Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council meeting saw the tabling of several key discussion items related to 17th Street and Glen Haven due to illness. The council approved the annual TIF report, agreements for a rail spur in the Soldier Creek Industrial Park, and a resolution amending ACOG. Two new municipal judges were appointed, and a contract for a comprehensive city plan update was approved. Public comments focused on concerns about trail safety, commercial truck parking in residential areas, and zoning changes.
Key Decisions & Votes
TIF Districts Annual Report
17:00The annual report for the city's Tax Increment Finance Districts for 2023-2024 was accepted, with updates on the Northside District TIF projects (American Glass and Centrum facilities) expected to be online by Spring 2025 and on tax rolls by 2026.
Rail Spur MOU for Soldier Creek Industrial Park
29:00A Memorandum of Understanding was approved between the City, Economic Development Authority, and Utilities Authority for the engineering design and construction of a rail spur in the Soldier Creek Industrial Park to support new businesses like American Glass and Centrum.
Operating Agreement with Arkansas Oklahoma Railroad
34:00An operating agreement with the Arkansas Oklahoma Railroad for the newly constructed rail track within the Soldier Creek Industrial Park was approved.
ACOG Agreement Amendment
36:00A resolution amending the 1983 agreement creating the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) was approved, primarily for cleanup and compliance with state statutes.
Appointment of Lorenzo Banks as Municipal Judge
44:00Lorenzo Banks was unanimously approved as a new municipal judge, filling a vacancy due to a resignation.
Appointment of Joanne Horn as Municipal Judge
46:00Joanne Horn was unanimously approved as a new municipal judge, becoming the first female to serve on the Midwest City bench.
Comprehensive Plan Update Contract
57:00A Professional Services Agreement not to exceed $350,000 with Freese Nichols Inc. was approved for a 14-month project to update the city's comprehensive plan, which was last updated in 2008.
Plaza 62 Revitalization District Construction Manager
73:00An agreement for construction manager at risk services for the Plaza 62 (hospital) Revitalization District was approved with Willowbrook Inc., for a $20 million+ infrastructure project.
Upcoming Community Events
Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
7:30 a.m. at the Reed Center in Midwest City.
Community Garage Sale
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Residents can register on the city's webpage. No cost or fee, and does not count towards annual garage sale limits.
National Night Out
For all neighborhood associations around town.
Restore Midwest City Paint-a-thon
Volunteers are needed to revive and refresh six homes. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and community service hours are available for National Honor Society students. Contact Barbara Kelton at 739-1010 or BKelton@MidwestCity.org.
Financial Matters
Annual Report for City of Midwest City Tax Increment Finance Districts
Discussion on the financial status and progress of TIF projects, including potential ad valorem deposits from new facilities in 2026 and a possible $3 million federal grant.
Professional Services Agreement with Freese Nichols Inc. for Comprehensive Plan
Contract for updating the city's comprehensive plan.
Agreement for Construction Manager at Risk Services for Plaza 62 Revitalization District
Contract with Willowbrook Inc. for preconstruction and construction phase services for the $20 million+ infrastructure project in the hospital district.
Public Comments
Residents voiced concerns regarding increased crime, transient activity, and lack of police presence on city trails, requesting caution on new trail extensions. Complaints were also raised about the non-enforcement of ordinances concerning commercial truck parking in residential areas. Additionally, strong opposition was expressed against a proposed zoning change (Item 6, which was tabled) due to fears of negative impacts on property values and neighborhood density, alongside general dissatisfaction with code enforcement responsiveness.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Discussion items 4, 5, and 6 (related to 17th Street and Glen Haven issues) will be brought back to the Council at the September meeting.
Deadlines
- Labor Day sanitation schedule: Regular trash and recycling pickup on Monday, September 2nd will not occur; pickup will be on Wednesday, September 4th.
Watch For
- The Citywide sewer study by Freese Nichols is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Announcements
- Condolences were offered to Rita Maxwell for the passing of her mother.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda (remaining items)
Approval of routine agenda items after several were pulled for discussion.
Annual Report for City of Midwest City Tax Increment Finance Districts for 2023-2024
Discussion and consideration of the annual report for the city's TIF districts, including updates on American Glass and Centrum projects.
Memorandum of Understanding for Rail Spur in Soldier Creek Industrial Park
Approval of an MOU between the City, Economic Development Authority, and Utilities Authority for the engineering design and construction of a rail spur.
Operating Agreement with Arkansas Oklahoma Railroad
Approval of an operating agreement with the Arkansas Oklahoma Railroad for the railroad track within the Soldier Creek Industrial Park.
Resolution Amending 1983 Agreement Creating ACOG
Approval of a resolution amending the 1983 agreement that created the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG).
Nomination of Lorenzo Banks as Municipal Judge
Discussion and consideration of the nomination of Lorenzo Banks to serve as a municipal judge.
Nomination of Joanne Horn as Municipal Judge
Discussion and consideration of the nomination of Joanne Horn to serve as a municipal judge, marking the first female appointment to the bench.
Professional Services Agreement with Freese Nichols Inc. for Comprehensive Plan
Discussion and consideration of entering into an agreement not to exceed $350,000 with Freese Nichols Inc. to update the city's comprehensive plan.
Discussion Item 4 (Discussion Agenda)
Item related to the 17th Street and Glen Haven issues, formally tabled due to illness.
Discussion Item 5 (Discussion Agenda)
Item related to the 17th Street and Glen Haven issues, formally tabled due to illness.
Discussion Item 6 (Discussion Agenda)
Item related to the 17th Street and Glen Haven issues, formally tabled due to the applicant's illness.
Midwest City Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine items for the Municipal Authority.
Midwest City Hospital Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine items for the Hospital Authority.
Agreement for Construction Manager at Risk Services for Plaza 62 Revitalization District
Discussion and consideration of entering into an agreement with Willowbrook Inc. for construction manager at risk services for the Plaza 62 (hospital) District infrastructure project.
Special Economic Development Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine items for the Special Economic Development Authority.
Special Utilities Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine items for the Special Utilities Authority.
Executive Session (Employee Negotiations)
Discussion and consideration of entering into executive session to discuss negotiations concerning employees and representative employee groups.
Executive Session (Real Property)
Discussion and consideration of entering into executive session to discuss the purchase or appraisal of real property.