LAWTON, Okla. – The Lawton City Council’s first regular meeting of 2025 was packed with important discussions and decisions, as council members took on a lengthy agenda and welcomed a new face to the dais. R.L. Smith was sworn in as the new representative for Ward 2, succeeding Kelly Harris, during Monday’s meeting.
The meeting began with a presentation on the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at one of the city’s fire stations. This would be the first such incubator for Lawton and the fourth in the state of Oklahoma. Dede Armes, who gave the presentation, explained that the box provides a safe option for individuals who feel they cannot care for their newborn. “When someone has a baby, they don’t want- they don’t know what to do with it, they know they have an option. Some of the options available now are not pretty,” she said. The council unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the installation.
Next, Jason Poudrier took the floor to announce that the Albert Johnson Jr. family home could soon be added to both the State and National Historic Registries. The house, located along Gore Boulevard, was the home of Johnson’s grandparents, James Carl Sr. and Lucille Johnson. While no one lives in the house currently, Johnson’s aunt maintains it in pristine condition. The council expressed support for the proposal.
The council then moved on to a 33-item consent agenda, which included several routine matters, such as the temporary establishment of a Lakes Division Headquarters to manage traffic around the newly constructed Braum’s. The majority of items were approved without discussion, but item six—concerning a transfer of $395,000 to the Capital Improvement Projects fund for D&D abatements—was stricken and deferred to the next meeting.
A budget amendment of $1.6 million was approved to reimburse Fischer59 Development in accordance with a prior agreement. The amendment ensures that the city is fulfilling its financial commitment to the development project.
City Manager John Ratliff was also given additional authority under an ordinance approved in 2024. The ordinance allows him to authorize payment plans for delinquent fees but now also grants him the ability to waive a portion—or the entirety—of the fines under specific circumstances. City Attorney John Andrews clarified that this change was part of an ongoing effort to refine city codes.
The council then turned to an important update on tobacco laws, amending city code to align with the state’s decision to raise the minimum purchase age for tobacco products from 18 to 21 in 2020. This brings Lawton’s ordinances into line with state law.
Mayor Stan Booker introduced an item to appoint himself as the chairman of the Homeless Action Committee, following Kelly Harris’s departure from the council. The mayor also made a motion to review the city’s development guidelines to ensure that growth stays within city limits. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts with other committees, but the motion was approved. Ratliff suggested deferring the item until the next meeting to address these concerns.
Another item discussed was a revision to the city’s building and sign permit process. The new policy aims to speed up permit issuance to 14 days, bringing Lawton in line with the City of Norman. The council approved the measure, which will take effect on April 1, 2025.
Mayor Booker also highlighted a pressing issue related to the safety of children in the city. Citing reports of vacant houses being set on fire by squatters and the alarming number of registered sex offenders who are listed as homeless in Lawton, the mayor called for action under his Kids First initiative. He motioned for the City Manager to come up with a plan within 30 days to address these concerns and promote a safer environment for children.
During the staff reports section of the meeting, City Finance Director Rebecca Johnson provided an update on the Fiscal Year ‘24 audit. The audit, which was due on December 31, 2024, is expected to be completed within the next ten weeks or by the first council meeting in March.
The meeting ended with an executive session, where the council voted to extend Judge Nathan Johnson’s contract, increasing his salary to $140,000. Additionally, Councilman Randy Warren motioned for the City Attorney’s office to begin foreclosure actions on properties linked to the Great Plains Improvement Foundation following an investigation into the organization’s handling of the HOME Program. This motion was also approved.
With new leadership, a full agenda, and several important motions passed, the 2025 Lawton City Council is off to an action-packed start.
