Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council addressed several critical issues, including the approval of an $850,000 amendment for a city-wide wastewater master plan and a water infrastructure agreement to connect Starview customers to the city's water supply. A new ethics policy for elected officials was adopted after significant debate, and the ongoing moratorium on new wastewater connections was reviewed, with a special meeting anticipated soon to present study findings. The Hospital Authority also approved the termination of an economic development agreement for a multifamily project.
Key Decisions & Votes
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for City-wide Wastewater Master Plan
The Council approved an $850,000 amendment with Frieze & Nichols Inc. for the development of a comprehensive city-wide Wastewater Master Plan, with funding partially sourced from ARPA.
Rezoning and Special Use Permit for Automotive/Equipment Heavy
An ordinance was approved to rezone property at 7415 Southeast 15th Street from C3 to C4, along with a special use permit allowing automotive and equipment heavy uses, subject to conditions regarding vehicle storage and permit transfer.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for Duplex
A resolution was approved to amend the comprehensive plan from single-family detached residential to medium-density residential, and an ordinance to rezone 301 East Marshall from R6 to R2F, facilitating the conversion of an existing home into a duplex with separate water meters.
Ordinance Closing Portion of Marlo Drive and Easements
An ordinance was approved to close a portion of Marlo Drive and several abandoned easements and rights-of-way, allowing for their rededication as a utility easement. An emergency clause for this ordinance was also approved.
Water Infrastructure Agreement with OCUS for Starview Customers
An agreement with the Oklahoma County Utility Services Authority (OCUS) was approved to connect 38 Starview public water supply customers to the Midwest City Water Supply, addressing DEQ requirements and transferring the Starview water well to the city.
Amendments to Elected Official Accountability Act and Ethics Policy
Amendments to the city's ethics policy for elected officials were adopted, restructuring the ordinance with new definitions and guidance, despite concerns raised by one council member regarding subjective language and potential impacts on free expression.
Termination of Economic Development Agreement with Bentwood Development LLC
The Hospital Authority approved the formal termination of the May 25, 2021, Economic Development Agreement with Bentwood Development LLC, concerning a multifamily project that did not proceed as planned, clearing the property of city obligations.
Upcoming Community Events
Neighborhood Initiative Program Casserole Cook-off
11 AM - 1 PM at The Charles Johnson Building, 8726 Southeast 15th Street.
Annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
7:30 AM at the Reed Conference Center. Featured speaker: Retired Colonel Stephanie Wilson. Tickets are $30 each or $300 for a table of eight.
Annual Daddy Daughter Dance
Community Center (200 North Midwest Boulevard). Three sessions will be held, with tickets available via Eventbrite or the Community Center (739-1288).
Financial Matters
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (Wastewater Master Plan)
Approval of Amendment Number Three to the professional services agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. for the development of a city-wide Wastewater master plan, partially funded by ARPA.
Wastewater System Improvements
Estimated cost for necessary upgrades to the wastewater system, specifically addressing issues in Ward 6 and Ward 3, which will require future funding decisions.
Public Comments
Two citizens addressed the council. One introduced herself as a candidate for Ward 3. The other, a landowner, expressed significant concerns about the ongoing sewer moratorium's impact on development planning, the lack of clear guidance from the city, and the low number of new housing permits, advocating for city support in creating more affordable housing options.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Special Council Meeting on Wastewater Moratorium (expected within three weeks, likely in February)
- Further discussions on funding mechanisms for the estimated $30 million in wastewater system improvements
- Potential future changes or additions to the Elected Official Accountability Act and Ethics Policy
Announcements
- June Tribble was recognized with a proclamation for 35 years of community service in youth ministry and coaching.
- Trash and recycling services were disrupted due to the recent ice storm; Monday's pickups were rescheduled to Wednesday.
- Sign-ups are open for spring youth league t-ball, softball, and baseball via the Parks and Recreation page at Midwestcity.org.
- A 'Learn to Play Sports Clinic' is available for children interested in exploring various sports; call 739-1288 for more information.
