Board authorizes staff research on gate, parking rent for Pardon and Parole Board at Lincoln Complex

Staff told the PBA advisory board that the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, a tenant at the Lincoln Complex, requested access to a portion of the county parking lot and installation of an access gate.

"The pardon and parole board rents space at that location, and they have made an inquiry as to whether or not we would allow them to utilize a portion of the parking lot here and install an access gate," a staff member said. The staff member recommended the county first consult Doug Sanderson at the election board to check for election-day impacts, noting that heavy election days can push lines beyond the fence and could create conflicts.

The staff member also said that because the lot is county (PBA) property, "there would be some expectation that a rent for that dedicated parking area would be paid," and offered that "a 4 or $500 a month fee would not be unreasonable" as an initial estimate. The board’s chair offered a friendly amendment to the motion authorizing negotiations: instead of opening negotiations immediately, the chair said staff should research options and return with a final recommendation. The board approved that amendment.

On next steps, staff agreed to check with the election board, estimate costs for a gate and any fence work, and return with recommended rent or exchange terms at a future meeting.

Why it matters: allowing tenant access to dedicated parking could affect election-day traffic patterns and creates revenue and equity considerations for county property; the board chose to gather more information before committing to terms.