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Record of Proceedings

Edmond City Council Meeting July 27, 2026: Mitch Park Pool Crisis, Zoning, Strategic Plan

City Council, Commissions & Boards — Monday, July 27, 2026
BodyEdmond, Oklahoma
SessionCity Council, Commissions & Boards
DateMonday, July 27, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

Well, good evening.

0:07

And it's good to be back here after a month off.

0:11

Um, month of July.

0:12

We typically only hold one meeting.

0:14

We've moved it this year to the fourth Monday, which I think worked well for staff and council to get some vacation time in.

0:23

Um, we're start out tonight with item number two A presentation.

0:28

It's a recognition of Sheila Brees, controller for the city of Edmund and the entire finance team on a recent achievement and awards.

0:38

Ms.

0:38

Panis, are you coming forward and who all are you bringing with you, the entire team or as much of the team as possible?

0:50

You use that microphone.

0:53

And before you start, I'll just kick it off by saying I'm gonna brag on Sheila a little bit.

1:01

Um, within the last three months, Sheila's been recognized at state and national level with three distinguished achievements.

1:08

First, she's been named the Oklahoma Municipal League Board liaison to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

1:16

Second, she's been named to the government finance officers association as the executive to the executive leadership board.

1:24

And then she's also been awarded a GFOA recognition for outstanding public service.

1:31

So that's just Sheila, and we got a whole lot going on, Seth, so I'm gonna let you kind of take it from here and talk about some of the other things that have happened.

1:39

Okay, well, thank you, everybody.

1:40

I just wanted to make take some time and recognize my my team and Sheila.

1:45

Come on over.

1:46

Sheila has been with the city for over 25 years.

1:49

She started Arcadia Lake, and she is now our controller, and she's uh achieved her CP CFPO.

1:56

It's a certified C C P F OK.

2:00

It's uh uh she's a certified uh public officer, so in finance.

2:04

So we're very lucky to have Sheila and um under Sheila's direction.

2:10

Some of my team has come too.

2:11

We have Matt Newcomb and Madison Henderson, and they're part of the finance team.

2:16

We have, I guess 11 all together, but uh we achieved the triple crown again this year, and that's uh the award from the GFOA, which is a governmental finance officers association.

2:30

We have had the distinguished award for our consolidated financial statements for 39 years in a row.

2:38

And then uh under Sheila, about five years ago, we got our first budget award from the GFOA.

2:44

And then there's another publication that we do called the PAFER, the Popular Consolidated Financial Statements.

2:51

And we've had if we get all three of those, we have the triple crown.

2:54

So we've had that for five years now.

2:56

And I just wanted to thank my team and thank Sheila for putting the time into our city.

3:01

Thank you.

3:10

All right, moving on to three citizens' comments.

3:12

We've had three people sign up tonight.

3:15

So we're gonna start off with Nicole Meredith.

3:18

Please let me remind you that you have three minutes when you come to the podium.

3:22

Please state your name and address before you address us.

3:25

Thank you.

3:32

Good evening, Mayor and Council members.

3:34

My name is Snickle Meredith, and thank you for allowing me to speak tonight.

3:39

I am here because I believe Edmund is at risk for losing both revenue and its reputation as a premier destination for competitive swimming, not because of our athletes or coaches, but because of how of one of our most valuable aquatic facilities is being managed.

3:52

The Midge Park Edmund School's Aquatic Center is one of only two facilities of its caliber in the state of Oklahoma.

3:59

Yet it is becoming less attractive as a competition venue.

4:03

This past weekend, my family traveled to Jinx for the Oklahoma State Swim Meet.

4:07

During our stay, we rented a home, shopped at local businesses, and dined at area restaurants, spending more than $2,500 for the weekend.

4:15

There were 356 swimmers competing at this event.

4:18

The economic impact extended far beyond my family.

4:21

This is revenue that could have stayed here in Edmund.

4:24

Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Swimming Association no longer uses Mitch Park because of its ongoing air conditioning issues, and our city is losing opportunities as a result.

4:34

For years, the facility has struggled with an unreliable geothermal HVAC system that cannot keep up with Oklahoma's changing seasons.

4:41

Even during winter meets, spectators often bring personal fans and wear summer clothing just to stay comfortable in those stands.

4:48

Beyond the climate issues, the facility shows signs of neglect.

4:52

Restrooms are often unclean, stall doors frequently malfunction, and the pool deck requires ongoing maintenance.

5:00

Recent renovations have also reduced the facility's ability to host successful competitions.

5:04

Space once used as for lifeguard lockers, storage, and official hospitality, and meat operations has now been converted into offices and a lounge, eliminating areas that are standard for hosting competitive swim meets.

5:17

These changes make Edmund less competitive as a host city.

