeconds",1029,"startMs",175000,"endMs",1204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9&start=175&end=1204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9/thumbnail_175000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6546281/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Consultants-propose-2000-sq-ft-addition-makerspace-and-ADA-upgrades-for-Newcastle-branch-estimated-cost-about-14-million","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546281-c23956fae0ecad4c4cc1f09f26243e0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150563&Signature=W0Y1kc7bdKw6U2BZk8I5zigyM5X2~haaxfy06C9iGoHg9xsXOCk0JJbU6z7CasWHAU7vxuv2x18JuTs3n7uaJAgFh6wZVNhrBUUS35XmEnzgem47qLNDsiZYPewUlscXc7P05gEfu6~EMmuoC-bJ1TgGX8~IC9ZLW0Zpbso6KVPpxZwtoCndna3rsMIrd4kYCQ25cc6b66r4UAcGqu7BFEOV-M-jI3yebBy~ClnOFWsa2FOFIIZ7mcM~XzMXbhnslwniKE550UNeNGlq7-srRezZJYkSAxtGn7JoLvEVWDtWMNeREqnlv8XNOdMx7WLYqQwzthwBKuJXXfZnhRHGbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newcastle","date","2025-06-10T15:56:06Z","article","Consultants for the Pioneer Library System told Newcastle officials that the city’s library branch is \"undersized for its current service population\" and recommended adding roughly 2,000 square feet, new collaborative spaces and ADA-compliant restrooms to address high visit and circulation rates.

Christy Lynn, a consultant working on Pioneer Library System’s systemwide master plan, told council members the branch serves about 10,540 people and that American Library Association guidelines suggest a community that size should have roughly 6,000 square feet; the Newcastle facility is about 3,400 square feet. \"Your population of service is 10,540 people...the recommended square footage to provide services for your community is about 6 thousands a little over 6,000 square feet. Your current facility is at about 3,400,\" Lynn said.

The consultants’ schematic, presented to the council, would keep the existing city-owned space largely intact and add an approximately 2,000-square-foot wing that would create a dedicated children’s area with a story-time nook and play area, an adult collaboration/lounge area, two small meeting or study rooms, and a makerspace adjacent to the shared program room. The plan would relocate two rooftop condensers and the movie-box hold locker and would remove two parking stalls but retain a two-way drive lane off Tenth Street. The package presented includes a single unisex ADA restroom and an ADA staff restroom.

Why it matters: consultants said Newcastle’s branch posts the system’s highest visits per capita and highest loans per capita (about 9.6 loans per capita versus a system average of 4.5). Council members and presenters emphasized the branch’s frequent use by families, demand for private spaces for telehealth, tutoring and remote work, and interest in on-site maker equipment (3D printers, laser cutter, etc.) as services that would be enabled by the addition.

Cost and schedule: the consultants provided an order-of-magnitude cost estimate stated in 2025 dollars: building construction about $1,155,000, furniture about $82,000 and additional soft costs and contingency to yield a total project estimate roughly $1.4 million. The presenters said Pioneer would provide makerspace equipment (laser cutter, 3-D printer and related devices) at no additional cost to the city as Pioneer has done for other branches. On schedule, the consultants estimated a typical 6–9 month design period followed by roughly 9–12 months of construction; if all approvals and procurement were immediate, the earliest occupancy estimate given was late 2026, with spring 2027 judged more likely.

Operational and site effects: the plan would remove two parking stalls, require relocation of mechanical equipment and the book-hold movie box, and create a new emergency access point on the south wall. Presenters said the project includes options for phased construction to reduce service disruption; they suggested a potential temporary shutdown of about one to two months during interior renovation phases depending on phasing choices.

Funding and decision: Pioneer Library System staff said the library system has been reserving funds for branch projects across the system and that the board prioritized Newcastle along with other sites; Pioneer indicated it would fund the project costs included in the estimate. At the meeting a councilmember moved to authorize the city manager to proceed with negotiations and process the project; the motion carried with all councilmembers present voting in favor (recorded as: Jane Reed — yes; Todd D'Amico — yes; Mike Fullerton — yes; Marcy White — yes; Carl — yes).

