Council sets December 9 public hearing to consider Willow Springs water main improvement district

The City of Lawton agreed to set a public hearing for Dec. 9 to consider creating the Willow Springs Neighborhood Water Main Improvement District to replace aging water lines and bring infrastructure to city standards.

Staff said the project area includes the Willow Springs condominiums and townhouses near 67th Street and that preliminary plans prepared by Garber call for replacing existing 4-inch and 6-inch lines with 8-inch mains, installing fire hydrants and water meters, and dedicating the lines to the city upon completion. The presenter said the construction cost estimate shown was "1.2" and the worst-case total after inspection fees and staff time would be "1.3" (the transcript did not specify currency units). Staff stressed those figures are high-end worst-case numbers and that final, lower figures could be presented after bidding and design.

Staff outlined financing options and said the city would pay upfront with a Water Resources Board loan and then offer repayment options to property owners, with potential loan terms of 15, 20, 25 or 30 years. The presenter asked council to set the public hearing so the district could be created if the hearing outcome is favorable; staff noted a 30-day state statutory period after creation for any formal opposition before construction steps would proceed.

Council members asked technical questions, including whether lines would be dedicated to the city (staff said yes) and whether the change would improve fire protection (staff said upgrading to 8-inch pipe meets city standards and improves fire protection). The council set the public hearing; staff said that, if approved after the hearing and the 30-day period, the city would proceed to complete construction documents, obtain easements, bid the project and install the water lines.