Meeting Summary
The City Council held a special meeting to discuss two main items: a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding the definition of 'family' to allow more than three unrelated persons in residential zoning, and a potential bond election for a permanent homeless shelter. The zoning amendment will proceed to the Planning Commission next week and then to Council in January. The bond election proposal, which may include funding for police and fire stations, received consensus for further exploration for a February or April ballot.
Financial Matters
Proposed bond election for a home shelter
Discussion about a potential bond election, previously proposed for $5 million, to fund the construction of a permanent homeless shelter. The new proposal would include a defined location, operator, and services.
Fire station construction and staffing costs
Estimated costs for building a new fire station are approximately $7 million, with an additional $1.5 million for vehicles and $1.5 million annually for staffing.
Police department replacement
Consideration of funding for a new police department building, as the current facility is old and outdated.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Ordinance amendment regarding 'three unrelated persons in residential zoning' to go before Planning Commission next week and Council for a vote in January.
- Proposed bond election for a permanent homeless shelter, potentially combined with police and fire station funding, to be considered for a February or April ballot. First and second readings for the ordinance in January.
- Fire Station 5 replacement funding to become available in March 2027 after radio system and EOC are paid off.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding three unrelated persons in residential zoning
Presentation and discussion on a proposed ordinance amendment to update the definition of 'family' in the zoning code, which currently limits unrelated persons in residential dwellings to three. The amendment aims to address housing affordability, flexibility, and difficulties in enforcement, while existing ordinances can address nuisance issues like parking, noise, and trash.
Discussion regarding a proposed bond election for a home shelter
Discussion on revisiting a bond election for a permanent homeless shelter, with more defined plans for location, operator (City Care), and services. Council members expressed support for the concept, with some suggesting it be combined with funding for new police and fire stations as a public safety bond.
Consideration of adjourning into an executive session as authorized by Oklahoma statutes under title 25307B3 to discuss the possible purchase of real property on the department of mental health and substance abuse property between Alamita and Main Street.
Motion to adjourn into executive session to discuss the possible purchase of real property.