BARNSDALL, Okla. — May 6, 2024 Barnsdall changed forever.
On May 6, 2025, the city council met, as it does on the first Tuesday of every month.
WATCH: Barnsdall city council met one year after a deadly tornado:
“It seems like there’s not been a lot done, but there’s been a tremendous amount of work done the last year …. to get where we’re at,” Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley said.
May 6, 2025 is much less memorable, but the decisions made at the city council meeting could change the face of the community forever.
Councilors updated citizens on a lifted moratorium. Officials issued the original moratorium on rebuilding within a designated red zone to allow flood mitigation work and infrastructure improvements.
SEE THE MAP: The red-shaded area, along the bank of Bird Creek, is the only remaining portion of the moratorium. Building is now permitted otherwise.
City leaders expect so-called ‘tiny houses’ to pop up in neighborhoods. Leaders made it clear during the May 6 meeting that the homes must meet code. No sheds qualify as tiny homes.
THE RULES >>> Barnsdall’s Mayor addressed tiny homes with 2 News in August
Also in the meeting, an engineer gave updates on the plan to repair Waxhoma Dam which failed last week.
THE DAM FAILURE >>> 2 News’ Brodie Myers was in town after the dam failed, causing flooding.
2 News Oklahoma listened to Alan Sheninger, a Barnsdall resident, holding strong. Sheninger is excited at the prospect of growth, but hopes to maintain Barnsdall’s rural identity.
“I’d like to see a little more commerce here, a little more growth … but not too much. I don’t want a Walmart down the street,” Sheninger said.
Now, the city looks ahead to the next year. Among the mayor’s goals are new housing developments, repaired infrastructure, a revitalized refinery, and a new owner for the nursing home.
SEARCHING FOR AN OWNER >>>2 News’ Stef Manchen spoke with people searching for a new owner of the nursing home.
Mayor Kelley said he was glad to see a full house at the city council meeting. Barring an unexpected change, the council will next meet June 3.
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