May 6, 2025 City Council Meeting

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Docket Approval: The City Council approved the consent docket items A through F, which typically include routine administrative matters.
• Rezoning Application RZ-1049 PUD Amendment & Approval:
  • The Council considered and approved an amendment to rezoning application RZ-1049 PUD design statement. This amendment reduces allowed uses to only those permitted under C3 general commercial district by right, plus light automotive repair. It also requires six of the ten trees for the lot to be evergreen, 20-foot minimum height at maturity, placed within the landscape buffer with automatic irrigation for screening purposes.
  • The applicant clarified that the proposed light automotive repair shop would operate from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, with enclosed bays to minimize noise.
  • A council member raised concerns about potential noise, increased traffic, and the possibility of future changes to the PUD, which would require a new approval process.
  • Following this, the Council also approved Ordinance Number 3525, which formally rezones the property located north of Southwest 34th Street and east of Santa Fe Avenue from C3 General Commercial District to C3 PUD General Commercial District Planned Unit Development.
• Rezoning Application RZ-1050 for Auto Body Shop:
  • The Council approved rezoning application RZ-1050, located south of Cass Avenue and east of North Shields Boulevard. This changes the zoning from C5 Automotive and Commercial Recreation District to C5 PUD Automotive and Commercial Recreation District with a permissive use for automotive and equipment heavy.
  • This allows for an auto body business with a paint booth. The applicant confirmed a new paint booth with necessary air filtration and plans to fence the building to screen dismantled vehicles from public view.

Financial Matters 💰

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Improvements: The Council approved Work Order Number 3 with Garver LLC for $199,800 for design improvements to the wastewater treatment plant digester building. This project addresses corrosion from hydrogen sulfide gas by removing the existing building, installing corrosion-resistant covers over the digesters, and adding odor ducts. The design cost will be paid from MPWA funds, with construction anticipated to start next year.

Public Comments

During the Citizens Forum, several residents addressed the Council:

• Justice Chandler (Freeholder Clause): Raised concerns about the city charter's "freeholder clause," which requires land ownership to run for office. He stated that Attorney General Getner Drummond advised him this clause is illegal per U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Mr. Chandler requested the Council address this via motion or resolution. Mayor Ham committed to having the city manager and city attorney review the clause and take appropriate action if removal is necessary.
• Ted and Sharon Sanderson (Flooding Concerns): Residents of 112 South Morgan Drive, reported severe and worsening flooding in their neighborhood since 1989, with recent storms causing significant damage to neighbors' homes and nearly flooding their own. They requested the city take action or reclassify their area as a flood zone to allow for flood insurance.
• Terry Gates (Flooding History & Unaddressed Plan): Speaking about his property at 104 South Ramblin Oaks, Mr. Gates detailed three significant flooding events (May 2015, June 2024, April 2025), noting the house is not in a designated flood zone. He referenced the City of Moore's 2016 Comprehensive Stormwater Management and Master Drainage Plan, which identified their area (Problem Area 12/13) as needing a new 100-year storm sewer system due to current capacity issues. He questioned why this recommendation, identified as a short-term priority since 2017, has not been completed in eight years and asked about the impact of new development and street improvements on flooding.
• Tonya Gates (Unaddressed Priority): Re-emphasized that their property's flooding issue was identified as a "short-term priority since 2017" in the 2016 report and remains unaddressed.
• John Mozer (Repeated Flooding & Lack of Action): A resident of 1500 East Main Street, Mr. Mozer reported his house flooded with 4 feet of water in 2015 and 1.5 feet recently. He believes the original drainage design was inadequate and that construction in the area has worsened the problem. He expressed frustration over 10 years of "talk" without "action" and requested reclassification as a flood zone for insurance purposes.
• Richard Pierce (Flooding & Sewer Backups): Owner of 1424 East Main Street, Mr. Pierce reported his mother's house flooded (garage, storm shelter, and 2 inches in the house damaging the HVAC system) and recurring sewer backups in his backyard. He urged the Council to take action on both drainage and the sewer system.
• Teresa Bozer (Vehicle Flooding): John Mozer's wife, added that her daughter's Honda Fit, parked in the street, filled with water up to the seats during the recent flood.
• John Isem (Personal Impact of Flooding): A resident of 116 South Morgan Drive, Mr. Isem described water levels reaching his chin (above his mailbox) and chest in his backyard. He reported all three family vehicles, parked in the driveway, were flooded. He emphasized the serious risk to his family and the significant financial and emotional toll, urging the Council to take action.
• Mayor's Response to Flooding Concerns: Mayor Ham acknowledged the severity of the recent record rainfall and the long-standing nature of some flooding issues. He stated that the city manager and assistant city manager are actively working on a plan, but it will involve millions of dollars and take time to implement. He assured residents that their concerns are being heard and that the city is looking into solutions, including expanding drainage systems and detention ponds.

Agenda Summary Table