Lawton Economic Development Authority
Regular MeetingLawton, OK · September 18, 2025
Minutes
City of Lawton Lawton City Hall
212 SW 9th Street
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton Economic 73501-3944
Development Authority
Minutes
Thursday, September 18, 2025 2:00 PM Lawton City Hall
3rd Floor Conference Room
Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
Chairman Fitch called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM in the 3rd floor conference room
of City Hall.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Fred Fitch, David Madigan, Brandie Page, George Gill, Jason Hensley,
Mark Brace
ABSENT: Ron Nance (excused), Randy Warren (excused), Larry Neal (excused)
OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Rogalski, LEDA Executive Director; John Ratliff, City
Manager; Timothy Wilson, Interim City Attorney; Tammy Branstetter, City Clerk’s Office;
Kelvin Ingram, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation and Community Enrichment;
Matthew Modeste, Hatch, Croke & Associates; Kirby Brown, Ward 3 Councilman Elect;
Tiffiney Dimery, Ward 4 Candidate; Matina Davis, Citizen of the Community
Statement of Compliance with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. 301-314
Chairman Fitch confirmed with Branstetter that the meeting notice and agenda were
posted by the City Clerk’s Office as required by State Law.
Business Items
1. Consider approving the minutes of the August 21, 2025, meeting.
A copy of the minutes from the August 21, 2025, meeting may be obtained from the
City Clerk's Office upon request.
Motion by Gill, Second by Page, to approve the minutes from the August 21, 2025,
meeting as presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Brace, Page, Hensley, Fitch. NAY: None.
MOTION PASSED.
2. Consider approving the July 2025 Financial Report from Hatch, Croke and
Associates.
Matthew Modeste, Hatch Croke and Associates, presented the July 2025 Financial
Report. A copy of the July 2025 Financial Report may be obtained from the City Clerk's
Office upon request.
Modeste said the financials start on page 16 of your agenda packets. On your
statement of net position under current assets, you’ll see the six bank accounts, which
total $6,729,387.56. The interest receivable from BOK reflects July's interest, which
was received in August. The sales and use tax receivable represents May and June's
sales and use tax. The property tax receivable for TIF 1 and 2—both of these amounts
were received in August. The last item under current assets is the state marching fund
— $1.8 million. Of that amount, in August we received about $1.2 million, and the
reimbursement from the state will be requested within the coming weeks for the rest.
Modeste said there was no change in fixed assets and no change in other assets, so
total assets are $13.91 million.
Modeste said on the next page, under liabilities and net position, total current liabilities,
made up of accounts payable and accrued interest payable for the tourist note, are
$251,258.18. There was no change in long-term liabilities, so your assets less your
liabilities gives you a net position of negative $14.8 million. On the next page, the
combined statement of revenues and expenses, July’s property taxes which were
received in August were $776,658. Total operating expenses were $95,258, with
interest income of $13,803, resulting in a change in net position of $695,203.02.
Modeste said the next page is the statement of cash flows, and if you look at the bottom
of the page, you can see that we had a net increase in cash for the period of
$54,194.74. If we add that to the cash that we began with at the beginning of the period
of $6,675,192.82, that gives us cash at the end of the period of $6.73 million.
Modeste said pages 20-23 of your agenda packet are the details of the combined
expenses, which we looked at on page 18.
Motion by Hensley, Second by Madigan, to approve the July 2025 Financial Report as
presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Brace, Page, Hensley, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION
PASSED.
3. Consider approving an Amended Lawton Community STEM Program
Funding Agreement with the Friends of the Lawton Public Library to
incorporate changes recommended by the Center for Economic Development
Law.
Rogalski provided background information on this item. A copy of the Amended Lawton
Community STEM Program Funding Agreement with the Friends of the Lawton Public
Library may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Chairman Fitch inquired about the STEM budget for this fiscal year that was taken off of
the agenda.
Regarding that budget, Rogalski said what we were originally looking was a change
that Quest was requesting, so that budget you were looking at was a separate
agreement with Quest. It turns out there were some issues still, so we took if off this
agenda and will have to review it later. Rogalski said the total funding for STEM in each
year that we worked out, that 10-year plan, was $212,000. The Quest agreement was
$177,500, and this one is $12,000, so you're still under your total annual funding
amount with this approval. So, that budget was just the Quest agreement. You will get it
in the future probably — they're requesting some change, not in the total amount, but in
how they spend the money. For the most part, they're looking at the maker space
equipment costs more and some other stuff costs less. That has to go to the STEM
Board first. If the STEM Board doesn't approve it, then it won't ever come to LEDA. But
if the STEM Board does approve it, then it would come here.
Chairman Fitch said I saw where the Lego project was on the budget for STEM this
fiscal year. He asked why it's on the budget for $12,000, and then we're considering
giving $12,000 to the library direct.
Rogalski said they're completely different groups that are doing completely different
programs. The Lego League funding that Quest is doing is a Pre-K-ish kind of thing.
The library is funding a little bit higher age. And then a lot of public schools are actually
taking care of kids beyond that. But for this particular agreement—their funding request
form and their budget has not changed at all from what was considered the last
meeting. What it was is that, and you can see the red lines, the language in the
agreement itself was basically cleaned up.
Chairman Fitch said while we're talking about their budget, that was pretty thin
information she gave us as far as her budget (for the Quest STEM program). She had
five summer camps, and I think we need a little bit more information on that, because
that is money that is basically city money that comes through us and then it goes out. I
realize that how they spend is their discretion. I would like to see it a little more broken
down.
Rogalski said that's exactly why we were proposing it to be on the agenda—because
we thought the STEM Board was going to meet before then, and then we would have
that information. When we found out the STEM Board wasn't going to meet, we took it
off the agenda. That's why you saw it early on, and then it was taken off.
Chairman Fitch asked if it will be on the next meeting.
Rogalski said as long as the STEM Board approves it. The STEM Board may say no, in
which case it will never come here. But if the STEM Board approves something, then it
will come before you to approve that same thing. Because that's how the policy is
written up—that the STEM Board makes a recommendation, and then LEDA would
actually approve the final agreement. But on that agreement, like I said, we didn't get
the information you were asking for, so that's why we took it off.
Chairman Fitch said if they don't approve that, then who does approve their budget?
Rogalski said if they don't approve the amendment, it stays as it is now. It doesn't
change. When the agreement originally came to LEDA, the STEM Board had already
approved their program. We had a whole write-up of what everything was for, and then
you all approved it. We don't have a good write-up of why the changes were made,
which is why we didn't bring it forward.
Rogalski said this agreement is a different funding agreement with the Friends of the
Library, and the language was reviewed by the Center for Economic Development Law,
and they made some changes. You can see the red lines, and Tim was happy with the
red lines, but we didn't have them in time for the last meeting. And so, that's why it's
coming back. The budget is not changing, the purpose isn't changing, but the language
in the agreement is changing.
Ratliff asked Wilson if he is good with the changes.
Wilson said Garrett actually reviewed it, but it made it through review.
Madigan said as a reminder for this business item, we'd approved the $12,000 last
month, and we just wanted legal to review it and come back with comments, and that's
what we have in front of us.
Chairman Fitch said what I was curious of was the $12,000 and $12,000. I was
confused by this, thinking the money was wanting to go to the STEM program to
Ms.Taylor, and I couldn't figure out then why we were also sending $12,000 to the
Friends of the Library.
Rogalski said that's a good point in that they are looking at different age groups. This is
Lego Robotics as opposed to Pre-K Legos, which will be a little less robotic. So there
are different purposes behind this funding, and again, it's completely different agencies
— this is a completely separate agreement with a separate group to do a separate
task.
Regarding the budget amendment for Quest, Chairman Fitch noted that he'd like to see
a lot more description on all the items she's requesting money for when the item is
brought back to the Authority.
Rogalski said when we bring it back, we'll bring back all the original documentation that
goes with it that was approved back when it was originally approved.
When it is approved by the STEM Board, Chairman Fitch asked if we get anything in
writing stating what they've approved and what they're asking us to approve.
Ratliff said we can put that information in the background.
Rogalski said we can give you the minutes from the STEM Board meeting.
Motion by Madigan, Second by Hensley, to approve the Amended Lawton Community
STEM Program Funding Agreement with the Friends of the Lawton Public Library as
presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Brace, Page, Hensley, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION
PASSED.
Reports
1. Receive a report from the LEDA Executive Director
Rogalski said as Matthew mentioned, there was a disbursement in July that we
received in August in the amount of $750,000. We made that distribution to all the
taxing entities like we're supposed to.
