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Council OKs long-term lease and property transfer for new Chickasha water treatment plant, names facility Irwin Family Water Works
Summary
The council approved a long-term lease for the site of a new water treatment plant with the E. B. Joe Erwin revocable trust, authorized an irrevocable transfer to the municipal authority after the lease term, and voted to name the plant the Irwin Family Water Works; the council also discussed a capped memorial/art allowance.
The Chickasha City Council and the Chickasha Municipal Authority approved a long-term lease with the E. B. Joe Erwin revocable trust for the site of the city’s new water treatment plant and authorized a follow-on irrevocable transfer of the property to the municipal authority after the lease term.
Under the approved lease, the city will pay monthly rent of $2,500, with annual increases tied to the consumer price index. Council discussion identified the parcel as slightly more than 70 acres; city staff said the property had been appraised at about $400,000. The council discussed a lease term and referenced a 50-year horizon during the discussion.
Councilmembers and staff said the arrangement avoided use of eminent domain. A councilmember noted personal participation in negotiations and described the trust representative as willing to work with the city, which helped reach an agreement without pursuing condemnation.
In a related action, the council authorized an irrevocable agreement to transfer the property to the Chickasha Municipal Authority following the lease term and to ensure recognition of the Erwin family’s contribution. The council discussed potential recognition elements and a cost cap: the meeting record identifies a cost cap of $40,000 for commemorative features tied to the site, such as an entryway, an art piece or plaque, but the precise form of recognition was left to be determined and “not set in stone.”
The council also approved a motion to name the new treatment facility the Irwin Family Water Works. The name was approved by roll call vote without recorded opposition.
The council recorded that mineral rights would be retained by the family and not conveyed as part of the transaction. Staff noted the transfer agreement was structured to prevent a trust manager from reversing the transfer after the lessor’s passing.
Council members thanked staff for negotiating terms and noted the community will be briefed on further design and recognition plans as details are developed. No timeline for construction was provided in the discussion.
