Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss three main items: proposed amendments to the tree ordinance, changes to council meeting times, and infrastructure improvements along Indian Hills Road related to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access program. No formal decisions were made, but discussions provided direction for future actions, including a consensus on adjusting council meeting start times and a framework for considering a resolution regarding the Indian Hills Road project.
Financial Matters
Indian Hills Road Reconstruction
The city has an identified capital project to rebuild Indian Hills Road at an estimated cost of $18 million, which could be avoided if the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority rebuilds it as part of their project.
Maintenance costs for Indian Hills Road
Estimated 20-year maintenance cost for Indian Hills Road without Frontage roads is approximately $3 million. With new Frontage roads built by OTA, the city's maintenance cost would be lower, primarily for crack sealing.
Linear Wetlands Development
Estimated cost for developing linear wetlands along the Little River as part of the Indian Hills project, which the OTA indicated willingness to construct if the city accepts the improvements.
Linear Wetlands Annual Maintenance
Estimated annual maintenance cost for linear wetlands, calculated at $800 per acre, potentially for 40-80 acres.
Road Widening Costs
General estimate for widening roads is approximately $8-10 million per mile, with some roads like 36th Avenue already in bond packages and others like 120th and 156th outside city limits.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- November 12th: Earliest date for the tree ordinance to come before Council for a vote.
Watch For
- Formal vote on the tree ordinance amendments
- Formal vote on the council meeting time changes ordinance
- Potential resolution and subsequent contract discussions regarding Indian Hills Road infrastructure improvements with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding amendments to the tree ordinance
Presentation and discussion on proposed changes to the city's tree ordinance, including updated definitions, regulated activities, licensing and permitting processes, abatement procedures, tree protection plans for construction, utility company notification, and the establishment of commercial and historical tree districts. The scope is limited to street trees in the public right-of-way.
Proposed ordinance to amend Council times
Discussion on amending council meeting times, specifically proposing a 5:30 PM start time and a 9:00 PM cut-off for new business, with unfinished items to be moved to the next meeting unless extended by a majority vote. Also discussed removing the requirement for special meeting requests to be signed by the Mayor or five council members.
Discussion regarding infrastructure improvements along the east-west Indian Hills Road portion of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access program
Discussion on whether the council is interested in a resolution to accept and maintain Frontage roads, access points, multimodal pathways, and linear wetlands along Indian Hills Road, should the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority develop them. This follows a previous rejection of a broader resolution and includes analysis of maintenance costs, potential for high-density housing, and legal implications.