Regarding the disbursements we've made, Chairman Fitch said I think we should have
those on a list with the dollar amounts that we've paid, showing that we've done what
we're supposed to do.
Rogalski said we can start putting our deposit register and check register into your
books. It shows the amounts that we pay to the different taxing entities. For the last
disbursement, Cache Public Schools was $23,455.21, Comanche County
Commissioners Office was $16,309.35, Comanche County Health Department was
$4,081.32 and Great Plains Technology Center was $24,312.57. The exact amount of
the deposit was $757,978.21. Rogalski said we keep every check, we keep every
disbursement, and we even have the categories in which the disbursements go into—
the budget category they apply to.
Rogalski said we did have a September note payment since we last met. It was just
over $2 million. We had to transfer about $1.5 million. As you know, certain amounts of
revenue that come in—basically the sales and use tax that comes from TIF 2—the City
deposits that directly into the BOK note payment account. Then, as we get other
revenue coming in, we deposit it into the account. Well, as you're aware, the state was
slow, and we got that $1.2 million in August. So we made that deposit, and then we just
kind of swept it all at once into the BOK account. There was some difficulty with IBC
getting that done, and so we actually had to go over to our STEDI account and get the
note payment made. Then we later transferred the money back into the STEDI account,
because we needed to get the payment made on the day it was due, and so we did
that. IBC is our TIF 1 and 2 money, and City National Bank is the STEDI money. There
was some discussion, and the thought was that having the TIF 1 and 2 money in a local
bank might be better off, so that we actually could get the kind of service that we got at
City National Bank. In the past, you all have discussed moving those accounts to
Arvest, and so I’m getting some of that information together, and we can have an action
item on next agenda if you all think that's a good idea. We don’t have to do it quickly—
there’s no real issue there, but we have to get it done.
Rogalski said the next note payment will be March 1st. That’s interest only, and the
amount is going to be $256,200.75. Obviously, it's not going to be difficult for us to
make that one at this point. As you all who have been here for a while know, that's not
always been the case. We typically struggle—Mark knows this really well— getting
those payments together, and now it seems like the revenue has kind of caught up to
us, coupled with the lower interest rate on the note, and we're getting ahead now. So
we actually can start looking at doing positive things with our Downtown Project Plan
money, as opposed to just paying the note. We can start looking at doing other things.
Regarding the Downtown Project Plan, Rogalski said you all approved a purchase and
sale agreement for a grocery store on Lot 8 of the Lawton Town Center. That's still
moving forward. We have sent them the draft redevelopment agreement per our PSA,
so that is under review on their part. The Downtown Project Plan was originally
approved in 2010. TIF 2 was set up in 2012. Rogalski provided Authority members with
a copy of Exhibit A - Project Area and Increment District Boundary Map. Rogalski said
you'll see TIF A and TIF B on that map. That represents the 10 acres. TIF A is Lot 8 —
that's where the grocery store is planned to go. Then, TIF B is just the other property
that LEDA owns that's still vacant in the Downtown Project Plan as well. So, it would
benefit us to do a modification, a major modification, of our Downtown Project Plan to
basically restart those two areas. Because, again, their base value is still zero, so we
don't lose anything. And we would basically get another 25 years of revenue from
those. Notice they're called A and B just like the STEDI Plan, so they're not actually
activated until we activate them. So, even though we have that planned project on TIF
A, we wouldn't activate it until it happens. Once that redevelopment agreement got
approved, we would activate TIF A at the same time, and it would become TIF 7,
actually. We're trying to do as little as possible, because this does have to be done
before we close, because otherwise the base value changes — someone else owns it,
it has a taxable value. So that's why we're moving this forward, and we're doing as little
as possible, but we do have to update the budget. Rogalski said on that map you'll
notice the project area. In the current plan, the project area does not include Elmer
Thomas Park, and so I felt that it would be beneficial just to include Elmer Thomas Park
in the project area as we start getting positive revenue. Then we could make some park
improvements with some of the funding.
Rogalski provided Authority members with a copy of Exhibit B — Lawton Downtown
Project Plan Amended TIF Districts. Rogalski said on Exhibit B, you'll see that you have
a number of cost categories. Those are all exactly the same in the current project plan,
except for Item F: STEM Strategic Plan. The question is—or the thought was—we
would want to include that same 10% STEM Strategic Plan funding in this project plan,
as we do with the STEDI Plan. Then you'll see the estimated budgets—this is still very
much a draft—using the factors that are kind of similar to what we did in the STEDI
Plan, you can see that you have those cost categories reflected in the budgets for TIF
1, TIF 2, TIF A, and TIF B. TIF 1 and TIF 2 are partially done, so the changes probably
don't have a lot to affect those. They are going to be what they’re going to be. But
obviously, the TIF A and TIF B, if we activate those, those are the budgets, and that
would be what we would have for the next 25 years. So again, I have a whole draft
project plan already worked out. I didn’t bring that with me—too many pages—but we’re
getting that rolled forward. The steps on this: the first step in this process is that City
Council would pass a resolution to make an amendment to the plan and to reset the
review committee. Then the review committee would meet at least two times. For the
first meeting, they have to add three additional members by vote of the early members.
All the taxing entities are a part of the review committee. So everybody that we talked
about in our disbursement is going to be at the table. Then you actually have a second
meeting where you review the actual project plan. They could take action after that one,
or they could ask for a third meeting or whatever else. But there are at least two
meetings there. The Planning Commission has to approve the project plan. Again, in
this case, we're not expanding it at all, so we're not making really much change at all.
Then it has to go to City Council. There would be two public hearings before the City
Council that would happen. Right now, those would be in the October–November
timeframe, meaning one in October and one in November. That's what the plan is. The
due diligence period is up sometime in November, and then there's 30 days after that
where we would tend to close. So it gives us at least a little bit of cushion to get this
thing done, but it's very tight.
Chairman Fitch said I'm going to ask if we can direct Tammy to get the STEM Board
member's name and phone number and then the other committee that this goes
through.
Rogalski said the only committee it goes to is the STEM Board. There's also a STEM
Consortium, but they're just a consortium. They don't have any influence over the
policy.
Chairman Fitch asked what the STEM Consortium does.
Rogalski said they get together and talk about what is happening in STEM in the
community. There are lots of people involved, and it's all voluntary. They just show up
and talk about what they're doing, what events they have, and they work together to try
to move those things forward. But that's its own thing. The STEM board is specifically
set up by the City Council to enact the STEM policy, which is a City Council policy, and
of course, every agreement that you all approve for STEM has to follow that policy.
Rogalski said I felt like the community's commitment to STEM wasn't reflected in this
particular project plan. And so, therefore, I tossed it in there. You all can take it back out
if you want, but I thought it would be a good idea. Notice that in this project plan, we do
not make the same distributions to the taxing entities as the STEDI does. Because
remember, I'm changing this as little as possible. However, there is a category for
School Improvements. I'll just read through the categories: Public Improvements—we
know what those are. Project Support—we know what that is. School Improvements are
just that. Instead of providing a little bit of funding towards schools, we could actually
fund an actual physical improvement at a school—a capital improvement. Then there's
another thing called “Other Public Facilities,” which we would be allowed to fund within
the community. Then Administration, STEM Strategic Plan, and Miscellaneous and
Contingencies. And again, the reason that we really haven't discussed these categories
before is because we never had net positive revenue that we could use on anything.
We always had the minimum amount that we would pay the note on, and now we
actually have revenue.
Brace asked Rogalski if he's saying that this whole area, TIF A and B and TIF 2, would
be proposed to amend the structure of the revenue allocation.
Rogalski said yes — it would apply to all of it, but there's very little revenue in TIF 1. But
yes, it would apply to the whole thing. That's how it's planned, at least.
Brace said and then include, at the same time, Elmer Thomas Park?
Rogalski said the TIF District is where the revenue is generated — the plan is where it's
spent. We have also discussed several times a more intense look at the downtown
project plan. That includes carving out parcels in different areas, looking at the area
around the mall, carving up the mall, and creating a specific TIF District for that so we
can isolate the revenue in those areas. That's still a plan. But this one, because of this
prospective grocery store project, needs to be done very fast, and we can't do a good
job on the rest of that very fast.
Gill said Elmer Thomas Park is not going to be income-producing probably in our
lifetime.
Brace asked if TIF A and TIF B are included in the security on truist.