5:21

Beyond the facility itself, I have heard consistent concerns from coaches, officials, swimmers, and parents about confrontational interactions, inconsistent communication, and lack of collaboration with Edmund Public Schools Aquatic Director slash facilities coordinator.

5:37

Several officials have shared they are reluctant to officiate meets at Mitch Park because of their experiences.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████13%
Fiscal Sustainability█████████9%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Economic Development████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Edmond City Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

The Edmond City Council convened on July 27, 2026, to address a full agenda including recognition of staff achievements, public comments on the Mitch Park Aquatic Center crisis, multiple zoning approvals, budget amendments for office space and health services, and a detailed discussion on strategic plan metrics and the process for adopting a Unified Development Code.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved 11 appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions (motion passed 5-0).
  • Approved the Public Works Authority consent items (except 7G and 7H) covering service contract renewals.
  • Approved the City Council general consent items (except items 10D, L, M, P, S, and U which were pulled for discussion).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Nicole Meredith (resident): Expressed concern that Edmond is losing revenue and reputation as a premier swimming destination due to the Mitch Park Aquatic Center's failing geothermal HVAC system, unclean restrooms, and reduced competition space. Stated she spent over $2,500 in Jenks during a state swim meet because the Oklahoma Swimming Association no longer uses Mitch Park. Urged the council to encourage collaboration between Edmond Public Schools and the YMCA to restore the facility.
  • Dr. Jeremy Turner (resident, 600 Bridgeview Place): Reported that a swim meet originally scheduled at Mitch Park was moved to Norman due to unsafe conditions, shifting economic activity away from Edmond. Asked the council to ensure a permanent fix and to independently investigate facility management issues.
  • Rita Mills (resident, Red Rock Lake Road): Proposed a drainage easement along city property to mitigate flooding on Beachgrove Drive. Requested that item 10D (Woodland Park 8 final plat) be pulled from consent for a public hearing to address drainage concerns.

Discussion Items

  • Recognition: Mayor and staff honored Sheila Brees, city controller, for three distinguished awards (Oklahoma Municipal League board liaison, GFOA executive board, GFOA outstanding public service). The finance team also received the GFOA “Triple Crown” for the fifth consecutive year (39 years of distinguished financial reporting, five years of budget award and popular report).
  • Zoning Approvals (Items 5C, 5D): Two infill duplex PUDs were approved 5-0: one at 101 West Thatcher (6,900 sq ft) and one at 230 East Lincoln (9,100 sq ft). Both had Planning Commission recommendations of 5-0.
  • CDBG Annual Action Plan (Item 5E): Christy Batterson presented the Fiscal Year 2026 plan. The allocation is $467,780, about $35,000 less than last year. Key programs: housing rehabilitation (weatherization, ADA access, utility savings averaging $51.88/month per home), tree removal, and support for nonprofits (Edmond Mobile Meals, Project 66, Edmond Public Schools Foundation). $100,000 was carried forward from previous years to maintain service levels. Approved 5-0.
  • Lease at 7 North Broadway (Item 5F): The council debated a budget amendment and encumbrance for the lease ($14,975/month, $179,700/year) that runs through January 2028. Councilmember Watterson opposed using general fund reserves for the lease, noting partners (state pays its share, county pays nothing) and that staff had not produced a plan as directed a year ago. Others stressed honoring the lease and providing services. The budget amendment passed 4-1 and the encumbrance passed 4-1.
  • Showbiz Cinema Sales Tax Incentive (Item 7H): Approved 5-0 after Councilmember Murdoch Nichols expressed concerns about cleanliness and maintenance, directing staff to communicate the need for reinvestment.
  • Woodland Park 8 Final Plat (Item 10D): Pulled due to drainage concerns on Beachgrove Drive. City Engineer Steve Lawrence and staff assured that lots 33 and 34 would be graded to drain to the street, avoiding exacerbating existing problems. Councilmember Waterson requested a report from Keith Beatty and continued the item to August 10 (motion passed 5-0).
  • Invasive Species Program at Charles D. Lamb Nature Preserve (Item 10M): Approved 5-0 after staff clarified that restoration would be phased (about 20% per year over five years), using a mix of manual and chemical methods, with regular monitoring. Council members noted a positive community meeting.
  • Health Service Agreement with Remedy Health (Item 10S): Approved 5-0. Councilmember Frame noted the $2,075,151 cost, including about $1 million for GLP-1 drugs, and asked for future evaluation of usage and cost management.
  • Auditing Services (Item 10U): Approved 4-0 (Councilmember Moore recused) with HSPG & Associates for $130,000.
  • Eminent Domain for Coffee Creek Interceptor (Items 11C, 11D): Two resolutions authorizing acquisition of parcels 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 were approved 5-0. Staff noted four years of negotiation and plans to update appraisal practices.
  • Unified Development Code (Item 11E): Ken Bryan presented the adoption process. The next draft is expected within weeks; it will go to planning commission, urban board, DERC, and urban forestry commission before council action in October. A 180-day transition period is proposed to allow applicants to finish engineering under the old code. Council requested a workshop.
  • Mitch Park Aquatic Center Repairs (Item 11F): After public comments, City Manager Krieger reported that the city will fund up to $200,000 (50%) for rooftop HVAC units, a 10-15 year solution. The YMCA has committed its share, and the school district is expected to participate. Council directed staff to bring a specific funding item in August. Councilmembers emphasized learning from the failure and ensuring long-term maintenance.
  • Strategic Plan Goals (Item 11G): Casey Moore presented a new public engagement platform (Zen City) for tracking strategic plan progress. Council discussed the need for measurable key performance indicators (KPIs). Mayor Waterson proposed four initial KPIs: percent of budget spent/encumbered, growth in reserves, road miles/sidewalks completed, and year-over-year sales tax change. Council agreed to a September workshop to refine metrics and update the plan, with a possible facilitator for future strategic planning.

