This is a conceptual rendering for a Public Safety Facility that would house police and fire departments as well as a training center if voters approve an upcoming bond issue on Nov. 12. Courtesy
SAND SPRINGS - Construction of a public safety facility makes up the bulk of a $14.5 million bond issue expected to be on the ballot this fall.
The City Council is planning to present three propositions in the general election on Nov. 12 to address public safety needs, renovate and repair City Hall, and improve, repair and update its parks and museum.
Approval of the three propositions in the 20-year bond would increase Sand Springs residents' property taxes by an estimated $129 a year. Approval of the public safety facility only would represent a potential $101 a year increase.
Public reaction so far has seemed to focus on the location of the public safety facility, set for a 12.75-acre site on Wekiwa Road, west of South 129th West Avenue. Some feel like the proposed spot is too far west from the current downtown police and fire operations adjacent to City Hall.
But city officials have responded to those concerns by saying that the site is actually centrally located considering the city boundaries and the expected growth in the northwest. They also say that the site has easy access to U.S. 412, which roughly splits the city in half. They also believe the location would actually improve response times.
The City Council has already agreed to purchase the land from the Sand Springs Home for no more than $80,000 with funds from the 2006 general obligation bond issue for land acquisition.
Some wanted to see it built in one of the former industrial areas such as the former Southwest Porcelain Steel at 201 E. Morrow Road, which was razed.
City Manager Rocky Rogers told residents last week at a public meeting that there are higher costs associated with building on a site with significant environmental clean-up issues and that the land on the west side was available and affordable.
The 45,000-square-foot Public Safety Facility would consolidate police and fire operations, including the downtown Fire Station 1, to one building and provide shared training facilities.
It would also include a new jail, emergency operation center and 911 center.
Deputy Police Chief Mike Carter said that he and other city officials looked at cost, response times and the ability to train before selecting the western site, which is about 1.5 miles west of the downtown location.
Carter said the western site - unlike downtown - offers plenty of room to train.
The current police department was constructed in 1920. It is a 4,500-square-foot building that officials say is significantly smaller than its neighboring city's facilities. Officials note that the Sapulpa Police Department has 19,000 square feet and Glenpool's public safety building is 28,000 square feet.
Rogers said that the property room is overflowing and the 911 dispatch center is cramped.
Fire Chief Mike Wood said it is difficult for today's fire trucks to exit onto McKinley Avenue. Rogers said that storage space is inadequate and repairs are needed.
Proposition 2 would include demolition of the current Fire Station 1, remodeling of the City Council chambers, office modifications, roof replacement and construction of a new parking lot.
Proposition 3 devotes $2 million to a host of park projects estimated at more than $3.4 million. If approved, Rogers said the City Council would decide specifically how the funds are allocated to which projects on the list.
River City Park is listed with the most need. Officials want to construct a splash pad, noting that the city is the largest in the state without an aquatic feature.
They also want to update the outdated playground unit and replace flood-damaged concession and restroom facilities.
The 1929 art deco Sand Springs Museum is also on the list for needed repairs.
Officials also want to complete the parking lot at the Keystone Ancient Forest, which opened in 2007. Rogers said that more people are going there to hike.
Two more meetings are scheduled to discuss the upcoming bond election:
- Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m., Broadway Baptist Church, 1000 N. Adams Road.
- Aug. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Salvation Army, 4403 S. 129th West Ave.
Proposition 1
Public Safety Facility: $11 million
Fire Station 2 remodel: $400,000
Total: $11.4 million
Proposition 2
Constructing, renovating, repairing and improving Municipal Building and Fire Station 1 demolition: $1.1 million
Proposition 3
River City Park facilities: $2 million
Canyons Golf Course facilities: $155,000
Various park facilities: $500,000
Sand Springs Museum: $497,000
Keystone Ancient Forest: $250,000
Total Need: $3.4 million
Total request: $2 million (City Council to determine allocations among projects proposed)
Grand total: $14.5 million
Potential property tax increase
Propositions 1-3: $129 a year
Proposition 1 (Public Safety Facility only): $101
Susan Hylton 918-581-8381
susan.hylton@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Sand Springs bond proposal spotlights public safety
Sand Springs
Ronnie Dean Haskins III, 40, is accused of killing Zachary Hank Montgomery, 24, about 11 p.m. Aug. 31 at 6105 W. Eighth St.
Tulsa Police Homicide Sgt. Dave Walker said Ronnie Dean Haskins II, 40, was arrested about 5 p.m. at a trailer near 1600 S. 145th West Ave. in Sand Springs.
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