Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council meeting included several proclamations and community announcements. Key decisions involved denying a proposal to return to two council meetings per month, but approving an amendment to add two specific months (January and May) with two meetings. Other ordinances approved included allowing fences against concrete open trenches, clarifying nuisance administrative fees and rubbish cleanup, and increasing new sidewalk width to five feet. A citizen also addressed the council regarding an arrest for trespassing at the animal shelter and associated fees.
Key Decisions & Votes
Amending city council meeting frequency (return to two meetings/month)
47:00A proposal to revert to two city council meetings per month, as requested by Councilperson Vanna, was denied. The Ordinance Review Committee had previously not recommended this change, citing staff burden and productivity.
Amending city council meeting frequency (add two months with two meetings)
55:00An ordinance was approved to add a second city council meeting in January (to address zoning/Planning Commission and Geo Bond issues) and May (for budget discussion), making these regularly scheduled meetings instead of special calls.
Drainage and flood control (fence location)
59:00An ordinance was approved to allow fences to be placed directly against concrete open trenches on private property, resolving a conflict in existing ordinances and applying to future developments.
Nuisance administrative fees and rubbish cleanup
1:13:00An ordinance was approved to correct a scrivener's error, returning the administrative nuisance fee to $200, and to allow the city to summarily clean up all rubbish found on a property when a notice is issued, similar to existing policies for weeds and tall grass.
Sidewalk width for new developments
1:23:00An ordinance was approved to increase the minimum required width for new sidewalks in new developments from four feet to five feet, aligning with ADA recommendations and future planning.
Upcoming Community Events
Veterans Day Parade
Begins at 10 A.M., residents are encouraged to bundle up for cold weather and support veterans.
Small Business Saturday
A nationwide movement to support small local businesses; residents are encouraged to shop and support homegrown businesses throughout the year.
Midwest City's 12th Annual Food Drive
Collected 26 pallets of food for annual Christmas food baskets and limited Thanksgiving baskets. Midwest City residents can call 405-739-1009 to be added to the Thanksgiving basket list.
Financial Matters
Sales and Use Tax Report
Sales tax is up 4.99% year over year, while use tax is down 6.74% (approximately $28,000). Overall for the month, sales and use tax revenue is up 3.78%.
Nuisance Administrative Fees
Discussion regarding the administrative fee for nuisance violations, with a proposal to return it to $200 from $265 due to a scrivener's error. The council discussed the need for a cost analysis to ensure fees cover expenses without generating profit.
Public Comments
Hunter Triestner addressed the council regarding his arrest for trespassing at the animal shelter, questioning police conduct and the distinction between public and city property. He detailed the financial burden of fees related to his dogs being at large and the trespassing charge, which led to one dog's euthanasia and a $1911 debt. He advocated for more accessible council meetings.
Coming Up
Watch For
- A cost analysis of administrative nuisance fees to ensure they cover city expenses without being punitive.
Announcements
- Sergeant Ken Erickson retired from the Midwest City Police Department after 25 years of service and was honored with "Sergeant Erickson Day" on November 9th.
- The Midwest City Public Works Line Maintenance Division received the 2022 Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) Large Municipal Sewer System of the Year award, and November 8th was proclaimed "Line Maintenance Division Appreciation Day."
- Tacos for Life opened in Town Center Plaza, the first in the OKC market, donating 25 cents from every entree to conquer world hunger.
- Thanksgiving Day trash and recycling services will be picked up on Wednesday, November 23rd.
- The Compost Facility and brush drop-off will be closed the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Agenda Summary
Adoption of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 2 Administration Article 2 City Council Section 2-11 (time of regular meetings of council)
Discussion and consideration for adoption, including any amendments, of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code to revert to two city council meetings per month.
Adoption of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 2 Administration Article 2 City Council Section 2-11 (time of regular meetings of council)
Discussion and consideration for adoption, including any amendments, of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code to add a second city council meeting in January and May.
Adoption of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 13 Drainage and Flood Control Article 3 Stormwater Runoff Controls Section 13-71 and 13-73 (requirements relating to improvements and figures)
Discussion and consideration for adoption, including any amendments, of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code to allow fences to be placed directly against concrete open trenches.
Adoption of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 27 Nuisances Article 1 and Article 2 (declared unlawful penalties, accumulation of rubbish)
Discussion and consideration for adoption, including any amendments, of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code to correct an administrative fee error ($200) and allow comprehensive rubbish cleanup on properties.
Adoption of an ordinance amending Midwest City Municipal Code Chapter 37 Streets and Sidewalks Article 3 Transportation Plan Division 3 Sidewalks Section 36-67 (construction of sidewalks)
Discussion and consideration for adoption, including any possible amendment, of an ordinance amending the Midwest City Municipal Code to increase the minimum sidewalk width for new developments from four feet to five feet.
Discussion and consideration for adoption including any possible Amendment of the October 25th, 2022 meeting minutes (Midwest City Hospital Authority)
Review and approval of the meeting minutes from October 25th, 2022, for the Midwest City Hospital Authority.
No action needed on number two (Midwest City Hospital Authority)
An item on the Midwest City Hospital Authority agenda that required no action.