Rogalski said no. That's a good question. When we refinanced the note at that time, it
was refinanced against city sales tax, which was extremely generous of the city. And
so, there is no lien or anything on the TIF revenue or the land itself. However, it's
obvious we have an obligation. So, I haven't spent any money of TIF 2 on anything else
except the note. It just so happens that there's starting to be a little bit of excess now,
as opposed to just being flat. Not a lot of money, but there's a little bit. But, if we
decided to just fold up our hands and buy something else, the city would have to pay
the note, but I'm sure they would have issues with that. It's not something that causes
us a contractual issue, and that's why we're able to amend the plan. That's why we're
able to sell the lot. We couldn't have sold the lot without a lien release, otherwise. Now,
it just so happens that the old liens may not have been completely released when we
were working on that, but they should be, because those notes were satisfied. But we're
getting all that worked out. All of this can move forward, as per your direction. This is
the direction we're going, and we can have another discussion item next time we meet.
But I just wanted to give you at least something to think about.
Chairman Fitch said there is something I'd like to talk about next time, and that is we've
had sewer and water, and roads, and that money has come out of the CIP, and that
money will be replaced into the CIP back from the TIF. We are just now beginning to
have extra where we can start paying the city back some of the money that they make
available to us through the CIP. I would like Richard to get with the City Manager, and I
want to see a list of what we owe the city.
Rogalski said any project that the city had built-in the project area of the STEDI Project
Plan would be eligible for funding, provided it was a refundable funding source. For
instance, if the city used ARPA funding on a project, we wouldn’t refund it, because we
can’t refund ARPA funding to the city. However, if the city used CIP funding or some
sort of other cash source, then that’s a refundable project. Now, the list could be this
long and our funding may never get even with the current existing list, but I's at least
possible. I sat down with prior Finance Director a while back and discussed this list,
because it's important that before we forget about these projects, that we know that we
have a list of them and a funding source that we know where the money would go when
we decide to start wheeling them down. We just haven't been able to get anything yet,
but we do need that.
Rogalski provided Authority members with an exhibit regarding the Firehawk Aerospace
rezoning. Rogalski said LEDA applied for and was awarded $18 million in P3 funds,
and we're moving forward on that. We're kind of getting closer to getting everything
done on that project. One of the first steps we had to take was the rezoning. It is a
binding site plan, so it took us a little longer to make sure the binding site plan was
right. The public hearing at the Planning Commission is scheduled for September 25th,
and the notices have already gone out. Then, the public hearing before City Council
would be October 28th, and that rezoning would be perfected if approved. You can see
that they provide a significant buffer to the adjacent properties. The area adjacent to
any kind of non-industrial is down-zoned to either I-3 or I-1. The western 1,000 feet is
zoned I-1, and in fact, it's in a buffer area. They have a 1,200-foot buffer that goes
around their energetics manufacturing. So, there's nothing like that going within 1,250
feet of anything.
Gill asked if we are making good progress with the meetings that we're having with the
public on this.
Rogalski said I can tell you this — one of the primary detractors who actually spoke at
that original meeting at City Council has said he appreciates what we did, and he
supports the project.
Ratliff asked if Firehawk has agreed to expand the buffer zone.
Rogalski said they agreed to it, but it really doesn't hurt them at all. I mean, this is
exactly what their site plan was. And so, why do I need to zone that 1,000 feet I-4 when
it’s actually not going to be developed into anything? And so, we said, we’re just going
to give you this I-1 buffer, because you could have done the same thing by saying,
“Look, here’s a 1,000-foot setback, we’re not going to build anything.” But it just feels
better for people to have the I-1 buffer. So that’s why there’s I-1 on the west side, and I-
3 on the north side.
Gill said this is kind of something that the residents out there were wanting—something
like this. They knew when they built there what it was, but I think the city has taken an
extra step or two to make it more comfortable for those people. And for the most part,
they’re happy. There’s always someone that isn’t happy, but for the most part, they are.
And the city has to continue to grow.
Brace said so, you're not saying that nothing can be developed in there — you're
saying whatever's developed in there has to be within those zoning requirements.
Rogalski said yes. I-1 and I-3 do not have a binding site plan. So, if you rezone that
section I-1, anybody could develop anything they wanted in I-1 in that area—as long as
it met the requirement. However, the nature of their project is that, if you look at the little
orange fence line, they have to have a buffer where there's nothing in their 1,200-foot
buffer. So, the nature of their development is that nothing will go in that area, but that
doesn't mean it couldn't. Now, let's just say they decided, “We're not doing energetics
anymore, we're going to build Legos.” All of a sudden, you could develop that as I-1,
because there no longer is energetics there. So, in a rezoning project, everything that's
available in those districts is available to be used. All the uses that are allowed in those
districts are allowed. This particular project with energetics has a use permitted on
review—just for the energetics. So, you still get all the other I-4 uses in the I-4, but the
energetics has to be just like that.
Chairman Fitch asked if we have to have the transmission line that is buried along that
southern border taken up prior to the sale of that land.
Rogalski said no — because it's along the property line, it's currently outside their
buffer. So that transmission line can stay where it's at. We've discussed the possibility
of acquiring that school land to the south. If you acquired the school land, and if they
wanted to expand to the south, then the transmission line would have to move because
it can't be in the buffer. So, it's a possibility that some day that might happen.
Gill said it wouldn't necessarily be at our cost, it would be at whoever wanted to further
develop that — it would be at their cost.
Executive Session
Motion by Gill, Second by Brace, to convene in executive session. AYE: Page, Fitch,
Gill, Madigan, Brace, Hensley. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
The Authority convened in executive session at 2:51 PM and remained in executive
session until 3:39 PM.
Motion by Gill, Second by Hensley, to return to open session. AYE: Page, Fitch, Gill,
Madigan, Brace, Hensley. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
1. Pursuant to Section 307B.4, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session to discuss the status of a pending investigation / claim
concerning a fraudulent wire transfer and other related matters, and if
necessary, take appropriate action in open session.
Wilson read the agenda item title as follows: "Pursuant to Section 307B.4, Title 25,
Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening in executive session to discuss the status of a
pending investigation / claim concerning a fraudulent wire transfer and other related
matters, and if necessary, take appropriate action in open session."
Motion by Hensley, Second by Madigan, to have the City Attorney send a letter to
Fisher59 stating among other things that there will be no repayment of the $224,840.34
amount while the investigation is ongoing, and no determination will be made at this
time concerning what will happen after the investigation is complete. AYE: Page, Fitch,
Gill, Madigan, Brace, Hensley. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
2. Pursuant to Section 307C.11, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to
economic development, including the transfer of property, financing, and the
creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within their jurisdiction if
the public disclosure of which would violate the confidentiality of prospective
business entities.
Wilson read the agenda item title as follows: "Pursuant to Section 307C.11, Title 25,
Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening in executive session for the purpose of
conferring on matters pertaining to economic development, including the transfer of
property, financing, and the creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within
their jurisdiction if the public disclosure of which would violate the confidentiality of
prospective business entities."
No action was taken on this item.
Adjournment
Motion by Gill, Second by Madigan, to adjourn the September 18, 2025, meeting.
AYE: Page, Fitch, Gill, Madigan, Brace, Hensley. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:41 PM.
Agenda
City of Lawton Lawton City Hall
212 SW 9th Street
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton Economic 73501-3944
Development Authority
Agenda
Thursday, September 18, 2025 2:00 PM Lawton City Hall
3rd Floor Conference Room
Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
"Official action can be taken only on items which appear on the agenda. The Authority may
adopt, approve, ratify, deny, defer, recommend, or continue any agenda item. The Authority may
also propose and enact floor amendments to any matter presented before them. When more
information is needed to act on an item, the Authority may refer the matter to City Staff. Under
certain circumstances, items are deferred to a specific later date or stricken from the agenda
entirely."
Statement of Compliance with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. 301-314
Business Items
1. Consider approving the minutes of the August 21, 2025, meeting.
2. Consider approving the July 2025 Financial Report from Hatch, Croke and
Associates.
3. Consider approving an Amended Lawton Community STEM Program
Funding Agreement with the Friends of the Lawton Public Library to
incorporate changes recommended by the Center for Economic Development
Law.
Reports
1. Receive a report from the LEDA Executive Director
Executive Session
1. Pursuant to Section 307B.4, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session to discuss the status of a pending investigation / claim
concerning a fraudulent wire transfer and other related matters, and if
necessary, take appropriate action in open session.
2. Pursuant to Section 307C.11, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to
economic development, including the transfer of property, financing, and the
creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within their jurisdiction if
the public disclosure of which would violate the confidentiality of prospective
business entities.
