Meeting Summary
The city council meeting addressed several key issues, including the extension of a penalty reduction program and a contentious debate over proposed bike lanes on Classen Boulevard. The council ultimately voted to approve a resolution that will prevent the removal of traffic lanes for bike lanes on Classen, while also committing to exploring alternative bike infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the meeting included presentations on the Capital Improvement Plan and the MAPS program, and public comments highlighted concerns about housing conditions at Andrew Square Apartments.
Key Decisions & Votes
Extension of Penalty Reduction Program
00:09:40The council approved the eighth extension of the penalty reduction program, which allows individuals with Class A misdemeanor offenses and warrants to pay a reduced fine of $155, dismissing the failure to appear charge. This program has collected $1.7 million and addressed nearly 11,000 cases, keeping individuals out of jail.
Classen Boulevard Bike Lanes Resolution
01:21:40A resolution was approved to prevent the removal of traffic lanes for bike lanes on Classen Boulevard. The city manager is tasked with reporting back within 60 days on the feasibility, design, and implementation timeline for proposed bicycle crossings and alternative bike infrastructure improvements, including community engagement.
Amendment to Zoning Application (Item G)
01:42:00The council approved an amendment to item G, a zoning application, to set its final hearing for February 10th, allowing a council member to be present for the discussion and vote.
Filmmakers Table LLC Film Incentive Allocation
02:02:40A joint resolution was approved with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust to certify Filmmakers Table LLC's scripted television series project as eligible for the film incentive program, allocating up to $69,385 for the project.
Settlement of Workers Compensation Claim (Steven Baker)
02:06:50A resolution was approved authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Steven Baker versus the City of Oklahoma City.
Settlement of Workers Compensation Claim (Clois Knight)
02:07:50A resolution was approved authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Clois Knight versus the City of Oklahoma City.
Financial Matters
Penalty Reduction Program Collections
The penalty reduction program has collected $1.7 million to date by offering reduced fines for Class A misdemeanor offenses with warrants.
MAPS Office Capital Expenditures (Next 5 Years)
The MAPS office plans to execute $1.6 billion worth of capital expenditures over the next five years, utilizing MAPS 3, MAPS 4, TIFF, arena sales tax, and general obligation bond funds.
Parks Department Capital Projects (Next 5 Years)
The Parks and Recreation Department expects to spend over $300 million on capital projects in the next five years, focusing on new facilities and improvements to existing ones, primarily funded by general obligation bonds.
Sales Tax Report
Sales tax for the month was down 4.6%, but use tax saw significant growth due to a correction from previously misremitted funds. Combined, the city is about $2.5 million over target for sales and use tax, with sales tax growth at 6% for the year.
Filmmakers Table LLC Film Incentive
An allocation not to exceed $69,385 was approved for Filmmakers Table LLC's scripted television series project under the city's film incentive program.
Public Comments
Public comments were largely dominated by the debate over Classen Boulevard bike lanes, with cyclists advocating for safety and connectivity, and some business owners and residents expressing concerns about traffic congestion and safety on major thoroughfares. Additionally, several residents from Andrew Square Apartments voiced severe concerns about living conditions, including lack of water, mold, bed bugs, and security issues.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning application for 1422 Northwest 17th (Item 11P) deferred to January 13th.
Deadlines
- City Manager to report back within 60 days on Classen Boulevard bike infrastructure alternatives.
- Capital Improvement Plan to be approved on January 13th.
Watch For
- Further discussions and community meetings regarding Classen Boulevard bike infrastructure.
- Preliminary report on multi-purpose stadium in a few weeks, final plans this summer.
- Final plans for Foster Center this summer.
- Preliminary report on restoration center this summer.
- Construction start for multi-purpose stadium this year.
- Construction start for new arena in April 2026.
- Deep Fork Trail completion updates in March.
Announcements
- Brett Dickerson is covering his final city council meeting as a member of the media.
- Jason Redmond, Talent Development Coordinator in Human Resources, was recognized as the December 2025 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
- The Deep Fork Trail portion in northeast Oklahoma City is undergoing alignment surveys, with recommendations expected in March.