Next steps: presenters said they will return during design stages to gather community input, refine plans and cost estimates, and work with the city on site logistics and phasing. Council authorized staff to proceed with negotiation and processing of the project.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","NPWA/ City Council Regular Meeting Monday June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Consultants for the Pioneer Library System told Newcastle officials that the city’s library branch is undersized for its 10,540-person service population and proposed a roughly 2,000-square-foot addition with makerspace, meeting rooms and ADA restrooms; the city council authorized the city manager to negotiate and process the project.","taxTitle","Newcastle, McClain County, Oklahoma","taxId",61935,"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},6546271,"Votes at a glance: Newcastle council approves library expansion negotiations, budgets, equipment purchase and several interlocal and zoning items",876,4218000,5094000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9&start=4218&end=5094","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9/thumbnail_4218000.jpg","/articles/6546271/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Votes-at-a-glance-Newcastle-council-approves-library-expansion-negotiations-budgets-equipment-purchase-and-several-interlocal-and-zoning-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546271-7a76bff3a3baf881d4f7ae72ea94ad4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150563&Signature=Qfmx9t9UQiMy8ElpzdTskpxY3tRaCMixSWQUQGAusUJ5SH12GWIep2dT0wMYQAf27nD4QrKuJ9~T~3LWhbSKmC0KIL5HbmJ7Myf9iYB9fVuGmiOoZTz1p6ryJB9ZPhrVIwjY2txRUx~jemVPHAOt488tSX2fdxviE9XyRD6hWFS0o3YGKGBTRdmVQAU-eO5a5KXK97rBd3oPgO8NmA7bH8HK0K2GvxdUmvoWCI1-UemjGy1X8SX99MVBBRHFwm6XpwRQG9smZqRr3kwSQHWDp-ahUBPKH6CgcvxD-ozL0Bv4OKwzhtKpf~E4vYUry5ylyDt7hj6Hno1BLWRJ6Q9CMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newcastle City Council and the Newcastle Public Works Authority took action on a series of items. Key outcomes listed below reflect motions recorded in the meeting transcript and the vote tallies as read into the record.

Votes at a glance

- Library expansion (Agenda item 7): Motion to authorize the city manager to proceed with negotiations and process the proposed expansion improvements to the library. Outcome: approved. Recorded vote: Jane Reed — yes; Todd D'Amico — yes; Mike Fullerton — yes; Marcy White — yes; Carl — yes.

- Utility account adjustment for service address 3000 Long Drive (customer Steve S. Burton): Motion to adjust the bills from October 2024 through May 2025 to the average of the prior 12 months immediately preceding October 2024. Outcome: approved. Recorded vote: Jill/Jean Reed — yes; Todd D'Amico — yes; Mike Fullerton — yes; RC wife/Marcy White — yes; Carl — yes (transcript records multiple close variants of names; listed names reflect the roll-call spoken at the meeting).

- Authorization for utility assistance and write-offs (Item 7A/B/C on the Public Works Authority agenda): Motions to approve write-off/assistance for noncollectible accounts older than five years and related items. Outcome: approved (recorded roll-call votes in transcript show unanimous or majority approval as named on record).

- Purchase of 2025 Caterpillar backhoe (state contract) for Water Department (Agenda item 9): Motion to purchase a 2025 Cat backhoe at a purchase price of $133,665. Outcome: approved. Recorded vote: Jane Reed — yes; Todd D'Amico — yes; Mike Fullerton — yes; Marcy White — yes; Carl — yes.

- City annual budget adoption for fiscal year 07/01/2025–06/30/2026 (Agenda item 8 and repeated budget hearing): Motion to adopt the annual city budget and related resolution (Resolution No. 2025-05 referenced). Outcome: approved. Recorded roll-call: unanimous yes of councilmembers recorded at the meeting.

- Newcastle Economic Development Authority budget (Agenda item 10 / Resolution No. 2025-06 referenced): Motion to adopt the NDA budget and resolution. Outcome: approved.

- Riverview Estates Section 3 — preliminary plat (Planning item 6c): Motion to approve preliminary plat for Riverview Estates Section 3 (Case No. 2025-005). Outcome: approved. Recorded roll-call: unanimous yes of councilmembers present.

- Change posted speed limits on east-west section-line roads west of Country Club (Agenda item 8 under Planning/Traffic): Motion to reduce posted speed on all east-west section-line roads west of Country Club to 35 miles per hour (leaving other posted limits such as 25 mph as-is). Outcome: approved. Recorded roll-call: unanimous yes of councilmembers present.

Other consent items and interlocal agreements: The council approved a package of consent agenda items and several interlocal agreements between the city and McClain County (roadwork cooperation, jail services and similar routine agreements); motions carried as read into the record.

