Meeting Summary
The Oklahoma City Council meeting featured numerous proclamations and awards, including Arts and Humanities Month, Fire Prevention Month, and Pedestrian Safety Month. Several city employees and community advocates were recognized for their outstanding contributions. The council also approved various revocable permits for community events and discussed the city's sales and use tax report, which showed positive growth.
Key Decisions & Votes
Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation
Proclaimed October 2025 as Arts and Humanities Month in Oklahoma City, celebrating the city's vibrant cultural scene and encouraging participation in the arts.
Fire Prevention Month Proclamation
Proclaimed October 2025 as Fire Prevention Month, highlighting the Oklahoma City Fire Department's focus on prevention and safety.
Pedestrian Safety Month Proclamation
Proclaimed October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety and the city's commitment to creating safe and accessible streets.
Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns Awards
Recognized Steven Brooks (Public Personnel Employee Award), Sooner Success and Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition (Inclusivity Award), Valentina Gutierrez (Pam Henry Media Award), and Nancy Ward (Don Davis Advocacy Award) for their work in fostering inclusion and supporting individuals with disabilities.
September Employee of the Month Recognition (Jim Shepard)
Recognized Jim Shepard, Senior Project Manager for MAPS, as the September 2025 South Oklahoma City Kowanas Club Employee of the Month for his leadership on the OKC Fairgrounds Coliseum project.
October Employee of the Month Recognition (John Gonalves)
Recognized John Gonalves, System Support Technician II in the IT Department, as the October 2025 South Oklahoma City Kowanas Club Employee of the Month for his work in overhauling the radio shop's inventory system.
October Teacher of the Month Recognition (Carly Schrader)
Recognized Carly Schrader, a kindergarten teacher at Santa Fe South Trinity Elementary, as the October 2025 Teacher of the Month by Santa Fe South Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Appointment of Vice Mayor
Councilwoman Joth Hammond was appointed to serve as Vice Mayor for the six-month period beginning October 13th.
Appointment to Oklahoma City Housing Authority
James Hudson was appointed to serve as a member of the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.
Travel Expenses for Council Member Pennington
Approved travel expenses for Council Member Pennington to attend the National League of Cities meeting in Salt Lake in November.
Revocable Permit for Candy Cane Course 5K and 12K
Approved a revocable permit for Bodies Race Company to hold the Candy Cane Course 5K and 12K on December 6th along the Oklahoma River Trail in Wheeler Park.
Revocable Permit for Red Coyote Half Marathon
Approved a revocable permit for Red Coyote Running and Fitness to hold the Red Coyote Half Marathon on November 9th along the Oklahoma River Trail.
Revocable Permit for Brick or Treat
Approved a revocable right-of-way use permit for Downtown OKC Partnership to hold Brick or Treat on October 26th on Mickey Mantle Drive and North Walnut Avenue.
Revocable Permit for Midtown Walkabout
Approved a revocable right-of-way use permit for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership to hold Midtown Walkabout on October 25th on Walker between Park and 11th.
Revocable Permit for Carnead
Approved a revocable right-of-way use permit for Visual Image Media Consultants to hold Carnead on October 24th on Park between Broadway and Robinson.
Revocable Permit for Spooky Sprint 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
Approved a joint revocable permit with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust and Bodies Race Company to hold the Spooky Sprint 5K, 10K, and half marathon at Lake Stanley Draper.
Reszoning 2513 North MacArthur
Approved the rezoning of 2513 North MacArthur from PUB 1208 to R2 for a duplex development.
Reszoning 10601 Northwest 10th
Approved the rezoning of 10601 Northwest 10th from PUD241 to PUD2080, which will allow for a lower density development.
Reszoning 3900 South Henny Road
Approved the rezoning of 3900 South Henny Road from RA to PUD 2085, adjusting the setback on the sides of the lot.
Reszoning 4625 Northwest 39th
Approved the rezoning of 4625 Northwest 39th from R1 and C3 to SPD 1733 for a used car dealership, with a commitment to address neighborhood traffic concerns.
Reszoning 3908 Northwest 36
Approved the rezoning of 3908 Northwest 36 from O2 to SPD 17 for a multifamily SPUD, with design adjustments for walkability.
Reszoning 10203 Northwest 10th
Deferred the rezoning of 10203 Northwest 10th from R1 to SPD 1746 for two weeks until the 21st.
Reszoning 632 Massachusetts Avenue
Approved the rezoning of 632 Massachusetts Avenue from R1 to SPD 1747, with an amendment to widen driveways to 17 feet to accommodate two-car garages.
