Meeting Summary
The Midwest City Council meeting focused heavily on addressing the city's financial shortfalls and future capital needs. Proposals for a 0.75% sales tax increase to support general operations, police, and fire departments, and a general obligation bond issue for recreational facilities, public safety technology, streets, and water infrastructure were discussed. All major financial proposals were tabled for further consideration at the next meeting.
Key Decisions & Votes
Consent Agenda
20:00Routine agenda items were approved by unanimous consent.
Special Use Permit for Bags Inc. Expansion (PC 1906)
22:30An ordinance to redistrict with a special use permit for Bags Inc. to allow for expansion was approved.
Preliminary Plat for Bags Inc. (PC 1907)
24:00The preliminary plat associated with the zoning for Bags Inc., providing for future expansion, was approved.
Planning Commission Replacement
25:00Jim Campbell was nominated and approved to fill the unexpired term on the Planning Commission.
Ordinance Amending Sales Tax (0.75% Increase)
1:23:00Discussion and consideration of an ordinance to levy an additional 0.75% sales tax was tabled to the next council meeting for further review and public input.
Resolution for Special Election (Sales Tax)
1:24:00A resolution authorizing a special election on October 10, 2017, for the sales tax increase was tabled to the next meeting.
Proclamation for Special Election (Sales Tax)
1:25:00A proclamation calling for a special election on October 10, 2017, for the sales tax increase was tabled to the next meeting.
Potential Capital Projects for General Bond Issue
1:30:00Discussion and consideration of potential capital projects to be included in a future general obligation bond issue was tabled to the first meeting in July to provide additional information.
Upcoming Community Events
Tribute to Liberty 4th of July Celebration
Regional Park/Bonds Barnes Park, featuring Dr. Wagner and his 50-piece stage band, special fireworks, and a Warbirds flyover between 7:45 PM and 8:00 PM.
Main Oklahoma
Youth Bowl League
Kicked off today.
Financial Matters
Proposed 0.75% Sales Tax Increase
An additional 0.75% excise tax is proposed to address revenue shortfalls, fund police and fire departments (42.6% to police, 28.88% to fire), and support general government capital outlay and operating funds (28.52%). This aims to add six patrol officers over three years and three additional firefighters over two years.
General Obligation Bond Issue for Capital Projects
A proposal to fund various capital projects through an increase in property taxes. Proposition 1: Recreational needs (Golf Course, baseball, soccer, multi-purpose athletic facility) totaling $12,964,000 (estimated total $16,205,000). Proposition 2: Public Safety technology (radio systems, fire suppression vehicles, protective equipment, facility improvements, storm siren warning system). Proposition 3: Residential street projects totaling nearly $15.5 million (138 projects). Proposition 4: Phase one renovation of the booster station on Felix.
Transfer Station Hours Change
Starting July 1st, the transfer station will close at 3:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM.
Public Comments
Two citizens provided comments. One speaker emphasized the importance and often overlooked contributions of city departments beyond police and fire, such as sewer, water, sanitation, and parks, expressing concerns about staffing reductions and potential new responsibilities like taking over Tinker's garbage. The other speaker requested that police and fire studies be prominently displayed on the city's website and inquired about the maintenance of grass along I-40.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance amending sales tax (0.75% increase)
- Resolution authorizing a special election for the sales tax increase
- Proclamation calling for a special election for the sales tax increase
- Potential capital projects to be included in a future general bond issue
Watch For
- Further discussion and action on the proposed 0.75% sales tax increase at the next council meeting.
- Further discussion and action on the proposed general obligation bond issue for capital projects at the first meeting in July.
Announcements
- Jennifer Lynchfield, a Carl Albert graduate and future OSU engineering student, served as Mayor of the Day.
- The Tribute to Liberty 4th of July celebration will be held next week at Regional Park/Bonds Barnes Park, featuring special entertainment, additional food trucks, an extra special fireworks show, and a Warbirds flyover between 7:45 PM and 8:00 PM.
- Sanitation service and recycling regularly scheduled for Tuesday, July 4th, will be provided on Wednesday.
- Starting July 1st, the transfer station hours will change, closing at 3:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM.
- Main Oklahoma, held on June 17th, was a successful community event.
- The Youth Bowl League kicked off today, providing a positive activity for young people.
- The Fire Department, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, distributed 62 smoke detectors in the original square mile, with more to be distributed soon.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
PC 1906: Public Hearing, Discussion, and Consideration of Ordinance to Redistrict with Special Use Permit
Proposed zoning change for property described as part of Northwest quarter of section 28 Township 12 North range 2 West, for expansion of Bags Inc.
PC 1907: Public Hearing, Discussion, and Consideration of Preliminary Plat
Preliminary plat associated with the zoning for Bags Inc., to provide for future expansion of the facility.
Appointing a replacement on the Planning Commission
Nomination and appointment of Jim Campbell to fill the unexpired term of Boyd Wicker.
Discussion and Consideration of Passing and Approving an Ordinance Amending Chapter 40 Taxation, Article 2 Sales Tax
Proposed ordinance to levy an additional 0.75% excise tax to be expended for general government, police, and fire funds, establishing an effective date, and declaring an emergency.
Discussion and Consideration of Passing and Approving a Resolution Authorizing the Calling and Holding of a Special Election
Resolution to call a special election on October 10, 2017, for the purpose of submitting the proposed sales tax ordinance to qualified electors.
Discussion and Consideration of Issuing a Proclamation Calling for a Special Election
Proclamation calling for a special election on October 10, 2017, for the purpose of submitting the proposed sales tax ordinance to qualified electors.
Discussion and Consideration of Potential Capital Projects to be Included in a Future General Bond Issue
Review of proposed capital projects across four propositions (recreational, public safety technology, residential streets, water booster station) to be funded through a general obligation bond issue paid by property taxes.