Adjournment
The City of Lawton encourages participation from all of its citizens. If participation at any
public meeting is not possible due to a disability, notification to the City Clerk at (580) 581-
3305 at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting is encouraged to make the necessary
accommodations. The City may waive the 48 hour rule if interpreters for the deaf (signing) is
not the necessary accommodation."
Packet
City of Lawton Lawton City Hall
212 SW 9th Street
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton Economic 73501-3944
Development Authority
Agenda
Thursday, September 18, 2025 2:00 PM Lawton City Hall
3rd Floor Conference Room
Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
"Official action can be taken only on items which appear on the agenda. The Authority may
adopt, approve, ratify, deny, defer, recommend, or continue any agenda item. The Authority may
also propose and enact floor amendments to any matter presented before them. When more
information is needed to act on an item, the Authority may refer the matter to City Staff. Under
certain circumstances, items are deferred to a specific later date or stricken from the agenda
entirely."
Statement of Compliance with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. 301-314
Business Items
1. Consider approving the minutes of the August 21, 2025, meeting.
2. Consider approving the July 2025 Financial Report from Hatch, Croke and
Associates.
3. Consider approving an Amended Lawton Community STEM Program
Funding Agreement with the Friends of the Lawton Public Library to
incorporate changes recommended by the Center for Economic Development
Law.
Reports
1. Receive a report from the LEDA Executive Director
Executive Session
1. Pursuant to Section 307B.4, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session to discuss the status of a pending investigation / claim
concerning a fraudulent wire transfer and other related matters, and if
necessary, take appropriate action in open session.
2. Pursuant to Section 307C.11, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to
economic development, including the transfer of property, financing, and the
creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within their jurisdiction if
Page 1 of 35
the public disclosure of which would violate the confidentiality of prospective
business entities.
Adjournment
The City of Lawton encourages participation from all of its citizens. If participation at any
public meeting is not possible due to a disability, notification to the City Clerk at (580) 581-
3305 at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting is encouraged to make the necessary
accommodations. The City may waive the 48 hour rule if interpreters for the deaf (signing) is
not the necessary accommodation."
Page 2 of 35
City of Lawton Lawton City Hall
212 SW 9th Street
Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton Economic 73501-3944
Development Authority
Minutes
Thursday, August 21, 2025 2:00 PM Lawton City Hall
3rd Floor Conference Room
Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
"Official action can be taken only on items which appear on the agenda. The Authority may
adopt, approve, ratify, deny, defer, recommend, or continue any agenda item. The Authority may
also propose and enact floor amendments to any matter presented before them. When more
information is needed to act on an item, the Authority may refer the matter to City Staff. Under
certain circumstances, items are deferred to a specific later date or stricken from the agenda
entirely."
Chairman Fitch called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM in the 3rd floor conference room
of City Hall.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Fred Fitch, David Madigan, Brandie Page, George Gill, Ron Nance
ABSENT: Jason Hensley (excused), Randy Warren (excused), David Means (excused),
Larry Neal (excused)
OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Rogalski, LEDA Executive Director; John Ratliff, City
Manager; Garrett Lam, Assistant City Attorney; Tammy Branstetter, City Clerk’s Office;
Kristin Herr, Lawton Public Library Director; Rusty Whisenhunt, Public Utilities Director;
Kirby Brown, Ward 3 Candidate; Tiffiney Dimery, Ward 4 Candidate; Matthew Modeste,
Hatch, Croke & Associates; Kim McConnell, Lawton Constitution
Statement of Compliance with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. 301-314
Chairman Fitch confirmed with Branstetter that the meeting notice and agenda were
posted by the City Clerk’s Office as required by State Law.
Business Items
1. Consider approving the minutes of the June 26, 2025, and July 31, 2025,
meetings.
A copy of the minutes from the June 26, 2025, and July 31, 2025, meetings may be
obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Page 3 of 35
Motion by Gill, Second by Nance, to approve the minutes from the June 26, 2025, and
July 31, 2025, meetings as presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY:
None. MOTION PASSED.
2. Consider approving the June 2025 Financial Report from Hatch, Croke and
Associates.
Matthew Modeste, Hatch Croke and Associates, presented the June 2025 Financial
Report. A copy of the June 2025 Financial Report may be obtained from the City Clerk's
Office upon request.
Modeste said the financials will start on page 23 of your packets, with the statement of
net position. Of course, June is your year-end, but there are several pieces of
information we’re still waiting on in order to provide a complete set of financials for the
year ended. So, this is really just a snapshot based on the information we have at
present. I will mention a few of the items we are still waiting for as we go along. We’ll
start with current assets. You have balances across six bank accounts, totaling $6.675
million. This gives you total current assets for the year of $8.372 million. That total
includes your cash, accounts receivable for BOK, which was fully collected in July, and
hotel/motel tax from the City of Lawton, which has also been collected. Regarding your
sales tax receivable, this reflects April sales tax, which was received in July. We are still
waiting on figures for May and June, so that number will increase when we prepare the
final statements. We will add those amounts as soon as we get that information. The
same applies to the state matching funds for the current year. Regarding prior year
state matching, Richard informed me that payments were received from the Oklahoma
Tax Commission in August. I don't have the bank statement for these yet —
obviously they have not been prepared. So, I can't tell you the exact number that they
received, but I think a substantial portion of that was received in August.
Modeste said on your fixed assets, the land, the only change was an increase of
$15,572, which was a fair market value adjustment for Lot 8, which is under contract.
There was no change in the notes receivable for Westwin Elements. Regarding state
matching funds, of the $1 million for the current year, $628,993 was received. Of
course, after the June sales tax is prepared, another request will be made with the
Oklahoma Tax Commission to get that remaining balance. So, total assets at the bottom
of the page are $12.869 million.
Modeste said page 24 is your liabilities and net position. Total current liabilities are
$237,630, made up of accounts payable, accrued interest, and TIF distributions of
$32,598—these checks were written in July. There has been no change in long-term
liabilities. So your assets, less your liabilities, will give you your net position of negative
15.832 million.
Modeste said page 25 is the combined statement of revenue and expenses. The details
of all the items that are included in the combined will be found on pages 27 to 32. Total
Page 4 of 35
revenues are $879,917.20. As mentioned earlier, we are still missing sales tax for May
and June, which will also affect the state matching funds numbers for those months. So,
that will change with the financial statements issued for the audit. Total operating
expenses are $219,412, leaving a change in net position of $668,205.75.
Modeste said page 26 is the statement of cash flows, which shows an increase in cash
of $559,245.72 for the period. When we add the cash at the beginning of the period of
$6.116 million, we end up with cash at the end of the period of $6.675 million. As
mentioned, pages 27 to 32 contain the breakdown of expenses and income—these
were reviewed earlier on page 25.
With regard to the hotel motel tax listed on page 25 under revenue and expenses,
Madigan asked if this figure is for 12 months, and he asked if $94,000 is a good
number.
Modeste said the formula for the hotel motel tax that you were keeping changed as
compared to last year. Now, you are keeping two thirds of that amount, so it's
significantly more than what last year was.
Rogalski said that the prior year, we were basically obligated to provide all the hotel
motel tax back to the re-developer, and now we only do two thirds, so we keep a third.
Two-thirds go back to the hotel re-developer that was part of the operational agreement
for the convention center, and we do get some benefits from that investment and those
benefits generally are conferred on the Chamber of Commerce. I've already spoken to
the new Chamber President about that, to get him a copy of the agreement and let him
know that this needs to be utilized.
Motion by Madigan, Second by Gill, to accept the June 2025 Financial Report as
presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
3. Consider approving a Lawton Community STEM Program Funding
Agreement with Friends of the Lawton Public Library in an amount not to
exceed $12,000.00.
Kristin Herr, Library Director, provided background information on this item. A copy of
the Lawton Community STEM Program Funding Agreement with the Friends of the
Lawton Public Library may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Herr said I’ll give you a little bit of an overview of the library and how it fits into the
LEGO team, and then we’ll talk about the procedure part of this. The Lawton Public
Library is involved in a lot of different activities, including STEM, and we provide STEM
activities throughout the month for kids, teens, and adults. As we were talking to our
STEM coordinator—who we contract with to do a lot of our STEM education—we
asked, “What’s next? What’s the next step?” Within the STEM Consortium and the
STEM Board, there’s a plan of different initiatives, and one of the biggest ones is FIRST
LEGO League. So we talked about it, and in May, we put together a proposal to have
Page 5 of 35
our team for the Lawton Public Library this fall.
