Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a variance for a church sign height and adopted a new public safety ordinance requiring clear lines of sight into convenience stores. They also discussed proposed budget amendments to reduce appropriations by 1.5% due to declining revenues, and approved a resolution declaring a structure dilapidated. An executive session was held to discuss a legal case.
Key Decisions & Votes
Dilapidated Building Declaration
06:40A resolution was approved declaring the structure at 7203 SE 15th Street a dilapidated building and setting dates for its demolition and removal.
Sign Ordinance Appeal
20:50An appeal was granted allowing a church sign at 9900 SE 15th Street to remain two feet taller than ordinance specifications, avoiding a $7,000 modification cost.
Convenience Store Line of Sight Ordinance
44:00A new ordinance was adopted requiring convenience stores to maintain clear lines of sight into and out of their premises (specifically 3 to 6 feet clear on windows) for public safety.
Executive Session Entry
45:20The council voted to enter into executive session to discuss the legal case McGowan et al. versus City Midwest City (CJ 2015 1802).
Upcoming Community Events
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Community Center
Mayor's State of the City Address
7:30 AM at the Chamber of Commerce
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Reed Center
Financial Matters
Budget Amendments - Community Development
Reduction of appropriations by not filling a vacant program manager position.
Budget Amendments - Streets and Parks
Reduction of appropriations by foregoing hiring seasonal employees and reducing contractual services.
Budget Amendments - Police Department
Reduction of appropriations related to separation pay for retiring officers, offset by holding some positions open.
Budget Amendments - Fire Department
Reduction of appropriations by eliminating a transfer to the capital fund, specifically for not purchasing a rescue squad.
Public Comments
Citizens provided input on three separate discussion items. One citizen appealed for flexibility regarding a sign ordinance, another sought clarification on budget amendment details, and a store owner expressed concerns about the practical implications of a new line-of-sight ordinance for convenience stores.
Announcements
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program starts February 7th at the Community Center.
- Daddy-Daughter Dance will be held on February 18th at the Reed Center.
- The Mayor's State of the City Address will be on February 9th at 7:30 AM at the Chamber of Commerce.
- Coach Gary Rose is retiring from Carl Albert High School after 43 years, 10 state championships, and impacting thousands of lives.
- Police Chief Brandon Clicks was awarded the Clara Looper Community Service Award at the Martin Luther King breakfast.
- The city's 75th anniversary is kicking off; banners with the 75th logo are available through the Chamber of Commerce for community organizations or families.
Agenda Summary
Consent Agenda
Approval of routine agenda items by unanimous consent.
Resolution declaring 7203 SE 15th St a dilapidated building
Public hearing with discussion and consideration of a resolution declaring the structure at 7203 SE 15th Street a dilapidated building and setting dates for its demolition and removal.
Appeal to sign ordinance for 9900 SE 15th St
Public hearing with discussion and consideration of an appeal to section 9-394e of the Municipal Code regarding freestanding signs, specifically for a church sign at 9900 SE 15th Street that is two feet too tall.
Budget amendments to reduce appropriations for FY 2016-2017
Discussion and consideration of budget amendments to reduce appropriations for the fiscal year 2016-2017 due to declining revenues, aiming for a 1.5% reduction across departments.
New ordinance for line of sight into convenience stores
Discussion and consideration of approving and adopting a new ordinance making it an offense to limit the line of sight into and out of convenience stores, providing for definitions, setting a penalty, and declaring an emergency.
Executive Session
Discussion and consideration of entering into executive session to discuss McGowan et al. versus City Midwest City case number CJ 2015 1802, and authorizing the city manager to take appropriate action in open session.