Reszoning 1801 East Madison
Approved the rezoning of 1801 East Madison from R1 and HNO to SPD 1750 and HNO, to bring existing buildings into compliance.
Reszoning 1629 Northwest 16th
Approved the rezoning of 1629 Northwest 16th from SPD 1106 and UC to SPD 1753 and UC.
Naming of MAPS 3 Health and Wellness Center
Approved naming the MAPS 3 Health and Wellness Center at 11501 North Rockwell Avenue the Mick and Terry Cornett Maps 3 Health and Wellness Center.
Incurrence of Indebtedness by Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust
Approved the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust for a bond sale to refund commercial paper and raise new money for projects, with AAA ratings affirmed.
Codifying Golf Commission
Introduced an ordinance to codify the Golf Commission, establishing four-year terms for members and aligning its structure with other city commissions.
Declaring Structures Dilapidated
Approved a resolution declaring several structures dilapidated.
Declaring Structures Unsecured
Approved a resolution declaring several structures unsecured.
Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Approved a resolution declaring several buildings abandoned.
Adjustment to 2024 Fire Sales Tax Resolution
Introduced an adjustment to the 2024 fire sales tax resolution, increasing funding for 205 firefighter positions by $500,000 and fire support personnel by $200,000, to be set for a final hearing on October 21st.
Allocation of GO Bond Proceeds for ARIRL Biioarma
Approved the allocation of up to $600,000 in general obligation limited tax bond proceeds for ARIRL Biioarma to establish a new medical facility, creating approximately 400 new jobs and a capital investment of $46.75 million.
Confess Judgment in Mara vs. Monzano Case
Approved a resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Mara Monzano versus the City of Oklahoma City.
Executive Session for Collective Bargaining
Approved entering into executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for fiscal year 25-26 with various employee organizations.
Upcoming Community Events
Candy Cane Course 5K and 12K
Along the Oklahoma River Trail in Wheeler Park, includes Toys for Tots collection and a hot chocolate truck.
Red Coyote Half Marathon
Along the Oklahoma River Trail, starting from Scissortail Park, includes a 5K distance this year.
Brick or Treat
Downtown in Bricktown, on Mickey Mantle Drive and North Walnut Avenue, from 1 PM to 4 PM, a free trick-or-treating event.
Midtown Walkabout
On Walker between Park and 11th, a Halloween/fall festive event with a vendor market, family-friendly programming, and live music.
Carnead
On Park between Broadway and Robinson, from 11 AM to 2 PM, a chili cook-off fundraiser for United Way of Central Oklahoma with live music and activities.
Spooky Sprint 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
At Lake Stanley Draper, a Halloween-themed event with a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and photo ops.
Stockyard Stampede
Historic event with Longhorns running down Stockyard City and local Oklahoma vendors.
Asian Lunar Night Festival
At Shatine Shopping Center in Ward 2.
Urban League's 47th Annual Equal Opportunity Day
Financial Matters
Sales and Use Tax Report
Sales tax was up 4.2% and use tax was up 2.5%. Combined sales and use tax are $1.3 million over target for the year, despite use tax being slightly below budget.
Fire Sales Tax Resolution Adjustment
Proposed increase of $500,000 for 205 firefighter positions and $200,000 for fire support personnel due to accrued leave payouts and overtime in fiscal year 2025.
Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust Bond Sale
Approved a bond sale to refund approximately $50 million of outstanding commercial paper and raise $150 million of new money for projects over the next 18-24 months. The Trust's AAA rating was affirmed.
GO Bond Allocation for ARIRL Biioarma
Approved allocation of up to $600,000 in general obligation limited tax bond proceeds for ARIRL Biioarma as an incentive for establishing a new medical facility, creating 400 jobs and $46.75 million in capital investment.
Public Comments
Public comments included a thank you to the council for their service, a call for the mayor and council to speak out against homophobia and transphobia, and a presentation on the history of Martin Park Nature Center.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 11B (Reszoning 10601 Northwest 10th) deferred to October 21st
- Item 11F (Reszoning 10203 Northwest 10th) deferred for two weeks until the 21st
- Final hearing for adjustment to 2024 fire sales tax resolution on October 21st
Deadlines
- Geobond vote on October 14th
Watch For
- Further discussions on strategic investment in commercial districts beyond downtown
- Traffic staff and planning staff remedies for speeding issues on Bar, Libby, and Nicholas streets
- RFP for a similar study in the Asian District and Classen Boulevard
Announcements
- October is Arts and Humanities Month.
- October is Fire Prevention Month.
- October is Pedestrian Safety Month.
