April 16, 2019 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• Girl Scout Troop 314, including Mackenzie Dawson, attended the meeting to work on their government badge.
• The recent Redbud Fest was a success despite inclement weather, with the event successfully moved indoors to the Municipal Auditorium.
• Lights have been fixed on North Harrison Street between I-40 and MacArthur.
• An event referred to as "Rebby" is anticipated in a couple of months.

Public Comments

• Buck Day, City Manager at McLoud, reported on the successful daily maintenance of West Watkins Lake and invited citizens to reach out with questions.
• Cory Prayers from the Blue Zones Project highlighted participation in local events: Arts Trek (2,000 attendees, 25+ vendors) and Redbud Fest (500-600 attendees, 20+ vendors, 400 pizza boxes distributed), noting Blue Zones volunteers contributed to both.
• Rachele Milo, a local business owner, voiced support for lowering the speed limit on Kickapoo Avenue, citing safety concerns from past accidents and potential benefits for local businesses. She also commended Homeland stores for their employee-owned decision to stop selling tobacco products as part of the Blue Zones project, acknowledging the financial sacrifice made by employees.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Lowering Speed Limit on Kickapoo Avenue: The Council considered the Traffic Commission's recommendation to lower the speed limit on Kickapoo Avenue from MacArthur Street to West Tech Road from 45 mph to 35 mph. Staff presented data on a new traffic management system, accident statistics (265 accidents since 2010, mostly t-bones or rear-end), and speed studies showing 15% of drivers exceed 35 mph.
  • One commissioner expressed concern that 35 mph was too low for the section from MacArthur to 45th Street, suggesting 40 mph was more appropriate and traffic often self-regulated.
  • Another commissioner supported the reduction, noting drivers often speed up to make lights, leading to accidents at intersections like 45th Street.
  • Decision: The request to lower the speed limit to 35 mph was approved (Vote: 6 Ayes, 1 Nay).
• Rezoning for Cell Tower (125 West 45th Street): The Council reviewed an ordinance to rezone property at 125 West 45th Street from A-1 Rural Agricultural District to A-1 Rural Agricultural District with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a cell tower. The applicant, Troy Williams, submitted revised plans addressing previous concerns, including:
  • Changing the tower classification to "sectional," reducing setback requirements.
  • Reducing tower height from 140 feet to 120 feet.
  • Adjusting fence height to 7 feet to meet code.
  • Repositioning the tower and delineating a parking space.
  • The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions, including no excess equipment storage, no commercial advertising, meeting construction standards, submitting as-built plans, annual FAA/FCC inspection reports, and ensuring parking land is controlled by the tower management entity.
  • Decision: The rezoning with the Conditional Use Permit and specified conditions was approved (Vote: 5 Ayes, 1 Nay, 1 Abstention).

Financial Matters

• Monthly Sales Tax and City Treasurer Report: The Council acknowledged the monthly report.
  • Combined sales and use tax collections for April totaled approximately $1.975 million.
  • Year-to-date sales tax collections are 1.73% above the projected budget.
  • Use tax collections are 13.7% above the projected budget.
  • Overall, the city's sales and use tax collections are above budget.

Agenda Summary Table