Melody Mealor

The Durant Community Facilities Authority (DCFA) meeting addressed several key areas. The board considered and approved spending an additional amount for materials to complete sidewalk repair at the Durant Multi Sports Complex. Updates were provided on the Arena/Convocation Center, including attendance figures for a Bryan County basketball team game and the scheduling of commencement ceremonies and basketball camps. The Durant Multi-Sports Complex activity update included information about installed countertops, new vending machines, and upcoming tournaments.

The Planning Commission meeting included several public hearings. A replat and rezone request at 3424 Sunnyside Road was approved, with conditions ensuring all four lots are rezoned R1. Discussion included easement issues and lot size requirements. A rezone request at 309 (or possibly 319) West Louisiana Street was tabled due to a discrepancy in the published address and the need for republication of notices. A rezone request for multi-family units at West Alabama Street and South Second Avenue was also discussed, with concerns raised about access and spot zoning. A resident expressed concerns about lack of notice regarding a rezoning affecting their property.

The council meeting focused on the Durant Regional Airport. Discussion and approval of bids for runway and taxiway marking projects were key agenda items. The council also considered and approved the submission of a Federal Aviation Agency airport improvement grant request. Finally, authorization was given for the mayor and city manager to sign related application and award documents for the grant.

The meeting focused on reorganizing and setting priorities for planning initiatives, including reviewing the land base code and the work of a hired consultant. Discussion included a broader, long-term vision for the city's development, considering various areas and districts. The need to protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods and historical districts was emphasized, along with the potential for code revisions and the use of model ordinances or form-based codes. The advantages and challenges of implementing form-based code, including its visual nature and potential for phased implementation, were discussed. The possibility of using model code in specific areas as an interim measure was also considered.

The commission held a public hearing to consider a final plat request for Sunstar LLC for property near South 9th Avenue and Rodeo Road, involving 24 acres and 80 lots. Discussion included the removal of five lots for drainage and confirmation that the plat met zoning requirements. A second public hearing addressed a replat request for Baptist General Counsel of Oklahoma for property near Wilson Street and Montgomery Drive, intended for a new religious facility. This involved a discussion of the property's zoning (AG, agriculture) and plans for commercial use, including the relocation of Montgomery Drive in the future. The commission also considered a rezoning request from A1 General Agriculture to R1 single-family residential for property near Larkspur Lane and Overland Drive.