Herr said FIRST LEGO League is like soccer, and it's international. You have practice,
and then you have a tournament, and there are a lot of aspects to it — sportsmanship,
presentation and research being some of the things you get through this. What you do
is register your team, build robotic LEGOs, and then you have a campaign to do
different tasks. It's an eight-foot by four-foot board, and you have this competition, and
you're trying to do different things. It starts now. They are shipping the supplies next
week across the United States. We’re forming a team for kids ages 9 to 14. While there
are younger leagues, our focus is specifically on this age group. Lawton Public Schools
already have FIRST LEGO League teams throughout their schools, but this effort is
meant to supplement that. It will serve homeschoolers, kids who couldn’t join a team
through LPS, or other kids in the community who are interested. We’re holding
informational meetings this week. The competition has a different theme every year.
This year’s theme is “Unearthed,” which is all about archaeology. The tasks involve
digging, building — it's all centered around archaeology. It’s a very competitive and
multifaceted experience.
Herr said the Lawton Public Library is a part of the City of Lawton, but we also have a
501(c)(3)—the Friends of the Lawton Public Library. We submitted our application
through the Friends of the Library, and we submitted it to Donalynn in the Clerk’s Office,
and she got it to the STEM Board.
Herr asked Rogalski to further explain the process.
Rogalski said as you are all aware, 10% of all TIF revenue goes toward STEM.
However, there wasn't enough revenue to really do a decent program. So the city, and
you all asked me to kind of front load it a little bit on the idea that we'll get more revenue
10 years from now. I came up with a number that we could fund over a ten-year period,
based on current income and the fact that we had already been earning some of it. We
currently have half a million dollars in the bank, so we were already earning this before
the STEM program even started. At any rate, that amount was about $260,000 a year - I
can confidently say we can fund $260,000 per year for ten years.
Then Quest submitted their proposal for this year, and it was about $216,000 to get that
done. That meant we actually had some money left over, which we hadn’t really
anticipated. When the Friends of the Library submitted their application, what delayed it
a bit was that we had a policy put together for the STEM Board on how they review
these things. The policy, what it says very simply, is that a public or quasi-public entity
comes directly to the STEM Board and to this body, and a community agency goes
through Quest. That's kind of how that policy lays out. Friends of the Library, being
quasi-public, comes directly to the STEM Board. And so they went to the STEM Board,
and the STEM Board approved their proposal in July. Now, it’s coming before you as a
funding agreement. As you know, LEDA holds the money. LEDA provides the funding,
but it has to be in accordance with the STEM policy, and it runs through the STEM
Board. The STEM Board is in charge of making sure it meets STEM policy, and in this
Page 6 of 35
case, our agreement says you have to meet STEM policy.
Now, I will say that while this agreement was being reviewed in the last three days,
some comments came in suggesting we could clean up the language a little. However,
we didn’t have time to make those changes before this meeting. I would recommend
that you get the money to the Friends of the Library. We could always amend the
agreement — I'm sure they would be happy to. It doesn't change the value. It doesn't
change the numbers or the scope of services — it's just some legal language. So I
would hope that we don't hold them up, but that's my recommendation. It is in
accordance with the STEM policy. It's just overly wordy and not as consistent as it could
be, but it's the same agreement we have a lot of places, but we're going to clean it up in
the future for sure. I believe that it is fine to go forward, and in fact, the attorney that
reviewed it said, "It's fine to go forward, but I redlined it anyway because I couldn't help
it."
Gill said I would think that we would need the final agreement.
Rogalski said this is the final agreement. The attorney said this final agreement works,
but they offered some additional language.
Gill said whatever my attorney tells me, I always check it. I think we need the final
version that we're actually going to use in order to appropriate those funds.
Rogalski said I'm saying that this version can be your final version. It's just that they
suggested some changes, and in fact, they said, "you probably want to incorporate
these in your next version, because the version you have works, but I can't help but
offer a couple of suggestions."
Chairman Fitch asked if the agreement is for this fiscal year.
Rogalski said yes. We would have to completely redo it next year, and next year would
be a new agreement.
Chairman Fitch said I could see why we could go ahead and approve this.
Gill asked is this something that has a deadline on it that we need to get done by a
certain time?
Herr said the Lego League starts next week. We did not realize there was a secondary
board that we needed to go to. We started the process in May, but it's been a bumpy
road. We're flexible in how we get it across the finish line, but we need to know whether
to go forward, and so we do need a decision today. This is the kind of event that the
library does when we get the grant money. This is not part of our normal operations
because we don't have the budget.
Gill said I still would like our legal department to look at it.
Page 7 of 35
Garrett Lam, City Attorney's Office, said the agreement was sent to Lisa Harden
(CEDL). Lisa is the one who came back with the changes. They were recommended
changes — they weren't something that she said had to be done, like Richard said. She
just received the agreement late.
John Ratliff, City Manager, asked Lam if there were any showstoppers within the
agreement.
Lam said not that I know of.
Gill said I would like to review it and see what those changes were and evaluate them
and then go forward, even if that means that we have to meet again to make the
deadline, or we can do that at the next meeting.
Chairman Fitch said the next meeting would be the third Thursday in September.
Nance said we could take it just the way it is, couldn't we?
Ratliff said yes, we could, or we could take a brief recess and review it.
Lam said what Richard is also saying is that you could approve it for funding, and then
get an amended version of the agreement with the library afterward - that way the
funding goes now.
Gill said that's suitable. We can approve it for funding purposes, do a review, and then
have a final opinion by legal to continue.
Chairman Fitch said he agrees.
Ratliff said you could approve it, contingent upon a favorable legal review.
Gill said as long as we can get a review from our attorney that things are fine, I'm fine
with that. So, if we need to do it from a timeline right now, that's good, as long as we
have that right to come back after we review it, and it will be reviewed.
Madigan asked Herr what type of participation they are anticipating.
Herr said this is the first year, so we really don’t know, but a league that actually
competes typically has four to ten students. However, you can have more participants,
just like in soccer practice—some kids might come who don’t end up competing. We
may need to have a second team. We already have one kid identified who may be
competing through Lawton Public Schools, so he wouldn’t compete through the library.
We’re working with his teacher to figure that out. So, while we don’t have all the details
yet, we do know there’s interest. I believe we mentioned that about 30 families are
connected with this. Since it’s our first year, there’s a learning curve. This is an
Page 8 of 35
expensive sport, but it’s very, very educational. We took it on because it is so
expensive, and it’s the goal of the STEM Consortium to get more kids involved in this.
Chairman Fitch inquired about what all the $12,000 will cover.
Herr said the $12,000 included several different purchases. It's not an event at the
library. We would be going someplace. We do expect to take our library kids to a lot of
public schools to have some competitions between different schools for practice, that
sort of thing. Lawton Public Schools only sends a handful of teams to regionals because
it's so expensive.
Motion by Gill, Second by Madigan, to approve the funding agreement on conditional
approval, based on a favorable legal opinion. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch.
NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
4. Receive a report from Rusty Whisenhunt, Director of Public Utilities for the
City of Lawton, and consider approving Pay Application 005 from Fisher59
Properties in the amount of $48,280.04 for the cost of public improvements
associated with the construction of a new warehouse and distribution center
made in accordance with the First Amended Redevelopment Agreement
between LEDA and Fisher59 Properties, approved on January 14, 2025.
Rusty Whisenhunt, Public Utilities Director, provided background information on this
item. A copy of Pay Application 005 from Fisher59 Properties in the amount of
$48,280.04 may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Whisenhunt said the total submitted request was $53,644.49. After removing retainage,
the total payment comes to $48,280.04. All the necessary documents were provided to
support the payments for this. The water and sewer system improvements are basically
100% complete. The majority of the remaining work involves the concrete pavement for
the road.
Motion by Gill, Second by Page, to approve Pay Application 005 from Fisher59
Properties. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
Gill asked if this payment has anything to do with the payment that's in question.
Rogalski said no — that was number 3.
Gill asked if this is the pay request that is currently due.
Rogalski said yes.
Gill said my motion stands, as stated then.
Page 9 of 35
5. Consider approving a distribution of TIF 4 funds received by LEDA in
accordance with the STEDI Project Plan, to the City of Lawton and the
Lawton Economic Development in proportion to the funding provided by
those entities pursuant to the PepsiCo Redevelopment Agreement.
