[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,75,87,99,111],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6709712,"mediaKeyId","5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408","parentId",5066499,"title","City approves three-year firefighters contract with pay increases to bolster recruitment","audioSeconds",305,"startMs",3655000,"endMs",3960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408&start=3655&end=3960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408/thumbnail_3655000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6709712/Oklahoma/City-approves-three-year-firefighters-contract-with-pay-increases-to-bolster-recruitment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709712-6b08436ac29c00f78e96595da04c7238/orig.mp4?Expires=1769783989&Signature=anKx8sSPWA6Hvbwyo0voju7QLUeYXX0xp9h8yAIYn-aaIjhoE-Gm0M5aA6uOPyuPtmarVuCJIWUDMuingjhgrmryz1Tsc6WF6ZQ-60gPrzXdUWT5SNMTNnbb98mwUGI0QHTE3S5JWbp7x5hO7z2KgeLcBMhALumxxdKa6-A8La7RgHHpUUTBLf5SUG-0dFYmihorEuW0FlFjLK6FCBEemczwVSdRNJRPeIk~OyHzC1eQFCIxAgP2YbUX1d-RKF8F3Dem6e1IpMMAv-HnBrG7pTSRAo7C4fgQrkNiZfMJKa43Gpn8jDaisUS8uD5GcW~~vDtguTxJ~g9lILpvFKBPhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council Meetings","date","2025-06-25T04:31:17.96Z","article","The City Council voted unanimously to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Lawton Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1882. City officials said the new contract updates pay and benefits after the city completed a lengthy negotiation process that followed a six-year prior agreement.

City staff and union negotiators told council the contract raises the starting firefighter wage to $54,000 — a roughly 13% increase in the first year — and represents about a 30% total pay increase over the three-year term. The agreement also includes a paramedic incentive increase that staff said aligns Lawton’s pay with nearby Norman; adds a paramedic education reimbursement program; revises a longevity incentive; adjusts uniform allowances; adds 48 hours of flexible holiday leave; modifies the work period to address Fair Labor Standards Act concerns; raises fire marshal standby pay; and updates health insurance and evaluation timing to match hire dates.

City negotiators said the prior six-year contract made it difficult to adapt to changing pay and labor rules, and they recommended a shorter three-year agreement. Council members praised the negotiating team and the local union for negotiating in good faith.

Outcome: The motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement passed 7–0. Council authorized signatures to finalize the contract.

Ending: Council recorded the agreement as a step to make the department more competitive for recruitment and retention and asked staff to proceed with contract execution.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 24, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Council approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 1882 that raises the starting firefighter wage to $54,000 and plans roughly 30% total wage increases across the contract period.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma","taxId",69683,"location","Oklahoma","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":76,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":77,"_40":78,"_42":79,"_44":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709716,"Lawton council directs staff to address hazardous fiber-optic excavations in Eisenhower Village",831,1965000,2796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408&start=1965&end=2796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408/thumbnail_1965000.jpg","/articles/6709716/Oklahoma/Lawton-council-directs-staff-to-address-hazardous-fiber-optic-excavations-in-Eisenhower-Village","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709716-b58701ec87798df89069fd4c7eeb1698/orig.mp4?Expires=1769783989&Signature=YXaZiLpD-cAdRUaw52LcpWVc7MSLCZWa~nXRC3mYZPx2Wk-oZZtxpgXJq3YFUKQCW-WE1cz2GllOLg4b1nPV3oDKCACJb873CiSsH-KbkAWUjBa8kzYsDXMDfw-e7S5JLysEvgpWfpYtWiO4XmvQbdffcf2o~JChfUbrHSFjskhuVzcAJMUUhpg4BU3yR7WnolVKLKTamVz2i3n6m9~AFn~ijP~C9fhZm7rAFiNvpdOtFYp9sqoBuXj9omC~PtA4kp2e~UtR7exlU5-gm-gxpr48X2mBWLDb4AA6xADwV8ik~UjN0MLi5YJatsudq1FTnSZzvrQHcsPx78CsvrUP4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawton Mayor Hankins Booker and the City Council convened an emergency meeting to address a reported public-safety problem: contractors installing fiber-optic cable left multiple unprotected holes — one reportedly as deep as 11 feet — and damaged water infrastructure in the Eisenhower Village neighborhood.

Planning Director Christy James told council that planning has logged more than 200 complaints about fiber work over two years and had received 21 complaints about AT&T work in the last three weeks. She said inspectors verify responsible parties and that the city maintains a complaint spreadsheet to track responses. Public-utilities inspector Heath Renton was identified as the first responder who confirms which company is responsible at each site.

