Meeting Summary
The City Council tabled the controversial Bella project zoning request until January for further study, acknowledging significant public concern. They approved a rezone for a commercial marijuana grow operation and several traffic control changes, including new stop signs and exploring calming measures. Additionally, various municipal code amendments were approved, and a long-serving employee was recognized for his retirement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Bella Project Zoning Request
12:50The zoning request for the Bella project in the Original Square Mile was postponed until January to allow for further traffic studies and address significant public concerns.
Commercial Marijuana Grow Rezone
24:50A request to amend a Simplified Planned Unit Development (SPUD) to allow a commercial marijuana grow operation at 1601 National Boulevard was approved, despite concerns from a nearby gymnastics center.
NE 23rd Street & Midwest Boulevard Traffic Pattern Change
1:06:50The Council approved a proposal to change the traffic pattern at the intersection of NE 23rd Street and Midwest Boulevard to include a protected left turn, aiming to improve safety following multiple incidents and a recent fatality.
Additional Stop Controls
1:14:50Additional four-way stop controls were approved for the intersections of Marshall/Kitty Hawk Drive and Rickenbacker Drive/Harmon Drive, addressing resident concerns about traffic safety, especially for children walking to school.
Upcoming Community Events
Veterans Day Parade
10 AM
Carl Albert High School Homecoming Parade
Principally along 15th Street
Steve O'Hare Memorial Run
In Austin
Midwest City Art Fest
Telecenter, starts 11 AM
Financial Matters
September Sales Tax Report
Sales tax and use tax were up $93,000 year over year. For the year, sales and use tax are up 2.85% or $293,000 versus the previous year, and up 2.56% or $264,000 versus budget projection.
Public Comments
Public comments were overwhelmingly focused on the Bella project, expressing strong opposition due to concerns about insufficient parking, increased traffic, lack of sidewalks, potential bar proximity to schools/churches, and numerous requested variances for the developer not afforded to residents. Speakers also raised issues about the accuracy of past meeting minutes, the impact on elderly residents, and the need for better city planning that prioritizes community well-being and existing codes.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Bella project zoning request (to January)
- Proposed preliminary plat of Mary Nolan (to next meeting)
Watch For
- Results of traffic studies for Bella project
- Further discussion on traffic calming measures on Murray Drive
- Community meetings on Bella project results
Announcements
- Commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
- Fire Chief Morrison's name will be added to the International Association of Firefighters memorial wall on September 21st.
- Recognition of Colin Welsh for his retirement from Fleet Maintenance after 42 years of service, proclaiming September 10th as Colin Welsh Day.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
Item 15
Discussion and consideration approving the purchase of custom development software enhancements for encode of public safety with Pilar technologies, as part of the Midwest City Moving Forward 2018 Public Safety bond projects.
Item 5
Discussion regarding the Bella project and Original Square Mile zoning request.
PC 2008
Public hearing with discussion and consideration to rezone from SPD to amended SPUD to allow commercial marijuana grow at 1601 National Boulevard.
PC 2009
Public hearing with discussion and consideration to approve an ordinance to amend the Timber Ridge Planned Unit Development (PUD) to update allowable exterior materials and allow a model home with an office for sales.
PC 2010
Discussion and consideration approval of a replat of Lot 5A, Block 5 at the Pointin City Addition (608 Rose Lane) to subdivide a single parcel into individual parcels, with waivers for street improvements and sidewalks.
PC 2011
Discussion consideration approval of the proposed final plat of Micro Edition to subdivide a single parcel into two individual parcels.
PC 2013
Discussion consideration approval of Midwest City Collision Office Park final plat (9009 SE 29th Street).
PC 2014
Discussion consideration approval of a replat of Lot 4A, Block 9 at the Pointin City Addition (10909 LB Drive) to subdivide a single parcel into two individual parcels, with waivers for street improvements and sidewalks.
PC 2015
Discussion consideration approval of the Cambrie Square Section One preliminary plat (50 SE 15th Street).
PC 2016
Discussion and consideration approval of proposed preliminary plat of Mary Nolan.
TS 437
Discussion consideration of changing the intersection of Austin Pine Drive / White Oak Place / Red Oak Drive from two-way yield to four-way stop.
TS 438
Discussion consideration of adding additional stop controls to the intersections of E Point Drive West / E Point Drive / Havenwood Drive to make them three-way stops.
TS 439
Discussion consideration recommending the city pursue traffic calming measures on Murray Drive.
TS 440
Discussion consideration supporting a change to the traffic pattern at the intersection of NE 23rd Street and Midwest Boulevard to include a protected left turn.
TS 441
Discussion and consideration request for additional stop controls at the intersections of Marshall / Kitty Hawk Drive and Rickenbacker Drive / Harmon Drive to make them four-way stops.
Item 15 (Ordinance Review)
Discussion consideration approving an ordinance amending the Municipal Code Chapter 2 (Administration) to change regular council meetings to only one in July (the second Tuesday).
Item 16 (Ordinance Review)
Discussion consideration approving an ordinance amending the Municipal Code Chapter 20 (Housing) to align with the International Property Maintenance Code.
Item 17 (Ordinance Review)
Discussion consideration approving an ordinance amending the Municipal Code Chapter 28 (Offenses Miscellaneous) regarding indecent exposure and urination in public, clarifying the definition of 'public place'.
Item 18 (Ordinance Review)
Special consideration to approve an ordinance amending the Municipal Code Chapter 42 (Trees), including changes to height requirements for trees above streets and sidewalks.
Item 19
Discussion and consideration of the replacement of Brian C from the Original Square Mile Reinvestment Committee.