January 6, 2026 City Council Meeting

Announcements

• Town Hall Meetings on Proposed Sales Tax Increase: Citizens are invited to attend town hall meetings to discuss the proposed sales tax increase. Staff will be available from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a town hall presentation at 6:30 PM.
  • 📅 January 26th: Impact Center
  • 📅 January 27th: Community Center
  • 📅 January 28th: The Station
• Potential Sales Tax Vote: The proposed sales tax increase is being considered for the 📅 April 7th ballot.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Docket: Items A through D were approved ✅.
• Final Plat of Mahogany Hills, Section 2: The final plat for 23 residential lots on approximately 19 acres, located south of Southwest 34th Street and west of Broadway Avenue, was approved ✅. This development will utilize private septic systems and includes a previously approved variance for a 50-foot right-of-way along South Broadway Avenue.
• Final Plat of Legacy East: The final plat for a 4.79-acre commercial site, located north of Southeast 19th Street and east of Eastern Avenue, was approved ✅. This site is intended for an electrical contractor business office with warehouse space, with access limited to one 30-foot wide driveway from Eastern Avenue and no outdoor storage allowed.
• Rezoning Application RZ1056 (Redbud Animal Dermatology LLC): The application to rezone a property north of Southeast 34th Street and east of Sooner Road from C1/PUD for administrative office space to C1/PUD for a specialty veterinary clinic was approved ✅. The PUD includes specific amenities such as no overnight boarding or daycare, a single 3,400 sq ft building with residential-like design (75% brick/masonry), no outdoor storage, and enhanced landscaping.
• Contract with Center for Economic Development Law: A professional services agreement for legal services, consultation, and representation on economic development tools, specifically Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects, was approved ✅. This contract is on an as-needed basis.
• Stop Loss Insurance Application: An application for stop loss insurance with HCC Life Insurance Company, effective January 1st, 2026, through December 31st, 2026, was tabled ➡️ at staff's request.
• Contract with Happy Playgrounds, LLC: A contract for $28,714 to remove and replace a damaged shade structure at Little River Park South Fitness Court was approved ✅. The previous structure was rendered unrepairable by a severe windstorm.
• Awarding Bid for Buck Thomas Restroom Facilities: The bid for the construction of new restroom facilities at Buck Thomas Baseball Park was awarded ✅ to Landmark Construction Group for $819,720, plus a 10% contingency fee, totaling $901,692.
• Resolution 124-26 (SW 19th St & Santa Fe Ave Intersection Improvement Project): A resolution declaring the necessity for acquiring certain real property and/or easements for the Southwest 19th Street and Santa Fe Avenue intersection improvement project was adopted ✅. This specifically addresses the need to relocate water lines at the old CVS property.
• Resolution 125-26 (NE 12th St Roadway Improvement Project): A resolution declaring the necessity for acquiring certain real property and/or easements for the Northeast 12th Street Roadway Improvement Project (I-35 to Eastern Avenue, and South to Northeast 9th Street) was adopted ✅. This authorizes the city to proceed with the eminent domain process for four outstanding properties where agreements could not be reached, while continuing negotiations.
• Amendment #5 to CH Rog & Company Agreement: An amendment in the amount of $35,000 for the design of two new traffic signals on Southwest 34th Street at Eastern Avenue and Broadway Avenue was approved ✅. These signals are now warranted due to increased traffic flows following the reconstruction and widening of 34th Street and the completion of the I-35 bridge.

Financial Matters 💰

• Proposed Sales Tax Increase Discussion: The City Manager presented an update on the proposed sales tax increase, highlighting initial projects that would be funded:
  • Northwood NE 20th and Lincoln Drainage Project: Approximately $7 million.
  • Rambling Oaks Storm Sewer: Approximately $8.25 million.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Refurbishments: Approximately $20 million.
  • Public Safety Facility: Still in the design phase, cost TBD.
• Funding Alternatives: If the sales tax is not approved, these projects would be considered for a GEO bond issue. The Wastewater Treatment Plant project, if not funded by sales tax, would likely be paid for through an increase in water bills, as the city is pursuing a 25-year loan from OWBR.
• Sales Tax Spending Parameters: A proposal was introduced to limit borrowing against the sales tax to 80% of a 10-year projection based on prior collections of one-third of the general fund sales tax. This framework aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and would be reviewed annually by the Council.

Public Comments

• Duane Kranz (309 South Windermere Springs): Mr. Kranz addressed the Council regarding a stormwater drainage problem in the Windermere Estates subdivision. He stated that stormwater backs up and flows down driveways, including his own, into his outbuilding. He believes the original plans for pavement and drainage were not properly followed during the private development, which was later turned over to the city. He noted that increased impervious materials upstream are worsening the issue and requested the city to investigate and find a resolution.

Agenda Summary Table