Council members said the situation had escalated. Councilman Warren moved that the council direct the city manager to have staff work on immediate solutions with contractors and look at “any other means” to safeguard citizens and city property, including legal action if necessary. The motion passed on roll call with the council voting in favor. The council also directed staff to examine permit and bonding requirements for boring contractors to increase accountability.

City staff said AT&T — the company identified as performing the work in the neighborhood — told the city it had fired the subcontractor responsible for the worst sites, planned to replace that contractor, and committed to repair work within two weeks, including filling holes, providing barricades, and installing temporary covers where work was incomplete. City staff said sod and topsoil shortages following recent flooding slowed immediate repairs.

Why this matters: Officials said the deep, unbarricaded holes and some instances of damaged water meters create an immediate risk to children and the public. Council instructed staff to pursue short-term protections while working to change longer-term contractor oversight via permitting and bonding requirements. Councilmembers also requested staff consideration of legal remedies if contractors or franchise holders do not meet corrective timelines.

Council action and next steps: The council approved the motion directing the city manager to pursue solutions and, if necessary, legal action. Staff plans to document the remaining unsafe excavations, continue on-site inspections, coordinate with AT&T and other utilities, and draft potential permitting/bonding language for future council consideration. Staff also will pursue faster remediation where public-safety risk remains.

Local voices: Planning Director Christy James and Public Utilities Inspector Heath Renton briefed council about inspection and complaint-handling procedures. Councilman Warren urged using bonding and permitting to hold contractors accountable. City Manager Jason (first name used in meeting) represented staff follow-up and operational oversight.

Ending: The council characterized the vote as an urgent step to protect residents in Eisenhower Village and to strengthen the city’s tools to prevent similar incidents in other neighborhoods.","City council held an emergency meeting after residents reported deep unbored holes and damaged water lines during fiber-optic installation. Council directed the city manager to work with contractors, pursue legal remedies if necessary, and explore contractor permitting and bonding requirements.",{"_32":88,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":89,"_40":90,"_42":91,"_44":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709698,"Votes at a glance: Council approves bond sale, contractor rules review, ordinances, lease and other measures",2056,1908000,3964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408&start=1908&end=3964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408/thumbnail_1908000.jpg","/articles/6709698/Oklahoma/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-approves-bond-sale-contractor-rules-review-ordinances-lease-and-other-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709698-f40e644080d152f6ffc9afc7842526a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1769783989&Signature=AozlrGVxAo250YeAlRY9n0vHCriJSebcsQgKfFcbY~h2x60je3vTa3XQd05MDcR4hbfBQpZs2Htf4XABNlnLnS5u1wJ4TUxvuSxRt9VwjFu0MZ8iwhNdrxvExl9g7vir98DriYzRWw255OAjGO014iP8Sou4jfatI3fHFhmMDFExa63XjFSWka6brrQ61Po-ioKWz97Ns~kL7PgCdyBdKFiwLo98vfv4Mku11g7YfETOCa9laABdsSo-YpCemtQcUQ3az3OysKd16RARyb7EYEL2io7i2uf9Nd2zIiKgzLkkghGX7~0J-ZlWhV-2ZPKWj2AqN7NjnmSsAM1YqjPSCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council recorded a series of formal votes at the meeting. Below is a concise list of each action, the motion’s essentials and the recorded outcome.

1) Emergency meeting directive (fiber safety) — approved
Motion: Direct the city manager to have staff begin working on solutions with contractors and explore permitting and bonding rules and, if necessary, pursue legal action to protect citizens and city property in Eisenhower Village. Outcome: Approved (roll call recorded; motion carries).

2) Lawton Transit Trust — annual agreements and grants — approved (series)
- Agreement with Lawton Public Schools (LPS) to provide transit service for students and staff at no charge; LPS pays a flat rate of $70,000 a year. Outcome: Approved 7–0.
- Resolution authorizing grant application/execution for FTA Section 5307 federal assistance (FY2025), appropriation and chairman sign-off. Outcome: Approved 7–0.
- Resolution for FTA Section 5339 federal assistance (FY2025) for transfer center funding. Outcome: Approved 7–0.
- Certifications and assurances under master agreement FTA MAP-33 (FY2025) and authorization of signatures. Outcome: Approved 7–0.
- Annual cooperative agreement and funding between the City and Transit Trust for public transit operations (effective July 1). Outcome: Approved 7–0.

3) Personnel recognition (LATS general manager) — informational; no vote required.

4) Improvement district (Willow Springs condominiums/townhouses) — direct staff to prepare plans — approved
Motion: Direct city engineer/public utilities director to prepare preliminary plans and cost estimate for an improvement district to replace private water mains feeding the Willow Springs Condominium/Townhouse neighborhood; staff to validate petition. Outcome: Approved 7–0; petition validated (65% of property owners signed).