Rogalski provided background information on this item. He provided Authority members
with a TIF 4 Distributions Tracker sheet. A copy of the TIF 4 Distributions Tracker sheet
may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Rogalski said as you can see, we’ve received $334,550.51. Basically, you can see the
amount we got each year. At the top of the page, it’s very important to note that when
we receive a dollar of TIF4 funds and STEDI funds, I have to distribute a portion of it to
the taxing entities. So, we get a check in, then we distribute it. In fact, we just received a
check this week. It’s actually TIF3, but it’s not shown here yet because I haven’t
distributed it yet. But that’s the first thing we do: get it distributed. The top part of the
page shows those distributions that have already been made. We’ve already done all of
that. Then, moving down to the next section, items A through I represent the funding
categories in the project plan. They’re listed exactly as A through I in the project plan.
Categories A through I are all the categories that can be funded with TIF revenue.
Some categories have specific percentages assigned, and some do not. I normally
group A and B together depending on the project and what we’re trying to fund with it.
But in this particular project, because we provided around $735,000 of assistance in
development financing, even though it’s for public infrastructure, I’m paying it back to
the city and to the LEDC as assistance in development financing, because we ended up
giving it to the redeveloper to build those things. You can see that our ability to fund
assistance in development financing so far is $196,820.85 if we let everything flow
normally through TIF revenue. It’s important to note—and I’ve included this at the
bottom—that the way our project plan is set up, categories A, B, D, G, H, and I can be
combined or moved around by this body. So, if we needed to pay for something sooner,
we can use that revenue to do so. It just so happens you all have done a little of that. At
the bottom of the page, under TIF4 direct obligations, you can see that originally the
City of Lawton provided $570,339.98 toward the project, and the LEDC provided
$160,000. That $160,000 came from the proceeds of the sale of land, which was put
back into the project. This is reflected in your obligations in your financials. Back in
September of last year, we paid the city $244,793.65, so that amount has already been
repaid to the city. That’s why the current financials show a remaining balance of
$325,546.33 as remaining to the city on this project. We kind of did that for a reason—
there was an issue with funding, so it was treated like an emergency. However, we did
not pay LEDC any of their proportionate share. We do have the money in TIF4 to make
this payment. So, I'm asking you to put the LEDC back to parity with what we've already
paid the city by paying them $68,673.05, and then it reduces that $160,000 to a little
less than $100,000. I think it's probably the correct thing to do.
Motion by Gill, Second by Page, to approve the distribution of TIF 4 funds to the LEDC
in the amount of $68,673.05. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY: None.
Page 10 of 35
MOTION PASSED.
6. Consider a distribution of TIF 3 funds received by LEDA in accordance with
the STEDI Project Plan to Republic Paperboard Company in accordance to the
Public Assistance included in Economic Development Agreement approved in
December 2019.
Rogalski provided background information on this item. He provided Authority members
with a TIF 3 Funding and Distributions Tracker sheet and a Memorandum of Legal
Opinion from the Center for Economic Development Law. A copy of the TIF 3 Funding
and Distributions Tracker sheet and the Memorandum of Legal Opinion may be
obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Rogalski said back in 2019, when we approved our very first TIF district for the STEDI
Project Plan under TIF 3 with Republic Paper, what we agreed to do was repay them
twice the value tied to their employment. There was a certain value based on the
number of jobs they were adding—it was $2.1 million based on their employment levels.
So, twice that amount came to $4.2 million. Actually, the total amount you're obligated to
is $4,320,240. They weren’t in any hurry to get it, so it’s spread over 20 years, but it
starts in year six. The reason it starts in year six is because they received a tax
exemption for years one through five, meaning they weren’t paying property taxes
during that time. So we agreed not to pay them during those years either. Paying them
isn't an option but how you pay them is because the agreement wasn't really verbose on
it, so I had Lisa give us this memorandum that says you have considerable discretion in
how you do it. I felt the cleanest way to handle it—and I’ve presented this before—is to
treat it like an annuity: divide the $4.32 million over 20 years and pay them that fixed
amount annually. The agreement was executed around November, which is why I’m
bringing this up now in case there’s any additional discussion. It’s not due next week or
anything, but this is what I’d recommend. Again, paying them is mandatory under the
agreement, but how you structure the payments is up to LEDA. If you look at the TIF 3
revenue sheet, you’ll see this has been a good TIF district. So far, we’ve received $3.49
million—not including the $700,000 we just got this week. So now, we’re over $4 million
in TIF 3 so far.
Rogalski said I would like you to take action to direct me to pay it in an annuity at
$216,012 a year for the next 20 years.
Gill asked if this will be the first payment.
Rogalski said yes. Technically, I think it's due by December 1st.
Ratliff asked Rogalski why the $700,000 wasn't factored into the annuity.
Rogalski said the amount that we've received so far isn't the issue. The $4.2 is based
on a calculation in the agreement that was based on the numbers of their employees. It
just didn't say exactly how they receive it.
Page 11 of 35
Nance asked when you say annuity, are you just saying it's going to be equal payments
— not a financial instrument?
Rogalski said it's just going to be equal payments over 20 years.
Motion by Nance, Second by Gill, to approve the distribution of TIF 3 funds as
presented. AYE: Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
Reports
1. Receive a report from the LEDA Executive Director
Rogalski provided Authority members with a Long Term Liability Report. A copy of this
report may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office upon request.
Rogalski said you can see where we are and all the payments we’ve made on these
long-term liabilities, and I’ll keep this updated. This report does not include the Truist
note. The Truist note is for the downtown project—it’s part of the downtown project plan
under TIF 2. There’s a payment due on 9/1/25 in the amount of $2,083,492.50. Anyone
who’s been on the board for a while knows it’s typically been a bit of a struggle to make
those payments. But this year, it’s not so bad. If you looked at the income statement,
you saw we have $467,400 in the BOK TIF 2 account already. And with the two
payments we received this month, we actually now have $3.3 million available to pay
the note. What that means is that TIF 2—after 13 years—could now actually begin
funding some economic development in the downtown. We could now have a program
of some substance. So we’ll start looking at that a little bit. Another thing we could do,
and this ties back to the long-term liability sheet I mentioned, is one more of our long-
term liabilities. You’ll recall that in April of this year, we paid LURA $466,392—paying off
what was more or less an unpaid note for 12 years. We also have one outstanding to
the City of Lawton for $414,322. That’s also been sitting for a long time—I believe it
dates back to around 2010. What happened was, the City paid interest on the original
$12 million note for the downtown project. It’s been on the books for as long as I’ve
been around—back when Larry Mitchell was the executive director. So, we could
consider paying that off now. I’m not saying we do it today—but if you like, I could bring
it back next month for your consideration. For now, I want to get the Truist note paid, let
the dust settle, and make sure there aren’t any other obligations. I also need to prepare
the program for next year’s note—I’ll do the math on that to ensure we can make the
March and other payments. But likely, I’ll bring that City of Lawton item to you at the
next meeting for consideration to get that off our books.
Rogalski said we have received all of our state match payments — everything we've
applied for we've received. Probably in a month or two we'll have all the sales tax
numbers from the sixth month period that just passed — January through June. We will
then submit another request. So right now we're back on track with the state match
funds.
Page 12 of 35
Executive Session
Motion by Gill, Second by Madigan, to convene in executive session. AYE: Page,
Fitch, Gill, Madigan, Nance. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
The Authority convened in executive session at 2:55 PM and remained in executive
session until 3:23 PM.
Motion by Gill, Second by Nance, to return to open session. AYE: Page, Fitch, Gill,
Madigan, Nance. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
1. Pursuant to Section 307C.11, Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes, consider convening
in executive session for the purpose of conferring on matters pertaining to
economic development, including the transfer of property, financing, and the
creation of a proposal to entice a business to locate within their jurisdiction if
the public disclosure of which would violate the confidentiality of prospective
business entities, and if necessary, take appropriate action in open session, to
include providing direction to the Executive Director, to either pursue or not
to pursue further negotiations with any economic development prospects so
discussed, and/or authorization to apply for grant funding in support of the
project.
No action was taken on this item.
Adjournment
Motion by Madigan, Second by Page, to adjourn the August 21, 2025, meeting. AYE:
Gill, Madigan, Nance, Page, Fitch. NAY: None. MOTION PASSED.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:24 PM.
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Lawton Community STEM Program
FUNDING AGREEMENT
This Professional ServicesFunding Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made by and between
Lawton Economic Development Authority, a public trust (“LEDA” or “Grantor”) and Friends of
the Lawton Public Library. (“Grantee”). Funding has been approved to provide financial support
to the Grantee for the implementation and operation of the Lawton Community STEM Program
(the “Program”), which shall consist of activities designed to assist students in developing STEM-
related skills and career opportunities in the amount listed below for use during the period
beginning on July 18, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025.
