Council - Regular Meeting

Anybody wish to speak on an item before the City Council that is not on the public meeting portion of the agenda? Go on once. Go on twice. Yes? If you want to come up and ask them that, they cannot respond to questions. Because it's not on the agenda. I asked the question because it's not on the agenda today. It's changed. The change was made at a city ordinance two months ago.

Actually, back in April. We just found out about it a week ago.

It's been changed since April. That's understandable.

That's something that's not in your intention, but that was my question. It's my intention. The city council made a determination to change it to 3 o'clock. Okay.

Well, you're allowed to come out and speak for four minutes on any topic that you want to, but because it's under the Open Record, under the Open Meetings Act, because it's not on the agenda, there can be no engagement on it. You just have the right to speak. There is no question and answer in a public meeting.

Will there be answers next week or next month?

I don't know the answer to that question. Okay.

So, just as a commentary, as a citizen, it looks suspicious to me. Like, what are you trying to hide? That's the only reason I came. It's like, why did you move it from the timeline most people could do? Mayor, call the order.

I'm going to go ahead and call for the state council meeting for July 28th. on the agenda is the invocation. Raymond, if you would. Yeah, I'd like to introduce Nate. Nate Boone. In his prior life, he was a Navy chaplain, once served as command chaplain of Strategic Communications Wing 1 PACMO here at Tinker Air Force Base. He is now the owner of Bricker Bricker 19, a local Lego store here in Midwest City.

Thanks, Fred. Dear Lord, we thank you for this day that we can gather, have discussions, and make decisions to better our community and our city. We're grateful for this month that we can celebrate 250 years of this great country, and for the freedoms and rights that we have that so many others do not have around the world. We ask that you give our leaders, the city council, the wisdom and integrity to make the best decisions that will improve this city and that will impact the lives of families that live here. We ask for protection for our first responders as they go into the arms way to keep us safe. Lord, we are grateful for the city that you have blessed us with and used to support our military and citizens, giving them a great place to live. We ask that you bless our small businesses and families that own them, and may they be a blessing to those that utilize them. May they be profitable, continue to grow, and prosper in all that we do, and may they have a positive impact on our city and surrounding areas. We ask that you continue to bless the United States of America, the state of Oklahoma, and this great city. We pray these things in your name.

Amen. Next item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Trotter, if you could make the introduction. um perfect uh this is everyone this is luke rapson he's a seven-year-old second grader at silver creek elementary um his brothers nila and zachariah are third generation silver creek tigers and carl albert titans he enjoys playing with his brothers building lego creations and helping his grandpa gary with picking up a few donations for Mission Norman, thanks for coming on and giving us the opportunity to get to know you and to lead us in the pledge. Dr. Meeker, if you could lead us in the pledge. of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mark, I have a proclamation for you. Whereas Mark Roberts began his career in the city in 1985 as an operator and through four years of dedicated service rose to the position of Chief Operator and Trainer, earning the respect and admiration of coworkers, supervisors, and the community. And whereas throughout his career, Mark consistently went above and beyond his assigned duties, demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and willingness to assist wherever needed, always greeting others with a positive attitude and a smile. And whereas Mark has been a valued team player within the public works department, collaborating with other city departments and outside agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, while providing courteous and respectful service to every citizen. And whereas Mark has served as a mentor trainer and encourager to fellow employees by assisting in the hiring and development of staff, supporting coworkers through both professionalism and personal and ensuring the timely completion of high quality work without compromising customer service. And whereas as one of the longest tenured employees in public works, Mark leaves a lasting legacy through the many employees he has hired and trained and through his commitment to providing some of the finest municipal drinking water in the state of Oklahoma, as well as his exceptional technical and mathematical expertise in plant operations and research projects. Therefore, I, Richard R. Rice, Mayor of Midwest City, do hereby proclaim May 27, 2026 as Mark Roberts said.