Development News for Claremore, Oklahoma

Claremore Showcases Community Development Efforts, Upcoming Events, and Expo Center Financials

The council received an update on community development initiatives, including the successful Sunny Days Mural Festival which beautified downtown alleyways. Claremore's pattern zone housing initiative received a nod in the New York Times for being a leading example in the country. Upcoming events were highlighted: the Route 66 event on June 12th, the Mid-America Nationals car show from June 17th-21st, the fireworks show on June 27th, and the July 4th fishing derby. The filming of an episode of 'The Lowdown' with Tommy Lee Jones in Claremore was announced, with a temporary street closure expected. Discussions also focused on the operational challenges and financial considerations of the Expo center, which serves as a quality-of-life asset but does not generate significant revenue, prompting a need for future strategic discussion.

Claremore Budgets Millions for Stormwater, Water Infrastructure; Expo Roof Replacement and Community Events Highlighted

During the budget presentation, significant investments in infrastructure were detailed, including stormwater projects such as acquiring land in the flood zone for $940,000, the Revis drainage project ($3.8 million), and the sunset channel drainage and box cover project ($1.5 million). The budget also allocates funds for water and wastewater improvements. The Expo roof replacement is estimated at $550,000, with discussions highlighting the significant operational costs of the facility as a quality-of-life asset. The Mid-America Nationals car show, scheduled from June 17th to 21st, was promoted as a significant event for the city, bringing visitors and revenue. The annual fireworks show is set for June 27th, with the fishing derby on July 4th.

Claremore Advances Utility Projects, Renews Key Contracts, and Extends Water District Agreement

The Claremore Public Works Authority (CPWA) approved several contracts and discussed ongoing utility projects. A contract with Pro Tree Management LLC for power line clearance was approved, alongside a renewal with Southern Electric Cooperation Corporation of Mississippi for overhead electric construction. The CPWA also approved a contract for traffic signal maintenance with TLS Group and awarded a roadway striping contract. The Frederick Road utility relocation project, a precursor to road widening, was approved for construction by Timber Wolf Excavating. Discussions also included the status of the 2023 water treatment plant loan, with significant progress made on improvements including green sand filtration, and the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony. The purchase and sale agreement with Proctor County Rural Water District Number Two was extended, maintaining the same rates but incorporating a sovereignty clause to ensure fair pricing if the district is ever sold to another entity. An ongoing concern regarding the electric revenue for the city and its adequacy to cover operational costs was also mentioned.

Claremore Approves Industrial Park Plat and Revises Fireworks Ordinance

The council discussed and approved the final plat for the Claremore Industrial Park, located north of West Lowry and east of South 4150 Road, encompassing over 350 acres and zoned for industrial park use. The planning commission had previously recommended approval, with one abstention due to an organizational conflict of interest. Separately, an ordinance was discussed and approved that removes the requirement for residents to obtain permits for individual residential fireworks displays, while still requiring permits for large group gatherings, which will involve safety inspections and fire marshal oversight. The ordinance retains provisions for residential fireworks on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and allows for exemptions for special events.