The planned widening of 12th Avenue drew questions about property, utilities, and local control during the Madill City Council meeting on Oct. 13.
Officials said preliminary utility and right-of-way work for the project is nearly complete. The road is in poor condition, but rebuilding and widening it could cost several million dollars, placing it beyond what the city could afford on its own.
The project is state funded and will be managed through the county system. City officials said the final decision will come from a county commissioners’ district committee basedinHugo.TheMadill City Council does not have a vote on whether the project moves forward.
Some property owners along the road have little room between their homes and the street. In some places, residents already park near the roadway because their yards are small. City leaders said they have asked those planning the project to take as little private property as possible.
Utility lines are another concern. Officials said plans now call for two telephone lines to be placed in one trench instead of two separate trenches. That change could save property owners about four feet of space and reduce the amount of digging in their yards.
A resident also asked about warning lights near the Early Childhood Center. The city said the speed limit signs belong to the city, but the flashing lights are the school’s responsibility. School officials have been contacted about getting the lights repaired.
During other public comments, one resident again asked the city to address roosters and loud music in her neighborhood. She said the noise makes it difficult to enjoy sitting outside and can sometimes be heard inside her home late at night.
The resident also reminded the public that the city cannot pick up used tires placed with brush. She asked residents not to leave tires for city crews to collect.
Another speaker asked the council to look into the danger of adults allowing children to ride with them on lawn mowers. He said some children are very young and could be seriously injured if they fall. He asked city leaders to discuss the issue with the police chief and find a way to warn parents before an accident happens.
The council also voted to updatetheauthorizednames on five certificates of deposit at First United Bank. The accounts cover sewer, meter, sales tax, water reserve, and sewer reserve funds.
In the city manager’s report, the council heard that crewsclearedvegetationnear the creek at William Ray Park and around bridges on South Fifth Avenue and Smiley Road. Crews also swept streets in southwest Madill, installed speed bumps in the 200 and 300 blocks of North Seventh Street, and repaired the city’s dump truck.
The city will hold a special meetingatnoononThursday, Oct. 22, to review the 2025 and 2026 audits.
After the City Council meetingadjourned,members reconvened as the Madill Public Works Authority.
Officials reported that four valves were replaced on the drying beds at the sewer plant. Valves on the plant’s SBR system have also been replaced and are working.
The sewer plant is also adding an aeration system to a tank where sewage waste is broken down. The added oxygen should improve treatment and help reduce odors.
The authority is also working to complete a contract involving property for the sewer plant.