Meeting Summary
The City Council approved a joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority to provide project-based vouchers for the Dorset Place project, creating affordable housing for homeless veterans. Major discussions included the official support for Oklahoma City to host two sports of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which includes a $34.5 million guarantee, and the contentious approval of an expansion for CESU Youth Services after extensive public comment. Additionally, a placemaking assessment for the Meridian corridor was presented, outlining revitalization strategies.
Key Decisions & Votes
Affordable Housing for Veterans (Dorset Place)
20:00A joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority was approved to provide project-based vouchers and other assistance for the acquisition and operation of Dorset Place, creating 37 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and their families.
2028 Los Angeles Olympics Hosting
56:00A joint resolution with the Public Property Authority was approved, officially stating Oklahoma City's support and commitment to host canoe slalom and softball events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including a $34.5 million financial guarantee.
CESU Youth Services Expansion
02:26:00An amendment to the Master Design Statement and an ordinance for the rezoning of 2121 Northwest 30th (SPUD 1694) were approved, allowing CESU Youth Services to expand its campus to provide additional on-site services for homeless youth.
Upcoming Community Events
59th Annual Festival of the Arts
Downtown, opening ceremonies at 11:00 AM on April 24th. Features 160 visual artists, live entertainment on two stages, international food, and activities for all ages including a collaborative art piece and pottery making.
Make-a-Wish Walk for Wishes
Wheeler Fair School District, a 1.5-mile walk along the river trail. No registration fee, includes vendors and sponsors. Fundraising benefits children with critical illnesses in Oklahoma.
Walk MSKC
Wheeler District, offering 1-mile and 3-mile walk options. Fully accessible for individuals with mobility issues. Benefits those living with multiple sclerosis.
Operational Readiness Exercise
Prairie Park Lake, hosted by the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security.
Central Youth Rowing Championship
Oklahoma River, a 2,000-meter race inviting seven states with approximately 700 athletes. Free event, winners advance to national competition.
Riversport Youth Rowing League
Oklahoma River, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. A 500-meter course for approximately 200 local participants from Title One schools and nonprofit organizations. Includes a bilingual announcer and food trucks.
Steamroller Print Festival
Deep Deuce District. Features over 235 artists carving wood blocks, which are then printed using a 12-ton asphalt roller. Includes art vendors, food trucks, and demonstrations. Benefits a mentorship program for high school and middle school students.
Outpace Cancer Race
A 10K, 5K, and 1-mile event to raise funds for the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, focusing on emergency relief for families and research. The race is ADA friendly.
Financial Matters
2028 Los Angeles Olympics Hosting Guarantee
A guarantee of $34.5 million to be set aside as an insurance policy for LA28, ensuring Oklahoma City's commitment to host canoe slalom and softball events. This amount is not expected to be spent.
Public Comments
Public comments were heard on two main topics. One speaker opposed the $34.5 million Olympics guarantee, arguing for prioritizing local issues like homelessness and fentanyl deaths. For the CESU Youth Services expansion, 12 residents spoke, with 6 opposing due to concerns about increased crime, drug use, loitering, and negative impacts on property values, while 6 supported the expansion, emphasizing CESU's vital mission and positive impact on youth. An additional citizen provided general, rambling comments on various city topics.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Jail Services Agreement (OCMFA Item D and Consent Docket Item 9BZ) deferred to April 22nd.
Watch For
- Results of Deep Fork Trail Phase 2 alignment options expected this summer.
- Ordinance on food sales from vehicles in Bricktown (final hearing April 22nd).
- Ordinance on accessory dwellings (final hearing May 6th, with potential for deferral for further discussion).
- Meridian corridor revitalization efforts and potential integration with a future river master plan and light rail.
Announcements
- Proclamation of April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognizing organizations like Parent Promise Prevent Child Abuse Oklahoma.
- Proclamation of the week of April 20, 2025, as Festival of the Arts Week, celebrating the 59th annual event.
- Recognition of Julianne Anthony as April 2025 Teacher of the Month by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- Recognition and commendation of Councilwoman Barbara Peek for her four years of dedicated service to Ward 3 and the citizens of Oklahoma City.
- Notification that Councilman James Cooper will serve as Vice Mayor starting next week, as per charter rotation.
Agenda Summary
Joint Resolution with Oklahoma City Housing Authority
Finding it in the public interest for the Oklahoma City Housing Authority to provide project-based vouchers and other assistance for the Dorset Place project, a MAPS 4 initiative to create permanent supportive housing for veterans.
