|
Broken Arrow named 11th safest city in America
Website MoneyGeek.com has ranked Broken Arrow as the 11th safest city in the Country. Broken Arrow was the highest ranking city in Oklahoma.
To assess the safest cities, MoneyGeek analyzed crime data from 303 cities with populations over 100,000. The data includes violent crimes such as murder, rape and aggravated assault and property crimes such as home burglary and motor vehicle theft. MoneyGeek calculated each city's cost of crime and ranked the cities based on the cost of crime per capita. Additionally, researchers have quantified how much more violent crimes cost a community than property crimes.
Police Chief Brandon Berryhill credits the support of Broken Arrow residents, the City Council and administration, and the Broken Arrow Police Department personnel for the Safest Cities ranking.
“The community support is vital to our success," Berryhill said. "Our partnerships in the community, support from the City Officials, and dedicated officers and staff allow the Broken Arrow Police Department to provide superior service to our community.”
Visit MoneyGeek.com for more details.
|
Impact series addresses more social media misconceptions
At the Dec. 15 Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority (BAEDA) meeting, the City’s Economic Development Manager Norman Stephens made his latest Economic Development Impact presentation to the Authority.
In this presentation, Stephens updated the Authority on several Economic Development construction projects, including:
- Northeast Crossroads, near Kenosha and the Creek Turnpike;
- Brio, formerly called the Milestone project on North Main Street; and
- Tiger Hill Plaza, at Kenosha (71st) and 9th (Lynn Lane).
Stephens also briefly spoke about Rose District holiday event successes, Creek 51 Industrial park progress and the Back To BA Shop Local campaign before addressing two new common social media misconceptions regarding economic development 1) "If they're sufficient rooftops in a specific area, site selectors will choose that area to develop." and 2) "Retailers avoid competition."
The monthly video presentations are available on the City’s website at BrokenArrowOK.gov/TED and on the City’s YouTube channel.
|
|
Stephens named new assistant city manager of administration
Norman Stephens, the City’s current economic development manager and retired deputy chief of police, has been promoted by City Manager Michael Spurgeon to the position of assistant city manager of administration. In his new role, Stephens will oversee the administrative division of the organization, which includes the Finance, Maintenance Services, Human Resources, City Clerk, Information Technology and Economic Development departments.
“I look forward to this wonderful opportunity” Stephens said. “Serving the citizens of Broken Arrow has been my passion for the last 37 years.”
Stephens’ career with the City began in 1984, working in the Police Department. After 27 years with the agency, Stephens retired as deputy chief of police and began working as economic development manager for the City in 2011.
Stephens holds Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Northeastern State University. He also is a graduate of the 171st Class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
As economic development manager, Stephens is responsible for numerous projects that have brought millions of dollars to Broken Arrow. This includes planning and implementation of the award-winning Rose District, bringing the Warren Theater to the Shoppes at Aspen Creek and continued involvement in the redevelopment effort of New Orleans Square. Stephens has recruited and negotiated economic development agreements for retail, restaurants, and multifamily housing that increased growth in the Rose District by $40 million.
Stephens’ appointment as assistant city manager of administration is effective Feb. 1. He replaces long-time employee Russell Gale, who announced his retirement in late 2020.
|
|
Online surplus auction runs Jan. 8-18
The City of Broken Arrow will hold an online surplus auction for 10 days, from 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8, to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18.
Bargain hunters interested in obtaining used cars, utility trucks, backhoe, bucket truck, mowers, electronics and more can find a list of items for sale on the City’s website at BrokenArrowOK.gov/Auction.
Photos and more details will be available on the auction site when the auction opens.
Interested bidders may view the items in person before placing a bid. Instructions for scheduling an appointment can be found with the item’s detailed information on the auction website. Once the online auction begins, bidders will have 10 days to participate. The winning bidders must claim their items at the City’s warehouse, 1700 W. Detroit.
The surplus property and equipment has outlived its usefulness to the City. Because the estimated combined value of the items to be sold is in excess of $15,000, it had to be declared surplus by the City Council.
Proceeds from the sale of surplus items will be deposited into the General Fund and Broken Arrow Municipal Authority (BAMA) funds, depending on the sold item’s funding source.
Holiday Trash Schedule
City offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All trash collection that week will slide one day. For instance, Monday customers will have their trash collected on Tuesday, and so on.
City offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, for Presidents Day with the same adjusted trash collection schedule mentioned above.
The Police and Fire Departments will remain open on these days. If an emergency call requires the services of Public Works crews in water or streets, employees will be brought in to fix the emergency. The after-hours emergency number is 918-259-8400.
|
|
|
Jan. 14 — Planning Commission 5 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day City offices closed. Trash service slides 1 day.
Jan. 19 — Broken Arrow City Council 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St. *Time and location subject to change.
Jan. 28 — Planning Commission 5 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
|
|
Feb. 2 — Broken Arrow City Council 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
Feb. 11 — Planning Commission 5 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
Feb. 15 — Presidents Day City offices closed. Trash service slides 1 day.
Feb. 16 — Broken Arrow City Council 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
|
|
Feb. 25 — Planning Commission 5 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
March 2 — Broken Arrow City Council 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
March 11 — Planning Commission 5 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 220 S. First St.
View public meeting agendas at BrokenArrowOK.gov/
Agendas.
|
|
|
|
|