- Councilwoman Joth Hammond will serve as Vice Mayor for the next six months.
- James Hudson was appointed to the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.
- Sales tax was up 4.2% and use tax was up 2.5% in the latest report.
- Medline had a ribbon-cutting for their new facility, highlighting their work in robotics and medical supply chains.
- New sidewalks on Western Avenue between 36th and Memorial Park are being utilized by residents.
- A 'Get Smart Session' on data center education will be held on October 23rd.
- The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City will hold its 47th annual Equal Opportunity Day on December 2nd.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Reverend Roger Parker and Annie Binham of Girl Scouts Troop 177.
Proclamation: Arts and Humanities Month
Recognizing October 2025 as Arts and Humanities Month in Oklahoma City.
Proclamation: Fire Prevention Month
Recognizing October 2025 as Fire Prevention Month in Oklahoma City.
Proclamation: Pedestrian Safety Month
Recognizing October 2025 as Pedestrian Safety Month in Oklahoma City.
Mayor's Committee on Disability Concerns Awards
Presentation of awards to Steven Brooks, Sooner Success and Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition, Valentina Gutierrez, and Nancy Ward.
September Employee of the Month
Recognition of Jim Shepard, Senior Project Manager for MAPS.
October Employee of the Month
Recognition of John Gonalves, System Support Technician II in the IT Department.
October Teacher of the Month
Recognition of Carly Schrader, kindergarten teacher at Santa Fe South Trinity Elementary.
Notification of Vice Mayor Appointment
Councilwoman Joth Hammond to serve as Vice Mayor for six months.
Appointment to Oklahoma City Housing Authority
Appointment of James Hudson as a member.
Resolution approving travel expenses for Council Member Pennington
For the National League of Cities meeting in Salt Lake.
City Manager Reports
Claims and payroll, and sales and use tax report.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of items A and B.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Continuances and withdrawals for various items.
Revocable Permit: Candy Cane Course 5K and 12K
For Bodies Race Company on December 6th.
Revocable Permit: Red Coyote Half Marathon
For Red Coyote Running and Fitness on November 9th.
Revocable Permit: Brick or Treat
For Downtown OKC Partnership on October 26th.
Revocable Permit: Midtown Walkabout
For Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership on October 25th.
Revocable Permit: Carnead
For Visual Image Media Consultants on October 24th.
Joint Revocable Permit: Spooky Sprint 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
With Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust and Bodies Race Company at Lake Stanley Draper.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Items A through I.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) Items
Items A and B.
Consent Docket
Approval of various items.
Concurrence Docket
Approval of items A through R.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 2513 North MacArthur
From PUB 1208 to R2.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 10601 Northwest 10th
From PUD241 to PUD2080.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 3900 South Henny Road
From RA to PUD 2085.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 4625 Northwest 39th
From R1 and C3 to SPD 1733.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 3908 Northwest 36
From O2 to SPD 17.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 10203 Northwest 10th
From R1 to SPD 1746.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 632 Massachusetts Avenue
From R1 to SPD 1747.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 1801 East Madison
From R1 and HNO to SPD 1750 and HNO.
Ordinance on Final Hearing: Reszoning 1629 Northwest 16th
From SPD 1106 and UC to SPD 1753 and UC.
Resolution: Naming of MAPS 3 Health and Wellness Center
Naming the center the Mick and Terry Cornett Maps 3 Health and Wellness Center.
Resolution: Incurrence of Indebtedness by Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust
Approving bond sale for refunding and new money.
Ordinance: Codifying the Golf Commission
Introducing an ordinance to codify the Golf Commission.
Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures
Regarding various dilapidated structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Dilapidated
Declaring various structures dilapidated.
Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures
Regarding various unsecured structures.
Resolution: Declaring Structures Unsecured
Declaring various structures unsecured.
Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings
Regarding various abandoned buildings.
Resolution: Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Declaring various buildings abandoned.
Resolution: Adjustment to 2024 Fire Sales Tax Resolution
Increasing funding for firefighter positions and fire support personnel.
Joint Resolution: Allocation of GO Bond Proceeds for ARIRL Biioarma
Approving allocation for economic development incentives.
Resolution: Confess Judgment in Mara vs. Monzano Case
Authorizing municipal counselor to confess judgment.
Request to Enter into Executive Session
To discuss collective bargaining negotiations.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Approval of various claims.
Comments from Council
Council members' remarks and announcements.
Citizens to be Heard
Public comments from Kristen Bruce, Mark Faulk, Jim Priest, and Dr. Valerie Thompson.
Adjournment
End of the meeting.