City of McAlester

The commission held two meetings covering multiple planning items. Key topics included the approval of preliminary and final plats for the Wallace Meadows housing subdivision, public hearings regarding the rezoning of property for a new coffee shop, and discussions on amending city code for industrial districts and off-street parking requirements. The commission also reviewed staff reports concerning future land development code updates and attendance records, and considered a proposed senior living community development.

The Planning Commission discussed a request to change a street name from Karen Court to Grace Court, which was subsequently tabled to a future meeting. The Commission approved the designation of the Railway District for a portion of Choctaw Avenue, with plans to expand the boundaries. Other agenda items included a review of the Commission's annual report, a staff presentation on the status of rezoned parcels and application deadlines for the year, and a brief discussion regarding commercial districts and local development projects.

The commission discussed and recommended an amendment to city ordinances to change the minimum lot area requirement for rezoning from 50,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. Additionally, the commission reviewed a request to name a playground in Will Rogers Park as Nancy's Playground and held a discussion regarding a proposed ordinance amendment to create and allow for minor variances to be handled by the Board of Adjustment.

The City Council conducted a regular meeting where they addressed several legislative and administrative items. Key topics included the approval of an ordinance amending the budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, authorization for final payments and change orders for water and sewer improvement projects, and a rate increase for solid waste collection services. The council also authorized the purchase of new public works equipment, including a hydrostatic vibratory roller and a portable asphalt reclaiming machine. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding an open records request concerning the MPower organization, and the Council convened as the Airport Authority and the Public Works Authority to review and confirm actions taken during the regular meeting.

The commission held a public hearing regarding a rezoning request from Heavy Industrial to Single-Family Residential and discussed an ordinance amendment regarding land development and the Board of Adjustment to ensure consistency with state standards. Additionally, the commission reviewed the annual report, received staff reports on various projects, transportation planning, and ongoing development code updates, and discussed general commission business including demolition projects and local enforcement challenges.