Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Midwest City approves deannexation of part of Riverside Mobile Home Park; residents to remain on private utility arrangement
Summary
Council approved an ordinance to de-annex a portion of Riverside Mobile Home Park at the owners' request and transfer ownership of internal water and sewer lines to the park owner; the city will continue to provide utility service but at higher rates and police jurisdiction will shift to the county.
The Midwest City Council voted to de-annex a portion of Riverside Mobile Home Park and to transfer ownership of the park's internal water and sewer infrastructure to the park owner, officials said.
City staff said the action followed repeated disputes over code enforcement and differing county rules that the owner asserted made park operation difficult. The ordinance was initiated at the owner's request and, according to city staff, was intended to preserve housing stock and avoid the park's potential closure.
Why it matters: The change will shift some municipal responsibilities to the private owner and to county agencies while keeping basic services in place. The move affects about 62 occupied lots (staff said the park has roughly 200 lots total) and changes which police agency responds to 911 calls in the area.
What the council approved: The ordinance authorizes de-annexation of the specified tract, transfers ownership of water and sewer lines inside the park to the owner, and leaves the city responsible for providing water, sewer and sanitation service under new billing terms. City staff said water and sewer service will continue but the park will pay a higher rate — 1.5 times current fees — and police jurisdiction will move to the county sheriff; fire protection will continue under an existing mutual aid agreement.
City attorney and staff comments: City staff said the de-annexation was the result of negotiations and that staff chose a one-step ordinance process after consulting a local consultant (Rick Rice) and legal counsel. Staff said the option to de-annex was presented as the solution both sides wanted and that the park manager and residents had been informed and prepared for the change.
Residents and impact: The city's presentation said many residents supported the move and that council and staff view the ordinance as a way to avoid displacing families. Staff emphasized the new billing arrangement would be implemented through the park owner and that the city would maintain water and sewer service where it connects to city mains.
What happens next: Staff will finalize transfer documents, notify affected residents of the service and jurisdictional changes, and record the de-annexation per state and local requirements. The park owner will assume responsibility for internal water/sewer maintenance and costs after the transfer.
