Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lawton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with medium priority
FISTA transparency and public records concerns
A resident told the council she has spent three years trying to obtain public records from FISTA and now LEDC, both recipients of taxpayer money, and says records appear to be altered after her requests. She threatened to escalate to the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Rogers Lane lighting improvements
TLS Group won the $1.49 million contract to install lighting along Rogers Lane — a street safety improvement for drivers and nearby residents.
Lawton PLEX Sports Complex furnishings
The council appropriated $33.5 million in LIDA loan proceeds to build the Youth Sports Complex — a major recreation investment for the city.
Failure-to-Stop Offense Ordinance
A proposed ordinance would make it a criminal offense to ignore a peace officer's displayed lights in an attempted stop.
First Responder Buffer Zone Ordinance
Two new public safety ordinances: it's now a crime to get within 25 feet of a first responder after a warning with intent to harass or interfere, and to ignore a patrol car's lights trying to pull you over.
Opioid Abatement Grant Application and $335,000 Award
Two items would let the city apply for, and accept, $335,000 from the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Revolving Fund to fund opioid-related programs.
Hands-Free Driving in School and Work Zones
The council extended the handheld-device driving ban to school and work zones, passing 6-2 after debate over whether the 'holding' language goes beyond the state's texting statute.
Budget policy on streets and parks funding
The old rule forcing $12 million a year out of the strained general fund for streets and parks is gone — the permanent quarter-cent CIP sales tax now does that job permanently.
Neighborhood Traffic Control Measures
Stop signs near the Chick-fil-A access road and Stone Ridge Apartments, plus radar speed signs on NW Ozmun and SE Aberdeen Avenue, were on the consent agenda after committee recommendation.
Traffic calming on NW Oak and NW 35th
Speed cushions are coming to NW Pershing Drive after a neighbor documented speeding, killed waterfowl, and pedestrian risk near the park and fishing area.
Air Quality Alert
Lawton is under an ozone alert for Saturday, Oct. 10, meaning air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. If you’re in that group, it’s a good day to dial back intense outdoor activity.