Meeting Summary
The City Council received an update on the Factory Obscura project, discussing potential long-term lease or sale of property and job creation projections. An overview of the Capital Improvement Program budget for FY22 and FY23 was presented, highlighting project statuses and funding deficits/surpluses. The council also held a public hearing and extensively debated proposed ward boundary changes, ultimately adopting the recommendations from the reapportionment ad hoc committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Proposed Ward Boundary Adjustments
02:56A motion to amend the recommended ward boundaries, based on council discussion and public feedback, failed to pass with a 4-5 vote.
Ward Boundary Changes
03:05The City Council adopted the resolution recommending ward boundary changes as presented by the reapportionment ad hoc committee, with a 5-4 vote.
Financial Matters
Factory Obscura Quality Jobs
Projected jobs to qualify as 'quality jobs' at $17/hour plus benefits, potentially eligible for state payroll incentives.
Factory Obscura Projected Profits
Projected profits of $18 million by year five of operation.
2012 Transportation Stormwater Bond Program Deficit
Estimated deficit of $5.8 million due to cost overruns, primarily from the Lindsay Street project.
2010 and 2016 Street Maintenance Bond Programs Surplus
Surplus funds from these programs are proposed to cover the 2012 bond deficit and fund additional street maintenance.
City Sidewalk Project Funding
Public Works requested a $50,000 annual increase for the city sidewalk project, bringing the total to $100,000 for the Citywide 50/50 repair program.
Bridge Replacement Program
A proposed 10-year construction program to address 77 bridges, with an estimated total cost of $40-50 million.
City Vehicle Wash Facility
Proposed facility at North Base to reduce annual washing costs and address environmental impacts, with an estimated construction cost of $1.5 million.
City Fleet Fueling Facility Replacement
Critical repairs needed for the aging fueling facility, with a replacement cost of $1.65 million.
City Vehicle Replacement Program
Annual spending on vehicle replacement is about $2 million, significantly less than the recommended $4 million needed.
Public Comments
Public comments on ward boundary changes were largely critical of the reapportionment committee's process, alleging political motivation, gerrymandering, and a lack of transparency or consideration for specific communities of interest (e.g., agricultural areas). Some speakers expressed disappointment that their concerns were not adequately addressed by the committee, while others appreciated the council's willingness to engage in real-time map adjustments.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- CIP next meeting: February 15, 2022 (discuss proposed new projects)
- CIP final proposed plan review: May 3, 2022
- Reapportionment ordinance first reading: December 14
- Reapportionment ordinance second and final reading: January 11
- Reapportionment ordinance effective date: February 10
Watch For
- Proposals on relocating current city operations from the West Grace Street property (early next year)
- Agenda item on December 14 to close completed projects and transfer funds to reconcile the 2012 Transportation Bond program
- Bids for Constitution Street multimodal path (March), construction (June)
- Construction start for Porter Avenue streetscape (next summer)
- Construction start for James Garner Avenue Phase 2 (next summer)
- Completion of I35 and Robinson Street Westside UNP Tiff project (February 2022)
- Details on the federal infrastructure package funding for roads and bridges
Announcements
- Ribbon cutting for the emergency vehicle maintenance facility on North Base is anticipated for early January.
Agenda Summary
Continued discussion regarding the lease and/or sale of property located at 101-118 West Grace Street
Factory Obscura representatives provided an update on their project, including investor meetings, job projections (70 employees, $17+/hour wages), and a preference for purchase or long-term lease. The city discussed the timeline for vacating the property.
Discussion regarding status of the FYE 2022 Capital Improvement Program budget and preparation of the FYE 2023 Capital Improvements Program budget
Staff presented updates on completed, underway, and future capital projects, including a plan to address a $5.8 million deficit in the 2012 Transportation Bond program using surpluses from other bond programs. Discussions also covered sidewalk, bridge, traffic signal, and fleet facility needs.
Public hearing on a resolution recommending Ward boundary changes from the reapportionment ad hoc committee meeting
The City Attorney and GIS Manager presented the committee's recommended ward boundary changes, emphasizing population equality and charter criteria. Public comments were heard, largely expressing concerns about the process and specific boundary impacts.
Discussion and consideration of adoption of a resolution retaining or adjusting current Ward boundaries in accordance with criteria in the charter and is set forth in US Supreme Court and Oklahoma Supreme Court Juris Prudence
Council discussed and attempted to amend the proposed ward boundaries based on public feedback and internal debate. A motion to adopt the council's amended map failed, leading to a vote on the original committee recommendation.