Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council addressed significant community concerns regarding violence and urban deterioration following a recent park shooting, while also approving major economic development and infrastructure projects. Key decisions included the approval of a large apartment/townhome development, a food processing plant bringing over 100 jobs and $20M+ investment, and several zoning changes. The council also tabled an ordinance related to drainage channel setbacks for further review due to citizen and council concerns.
Key Decisions & Votes
Midtown Office Park Phase Two Rezoning
41:00Approved the rezoning of Midtown Office Park Phase Two from PUD (C3 community commercial) to SPUD (RHD high density residential) and amended the comprehensive plan to allow for the development of townhomes or condominiums.
SE 29th and SE 25th Development Rezoning
46:00Approved the rezoning of 20 acres at 9309 SE 29th and 9020 SE 25th from R6 single-family residential to PUD (RHD high-density residential and C3 community commercial) for a large-scale development including mid-rise apartments and attached townhomes, contingent on securing an emergency access easement, landscape elements, lighting, and working with staff on drainage and traffic planning.
Food Processing Plant (Project Oscar) Agreement
1:40:40Approved the purchase and sell agreement for approximately 24.03 acres at 7230 NE 36th Street for the development of a new 55,000-75,000 sq ft food processing plant, representing a $20M+ investment and creating approximately 100 jobs. The city committed to providing sanitary sewer and a rail spur.
Drainage Ordinance Amendment (Fence Setbacks)
1:09:00The proposed ordinance amendment requiring fences to be six feet back from concrete-lined drainage channels was tabled for further study due to concerns raised by council members and citizens regarding homeowner burden, maintenance, and enforcement challenges.
Upcoming Community Events
2022 Association Celebration
5:30 PM - 7 PM at Joby Barnes Regional Park Rotary Pavilion, 8730 East Reno Avenue.
Midwest City Hoops program
4 PM at the YWCA.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Report (May)
Year-over-year sales tax was down $327,000 (6.84%), but still 13% above projection for the year.
Administrative Services Agreement (Health Benefits)
Renewal of the agreement with Health Care Services Corp for employee health benefits plan administrative services.
Stop-Loss Policy (Health Benefits)
Renewal of the stop-loss policy with Health Care Services Corp for the employee health benefits plan.
Medical District Schematic Design
Professional services with TSW for schematic design and pricing plans for the Parkland Drive and National Avenue medical district renovation.
Medical District Surveys
Professional services with Johnson Associates for general site topographic and boundary survey, underground survey, and title work for the Parkland and National Avenue schematic designs.
Geo Bond Concrete Street Paving Project
Contract awarded to Parathon Construction for the second round of concrete street paving projects under the Moving Midwest City Forward 2018 Geo Bond.
Food Processing Plant (Project Oscar)
Approval of a purchase/sell agreement for 24.03 acres for a new 55,000-75,000 sq ft food processing plant, representing a $20M+ investment and creating approximately 100 jobs. The city committed to bringing sanitary sewer and constructing a rail spur.
Public Comments
Four citizens spoke during public discussion. Themes included strong concerns about rising violence and perceived deterioration in Midwest City, particularly following a recent park shooting, and questions regarding police presence, youth programs, and unresolved flooding issues. One citizen countered, praising the city's overall improvement efforts and the police department's positive community relations.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance amending Chapter 13 (drainage and flood control) regarding fence setbacks from concrete drainage channels.
Watch For
- Further development of the SE 29th/SE 25th apartment/townhome project, including traffic planning and drainage solutions.
- Project Oscar (food processing plant) project plan to proceed to the Planning Commission and then to the Special Economic Development Authority for further approvals.
Announcements
- Open enrollment at OTECH and college for career training grants available to income-qualified residents 18 and over, tied to COVID-19 economic effects. Information available at 739-1216.
- The city is partnering with Rose State College Kids College to provide scholarships for income-eligible Midwest City families. Information available at 739-1216.
- The 2022 Association Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, June 9th, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at Joby Barnes Regional Park Rotary Pavilion, 8730 East Reno Avenue. Information at 739-1009.
- The Monday, May 16th issue of the Journal Record featured multiple articles about Midwest City's position for economic growth, including the aerospace industry, new restaurants, Rose State College's cybersecurity program, and St. Anthony's hospital improvements.
- A statement was made regarding the unfortunate shooting that occurred in Joby Barnes Regional Park on Friday, May 20th, expressing condolences to the victim's family and outlining increased police presence and commitment to park safety.