5) Lawton Youth Sports Trust Authority lease (sports complex) — ratification/authorization — approved
Motion: Ratify the Trust Authority’s agreement to lease Lawton Public Schools land for the proposed sports complex (55-year lease with an additional 55-year renewal option), contingent on final LPS approval; rent structured to be covered if the district is made available for a minimum number of hours per fiscal year. Outcome: Ratified (motion carries); council noted two-thirds approval required and recorded accordingly.

6) Sportsplex name/logo selection (PlayLawton Sportsplex; Lawton Fort Sill naming) — approved
Motion: Approve the PlayLawton Sportsplex name and associated logo and adopt Lawton Fort Sill as the park name; acknowledge McMahon Foundation contribution. Outcome: Approved by motion and second.

7) Stormwater and floodplain code amendments — approved
Motion: Adopt ordinance amending multiple sections of Chapter 19A to add definitions, responsibilities for the city engineer, size limits for accessory structures, penalties for noncompliance and other updates to align with FEMA/NFIP guidance. Outcome: Ordinance adopted 7–0.

8) Demolition contract (1702 SW N H Jones Ave) — approved
Motion: Award demolition contract to Total Demolition Services LLC for $120,510 to demolish the blighted property and remove debris; contractor agreed to set aside bricks for possible memorial use. Outcome: Approved 7–0. City will pursue liens and potential cost recovery where appropriate.

9) Nuisance ordinance amendment (tall grass/weed abatement notice) — approved
Motion: Amend nuisance code to change notice time from 10 days to 15 days to account for mail delays; council also directed staff to seek ways to shorten the elapsed time between the end of the notice period and actual abatement. Outcome: Ordinance passed; motion to direct staff accepted (vote recorded).

10) Utilities/landfill program (four free loads per resident per year; fee schedule) — approved
Motions: (a) Ordinance codifying four free landfill trips per resident per calendar year (one per quarter) with additional eligibility restrictions; (b) Resolution amending fee schedule to reflect the four free trips and clarify grass-clipping exemptions. Outcomes: Ordinance and fee resolution approved; council declared an emergency for the ordinance (both votes carried 7–0).

11) TBRA (Tenant-Based Rental Assistance) amendment — approved
Motion: Approve amendment to the agreement with Housing Authority to administer/operate an affordable rental housing project by increasing funding for FY25 by $50,684 for a total cited in the record (council approved); direct city manager to research TBRA expenditure options and strengthen transaction monitoring for compliance. Outcome: Approved by council in executive-session follow-up motion.

12) Settlement authorization in federal litigation — approved
Motion: Approve a resolution authorizing a settlement agreement in the amount of $4,000,000 in the federal case referenced in the executive session (case listed on the record); place judgment on the sinking fund as provided in the settlement terms. Outcome: Council approved the settlement resolution by roll-call vote.

13) Charter amendment process — directive to staff on term limits and ballot timing — approved (directional)
Motion: Direct staff to draft charter amendment language for council consideration, including an item to remove term limits; council voted 6–1 to direct staff to prepare charter language including removal of term limits and to return with a prioritized list of proposed amendments for a September ballot schedule. Outcome: Direction approved 6–1.

14) Miscellaneous infrastructure and procurement motions — approved
- Motion to solicit bids for a mill/overlay (street) project on SW Lee Boulevard, 30th Eighth Street and SW 50 Second: approved.
- Other routine consent and addendum consent items recorded as adopted by council.

For full details: council minutes and the recorded roll-call votes are part of the public record. Several items were routine annual approvals (transit trust grant documents, cooperative agreements) and were adopted en bloc with roll-call votes. If a reader needs the text of any ordinance, resolution or contract identified above, the city clerk’s office can provide the official documents.","A roundup of formal council votes recorded during the meeting, including awards, ordinances, contract approvals and directions to staff.",{"_32":100,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":101,"_40":102,"_42":103,"_44":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709703,"Museum of the Great Plains trust authority outlines 5–10–20 year plan emphasizing digital exhibits and outreach",1812,4336000,6148000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408&start=4336&end=6148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408/thumbnail_4336000.jpg","/articles/6709703/Oklahoma/Museum-of-the-Great-Plains-trust-authority-outlines-51020-year-plan-emphasizing-digital-exhibits-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709703-9b7804fd62ef796769fa674779b171c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1769783989&Signature=HUAxn1Q-bp0xvcul973ZJtybRNaPpHm73sWXsXRL2LH6-zCzrlKs4kcihQZwNrQCWLqLTaPeSg4pf7-QWvnpSIv-P14jVNa6txkTMR8Gx-uMCR2HmYXWuiF482rFkyHpQJgA6XFT9zNUW2W~-EhRGgHG6oizKFidMBZNi3u0dpQ1RxKst-j8G3ills55dTd6UZFnouiHPyIfyfuY6W2dXPe9hkE12NYoCb0r4fw8KbBIuEXNe0bERwXQ8VNnhpO7cxACakdFFpk3iHbDcW0QoTCM5zrGoPgoVJoMQZKpNmvG~JquK~KM1z6f1~porn2lZ6lPYrdKsgGYo8tFNZ59jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Museum of the Great Plains Trust Authority presented a strategic update to the City Council outlining a 5-, 10- and 20-year plan that emphasizes digital experiences, expanded educational programming and long-term funding strategies.

