Refined CIP project list to be decided by City Council on Monday

City Council members have refined the project list for the proposed Capital Improvements Program extension proposal as they prepare to set an election date for city voters.

The council is expected to put the finishing touches on all the components of what they call PROPEL 2040 — from the ballot proposition to the resolution that sets the projects and other requirements of the program — at a special meeting set for 2 p.m. Monday in the auditorium of Lawton City Hall, Southwest 9th and Southwest C Avenue. Those decisions had been expected last week, but Mayor Stan Booker said some adjustments were needed in the ordinance and resolutions before the council could set the documents into effect.

“We want to get it right,” Booker said, of decisions that would change some of the program’s components.

Topping the list was a decision on a new office for the city lakes staff. The original project list had included $750,000 for a new steel structure, to replace the old farm house that provides work space for nine lakes staff members and three lakes rangers who handle issues at Lake Lawtonka and Lake Ellsworth recreation areas. Parks and Recreation Director Larry Parks said the deteriorating building has numerous problems, from structural cracks and mold to a lack of space and the fact it is inaccessible to those with limited mobility.

Ward 4 Councilman George Gill and two other council members visited the building with city administrators to assess the situation. Gill, a contractor, said there isn’t support for the idea of remodeling the house, noting he doesn’t want to “throw good money after bad.” Based on how many staff members would be needed and what they will be doing, Gill said the city could build a 1,200- to 1,500-square-foot steel structure for about $250,000, based on current prices. Building the structure on city land with existing infrastructure means there would be no additional costs, he said.

Ward 2 Councilman Kelly Harris said a new structure is warranted, explaining the existing building has “a very inefficient layout.” He said city plans also could include new restrooms and a kiosk to provide automated service to visitors needing permits.

Ward 8 Councilman Randy Warren said construction isn’t the only need. The project also must include demolition of the existing structure, as well as a fire-damaged structure at Robinson’s Landing and the former lake headquarters at Lake Ellsworth, he said, estimating $400,000 should cover all four projects. Gill said CIP funding wouldn’t cover restrooms for lakes headquarters; that cost will come from lake user fees.

The council-approved change drops what had been set at $750,000 to $400,000.

Booker highlighted several other changes to be made within the CIP project list, including a request from the McMahon Auditorium Authority to tie three structural projects into one $13 million package. That includes funding for new seating in the auditorium, as well as funding designated to renovate Carnegie Library in downtown Lawton and the former National Guard Armory on the north side of Elmer Thomas Park. Carnegie Library and the armory have been put under the auspices of the auditorium authority, meaning that body will oversee renovations. Booker said the armory project will be done in phases, with Phase I funded by PROPEL 2040.

Booker also said guidelines being set for the new CIP include an annual staff report that will include actual funding the 2.125 percent tax generates, versus what was budgeted for the year. That data will help decide “if we are ahead of the game or behind the game,” he said. The report must be submitted to the council by March 15.

Booker has said estimates place the potential funding from the 16-year extension at $410 million, with city officials projecting an annual increase of 3 percent through the life of PROPEL 2040. When annual revenues are higher than projections, the council must bring that information to residents during two public hearings designed to solicit comments. After this year’s two public hearings, the council voted to allocate $7 million in additional money (meaning funds generated beyond the $23.5 million estimate) to existing projects: $2,207,393 to the city hall renovation project and $5,185,037 to parks master plan, to include Elmer Thomas Park, ballfields and the proposed indoor youth sports complex.

Other provisions specify that projects already identified in the existing CIP will continue. That includes the permanent one-half percent dedicated to public safety, water/sewer work and the city’s emergency fund. The new CIP proposal would create another half-cent permanent tax, one-quarter percent restricted to parks and recreational amenities; one-quarter percent to streets and bridges.