- The City of Midwest City, in partnership with the City of Choctaw, received a Special Event Program Award from the Parks and Recreation Society for their joint youth baseball program.
- Thanks were extended to Public Works staff for their efforts in maintaining safe road conditions during the ice storm.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with an invocation and pledge led by Midwest City High School Cadets.
Proclamation for June Tribble
Presentation of a proclamation honoring June Tribble for 35 years of dedicated service in youth ministry and coaching within the community.
Community Related Announcements
Announcements regarding city services, upcoming community events, youth sports programs, and recognition of city staff and partnerships.
Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative matters placed on the consent agenda.
Review of Moratorium on New Construction and Development Connecting to Wastewater Collection System
Discussion regarding the 6-month review of the moratorium on new construction connecting to the east side wastewater system, with an update on the ongoing study and expected timeline for a special council meeting.
Amendment Number Three to Professional Services Agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc.
Approval of an $850,000 amendment to the agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc. for the development of a city-wide Wastewater master plan, partially funded by ARPA.
PC 2159 - Rezoning from C3 to C4 and Special Use Permit
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to redistrict a property at 7415 Southeast 15th Street from Community Commercial (C3) to General Commercial (C4) and a special use permit for automotive and equipment heavy use.
PC 2161 - Amendment to Comprehensive Plan and Rezoning from R6 to R2F
Public hearing and consideration of a resolution to amend the comprehensive plan from single-family detached residential to medium-density residential and an ordinance to redistrict from R6 to R2F for a two-family attached residential district at 301 East Marshall.
Ordinance Closing Portion of Marlo Drive and Easements
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to close to public use a portion of Marlo Drive and several abandoned easements and rights-of-way, for rededication as a utility easement.
Emergency Clause for Ordinance Closing Marlo Drive
Motion to attach an emergency clause to the ordinance closing a portion of Marlo Drive and easements.
Water Infrastructure Agreement with Oklahoma County Utility Services Authority (OCUS)
Approval of an agreement to connect Starview public water supply customers to the Midwest City Water Supply, following DEQ requirements.
Amendments to Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 2 Administration Article 2 City Council Section 2-17 Elected Official Accountability Act and Ethics Policy
Discussion and consideration of possible action approving amendments to the city's ethics policy for elected officials, restructuring the ordinance with new definitions and guidance.
Public Discussion (New Business)
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on non-agenda items.
Recess to Municipal Authority Meeting
Transition from City Council meeting to Municipal Authority meeting.
Municipal Authority Consent Agenda
Approval of routine administrative matters for the Municipal Authority.
Municipal Authority Discussion Item #1: Amendment Three to Professional Service Agreement with Frieze & Nichols Inc.
Approval of an $850,000 amendment for the development of a city-wide Wastewater master plan (Municipal Authority agenda).
Municipal Authority Discussion Item #2: Water Infrastructure Agreement with Oklahoma County Utility Services Authority (OCUS)
Approval of an agreement to connect Starview public water supply customers to the Midwest City public water supply (Municipal Authority agenda).
Municipal Authority Public Discussion (New Business)
Opportunity for citizens to address the Municipal Authority on non-agenda items.
Adjourn Municipal Authority and Call to Order Hospital Authority
Transition from Municipal Authority meeting to Hospital Authority meeting.
Hospital Authority Discussion Item #1: Approval of January 9th, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the previous Hospital Authority meeting.
Hospital Authority Discussion Item #2: Agreement to Terminate Economic Development Agreement with Bentwood Development LLC
Approval of an agreement to formally terminate the May 25th, 2021 Economic Development Agreement with Bentwood Development LLC concerning a multifamily project.
Hospital Authority Public Discussion (New Business)
Opportunity for citizens to address the Hospital Authority on non-agenda items.
Adjourn Hospital Authority and Reconvene Council
Transition from Hospital Authority meeting back to City Council meeting.
Executive Session
Discussion of confidential communications between the public body and its attorney concerning the 'heel arbitration' and authorizing the city manager to take appropriate action.