Key Outcomes

  • Mitch Park Aquatic Center: Council directed staff to bring a funding item for rooftop HVAC units (up to $200,000) at the August 10 or August 24 meeting, with contributions from YMCA and school district expected.
  • Strategic Plan: Staff will add the four KPIs to the online dashboard and schedule a September workshop to discuss goal progress and the next strategic planning cycle.
  • Zoning & Development: Two infill duplex PUDs approved; Woodland Park 8 plat continued to August 10 for further drainage review.
  • Budget Amendments: Lease for 7 North Broadway approved (4-1); CDBG and other technical amendments approved.
  • Consent Items: Most routine approvals passed without objection.
  • Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 10, 2026 (continuations anticipated).

Meeting Transcript

Well, good evening. And it's good to be back here after a month off. Um, month of July. We typically only hold one meeting. We've moved it this year to the fourth Monday, which I think worked well for staff and council to get some vacation time in. Um, we're start out tonight with item number two A presentation. It's a recognition of Sheila Brees, controller for the city of Edmund and the entire finance team on a recent achievement and awards. Ms. Panis, are you coming forward and who all are you bringing with you, the entire team or as much of the team as possible? You use that microphone. And before you start, I'll just kick it off by saying I'm gonna brag on Sheila a little bit. Um, within the last three months, Sheila's been recognized at state and national level with three distinguished achievements. First, she's been named the Oklahoma Municipal League Board liaison to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Second, she's been named to the government finance officers association as the executive to the executive leadership board. And then she's also been awarded a GFOA recognition for outstanding public service. So that's just Sheila, and we got a whole lot going on, Seth, so I'm gonna let you kind of take it from here and talk about some of the other things that have happened. Okay, well, thank you, everybody. I just wanted to make take some time and recognize my my team and Sheila. Come on over. Sheila has been with the city for over 25 years. She started Arcadia Lake, and she is now our controller, and she's uh achieved her CP CFPO. It's a certified C C P F OK. It's uh uh she's a certified uh public officer, so in finance. So we're very lucky to have Sheila and um under Sheila's direction. Some of my team has come too. We have Matt Newcomb and Madison Henderson, and they're part of the finance team. We have, I guess 11 all together, but uh we achieved the triple crown again this year, and that's uh the award from the GFOA, which is a governmental finance officers association. We have had the distinguished award for our consolidated financial statements for 39 years in a row. And then uh under Sheila, about five years ago, we got our first budget award from the GFOA. And then there's another publication that we do called the PAFER, the Popular Consolidated Financial Statements. And we've had if we get all three of those, we have the triple crown. So we've had that for five years now. And I just wanted to thank my team and thank Sheila for putting the time into our city. Thank you. All right, moving on to three citizens' comments. We've had three people sign up tonight. So we're gonna start off with Nicole Meredith. Please let me remind you that you have three minutes when you come to the podium. Please state your name and address before you address us. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor and Council members. My name is Snickle Meredith, and thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. I am here because I believe Edmund is at risk for losing both revenue and its reputation as a premier destination for competitive swimming, not because of our athletes or coaches, but because of how of one of our most valuable aquatic facilities is being managed. The Midge Park Edmund School's Aquatic Center is one of only two facilities of its caliber in the state of Oklahoma. Yet it is becoming less attractive as a competition venue. This past weekend, my family traveled to Jinx for the Oklahoma State Swim Meet. During our stay, we rented a home, shopped at local businesses, and dined at area restaurants, spending more than $2,500 for the weekend. There were 356 swimmers competing at this event. The economic impact extended far beyond my family. This is revenue that could have stayed here in Edmund.

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