Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council meeting addressed the critical need for animal shelter improvements, deciding to include funding for renovation or new construction in a future general bond issue, with no immediate action taken. Additionally, the council approved an ordinance to place a 0.75% sales tax increase on the October 10, 2017 ballot, aiming to bolster funding for police, fire, and general government capital outlay and operations.
Key Decisions & Votes
Animal Shelter Funding
05:30Discussion on potential capital projects for a future general bond issue was tabled to allow for the inclusion of funding for animal shelter renovation or new construction, with action expected after the first of the year.
Consent Agenda
41:50Routine agenda items, with the exception of item 7, were approved by unanimous consent.
Animal Services Agreement with Harrah
1:10:00The contract with the City of Harrah for animal services was renewed until December 31, 2017. Other municipalities currently under contract will receive a 30-day termination notice, and a committee will be formed to explore a joint municipal general bond issue for an animal facility.
International Building Code Amendments
1:11:40An ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations related to the International Building Code was approved.
International Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Plumbing Code Amendments
1:12:00An ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations related to the International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and International Plumbing Code was approved.
Roofing Registration Code
1:12:20An ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations to establish a roofing registration code was approved.
Existing Structures Code
1:12:40An ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations to establish an existing structures code was approved.
Proposed Sales Tax Increase Ordinance
2:12:00An ordinance to increase the city's sales tax rate by 0.75% for police, fire, and general government capital was approved to be put to a public vote.
Special Election Resolution for Sales Tax
2:13:00A resolution authorizing a special election on October 10, 2017, for the proposed 0.75% sales tax increase was approved.
Proclamation for Special Election
2:13:20A proclamation calling for a special election on October 10, 2017, for the proposed 0.75% sales tax increase was approved.
EDC Minutes Approval
2:15:00Minutes from the EDC staff briefing and regular meeting of April 11, 2017, and special meetings of May 3 and May 22, 2017, were approved.
EDC Contract with Midwest City Chamber of Commerce
2:15:20A contract with the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce for $3,000 per month for economic development events for fiscal year 2017-18 was approved.
EDC Acceptance of Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report
2:15:40The Midwest City Chamber of Commerce's quarterly report for the period ending June 30, 2017, was accepted.
Financial Matters
Sales Tax Check (First for fiscal year)
Up $51,000 (2%) compared to previous year.
Use Tax Check
Down about 4% ($5,000).
Overall Sales and Use Tax
1.71% over last year, 0.84% over projection.
Animal Shelter Funding Estimate
Ballpark estimate for renovation or new construction.
Animal Housing Cost (Study)
Cost per animal to house at shelter.
Harrah Animal Services Fee
Fee charged to Harrah per animal.
Proposed Sales Tax Increase
0.75% increase, earmarked for Police (42.6%), General Government Capital Outlay (28.52%), and Fire (28.88%).
EDC Contract with Midwest City Chamber of Commerce
Monthly payment for economic development events.
Public Comments
Numerous citizens spoke passionately about the need for a new or renovated animal shelter, emphasizing its current inadequate conditions and the dedication of staff and volunteers. Several citizens also voiced strong opinions regarding the proposed sales tax increase, with some opposing it due to concerns about economic impact and government spending, while others supported it as necessary for city services.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Animal shelter funding (D8-D12) to committee for inclusion in future general bond issue
Deadlines
- Special election for sales tax increase: October 10, 2017
- Harrah animal services contract renewal: December 31, 2017
Watch For
- Formation of a committee to explore a joint municipal general bond issue for an animal facility
- 30-day notice to other municipalities regarding termination of animal services contracts
- Neighborhood meeting for lights and noise issue (robo call notification)
Announcements
- The first sales tax check for the fiscal year was up $51,000 (2%), while use tax was down $5,000 (4%). Overall, sales and use tax were 1.71% over last year and 0.84% over projection.
- Thanks were extended to all city employees for their efforts in making the 4th of July event a great success, with an estimated 10,000 attendees.
- Miss Phipps was recognized with a certificate of appreciation for rescuing a baby and young child from a locked car at Crest.
- The new city app, 'my_MWC', was announced as a resource for reporting concerns, accessing the agenda, calendar, online payments, job opportunities, and community events.
Agenda Summary
Discussion/consideration of potential capital projects to be included in a future general bond issue (D8-D12)
Item pulled from agenda to add funding for animal shelter renovation or new construction to a future general bond issue.
Consent Agenda (excluding item 7)
Routine agenda items.
Renewing agreement with City of Harrah for animal services for fiscal year 2017-18 (Item 7)
Debate over financial burden and space constraints of contracting with other cities for animal services.
Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations (International Building Code) (D1)
Amending sections related to the International Building Code.
Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations (International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code, International Plumbing Code) (D2)
Amending sections related to mechanical, fuel gas, and plumbing codes.
Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations (Roofing Registration Code) (D3)
Amending sections to establish a roofing registration code.
Ordinance amending Chapter 9 Building and Building Regulations (Existing Structures Code) (D4)
Amending sections to establish an existing structures code.
Ordinance amending Chapter 40 Taxation (Sales Tax) (D5)
Ordinance to increase city's sales tax rate by 0.75% for police, fire, and general government capital.
Resolution authorizing a special election (NB1)
Authorizing a special election on October 10, 2017, for the proposed 0.75% sales tax increase.
Proclamation calling for a special election (NB2)
Issuing a proclamation for the special election on October 10, 2017, for the proposed 0.75% sales tax increase.
EDC Item 1: Approving minutes of staff briefing and regular meeting of April 11th 2017, May 3rd 2017, and May 22nd 2017 special meetings
Approval of past meeting minutes.
EDC Item 2: Entering into a contract with the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce for fiscal year 2017-18
Contract for $3,000 per month to implement economic development events.
EDC Item 3: Accepting the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce's quarterly report for the period ending June 30th 2017
Review of Chamber of Commerce's quarterly activities.