Edmond strategic plan wins approval from city council

Architects are working on design plans for a $25.5 million public safety center that will be the new home for the police department, 911 communications and emergency management operations.

Voters on Oct. 11 approved a half-cent sales tax increase for five years to build the public safety center and a second building that is expected to meet the city's needs for 20 to 25 years.

Plans are in the works to build a full-service hotel and conference center at Covell Road and Interstate 35. This is expected to be a public/private project. Agreements between the partners are being written, and land is being purchased.

Also in the plan

Council members want additional library services. To add a full-service, second library is listed among the council's goals.

Council members want to implement the parks master plan and foster public/private partnerships.

The council voted this month to spend $200,000 for engineering to design a multipurpose trail around Arcadia Lake as part of a public-private project.

Council members would like to promote and emphasize Edmond's rich history and charm by exploring options to identify uses for the Smith House and for redevelopment along historic Route 66.