Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council approved significant measures to address the city's sewer infrastructure, including new development fees and a sewer user rate increase, leading to the lifting of the east side sewer moratorium. A controversial proposal to rezone the Heritage Park Mall property for a mixed-use development, including high-density residential and aquaponics, was unanimously denied. Additionally, the Council approved contracts for Mid-America Park Phase 1, a Citywide Stormwater Master Plan, and a Northside Utilities Water Project.
Key Decisions & Votes
Denial of Heritage Park Mall Rezoning Request
00:49:50The City Council denied the applicant's request for a continuance and subsequently denied the rezoning application for the Heritage Park Mall property, citing an incomplete plan, lack of concrete financing, and inconsistencies with the urban renewal plan.
Approval of Sewer Connection Fees Ordinance
01:00:00The Council approved an ordinance establishing new development fees for connecting to the public sewer system, with residential fees based on total building area and non-residential fees based on water meter size, to fund necessary infrastructure improvements.
Approval of Sewer User Charge Increase Ordinance
01:18:00An ordinance was approved to increase sewer user charges and Capital Improvement charges by 18.8% to ensure adequate funding for the sewer system's operational costs and capital improvements.
Lifting of East Side Sewer Moratorium
01:25:00Resolution 23-25 was approved to lift the moratorium on new construction and development connecting to the east side wastewater collection system, effective August 22nd, following the approval of new fees and rates.
Awarding Bid for Mid-America Park Phase 1 Project
01:35:00A bid was awarded to Wind Construction Inc. for the Mid-America Park Phase 1 Project, which includes basic park infrastructure such as a parking lot, pavilion, playground, and a connecting path.
Approval of Citywide Stormwater Master Plan Contract
01:40:00A Professional Services agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. was approved to develop a comprehensive Citywide Stormwater Master Plan, utilizing ARPA funds.
Awarding Bid for Northside Utilities Water Project
01:45:00A bid was awarded to H&H Plumbing and Utilities Inc. for the Northside Utilities Water Project, which involves constructing a 12-inch water line to serve The Wharf and Centrum, significantly under budget.
Upcoming Community Events
Midwest City's First Citywide Garage Sale
Registrations open mid-August; details on website and social media. No fee to participate.
Mommy and Son Splash-a-palooza
Regional Park. Information and tickets available on the city's website.
Community Health Centers of Oklahoma Back to School Event
Highland Park (5301 South Dimple Drive). Free backpacks, school supplies (including clear backpacks), and employment assistance.
Financial Matters
Midwest City Sales Tax (July)
Sales tax was down approximately $76,000, and use tax was down about $11,000, totaling an $87,000 (1.9%) decrease compared to the previous year. Compared to budget projections, it was flat at 0.9%.
Sewer Connection Fees Ordinance
New development fees for residential properties at $1.70 per square foot of total building area, and for non-residential properties based on water meter size, to fund sewer system improvements.
Sewer User Charge Increase Ordinance
An 18.8% increase in sewer user charges and Capital Improvement charges to cover operational costs and capital improvements for the sewer system.
Mid-America Park Phase 1 Project
Awarding a bid for the first phase of the Mid-America Park project.
Citywide Stormwater Master Plan
Professional Services agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. to develop a Citywide Stormwater Master Plan, funded by ARPA funds and the stormwater quality fund.
Northside Utilities Water Project
Awarding a bid for the construction of a 12-inch water line to serve The Wharf and Centrum, coming in under budget.
Public Comments
Public comments included strong opposition to the Heritage Park Mall rezoning due to concerns about noxious fumes from proposed aquaponics, increased traffic, and overall negative impact on quality of life. Other comments highlighted new community health services and a back-to-school event, and a resident expressed ongoing frustration with severe flooding issues at his property. A compliment was also given regarding the excellent service at the Delta Hotel.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- ARPA funds for the stormwater master plan must be spent by August 2025.
Watch For
- Completion of the Citywide Sewer Master Plan (anticipated next year).
- Mid-America Park Phase 2, including a larger parking lot, bathroom, and disc golf course.
- Potential future sewer rate adjustments based on the Citywide Sewer Master Plan findings.
Announcements
- Midwest City's first citywide garage sale will be held September 27th-29th, 2024, with registrations opening in mid-August. There will be no fee to participate.
- The Mommy and Son Splash-a-palooza is scheduled for August 2nd at Regional Park.
- Merl Davis was recognized with a proclamation for over 22 years of dedicated service to the city, retiring December 4th, 2024.
- Community Health Centers of Oklahoma has acquired the old Highland Park Elementary School (5301 South Dimple) and is now providing medical, behavioral health, lab services, and case management, with dental and pharmacy services coming by year-end. They will host a free back-to-school event on August 2nd, offering backpacks and school supplies, including clear backpacks for Mid-Del students, and employment assistance.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Approval of routine agenda items, with items 3, 11, and 12 pulled for separate discussion.
School Resource Officer Mutual Cooperation Agreement
Approving an agreement with the Mid-Del School System for two School Resource Officers for Midwest City and Carl Albert high schools, with one floating between Midwest City High School and Junior High. The school system pays for 10 months of service.
MOU Extending Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP Lodge 127
Approving a Memorandum of Understanding to extend the collective bargaining agreement with the FOP Lodge 127 while negotiations for the current fiscal year are ongoing, with minor revisions for health benefits.
Resolution Nominating Matthew D. Dukes II to Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors
Approving a resolution to nominate Mayor Matthew D. Dukes II to the Oklahoma Municipal League board of directors.
PC 2180 Special Use Permit for Moderate Impact Institutional Use
Public hearing and consideration of a special use permit to allow a preparatory school for aspiring athletes at 9113, 9125, and 9201 Southeast 15th, previously occupied by Harvest Life International Church. The school will cater to junior and high school students with an enrollment of 35-50, with conditions for parking, landscaping, and dumpster enclosure.
PC 2168 Rezoning Heritage Park Mall Property
Public hearing and consideration of amending the comprehensive plan from office retail to office retail and high-density residential, and an ordinance to redistrict the Heritage Park Mall property to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with C3 as a base zoning district. The applicant requested a continuance, which was denied.
Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 43 (Sewer Connection Fees)
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to establish new sewer connection fees (development fees) for residential and non-residential properties to fund necessary improvements to the sewer system. Residential fees are based on total building area, and non-residential fees are based on water meter size.
Ordinance Amending Municipal Code Chapter 43 (Sewer User Charges)
Consideration of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to increase sewer user charges and Capital Improvement charges by 18.8% to cover operational costs and capital improvements for the sewer system.
Resolution 23-25 Pertaining to Sewer Moratorium
Consideration of a resolution to lift the moratorium on new construction and new development connecting to the Midwest City Wastewater collection system serving a portion of the east side of Midwest City, effective August 22nd.
Mid-America Park Phase 1 Project Bid Award
Consideration of awarding a bid and entering into a contract with Wind Construction Inc. for $1,614,883 for the Mid-America Park Phase 1 Project, a 2018 Geo-Bond project, covering basic park infrastructure like parking, a pavilion, playground, and a path.
Professional Services Agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. (Stormwater Master Plan)
Consideration of approving a Professional Services agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. for $799,000 to develop a Citywide Stormwater Master Plan, funded by ARPA funds and the stormwater quality fund.
H&H Plumbing and Utilities Inc. Contract (Northside Utilities Water Project)
Consideration of awarding a bid and entering into a contract with H&H Plumbing and Utilities Inc. for $2,230,000 to construct a 12-inch water line to serve The Wharf and Centrum, coming in nearly $1 million under the engineer's estimate.