Lawton City Council to consider restoring convenience store to Lake Lawtonka

Proposals that would restore the convenience store and fuel pumping station to Lake Lawtonka’s largest recreation area will be discussed today by the City Council.

School House Slough has been without a convenience store and lakeside fuel station since the City of Lawton assumed control of the concession area on Jan. 1, 2023, after longtime concessionaire Kent Waller ended leases he had held on the site for 25 years. While city officials have made arrangements for continued use of camping, boating and storage spots, as well as day use and activities such as picnicking and swimming, visitors must rely on other locations to buy items as varied as food, suntan lotion and city permits, and to fuel boats.

City administrators have been exploring the idea of city operations for some activities, but council members want someone with experience to run the convenience store and lakeside fueling station, both revenue-generators that can provide more funding for lakes improvements. Council members directed city staff to seek proposals from those interested in operating the sites, and city administrators are ready to discuss proposals submitted by Juan J. Rodriguez, dba as Schoolhouse Slough Convenience Store LLC, and J&N LLC (Natalie Smith and James Janis).

Rodriguez’s proposal specifies he would pay the City of Lawton $1,000 a month, beginning the month after the store reopens (the city also would receive sales tax from items sold in the store, he said). Rodriguez outlined a five-year business plan that starts with reopening the store as soon as possible and the fueling area (to be done as quickly as the Oklahoma Corporation Commission allows), while also providing food again. He would gradually expand the food offerings and begin outside upgrades, to include painting shelters and replacing picnic tables. He anticipates expanding amenities by year five, to include kayak rentals.

Rodriguez’s plan specifies he would do necessary repairs, with the cost of that work and any improvements to be deducted from his monthly lease. His proposal also asks that the city not issue permits to other food vendors.

J&N LLC made the same request about vendors, specifying they wanted other food vendors to cease operations during peak season (May through July) and non-peak season (March through April, and August-September).

J&N’s proposal specifies they plan to reopen the store to offer convenience items, fuel and food, with plans to add a small dining area and gift shop. They also would make fuel available dockside, as well as have a drive-up option. Their proposal specifies a seven-year lease, with a 5 percent payback on gross sales and revenue, excluding gas sales. But, in order to make the necessary improvements to get the store operational, J&N is asking the city to postpone that payback for the first three years. While J&N would cover routine operations, the city would maintain the store’s HVAC system, fuel pump and tank systems, and make plumbing and building repairs.

In a related item, Deputy City Manager Dewayne Burk is asking the council to specify what it wants done with the four concessionaire agreements in place on Lakes Lawtonka and Ellsworth. Those agreements with Sunken Bridge Yacht Club and Lawton Boat Club on Lawtonka, and Ralph’s Resort and Fisherman’s Cove on Ellsworth are nearing their expiration, and Burk said that given the council’s directive to make the lakes more self-sufficient, staff “is seeking direction from Council on how to proceed.”

Council members have said they are willing to dedicate revenues generated by lake users back to the lake for improvements and operation.