Notes on transcript naming: the meeting transcript includes variant phonetic spellings for some officials’ names at different points in roll call (e.g., \"Jane Reed\" sometimes appears as \"Jean Reed\" or \"Jane Rhee\"). vote tallies in this roundup follow the spoken roll-call names given in the meeting record. If official minutes or the clerk’s certified roll call differ, those should be used for final legal records.

","At the meeting the council voted on multiple consent items, budget adoptions, equipment purchases and approvals including authorization to negotiate the library expansion (Item 7), adjustments to a resident's water bills, purchase of a 2025 Cat backhoe, the city budget and a rezoning/preliminary plat; recorded vote tallies are listed below.",{"_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},6546276,"Residents press city for follow-up on Ridge neighborhood drainage as council approves budget funding",836,4823000,5659000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9&start=4823&end=5659","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795608-370146a7ed6948050c293885c93bd5d9/thumbnail_4823000.jpg","/articles/6546276/Newcastle/McClain-County/Oklahoma/Residents-press-city-for-follow-up-on-Ridge-neighborhood-drainage-as-council-approves-budget-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6546276-3d514ed1b2e16713ebc77e07f6118316/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150563&Signature=XinquvxCN0O-EVgVOjOvv3acm~-SIuzJZ0h7940ek9SsnUXSaHGpfYf~DdvFT2puf7KNJRmZ9PYPnuRj~kZxSE3IEGevoq4Hjb8onsfYULEU3GY2XwTzRD8Thdy63b1Wmh2SxQO2o~BK~siT2z1CTmF3-SEGgTHdbMoHKL6dZAGGeeRyyqQZhHQ5mBYCWKC0xGlUe1a~PVxEL8~Oz60aXqrxdmm5kH2Tr4boIe~r~a-A4cQcb4m0c~~DoEyrwiY0fWt804Ncv8ShHYk6uJQs~tbb1TiWZb4u1eobOxZrsIizEzXXskWOfbaU654Kygq0-esLAmZSQ6TNbEBZHmdMkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents of the Ridge neighborhood asked Newcastle officials to ensure planned drainage work continues and to inspect specific properties they say are diverting stormwater into neighboring yards and buildings.

Farrah Coffey, speaking for Ridge residents, said Phase 1 of a two-phase drainage plan covered the current fiscal year and asked that Phase 2 be included and funded in the coming budget year. She asked whether the contractors have surety (performance) bonds and whether the work schedule is clear; staff said performance bonds are in place during construction with maintenance bonds triggering on formal acceptance of improvements.

Tammy Kabir, a Ridge resident who described property damage behind her home, said two recent new builds on Marlin/Merlin Court appear to be sending large volumes of water downhill. \"It's coming out just a tiny spigot of water...all the rest of it that's on that property is rolling straight down behind it,\" Kabir said. She described water overtopping retaining walls, damaging an outbuilding and causing seepage into neighboring homes’ rooms.

City staff and council acknowledged the complaints and described next steps. The community development director and city manager said they will inspect the addresses residents identified, compare conditions to the recorded drainage plans and determine whether builders altered or blocked intended swales and channels. The city manager said construction-related private improvements on older lots may be a private-property issue, but staff said they would review the sites and the subdivision’s recorded drainage designs and report back.

Why it matters: Council had just approved the annual city budget, which staff said includes funds for the drainage work that residents requested. That budget approval was recorded at the meeting; residents and staff said they expect the Phase 2 work to mitigate some neighborhood flooding but that previously filled or altered swales on earlier phases could be redirecting flows and worsening local damage.

Public-safety and emergency response: City staff said the street department and emergency crews responded to widespread storm washouts following heavy rains and that city crews worked extended shifts to reopen narrow roads. The city manager and emergency manager said they are compiling hours, equipment and damage documentation to submit as part of a potential disaster declaration to the state for reimbursement of emergency repairs.

Next steps: staff asked residents to provide specific addresses and photos; staff committed to inspecting the properties, reviewing recorded drainage plans, and reporting findings to the community development director and council. If city staff identify private improvements that block required drainage easements, staff said they will identify remedial steps and advise affected homeowners of options.

","Residents of the Ridge neighborhood urged the city to complete Phase 2 of a drainage plan and asked officials to inspect local sites where new construction appears to be redirecting stormwater; city staff said Phase 2 is included in the budget and that staff will inspect the reported locations","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultants propose 2,000-sq.-ft. addition, makerspace and ADA upgrades for Newcastle branch; estimated cost about $1.4 million

Votes at a glance: Newcastle council approves library expansion negotiations, budgets, equipment purchase and several interlocal and zoning items

Residents press city for follow-up on Ridge neighborhood drainage as council approves budget funding