Meeting Summary
The city council meeting focused heavily on the introduction and overview of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, with detailed presentations from the utilities and public works departments. Key discussions included significant investments in water and sewer infrastructure, street and bridge improvements, and the preliminary report for the MAPS 4 Restoration Center and neighborhood parks. Several zoning ordinances were also addressed, with some deferred for further community engagement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Introduction
00:04:00An overview of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, totaling $6.598 billion, was presented, highlighting major investments in utilities, culture/recreation (including the NBA arena), public works, airports, and public safety. The plan is not a budget but a guide for long-term projects and financial planning.
Utilities Department CIP
00:10:00The Utilities Department presented its $2.76 billion five-year CIP, focusing on resiliency, reliability, supply demands, growth, and regulatory compliance. Key projects include the second Atoka pipeline, Kiamichi River Water Management Program, and Deer Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion.
Public Works Department CIP
00:26:00The Public Works Department presented its $582 million five-year CIP, covering bridges, streets, facilities, sidewalks, traffic, and drainage. Notable projects include five new bridges, 13 bridge rehabilitations, and significant street resurfacing and enhancement projects.
MAPS 4 Restoration Center Preliminary Report
00:46:00A preliminary report for the MAPS 4 Restoration Center, a mental health and substance abuse facility, was presented. The project aims to provide inpatient crisis care, detox, and outpatient services, with a budget of approximately $18.5 million.
MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks Preliminary Report (Phase 1)
00:56:00A preliminary report for Phase 1 of the MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks improvements was presented. This phase has a budget of over $20.5 million and includes improvements to several parks, with Washington Park receiving specific attention for a large splash pad, playgrounds, and sports courts.
Zoning Ordinance for 10901 North Morgan Road (Ward One)
01:06:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 10901 North Morgan Road in Ward One was deferred for two weeks to allow for further discussion and coordination.
Zoning Ordinance for 13725 Southwest 15th Street (Ward Three)
01:10:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 13725 Southwest 15th Street in Ward Three was deferred to January 13th to allow for community engagement and address concerns regarding infrastructure and traffic impact from proposed development.
Financial Matters
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The total estimated cost for the city's five-year Capital Improvement Plan, the largest in the city's history.
Utilities Department CIP
The allocated budget for the Utilities Department's five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
Public Works Department CIP
The allocated budget for the Public Works Department's five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
MAPS 4 Restoration Center
The estimated project budget for the MAPS 4 Restoration Center.
MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks (Phase 1)
The budget for Phase 1 of the MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks improvements.
Capital Improvement Projects Fund Amendment
A realignment of existing funds to provide budget authority for ongoing projects in the current fiscal year.
Fire Sales Tax Fund Amendment (Wellness Project)
An increase to fund a new wellness project for public safety first responders, including heart screenings, physical therapy, mental health services, and performance training.
Oklahoma City Improvement and Special Services Assessments Districts Fund Amendment (Adventure District BID)
An increase to establish the second generation of the Adventure District Business Improvement District.
Special Purpose Fund Amendment (ODFA Grant)
A pass-through transaction of funds from the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority for new infrastructure at the Half.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily focused on two main topics: concerns about private equity firms' involvement in city contracts and the ongoing debate regarding bike lanes on Classen Boulevard. Several citizens expressed strong opinions both for and against the expansion and existence of bike lanes, citing safety, traffic congestion, economic impact, and the city's commitment to alternative transportation.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning Ordinance for 10901 North Morgan Road (Ward One) - Deferred to a future meeting.
- Zoning Ordinance for 13725 Southwest 15th Street (Ward Three) - Deferred to January 13th.
Deadlines
- Kiamichi River Water Management Program project completion by 2035 to use water rights.
- Activation of TIFF B in the Wheeler district project plan by January 2026, with a set date of January 1, 2027.
Watch For
- Further presentations on the Capital Improvement Plan from Parks and MAPS departments on December 30th.
- Adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan by City Council on January 13th.
- Public hearing for the budget amendment on December 30th.
- Agreement with operators for the MAPS 4 Restoration Center.
- Final plans and bidding process for MAPS 4 Neighborhood and Community Parks (Phase 1) in mid-to-late next year.
Announcements
- Introduction of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the next five years.
- Presentations from Utilities and Public Works departments on their respective CIPs.
- Preliminary reports on MAPS 4 Restoration Center and Neighborhood and Community Parks.
- Reopening of the iconic Freedom Center, with recognition for Michael Washington's initiation of its preservation.
- Deer Creek Elementary School received a new sidewalk, thanks to the Public Works department, improving safety for students.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation led by Lieutenant Steven Harris, chaplain for the fire department, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Amelia and Caroline from Girl Scout Troop 1772.
