Meeting Summary
The City Council approved several ordinances, including changes to golf course rates, park hours, and the implementation of an expungement fee. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the ongoing issues with the Heritage Park Mall, with the council directing staff to escalate enforcement actions. Additionally, the refinancing of the Town Center redevelopment project was approved, aiming for lower interest rates and funding for necessary repairs.
Key Decisions & Votes
Golf Course Rates Ordinance
24:00The council approved an ordinance to increase regular green fees and senior rates by $1, driving range tokens by 50 cents, and reduce the senior age to 55+ at city golf courses.
Park Hours Ordinance
25:20An ordinance was approved to establish seasonal operating hours for pavilions and improved playgrounds in regional parks, aligning with sunset times to deter loitering after dark.
Municipal Court Expungement Fee Ordinance
28:00The council approved an ordinance to implement a $50 fee for the expungement of municipal court records, with funds distributed to the court and police departments.
Timberland Mobile Home Park Sewer/Water Agreement Termination
29:30The termination of the sewer and water service agreement with S communities exp LLC for Timberland Mobile Home Park was approved, pending a new agreement with the property's new owner.
Heritage Park Mall Enforcement Strategy
58:00The council directed city staff to escalate enforcement actions against the Heritage Park Mall owner, including issuing daily/weekly citations for code violations, with a clear intent to pursue legal remedies if compliance is not met by a July 27th deadline.
Town Center Redevelopment Project Refinancing
1:16:00Authorization was granted to Sooner Investment to contract with HHF for refinancing the Town Center project, aiming for lower interest rates and securing additional capital for parking lot repairs and deferred maintenance.
Hospital Authority Investment Performance Review
1:19:00The quarterly investment performance review for the period ending March 31, 2017, was accepted by the trustees.
Upcoming Community Events
Mother's Day
Air Show at Tinker Air Force Base
Gates open at 8:00 AM, show concludes around 4:00 PM. Thunderbirds will be the first aerobatic act. Increased security, no ice chests or backpacks recommended.
National Police Week
May 15th is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Flags to be flown at half-staff. Blue ribbons to be worn in honor of fallen officers.
Kids to the Park Day
Organized by the National Park Trust to encourage active lifestyles and appreciation for nature.
Public Works Appreciation Week
57th annual national event sponsored by the American Public Works Association.
Financial Matters
Golf Course Rates
Increase of $1 for regular green fees and senior rates, and 50 cents for driving range tokens.
Municipal Court Expungement Fee
Imposition of a $50 fee for expungement of municipal court records.
Town Center Redevelopment Project Refinancing
Refinancing existing loans with an anticipated lower interest rate (low 4s from 6.1%), expected to generate an additional $700,000 per year in revenue.
Town Center Parking Lot Repairs
Borrowing additional funds for repairs and improvements to the parking lot.
Town Center Deferred Maintenance Escrow
Anticipated escrow for deferred maintenance repairs.
Return of Principal to Hospital Authority
Expected return of principal to the Hospital Authority at closing of the new loan.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke. Two expressed frustration with the Heritage Park Mall owner's inaction, suggesting forced sale or city intervention. One citizen praised the city's bike trails and mulch program, and questioned the contract with Oklahoma Humane Place for animal services, suggesting Safe Haven as an alternative.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Heritage Park Mall status to be a recurring agenda item, with quarterly or more frequent updates from staff.
Deadlines
- July 27th, 2017: Projected 'drop-dead date' for Heritage Park Mall owner compliance.
Watch For
- Litigation approaches regarding the Heritage Park Mall nuisance.
- Subsequent agreement for water and sewer service to Timberland Mobile Home Park by the new ownership entity.
Announcements
- Awarding of a plaque for the Adopt-a-Street cleanup program to Carl Albert.
- Happy Mother's Day wishes to all mothers.
- German academic team invited to Nationals; a meeting is scheduled for Thursday night to raise funds.
- The Air Show featuring the Thunderbirds will be held at Tinker Air Force Base on May 19th and 20th, expecting 150,000 visitors.
- Proclamation of May 15-21, 2017, as Police Recognition Week, with May 15th designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
- Proclamation of May 20, 2017, as Kids to the Park Day.
- Proclamation of May 21-27, 2017, as Public Works Appreciation Week.
Agenda Summary
D1: Ordinance amending Chapter 30 Parks and Recreation, Article 4, Section 30-46 A and B Golf Course Rates
Staff recommended a $1 increase per player for regular green fees and senior rates, a 50 cent increase for driving range tokens at John Conrad Golf Course, and a $1 increase to Senior/military green fees at John Conrad and Hidden Creek family golf course. The senior age was proposed to be reduced to 55 and older, with proposed rates effective July 1, 2017.
D2: Ordinance amending Chapter 30 Parks and Recreation, Article 1, Section 30-1 C Park hours posting signs trespass disorderly conduct penalty
Staff recommended a change to the hours of operation for pavilions and improved playgrounds in regional Kiwanis and Lions parks, providing for seasonal hours based roughly on sunset times to prohibit loitering after dark.
D3: Ordinance amending Chapter 25 Municipal Court, Article 1 General Provisions, adding new Section 25-45 Expungement Fee
Proposed a $50 expungement fee for records of those convicted of an offense in Municipal Court or arrested by the Midwest City Police Department with charges filed elsewhere. The fee would be distributed 60% to the court fund and 40% to the police fund.
D4: Termination of the sewer and water agreement with the S communities exp LLC for the water and sewer service provided to Timberland mobile home park property east of the corporate limits of the city of Midwest City
Proposal for terminating the service that allows the city to provide water and sewer service, with a subsequent agreement by the entity that assumed ownership.
D5: Status, condition, progress or recommendations concerning the latest evaluation of Heritage Park Mall located at 6801 East Reno
Discussion on the ongoing code compliance issues, hazardous materials storage (r22 freon), and lack of progress by the mall owner. City staff presented their enforcement strategy.
D6: Refinancing of the Town Center Redevelopment Project
Presentation on refinancing the Town Center project loan, aiming for a lower interest rate, borrowing additional funds for parking lot repairs and deferred maintenance, and restructuring the loan into three parcels.
Replacement dependent trustee Millison municipal stories
Discussion regarding the replacement of a dependent trustee.
Hospital Authority investment performance review for the period ending March 31, 2017
Acceptance of the quarterly investment performance review and consideration of reallocating assets, changing fund managers, or making changes in investment policy guidelines.