Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a significant, phased water rate increase over five years to address a $1 million deficit and fund critical infrastructure upgrades, including meter replacements. A new storm water fee structure was also approved, shifting the basis to impervious area, which will increase commercial rates while keeping residential rates flat. Additionally, several long-serving city employees were recognized, and various community events were announced.
Key Decisions & Votes
Water Rate Adjustment
01:38Approved a phased water rate increase over five years to address a $1 million deficit and fund infrastructure, with a friendly amendment to waive one disconnect fee per customer per calendar year.
Storm Water Fee Structure
01:50Approved a new storm water fee structure based on impervious area (ESU), increasing commercial rates while keeping residential rates flat to align revenue with impact.
Transportation Alternatives Program Grant Application
00:42Approved a programming resolution for a grant application to ODOT for a bridge replacement and trail construction project in Tomore Park.
DEQ Water Line Permit for Centrum Protein
00:46Approved making a matter of record the DEQ permit for a $3.2 million water line extension to serve Centrum Protein and the Water Resources Recovery Facility.
Reed Water Line Project Bid Award
00:50Approved awarding a bid of $129,300 to Holland Backhoe Inc. for the Reed water line project, improving water pressure and looping lines.
Minor Plat of Douglas Development Corporation
00:55Approved a minor plat to reconfigure existing lots and provide road frontage to a previously landlocked lot.
PUD Amendment for McCorkel Park Addition
00:59Approved an ordinance to amend allowable uses in a planned unit development to permit drinking establishments and indoor recreation with alcoholic beverages.
Speed Limit Reduction on Air Depot Boulevard
01:01Approved reducing the speed limit along Air Depot Boulevard from 35 mph to 25 mph following a road modification project.
Police Department Restroom Renovation
01:08Approved awarding a bid of $426,850 to C4L for the renovation of restrooms in the Police Department and City Hall.
Municipal Code Chapter 43 Clean-up
01:54Approved an ordinance for general clean-up and updates to Chapter 43 of the Municipal Code, including provisions for splitting meters for multiple buildings.
Upcoming Community Events
Community cleanup project for Tomore Park
9:00 a.m. - noon. Supplies and lunch provided.
Covered in Color event
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., WP Bill Atkinson Park in Sooner Town Center. Live entertainment, arts & crafts, food trucks, sidewalk chalk art competition.
Cruising for Coffee
8:00 a.m., Santa Fe parking lot at Town Center Plaza.
Earth Day Festival
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Joe B Barnes Regional Park. Booths, activities, giveaways, food trucks, tree giveaways by the Midwest City tree board.
Midwest City Community Easter Sunday Service
6:30 p.m., at the park. Mayor speaking, Colonel Loss (Tinker Air Force Base chaplain), food and drink provided.
Lions Club barbecue fundraiser
Check Lions Club social media for ticket information.
Financial Matters
March Sales Tax Check
The city received a 2.96% year-over-year increase for the month of March. The fiscal year is up 0.75% versus the same time last year and 3% up versus projections.
Water Line Extension for Centrum Protein
Estimated cost for the water line extension to serve Centrum Protein and the Water Resources Recovery Facility.
Reed Water Line Project
Awarding a bid for water line improvements, including looping for an apartment complex, addressing a dead-end line, and increasing pressure for the Reed baseball complex.
Police Department Restroom Renovation
Renovation of police department bathrooms (first and second floors) and one bathroom in City Hall.
Water Rate Adjustment
A phased increase over five years to address a $1 million deficit, fund capital improvements, and replace aging infrastructure. The base rate is proposed to reach $24.38 by 2028, and the cost per thousand gallons will increase from $3.68 (residential) to $3.80 (residential and commercial) in 2024. The disconnection fee will increase by $5.
Storm Water Rate Adjustment
Changing the storm water fee basis from water meter size to impervious area (Equivalent Service Unit - ESU). This is estimated to increase annual revenue from $770,000 to $1.3 million, with residential rates remaining flat at $2.42/month and commercial rates increasing based on ESU calculations.
Delta Hotel Revenue vs. Expenses
The Delta Hotel's revenue versus expenses is currently upside down, with a $72,000 deficit against a budgeted amount of $447,000. Winter months are difficult, but increased bookings are noted, and the property is moving in a positive direction.