Office of the Mayor / Items from Council
No items were presented under this section.
City Manager Reports - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Introduction
Steve Akens from the budget office presented an overview of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, followed by presentations from Jared Mclofflin (Utilities) and Debbie Miller (Public Works).
Journal of Council Proceedings
Motion to approve the journal of council proceedings.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Several items related to dilapidated structures, unsecured structures, and abandoned buildings were stricken from the agenda or deferred.
Revocable Permits and Events
No items were presented under this section.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Meeting
The council recessed and convened as OCMFA to vote on all items.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) Meeting
The council adjourned OCMFA and convened as OCPA to vote on all items.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 10901 North Morgan Road (Ward One)
An ordinance to rezone the property was deferred for two weeks.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 15601 North County Line Road (Ward One)
An ordinance to rezone the property was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 1108 Northeast 63rd (Ward 7)
An ordinance to rezone the property to allow for mixed-use development near the Adventure District was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 11900 Northwest 10th Street (Ward 3)
An ordinance to rezone the property, removing multi-family zoning and making it commercial, was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 13725 Southwest 15th Street (Ward 3)
An ordinance to rezone the property was deferred to January 13th for further community engagement and to address infrastructure concerns.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Rezoning 600 West John Kilpatrick Service Road
An ordinance to add more mixed-use development to the Chisholm Creek area, including housing, was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Removing Metered Parking on the South Side of West Park Avenue
An ordinance to remove metered parking was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Removing Metered Pike Parking on the West Side of North Robinson
An ordinance to remove metered parking was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Establishing 2-Hour Time Limited Parking on the West Side of North Hudson from 9th to 10th Street
An ordinance to establish 2-hour time limited parking was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Establishing 2-Hour Time Limited Parking on the East and West Sides of North Walker from 11th to 12th and on the East Side of North Walker from 12th to 13th
An ordinance to establish 2-hour time limited parking was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Establishing 2-Hour Time Limited Parking on the West Side of North Dwey from 11th to 13th Street
An ordinance to establish 2-hour time limited parking was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Establishing Reserve Parking for the Physically Disabled on the West Side of North Walker, East Side of North Walker, etc.
An ordinance to establish reserve parking for the physically disabled was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Replacing No Parking Restriction on East Side of Dwey from Northwest 12th Street to Alley Midway Between 11th and 12th
An ordinance to replace a time-specific no parking restriction with a no parking anytime restriction was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Replacing Parking Controls on North and South Sides of Northwest 13th from Chartell to Hudson
An ordinance to replace time-of-day and day-of-week specific parking controls with a no parking anytime restriction was moved for approval.
Ordinance on Final Hearing - Establishing Reserve Parking for the Visibly Disabled on the West Side of North Dwey
An ordinance to establish reserve parking for the visibly disabled was moved for approval.
Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures
Public hearing held for listed dilapidated structures.
Resolution Declaring Structures Dilapidated
Resolution to declare listed structures as dilapidated.
Public Hearing Regarding Unsecured Structures
Public hearing held for listed unsecured structures.
Resolution Declaring Structures Unsecured
Resolution to declare listed structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing Regarding Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing held for listed abandoned buildings.
Resolution Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Resolution to declare listed buildings as abandoned.
Resolution Approving Minor Amendment Number One to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Plan
Resolution to approve a minor amendment to the Riverfront Redevelopment Project Plan, clarifying administrative fee language.
Resolution Approving Activation and Increment District B for the Western Gateway Project Plan
Resolution to set a future date (January 1, 2027) for the activation of TIFF B in the Wheeler district project plan.
Resolution Adopting and Amending the Comprehensive Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Fraud Intolerance Policy
Resolution to adopt and amend the city's ethics policy to align with charter and employment policy changes, clarifying secondary employment and political activities, and expanding on fraudulent actions.
Resolution Authorizing Municipal Counselor to Confess Judgment in Ashton v. Oklahoma City
Resolution to authorize the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the specified case.
Executive Session - Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Item to enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for fiscal year 25-26 with various unions.
Executive Session - Bosow et al. v. City of Oklahoma City
Item to enter into executive session to receive confidential communications concerning the specified case.
Executive Session - Shireena Perry v. City of Oklahoma City
Item to enter into executive session regarding litigation in the specified case.
Executive Session - Tammy Gallow et al. v. City of Oklahoma City
Item to enter into executive session concerning the specified case.
Claim Recommended for Denial
A claim was recommended for denial.
Claim Recommended for Approval
A claim was recommended for approval.
Comments from Council
Council members provided comments, including gratitude for public works, discussion on mental health funding, and holiday wishes.
Citizens to Be Heard
Citizens addressed the council on various topics, including private equity in city contracts, historic preservation, and the debate over bike lanes on Classen Boulevard.