A. Funding Conditions.(amount of funding) is conditioned upon the following:
1. Execution of this Agreement by the Grantee and the LEDA (Grantor).
2. Grantee's acknowledgment, bBy execution of this Agreement, that Grantee, its
agents,successors, and assigns, acknowledges and agrees that as a condition to
receivingreceipt of funds hereunder is conditioned upon Grantee’s to performance of
the terms of this Agreement. The Grantor shall provide financial support to the Grantee
for the implementation and operation of the Pprograms that aims to assist students in
developing STEM-related skills and career opportunities. The primary focus of the
Pprogram shall beis on academic and hands-on learning activities related to science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics. The funding of this Pprogram by the LEDA
is explicitly recognized as a contribution to the betterment of the community, and the
activities supported by this funding are hereby acknowledged to serve a public purpose
and provide significant benefits to the citizens of Lawton.
3. LEDA agrees to provide funds to Grantee in anthe amount not to exceed Twelve
Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00), consistent with thespecified in their approved budget
(Exhibit B) in exchange for the services to be performed under this Agreement and as
indicated in the attached STEM Funding Request Form (Exhibit A). Payment to Grantee is
subject to LEDA’s receipt of from the proceeds of the designated STEM funding
authorized by from the Skills Training, Education, Development and Investment
(STEDI) Project Plan adopted by the City Council of the City Lawton on December
10, 2019, as thereafter amended from time to time (“STEDI Project Plan”) and
received by LEDA and allocated through this Agreement, the funds provided to
GRANTEE under this Agreement shall not exceed Twelve Thousand Dollars
($12,000.00) The Grantee's receipt of such funds shall be subject to LEDA's
collection of sufficient designated STEM funding from the STEDI Project Plan to
cover this agreement. All claims submitted to LEDA must be presented in writing.
No account or claim may be paid by LEDA unless it has been reviewed and
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approved by LEDA’sthe Executive Director and properly recorded in LEDA’s
financial recordsan entry of the account or claim made in the proper books kept for
that purpose. Only expenditures included in the approved as a part of the budget
shallwill be paid, and only upon submission of based on properly documented
claims. Funds shall be used solely for the purposes and activities described in
Exhibits A and B and shall not be expended for any other purpose.
4. The Executive Director will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the
requirements for claims for payment submitted under this Agreement and will promptly
report in writing possible non-compliance to the Grantee.
5. Grantee shall submit a Monthly Report to the Executive Director together with an
invoice for services rendered during the prior month. The Executive Director shall
forthwith review the Monthly Report and invoice to verify work performed and
activities set forth therein meet the requirements of this Agreement. The Executive
Director may request any additional information needed to fully document
Grantee's work in furtherance of the objectives set forth in this Agreement and the
Scope of Work (as described in Exhibits A and B). The Executive Director shall
complete his or her review within ten (10) business days of the submission of the
Monthly Report and invoice by Grantee and, if found to be satisfactory, shall
submit the Monthly Report to LEDA and the invoice will be processed for payment;
provided, if the Executive Director reasonably finds that the Monthly Report or
invoice are not satisfactory, he or she may withhold such notification until any
deficiencies in the Monthly Report or invoice have been corrected by Grantee.
6. The Grantee understands and agrees that the payment of funds by LEDA to Grantee
under this Agreement shall be limited to the amount of funds specified in this
Agreement.
7. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, any portion of the approved
budget that remains unused will remain with LEDA. LEDA reserves the right to
reallocate any unused funds to other projects or initiatives that align with its objectives,
and the Grantee shall have no claim or entitlement to any portion of said funds.
B. Alignment with STEM Strategic Plan (Council Policy 0-3). The Grantee’s implementation
of the Program shall align with the STEM Strategic Plan (Council Policy 0-3) byas follows:
1. Creatinge a thriving hub for STEM education, innovation, and economic growth,
setting the standard for excellence in these crucial fields and uplifting the community’s
economic status.
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2. Fostering a collaborative and inclusive ecosystem that harnesses the collective efforts
of community-based initiatives, organizations, and industry partners, with . The
primary goals that include: advancing STEM education, increasing high school
graduation rates, promoting post-secondary STEM training, growing the STEM
workforce, and driving economic development in Lawton, OK and the broader
Southwest region, including Comanche County.
C. Comply with the requirements of the Innovation Nexus STEM Strategic Plan
Requirements. The Grantee’s implementation of the Program shall, including:
1. Be fFocus ed on STEM education and career readiness.
2. Provide opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning.
3. Demonstrate how the Grantee’s implementation of the Pprogram will help youth
succeed by: a. Increasing student proficiency in STEM subjects. b. Increasing
participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities and mentorship programs. c.
Providing career exploration opportunities in STEM fields.
4. Include measurable criteria and provide measurable results.
D. Reporting Requirements. Grantee shall mMaintain specific data and provide a detailed
report (as provided below) to LEDA and the STEM Board established under the STEM
Strategic Plan, as follows.:
1. Annual Report. - Grantee shall submitwill complete an annual report to the LEDA and
the STEM Board by December 31, 2025. The report shall include data reflecting how
funds were used, the results, the numbers served, and the outcomes achieved.
E. Financial Audits. Requirement – LEDA reserves the right to conduct a financial audit at
any time during the term of this Aagreement and for a period of five (5) years thereafter to
ensure compliance. The audit may include an examination of financial records, statements,
reports, contracts, receipts, and invoices. The Grantee agrees to maintain records for five
(5) years and to cooperate fully with the audit process.
F. Annual Application Process. - Funds must be applied for annually. Continued funding is
contingent upon approval by the LEDA, the STEM Board, and funding availability of
funds. This Agreement does not obligate LEDA to provide funding beyond the term
specified. Grantee may apply for future funding through the annual application process.
G. Additional Requirements. - LEDA may impose set additional requirements, including
revisions toof measurement methods or incremental funding based on progress.
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H. Termination. LEDA reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and require the return
of any unexpended funds if Grantee fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
Dated this day of _ , 2025.
Lawton Economic Development Authority
Fred Fitch, Chairman
APPROVED as to form and legality this day of , 2025.
CITY ATTORNEY
GRANTEE APPROVAL:
Name and Title of Authorized Representative (Please Print)
Signature of Authorized Representative
Date Signed
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Lawton Community STEM Program
FUNDING AGREEMENT
Amended
This Funding Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made by and between Lawton Economic
Development Authority, a public trust (“LEDA” or “Grantor”) and Friends of the Lawton Public
Library (“Grantee”). Funding has been approved to provide financial support to the Grantee for
the implementation and operation of the Lawton Community STEM Program (the “Program”),
which shall consist of activities designed to assist students in developing STEM-related skills and
career opportunities in the amount listed below for use during the period beginning on July 18,
2025, and ending December 31, 2025.
A. Funding Conditions.
1. Execution of this Agreement by the Grantee and LEDA.
2. By execution of this Agreement, Grantee acknowledges and agrees that receipt of funds
hereunder is conditioned upon Grantee’s performance of the terms of this Agreement.
The Grantor shall provide financial support to the Grantee for the implementation and
operation of the Program that aims to assist students in developing STEM-related skills
and career opportunities. The primary focus of the Program is on academic and hands-
on learning activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The
funding of this Program by LEDA is explicitly recognized as a contribution to the
betterment of the community, and the activities supported by this funding are hereby
acknowledged to serve a public purpose and provide significant benefits to the citizens
of Lawton.
3. LEDA agrees to provide funds to Grantee in an amount not to exceed Twelve Thousand
Dollars ($12,000.00), consistent with the approved budget (Exhibit B) in exchange for the
services to be performed under this Agreement and as indicated in the attached STEM
Funding Request Form (Exhibit A). Payment to Grantee is subject to LEDA’s receipt of the
designated STEM funding authorized by the Skills Training, Education,
Development and Investment (STEDI) Project Plan adopted by the City Council of the
City Lawton on December 10, 2019, as thereafter amended from time to time (“STEDI
Project Plan”). All claims submitted to LEDA must be presented in writing. No
account or claim may be paid by LEDA unless it has been reviewed and approved
by LEDA’s Executive Director and properly recorded in LEDA’s financial records.
Only expenditures included in the approved budget will be paid, and only upon
submission of properly documented claims. Funds shall be used solely for the
purposes and activities described in Exhibits A and B and shall not be expended
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for any other purpose.
