Votes at a glance: Council approves demolitions, code updates, meeting-time change, safety and permitting ordinances

At its regular meeting, the Midwest City Council approved a slate of resolutions and ordinances on routine and policy items. Key actions included resolutions declaring two structures dilapidated and setting dates for demolition, and multiple code updates ranging from hydrant placement to childcare regulation alignment with new state law.

Two properties declared dilapidated The council approved resolutions declaring the buildings at 1000324 Saint Patrick Drive and 9603 Southeast Fourth Street dilapidated under Midwest City Ordinance Section 9-3 and set dates to demolish and remove the structures. City staff said the owner of the Saint Patrick Drive property contacted permitting on July 9 but no demolition permit was pulled; staff reported no contact from the owner of the Southeast Fourth Street property and noted overdue taxes and weed liens. Council approved both resolutions by voice vote.

Fire-hydrant location ordinance Council approved an ordinance amending Chapter 15 (Fire Protection and Prevention) to update hydrant location requirements. Acting City Manager Mr. Sullivan said the change addresses dead-end mains and water-quality concerns in addition to ensuring sufficient pressure and volume for firefighting. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Meeting schedule change An ordinance was approved amending Chapter 2 (Administration) to consolidate two monthly meetings in January and May into a single meeting (the fourth Thursday), while retaining two June meetings for budget work. The ordinance preserves the council's ability to call special meetings under the Open Meetings Act. Staff noted adjustments will be needed for November meeting scheduling around Veterans Day.

Tornado-shelter code update Council approved amendments to tornado-shelter regulations in Chapter 9 to align standards with the International Code Council (ICC) and add limited changes to application fees. Staff noted current local language dated from the 1970s and did not previously recognize above-ground shelters; plans must be stamped by a licensed engineer and will be reviewed by building and fire officials. The motion carried.

Incorporation of IPMC and building-code housekeeping The council adopted an ordinance to incorporate the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) by reference into Chapter 9 to ensure the code applies to commercial and industrial properties as well as housing provisions already in Chapter 20.

Childcare and large-family home rules aligned with state law Council approved amendments to Chapter 10 to add definitions for —family childcare home— (7 or fewer children) and —large family childcare home— (8—12 children) and to adopt applicable international code provisions. Staff said the state statute takes effect Nov. 1 and the ordinance is scheduled to take effect the same date; the change does not alter zoning for where childcare homes may locate.

Health-care facility permit process moved and fee simplified Council approved moving a permitting process for hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, cardiac catheterization labs and diagnostic imaging centers from the city clerk's office to Community Development, and simplifying the permit fee to a flat $1,000 application fee (previously calculated as a percentage of capital costs with a $1,000 minimum and $75,000 maximum). Staff said the flat fee covers processing costs and public-hearing requirements.

Meter and sewer-rate administrative updates Council approved updates to meter costs that are passed through to new businesses (staff emphasized the city is not profiting from meter cost changes). The council also approved an administrative simplification for sewer charges tied to household occupancy: when a new account opens, the household headcount will determine the sewage rate and remain until the account closes; staff said this reduces customer-service workload and avoids repeated mailings to confirm occupancy.

Consent, authorities and intergovernmental spending Consent agendas for the Midwest City Municipal Authority, the Hospital Authority and the Economic Development Authority moved routine items and approved certain inter-authority expenditures for a project that draws funds from each authority; trustees approved the items by unanimous consent or voice votes as recorded.

Public comment A resident, Charles B. Williams of Pearl 3 East Rickenbacker, raised a code-enforcement concern about vehicles parked on front lawns and asked about complaint timelines; staff referred him to Mike Stroh in code enforcement and said the councilwoman would follow up.

Most measures were approved by voice vote or on unanimous consent; where recorded, council members answered "aye" and motions carried.