Rhonda Norell, introduced as the incoming trust authority president, described plans to develop immersive digital exhibits, virtual tours, online educational resources and interactive learning tools to reach diverse age groups. The trust authority said it will work to align programming with school curricula, expand outreach to schools and community centers, and pursue new partnerships and grant sources, including developing an endowment or foundation to strengthen long-term financial stability.

Norell said the museum is one of 14 Oklahoma museums accredited in the state and the only accredited museum in Southwest Oklahoma; the trust authority provided peer comparisons and said the museum catalogs roughly 50,000 items, most of which are in storage and are being gradually digitized for public access. Assistant Director and archivist Ian Swart said staff added about 30,000 photographic assets to the museum’s public portal in the past year and are working to add more material to the searchable online archive.

The trust authority asked for continued collaboration with city staff, possible amendments to the trust indenture and regular reporting to council. Trustees also identified the need for board training, a long-range planning committee with city and county members, and marketing partnerships with the Chamber and local non-profits. Council members responded with praise and recommended regular updates.

Ending: Council accepted the update; no formal action was required. Trustees said work is ongoing to finalize grant applications and to plan a phased capital and programmatic rollout.","Newly elected trust authority president presented multi-decade strategy focused on digital enhancements, expanded education and community partnerships, fundraising and increased accessibility. The museum is accredited and seeking to grow admissions, grants and program revenue.",{"_32":112,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":113,"_40":114,"_42":115,"_44":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709708,"Council awards $3.15M general obligation bond sale, adopts ordinance declaring emergency",288,4056000,4344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408&start=4056&end=4344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066499-f8ff26c103646b395c146bb8b62d2408/thumbnail_4056000.jpg","/articles/6709708/Oklahoma/Council-awards-315M-general-obligation-bond-sale-adopts-ordinance-declaring-emergency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709708-40c552d0d33a8e095acb51ed2ab3f1e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1769783989&Signature=aPJQU6xupCkzdKh1q96fEyi49ANPnlrOqmbvddhP1nRLE2UYgERT25cyBjwXJPWxipus~KdEkUgmKSh8iWlSZxzycSJPWkoPQMURmHrvLsnbXTUJZkjwjopa6XHiLhK5BDye1O4Mv-T~8sFhdIfVkwHZJgMwQq-MC9A1cZ2gHcqUkBb49GGYX8qHnXYtJD9Sqdtm8Fw7zsP4NHFz0sDKkhGuiJXPfLzZERU5xbAYzRBRRhH2gUq1cfgq44yPDhbHIg~M86B4XppIdmd0P-U~WFNF0-XBcd5tut6s38J0CAe6zmgIHvVxDPAcnvOH84LJn-~kA5rCYZyRhOCHmausow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council awarded the sale of $3,150,000 in general obligation bonds, Series 2025, to the lowest bidder and adopted an ordinance authorizing the issuance.

Finance staff said five bids were received; the low true interest cost was reported as 3.318646% and staff recommended awarding to PNC Capital Markets. Council voted to accept the low bid and later adopted an ordinance providing for the issuance of the bonds and declaring an emergency so the ordinance would become effective immediately. Council voted 7–0 on the award and on the ordinance emergency declaration.

Why this matters: The issuance of general obligation bonds is the annual method the city uses to fund capital improvements while maintaining its tax rate. City staff said the bond issuance is consistent with prior practice of preserving the approximate 11-mill tax rate.

Outcome: Council accepted the low bid, authorized issuance of the bonds, and declared the ordinance an emergency (two separate votes). All votes carried unanimously.","Council accepted low bid for $3,150,000 general obligation bonds (Series 2025), awarded to PNC Capital Markets at ~3.3186%, and adopted an ordinance authorizing issuance and declaring an emergency so the measure takes effect immediately.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City approves three-year firefighters contract with pay increases to bolster recruitment

Lawton council directs staff to address hazardous fiber-optic excavations in Eisenhower Village

Votes at a glance: Council approves bond sale, contractor rules review, ordinances, lease and other measures

Museum of the Great Plains trust authority outlines 5–10–20 year plan emphasizing digital exhibits and outreach

Council awards $3.15M general obligation bond sale, adopts ordinance declaring emergency