- The streetcar and rapid transit will operate until 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Office of the Mayor
Recognition of Jason Redmond as Employee of the Month.
Item 4A: Resolution declaring an extension to the penalty reduction program
Extension of the program allowing reduced fines for Class A misdemeanor offenses with warrants.
Item 4B: Resolution regarding Classen Boulevard bike lanes
Resolution authored by council members Stone Cipher, Carter Stone, and Hinkle concerning bike lanes on Classen Boulevard.
Item 5: City Manager Reports
Presentations on the Capital Improvement Plan, MAPS program, and Parks Department's 5-year capital plan, along with sales tax report.
Item 6: Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of items A and B.
Item 7: Request for uncontested continuances
Withdrawal of item 11B and striking of several items related to unsecured structures and abandoned buildings.
Item 11P: Ordinance on final hearing recommended for denial rezoning 1422 Northwest 17th
Rezoning application from R1 and UC to SPD 1765 and UC.
OC MFA Agenda Items A through M
Approval of various items under the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda.
OCPPA Agenda Items A through E
Approval of various items under the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda, including the construction manager contract for the new arena.
Item 9G: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 7900 North Oklahoma
Rezoning from PUD 1965 to PUD 2116.
Item 9AJ: Receiving the comp plan amendment
Receiving the comprehensive plan amendment.
Item 9BK and BL
Consent docket items.
Item 9BM
Consent docket item.
Item 10: Concurrence Docket
Approval of items A through T.
Item 11A: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 9350 northwest center 22nd
Rezoning from double A to R1.
Item 11C1: Amendment to the master design statement
Related to rezoning 8617 South Santa Fe Avenue.
Item 11C2: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 8617 South Santa Fe Avenue
Rezoning from R1 to PUD 21102.
Item 11D: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 3925 Northwest 178
Rezoning from PUD 1895 to PUD 2112.
Item 11E: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 1800 Northwest 115th
Rezoning from PUD 1767 to PUD 2113.
Item 11F: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 132000 North Midwest Boulevard
Rezoning from RA to PUD 2115.
Item 11G: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 7900 North Oklahoma
Rezoning from PUD 1965 to PUD 2116.
Item 11H: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 7300 South Sunny Lane
Rezoning from I2 to PUD 2118.
Item 11I: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 2701 North Portland
Rezoning from O2 to SPUD 1778.
Item 11J: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 16207 North Penn
Rezoning from PUD 940 to SPUD 1783.
Item 11K: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 1821 Northwest 22nd
Rezoning from 01 to SPD 1784.
Item 11L: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 13327 North Rockwell
Rezoning from PUB 907 to SPD 1788.
Item 11M: Ordinance on final hearing rezoning 1220 North Gardener
Rezoning from PUD 1131 to SPUD 1789.
Item 11N: Ordinance on final hearing establishing a special perate permit
Special permit to operate drinking establishments at 2120 Northwest 23rd.
Item 11O: Ordinance on final hearing closing East West Rideway for Northwest 31st Street
Closing a rideway between Walker and Hudson.
Item 11Q1: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing for structures declared dilapidated.
Item 11Q2: Resolution declaring structures dilapidated
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.
Item 11R1: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing for structures declared unsecured.
Item 11R2: Resolution declaring structures unsecured
Resolution declaring structures unsecured.
Item 11S1: Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing for buildings declared abandoned.
Item 11S2: Resolution declaring buildings abandoned
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
Item 11T: Proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget
Second of two meetings on the proposed budget amendment.
Item 11U: Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust
Certifying Filmmakers Table LLC's project and approving an allocation.
Item 11V1: Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment
Confession of judgment in the case of Steven Baker versus the City of Oklahoma City.
Item 11V2: Executive session
Executive session related to item 11V1.
Item 11W1: Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment
Confession of judgment in the case of Clois Knight versus the City of Oklahoma City.
Item 11W2: Executive session
Executive session related to item 11W1.
Item 11X1: Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority
Approving settlement of workers compensation segregation claim related to Emily Guthrie.