Meeting Summary
The city council held a special session to address ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Key discussions included updates on case numbers from both the city and the University of Oklahoma, strategies for enforcing the mask ordinance in local bars and restaurants, and proactive planning for upcoming game days. The council also confirmed the Mayor's appointments to the Ward 2 Candidate Selection Committee.
Key Decisions & Votes
Mayor's appointments to Ward 2 Candidate Selection Committee
01:20The Mayor's appointments of Gabriel Byrd, Melissa Houston, Ellen Knack, Julie Knudsen, and Jermaine Peterson to the Ward 2 Candidate Selection Committee were unanimously confirmed.
Upcoming Community Events
Labor Day Celebration with Fourth of July Fireworks
Test run for organized social-distanced, masked events.
Financial Matters
CARES Act funding for a COVID-19 enforcement team
Funding for a dedicated team (code enforcement, fire marshals) to work overtime/altered schedules to enforce mask ordinance and capacity limits in bars/restaurants, especially on weekends and evenings.
Public Comments
One public commenter inquired about potential exemptions for smaller establishments from ordinance enforcement and sought clarification on whether individuals reporting contact tracing information from private parties would face citations.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Discussion on outdoor dining options at the September 8th council conference.
Deadlines
- Decision on game day restrictions by next Tuesday, September 8th, for the first home game on September 12th.
Watch For
- Potential announcements from OU leadership regarding surveillance testing strategies.
- Further strategies for managing private social gatherings.
- Potential amendments to ordinances to address public health emergencies at private residences.
Announcements
- OU leadership is developing strategies, including surveillance testing, with potential announcements later in the week.
- The city is planning a Labor Day celebration with Fourth of July fireworks as a test run for organized, social-distanced, masked events.
- The Mayor shared a vision for a 'retro season' to vote on favorite OU games and show them in a park, if rights can be secured.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Consideration of the Mayor's appointments of Gabriel Byrd, Melissa Houston, Ellen Knack, Julie Knudsen, and Jermaine Peterson to the Ward 2 Candidate Selection Committee.
Review and confirmation of mayoral appointments to the Ward 2 Candidate Selection Committee.
Item 4: Discussion and possible action related to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus.
Updates on COVID-19 case numbers, discussion of mask ordinance enforcement in bars/restaurants, strategies for addressing large private social gatherings, and planning for game day activities.