Public Comments
One citizen, Kevin Ur Bright, complimented the Council's work but expressed concern for the East Side of the city being neglected. He acknowledged the necessity of rate increases but urged the Council to consider the impact of development fees on new home construction on the East Side and to find funds to support development there.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Discussion items five and six (development fee and sewer rates) postponed until the Citywide Sphere Study from Freeze Nichols is received.
Deadlines
- April 2nd: Ward 3 and Ward 4 runoff election.
- December 31st, 2024: Oklahoma County ARPA funds must be obligated.
- December 31st, 2026: Oklahoma County ARPA funds must be fully expended.
Watch For
- Water Master Plan completion (expected in 12-18 months) for further evaluation of water rates and capital needs.
- Potential future sewer rate increase (10% likely within the next year).
Announcements
- Welcome to Cadet Fletcher and Cadet Caldwell from Midwest City High School RC program.
- Recognition of Mike Fina, Executive Director of Oklahoma Municipal League, for advocacy and awarding 25-year pins to Jim, Jeff Lo, Gaylen Davis, Anthony Williams, Ken, and Major.
- Proclamation of March 26th as Mary Kettle Day, recognizing her 42 years of service to the city.
- Proclamation of March 26th as Shawn Reed Day, recognizing his service as Ward 4 Council Member.
- Proclamation of April 14th-20th, 2024 as MWC Telecommunicator Week, recognizing 911 dispatchers.
- Proclamation of April 14th-20th as Arbor Week in Midwest City.
- Rick Dawkins recognized for filling in as Ward 3 Council Member.
- Educational collateral (bill insert, website link) to be developed for citizens regarding utility bill assistance programs.
- Midwest City Community Easter Sunday Service this Sunday (unspecified date) at 6:30 p.m. at the park, with the Mayor and Colonel Loss (Tinker Air Force Base chaplain) speaking, and food/drink provided.
- Lions Club barbecue fundraiser on April 20th.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda (excluding items 6, 8, 11)
Approval of routine agenda items by one motion.
Item 6 (from Consent): Programming resolution for Transportation Alternatives program
Approval of a programming resolution for possible inclusion in the Transportation Alternatives program for a project to replace the existing bridge over Soldier Creek in Tomore Park and to construct approximately a quarter mile of tributary trail.
Item 8 (from Consent): DEQ permit for water line extension
Making a matter of record permit number WL 0055240049 from the State Department of Environmental Quality for the extension of a water line to serve Centrum Protein and the Midwest City Water Resources Recovery Facility.
Item 11 (from Consent): Awarding bid for Reed water line project
Awarding a bid to and entering into a contract with Holland Backhoe Inc. in the amount of $129,300 for the Reed water line project, and delegating authority to the Mayor to sign and execute necessary agreements.
Discussion Item 1: Minor plat of Douglas Development Corporation Douglas Boulevard
Public hearing and consideration of approval for a minor plat to reconfigure existing lots and grant road frontage to a landlocked lot.
Discussion Item 2: PC 2163 ordinance to redistrict McCorkel Park addition
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to amend allowable uses within a simplified planned unit development to include drinking establishments and indoor participant recreation and entertainment with alcoholic beverages permitted.
Discussion Item 3: Speed limit reduction along Air Depot Boulevard
Consideration of approving the reduction of the speed limit along Air Depot Boulevard from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour from the intersection with Huberg Drive to Air Depot Boulevard.
Discussion Item 4: Police Department restroom renovation
Consideration of awarding a bid to and entering into a contract with C4L for $426,850 for the Midwest City Police Department restroom renovation and delegating the Mayor to sign and execute the contract.
Discussion Item 5: Approval of a development fee
Discussion and consideration of possible action on approving a development fee.
Discussion Item 6: Amending sewer rates
Discussion and consideration of possible action on an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code regarding sewer rates inside the city.
Discussion Item 7: Water rate adjustment ordinance
Consideration of approving an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 43 regarding water rates, discontinuance of service fees, capital improvement charges, and water system improvement fees.
Discussion Item 8: Storm water charge exemptions ordinance
Consideration of approving an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 43 regarding storm water charge exemptions.
Discussion Item 9: Municipal Code Chapter 43 clean-up ordinance
Consideration of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 43 for general clean-up and updates, including provisions for splitting meters for multiple buildings.