Lawton, Oklahoma Development News
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July 14, 2026 City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Lawton City Council Approves Major Overhaul of Solid Waste Code for Clarity and Transparency
The city council considered and approved an ordinance to comprehensively rewrite and clarify the solid waste code. This revision aims to enhance transparency and ease of understanding for citizens regarding solid waste requirements. Key changes include moving solid waste set-out rules from the main city code into a separate, more accessible document, thus simplifying legal terminology for residents. The ordinance also redefines terms, clarifies liability for private property damage, updates timeframes for temporary container usage, expands authorized personnel beyond health officers, clarifies city property repair requirements, and mandates cart removal upon utility termination. Additionally, it establishes definitive guidelines for solid waste set-out, clarifies service refusal for landfill services, requires commercial/industrial customers to maintain site cleanliness, adds approved payment methods, designates tipping fees for city control, and addresses requirements for dangerous and dilapidated deliveries. The revised code includes provisions for severability, codification, and an effective date, with a detailed attachment explaining the changes and their rationale.
Lawton Council Votes to Close Tent City, Citing Escalating Criminal Activity and Public Safety Risks
The council addressed the critical public safety and nuisance concerns arising from the homeless encampment known as 'Tent City'. Testimony from Captain Brenley of the Salvation Army, residents, and council members highlighted escalating issues including open drug use, violence, property crime, and a generally dangerous environment that poses a risk to both the homeless individuals and the surrounding community. The Salvation Army, which initially provided services and a temporary solution, has withdrawn from direct engagement at Tent City due to safety concerns, although they continue to offer services at their day center. Residents expressed fear and anxiety due to criminal activity and the exposure of children to harmful situations. Council members debated the best course of action, balancing the need to address criminal activity and public safety with the complexities of homelessness. Ultimately, the council voted to form a task force comprising the Salvation Army, Lawton Police Department, city legal department, and city manager to develop a plan for closing Tent City. The motion also directs the city manager to implement a 24/7 police presence until the area is cleared, fenced, and locked, emphasizing that the current situation is viewed more as a criminal issue than a pure homelessness issue by many involved.
Lawton City Council Approves Annual Agreements for Senior Citizen Services
The council approved two annual agreements for services to senior citizens. The first agreement is with Lawton Mobile Meals Inc. for $48,348 to provide one hot meal per day, five days a week, to eligible homebound elderly and disabled citizens. The second agreement is with the Center for Creative Living Corporation for $15,844 to provide services to senior citizens. Both funding amounts were transferred from the City Manager's contingency funds to the Mayor and Council's budget via budget transfers, which did not require separate council action and are not expected to affect other planned budget items. The council approved both agreements unanimously.
Lawton Council Approves Final Design for Alternate Water Supply Project, Opts Against Immediate Drilling of Fourth Well
The council discussed the city's alternate water supply project, an initiative started in 2011 in response to a severe drought. The project involves developing a groundwater source beneath the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, distinct from the city's surface water supplies. Initial studies in 2015-2017 explored various water sources, including potable reuse and local groundwater. The groundwater option, identified as the most viable, involves drilling deep wells (up to 1500-2000 feet) into a fracture-dominated aquifer. Despite significant project delays due to contractor issues, regulatory changes, and easements, substantial progress has been made. Completed work includes feasibility studies, geophysics (CSAMT and seismic), pilot treatment studies, and drilling 19 test holes. Two rounds of cased holes have been constructed, with four wells already sited, capable of producing between 4 to 12 million gallons per day (mgd). The current capacity with three wells is 9.6 mgd, and a potential fourth well could bring the total to nearly 12 mgd. The project aims to supplement existing water supplies, providing crucial drought mitigation and ensuring long-term water security. The estimated cost for the project includes $2 million for each well and approximately $40 million for the treatment plant, with significant grant funding already secured ($5 million and potentially another $10 million from a federal bill). The council approved moving forward with the final design phase for wellhouses, pumping systems, conveyance, and the treatment plant, but opted not to drill the fourth well at this time. The project's estimated cost per thousand gallons remains competitive despite inflation.
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