4. The Executive Director will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the
requirements for claims for payment submitted under this Agreement and will promptly
report in writing possible non-compliance to the Grantee.
5. Grantee shall submit a Monthly Report to the Executive Director together with an
invoice for services rendered during the prior month. The Executive Director shall
forthwith review the Monthly Report and invoice to verify work performed and
activities set forth therein meet the requirements of this Agreement. The Executive
Director may request any additional information needed to fully document
Grantee's work in furtherance of the objectives set forth in this Agreement and the
Scope of Work (as described in Exhibits A and B). The Executive Director shall
complete his or her review within ten (10) business days of the submission of the
Monthly Report and invoice by Grantee and, if found to be satisfactory, shall
submit the Monthly Report to LEDA and the invoice will be processed for payment;
provided, if the Executive Director reasonably finds that the Monthly Report or
invoice are not satisfactory, he or she may withhold such notification until any
deficiencies in the Monthly Report or invoice have been corrected by Grantee.
6. The Grantee understands and agrees that the payment of funds by LEDA to Grantee
under this Agreement shall be limited to the amount of funds specified in this
Agreement.
7. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, any portion of the approved
budget that remains unused will remain with LEDA. LEDA reserves the right to
reallocate any unused funds to other projects or initiatives that align with its objectives,
and the Grantee shall have no claim or entitlement to any portion of said funds.
B. Alignment with STEM Strategic Plan (Council Policy 0-3). The Grantee’s implementation
of the Program shall align with the STEM Strategic Plan (Council Policy 0-3) by:
1. Creating a thriving hub for STEM education, innovation, and economic growth, setting
the standard for excellence in these crucial fields and uplifting the community’s
economic status.
2. Fostering a collaborative and inclusive ecosystem that harnesses the collective efforts
of community-based initiatives, organizations, and industry partners, with goals that
include: advancing STEM education, increasing high school graduation rates,
promoting post-secondary STEM training, growing the STEM workforce, and driving
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economic development in Lawton, OK and the broader Southwest region, including
Comanche County.
C. Innovation Nexus STEM Strategic Plan Requirements. The Grantee’s implementation of
the Program shall:
1. Focus on STEM education and career readiness.
2. Provide opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning.
3. Demonstrate how the Grantee’s implementation of the Program will help youth succeed
by: a. Increasing student proficiency in STEM subjects. b. Increasing participation in
STEM-related extracurricular activities and mentorship programs. c. Providing career
exploration opportunities in STEM fields.
4. Include measurable criteria and provide measurable results.
D. Reporting Requirements. Grantee shall maintain specific data and provide a detailed report
to LEDA and the STEM Board established under the STEM Strategic Plan, as follows:
1. Annual Report. Grantee shall submit an annual report to LEDA and the STEM Board
by December 31, 2025. The report shall include data reflecting how funds were used,
the results, the numbers served, and the outcomes achieved.
E. Financial Audits. LEDA reserves the right to conduct a financial audit at any time during
the term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years thereafter to ensure
compliance. The audit may include an examination of financial records, statements,
reports, contracts, receipts, and invoices. The Grantee agrees to maintain records for five
(5) years and to cooperate fully with the audit process.
F. Annual Application. Funds must be applied for annually. Continued funding is contingent
upon approval by LEDA, the STEM Board, and availability of funds. This Agreement does
not obligate LEDA to provide funding beyond the term specified. Grantee may apply for
future funding through the annual application process.
G. Additional Requirements. LEDA may impose additional requirements, including revisions
to measurement methods or incremental funding based on progress.
H. Termination. LEDA reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and require the return
of any unexpended funds if Grantee fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
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Dated this day of _ , 2025.
Lawton Economic Development Authority
Fred Fitch, Chairman
APPROVED as to form and legality this day of , 2025.
CITY ATTORNEY
GRANTEE APPROVAL:
Name and Title of Authorized Representative (Please Print)
Signature of Authorized Representative
Date Signed
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Exhibit A
STEM FUNDING REQUEST FORM
Submitted to the Lawton/Fort Sill STEM Board
SECTION 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant Name / Organization Name:
Point of Contact: Kristin Herr, Friends of the Lawton Public Library
Mailing Address: 110 SW 4th Street, Lawton, OK 73501
Email Address: kristin.herr@lawtonok.gov
Phone Number: 580-581-3450 ext. 1710
Type of Applicant (check one): Nonprofit Organization
SECTION 2: PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: FIRST LEGO robotics
Project Summary (briefly describe your project): This funding request is to support the
creation of a LEGO robotics team at the Lawton Public Library. This initiative aims to
provide an enriching STEM opportunity for year in our community, supplementing the
existing school-based robotics programs. By hosting this team at the Lawton Public Library,
this team will have a broader demographic of students who may not have access to similar
programs through their schools.
Target Audience (e.g., K-12 students, teachers, veterans, workforce development):
Children aged 9 to 14
Geographic Area Served: Comanche County
Project Timeline (start and end date): August 2025 to May 2026
Total Amount Requested: $15,000.00
Total Project Budget: $15,000.00
Other Funding Sources (if any): The Friends of the Library support several STEM-related
events and resources totally about $10,000.00 annually. This LEGO team is an initiative
above and beyond the Friends’ support.
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SECTION 3: PROJECT IMPACT
Describe how this project promotes STEM education, workforce development, or
innovation:
Expected Outcomes (quantifiable, if possible):
1. Increased STEM Engagement: Participants will show a notable improvement in
their understanding of basic coding and robotics concepts. We expect to see a 25%
increase in their demonstrated proficiency, evidenced by successful completion of
coding challenges and robot missions throughout the season.
2. Enhanced 21st-Century Skills: The program will significantly boost participants'
teamwork, communication, and critical thinking abilities. We anticipate a 40%
improvement in these collaborative skills, as observed and rated by coaches and
through peer evaluations during team activities.
3. Expanded Library Reach: Offering FLL will draw new patrons to the library. We
aim to attract 15-20 new families who actively engage with the library beyond the
FLL program, which we'll track through new library card registrations and sign-ups
for other library events.
4. Improved Problem-Solving: Participants will develop stronger analytical and
troubleshooting skills. Our goal is for teams to demonstrate a 50% increase in their
ability to independently identify and resolve robot malfunctions and adapt their
strategies during practice sessions.
How will success be measured and reported?:
Success for each of these outcomes will be measured through a combination of qualitative
and quantitative methods. Coding and robotics proficiency will be assessed by coaches
using a rubric tied to project milestones and robot performance. Teamwork and
communication skills will be evaluated through coach observations, a simple peer
assessment rubric, and team project presentations. Library reach will be tracked by
monitoring new library card registrations directly linked to FLL participants and their
families, as well as cross-promotion sign-ups for other library programs. Problem-solving
abilities will be gauged by coaches noting the frequency and independence of student-led
troubleshooting during practice.
SECTION 4: ATTACHMENTS (REQUIRED)
✓ Project Budget (itemized)
✓ Timeline and Milestones
✓ IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter (if applicable)
✓ Letters of Support (optional)
✓ Additional Supporting Materials (optional)
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SECTION 5: AUTHORIZATION
I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my
knowledge. I understand that submission of this form does not guarantee funding.
Name: Kristin Herr
Title: Library Director
Signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Date: July 1, 2025
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Submit completed forms and attachments to: donalynn.blazek-scherler@lawtonok.gov and
kobe.humble@lawtonok.gov
Questions may be directed to:
City Clerk’s Office- City of Lawton
Phone: 580-581-3305 EXT 1033
212 SW 9th Street, Lawton, OK 73501
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Exhibit B
Project Budget - Revised
Our anticipated expenses are as follows:
Classroom Pack: $850.00
LEGO Spike Prime Kits with Expansion (2 kits, $556.90 each): $1,125.80
Team Registration: $289.00
Regional Event: $6,300.00
Team Supplies $1,000.00
Instructor Stipend $2,436.00
Total $12,000.00
We understand that this is a reimbursable grant, and we are prepared to provide all necessary
documentation for expenditure reimbursement. We are requesting through the Friends of the
Library with the library staff administering the grant.
The regional event is $6,300.00 on November 18, 2025 and the additional regional event is
$3,000.00 on January 21, 2026.
We are requesting a total of $12,000.00 to cover the core expenses of establishing and
operating the team through the regional level. This funding will directly enable us to purchase
necessary equipment, cover registration fees, and participate in competitive events.
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