- Councilwoman Bannon acknowledged Barbara Kelton and Mike Strow for their work in building community relations through neighborhood association meetings, Lieutenant Henry for investing in youth through the Midwest City Hoops program, Officer Jimenez for his humility and compassion, and Captain Joe Cruz and Chief Sid Porter for a ride-along opportunity.
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month; a statement was read encouraging understanding, kindness, and proper funding for mental health services.
- Proclamation of May 25th, 2022, as Midwest City Middle School Academic Team Day, recognizing their state championship win.
- Proclamation of May 24th, 2022, as Wilbert Fielseck Day, honoring his 35 years of dedicated service to the city, retiring in July 2022.
- Proclamation of May 8th through 14th, 2022, as Police Appreciation Week.
- Proclamation of May 15th through 21st, 2022, as Public Works Appreciation Week.
- Memorial Day trash and recycling pickup will be on Wednesday, with reminders sent out via Everbridge call.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda (excluding items 8, 9, 11, 12, 15)
Approval of routine agenda items.
Item 8: Administrative Services Agreement Renewal
Renewing the administrative services agreement with Health Care Services Corp to provide employee health benefits plan services for fiscal year 2022-23.
Item 9: Stop-Loss Policy Renewal
Renewing the contract for the stop-loss policy with Health Care Services Corp for the employee health benefits plan for fiscal year 2022-23.
Item 11: Professional Services for Medical District Schematic Design
Entering into and approving professional services with TSW in the amount of $368,345 to provide schematic design and pricing plans for the Parkland Drive and National Avenue medical district renovation.
Item 12: Professional Services for Medical District Surveys
Entering into and approving professional services with Johnson Associates in the amount of $250,000 to provide general site topographic and boundary survey, underground survey, and title work for the Parkland and National Avenue schematic designs.
Item 15: Geo Bond Concrete Street Paving Project Contract
Awarding a bid and entering into a contract with Parathon Construction for the second round of the Moving Midwest City Forward 2018 Geo Bond concrete street paving projects.
Discussion Item 1 (PC 2110): Rezoning 403 West Fairchild
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to redistrict from C1 restricted commercial to R6 single-family detached residential for the property at 403 West Fairchild.
Discussion Item 2
No action needed on this item.
Discussion Item 3 (PC 2112): Rezoning Midtown Office Park Phase Two
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to redistrict from PUD (C3 community commercial) to SPUD (RHD high density residential) and a resolution to amend the comprehensive plan for Midtown Office Park Phase Two for townhomes/condominiums.
Discussion Item 4 (PC 2113): Rezoning SE 29th and SE 25th
Public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to redistrict from R6 single-family residential to PUD (RHD high-density residential and C3 community commercial) and a resolution to amend the comprehensive plan for property at 9309 SE 29th and 9020 SE 25th for apartments, townhomes, and commercial use.
Discussion Item 5: Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 and Chapter 9 (Advertising/Signs)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Chapter 3 (advertising) and Chapter 9 (buildings and building regulations) Article 7 (sign regulations) to remove outdated provisions.
Discussion Item 6: Ordinance Amending Appendix Saves (Zoning Regulations)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Appendix Saves (zoning regulations) Section 6 (development review bodies) Part 6.3 (Board of Adjustment) Subpart 6.3.2 (membership) to resolve conflicting provisions.
Discussion Item 7: Ordinance Amending Chapter 9 (Builders Advisory Board)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Chapter 9 (buildings and building regulations) Article 2 (Builders Advisory Board) Section 9-17 (members) to clarify appointment criteria.
Discussion Item 8: Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 (Garbage and Refuse)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Chapter 18 (garbage and refuse) Article 2 (municipal collection disposal service) Section 18-25 (container required duty to use) to enforce proper recycling bin usage.
Discussion Item 9: Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 (Drainage and Flood Control)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Chapter 13 (drainage and flood control) Article 3 (storm water runoff control) Sections 13-71 and 13-73 regarding fence setbacks from concrete drainage channels.
Discussion Item 10
No action needed on this item.
Discussion Item 11: Ordinance Amending Chapter 38 (Subdivision Regulations)
Consideration for adoption of an ordinance amending the municipal code Chapter 38 (subdivision regulations) Article 8 (definitions) Section 38-65.120 (Parkland Review Committee) to codify its definition and membership.
Special Economic Development Authority Consent Agenda (excluding Item 4)
Approval of routine agenda items for the Special Economic Development Authority.
Special Economic Development Authority Item 4: Project Oscar Agreement
Consideration and possible action to approve a resolution declaring approximately 24.03 acres at 7230 NE 36th Street as surplus and approving a purchase and sell agreement with MTG Property Holdings LLC for a new food processing plant.