Council OKs conveyance of 0.78 acres to Jenks Public Schools for tennis expansion

The Jenks City Council voted to declare 0.78 acres near Jenks High School surplus and to convey that land to Jenks Public Schools so the district can expand its tennis facility and associated parking.

City staff explained the school plans to expand a two-story structure to add locker rooms, restrooms, offices and outdoor viewing areas and that the expansion will require reclaiming part of the parking lot. To accommodate increased runoff the project proposes filling the existing riprap retention pond and constructing a new detention pond on the conveyed parcel. School-contracted engineers found the old-fill area may require excavation of up to 8—210 feet of debris; the school estimates removal costs between $50,000 and $100,000.

Staff said the school will be responsible for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the new pond per the terms of the agreement; the city will continue inspections under state stormwater and local detention criteria. Councilmembers questioned how the pond would affect adjacent homeowners and whether the new pond would drain or create standing water. The planner and engineer present reported estimated percolation rates (about 15 inches per hour) and said exact conditions will be verified during excavation and engineering design.

Councilmember (speaker 12) moved to approve Resolution 880; roll call showed yes votes from Short, Emmons, O'Shea, Abel and Murray. Mayor Bucks was absent; Vice Mayor Brown abstained. The motion passed.

Next steps: staff will finalize the conveyance paperwork and the school will provide construction drawings and hydrology data for city review prior to grading or construction.