Development News for Glenpool, Oklahoma

City Adopts New Flag Display Ordinance, Includes City Officials in Half-Staff Provisions

The council considered and adopted Ordinance Number 835, which adds Chapter 13, General Provisions, to Title 1, Administration, of the city's code of ordinances. This ordinance establishes a policy for the display of flags by the city at city-owned or operated facilities. It specifies that only the flags of the United States, the state of Oklahoma, the national league of families prisoner of war/MIA flag, the flag of the city of Glenpool, the flags of the United States armed forces, and the flag of the Muscogee Creek Nation may be displayed. The ordinance also grants the city manager the authority to order flags to be flown at half-staff under specific circumstances. An amendment was approved to include city officials who pass away during their term of office in the conditions for lowering flags to half-staff. The ordinance was declared an emergency measure, allowing it to take effect immediately upon publication.

City Council Reviews Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget, Prioritizing Staff Raises and Sewer Operations

The council reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 annual budget. Key proposals include adding four full-time positions to the sewer operations division, a 3% raise for non-union employees, and a shift in health insurance providers from Community Care to Blue Cross Blue Shield with a 'difference card' system, alongside maintaining vision, life insurance, and Teldoc benefits. The budget also accounts for the police union contract and proposes reductions in seasonal part-time park positions due to hiring difficulties. Capital expenditures will be funded from excess funds, with a prioritization of employee raises over some capital spending this year. The budget projects healthy fund balances, with a total revenue of over $36 million and total expenses just over $35 million. Debt service is anticipated to increase in FY 2026-2027 due to new loans. A fund balance reserve policy is also planned for future discussion.

Elwood Avenue Widening Project Approved with Three-Lane Configuration

The council discussed and approved the lane configuration for the Elwood Avenue project between 151st Street and 137th Street. The project involves widening the corridor and includes signalization improvements. Key considerations included flood plains, utilities, right-of-way acquisition, and providing pedestrian access via multi-use trails. Traffic analysis indicated that a three-lane configuration would provide the best traffic operations, meeting a Level of Service C, and was favored by a majority of survey respondents (44%). A five-lane configuration was the next preference (23%). Staff recommended the three-lane configuration due to traffic analysis results, right-of-way constraints, and cost considerations, specifically the significant cost difference between a three-lane and a five-lane configuration (estimated $8 million difference). The project aims to improve traffic capacity, enhance safety, and provide pedestrian access.

Glenpool Utility Service Authority Reviews Proposed Budget, Approves City Manager Bonus

During the Glenpool Utility Service Authority meeting, the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 annual budget was presented. The budget includes a projected surplus in the GUSA fund of $28,143. The net assessed value for property taxes has increased by 9.4%, leading to an anticipated tax revenue of over $456,000 for next year. The budget presentation also touched upon the wastewater treatment facility project, noting it as a non-action item for the meeting. Additionally, the council approved the city manager's performance and incentive bonus of $10,000 and discussed proposed changes to the city manager's employment contract, though no action was taken on the latter.