Resolution approving travel expenses for Councilman Stonecipher
Resolution approving travel expenses for Councilman Stonecipher to attend the Chamber delegation fly-in Capitol Hill meetings and other meetings in Washington D.C.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of items A and B from the Journal of Council Proceedings.
OCMFA Item D: Jail Services Agreement
Request for continuance of the jail services agreement.
Consent Docket Item 9BZ
Companion item to OCMFA Item D, regarding the jail services agreement.
Item 11O1: Unsecured Structures
Items A (2400 South Harvey Avenue) and C (2000 Northwest 14th Street) regarding unsecured structures.
8A: Revocable Permit with Make-a-Wish Foundation
Revocable permit for the 14th annual Make-a-Wish Walk for Wishes on June 7th.
8B: Revocable Permit with National MS Society
Revocable permit for the Walk MSKC on May 17th.
8C: Revocable Permit with Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
Revocable permit for an operational readiness exercise at Prairie Park Lake from November 5th through 7th.
8D: Revocable Permit with Riversport Foundation
Revocable permit for the Central Youth Rowing Championship from May 2nd through 4th.
8E: Revocable Permit with Riversport Foundation
Revocable permit for the Youth Rowing League on May 10th.
8F: Revocable Permit with Artspace and Entitled
Revocable permit to hold the Steamroller Print Festival on May 3rd in the Deep Deuce District.
8G: Revocable Permit with OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
Revocable permit to hold the Outpace Cancer Race on April 12th.
OCMFA Items A-J (excluding D)
Approval of remaining items on the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda.
PPA Items A-C
Approval of items on the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda, including the joint resolution for the 2028 Olympics.
9AI: Contract Amendment for Deep Fork Trail
Contract amendment with Half an Associates to incorporate Phase 2 and develop four different alignment options for the Deep Fork Trail.
9AK: Sidewalk Project
Discussion on a sidewalk project covering Northwest Expressway Bridge, North May Avenue, Villa, Northwest 30th, and Northwest 19th, including extensions to a school.
9X: Meridian Placemaking Assessment
Presentation on the Meridian corridor placemaking assessment, outlining challenges and recommendations for revitalization.
Consent Docket (remaining items)
Approval of remaining items on the consent docket.
Concurrence Docket Items A-O
Approval of all items on the concurrence docket.
11A: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 718 ECO Street
Rezoning 718 ECO Street from R1 I1 I2 A1 A2 to I2 A1 and AE2.
11B: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 17700 North May
Rezoning 17700 North May from R1 to C3.
11C: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 9140 Northwest Expressway
Rezoning 9140 Northwest Expressway from O2 and C3 to PUD 2052.
11D: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 11744 Hope Road
Rezoning 11744 Hope Road from double A to SPD 1673, to allow additional mobile homes for family members on a 5-acre property.
11E1: Amendment to Master Design Statement for CESU Youth Services
Amendment to the master design statement for the expansion of CESU Youth Services at 2121 Northwest 30th.
11E2: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 2121 Northwest 30th
Rezoning 2121 Northwest 30th from SPUD 1257 and R1 to SPUD 1694 for CESU Youth Services expansion.
11F: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 11700 ER drive
Rezoning 11700 ER drive to SPD 1706.
11G: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 504 South Meridian
Rezoning 504 South Meridian from C4 and I2 to SPD707, to convert an old hotel into affordable housing.
11H: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 2701 Northwest 12th
Rezoning 2701 Northwest 12th from R2 to SPD17.
11I: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 1134 Northwest 40th
Rezoning 1134 Northwest 40th from R1 to SPD 1710.
11J: Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 1465 Northeast 16th Terrace
Rezoning 1465 Northeast 16th Terrace from R1 to SPD 1711.
11K: Ordinance on final hearing, special permit for 3500 North Lindsay
Establishing a special permit to operate use unit 8250.2 in the R1 single family residential district at 3500 North Lindsay (former Dewey School property).
11L: Ordinance to be introduced, food sales from vehicles
Ordinance to amend regulations for food sales from vehicles in the public right-of-way, specifically restricting sales in Bricktown between 11 PM and 5 AM and authorizing impoundment.
11M: Ordinance to be introduced, accessory dwellings
Ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in urban core residential areas, with specific regulations and exclusions.
11N1: Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing to consider declaring structures dilapidated.
11N2: Resolution declaring structures dilapidated
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.
11O1: Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing to consider declaring structures unsecured.
11O2: Resolution declaring structures unsecured
Resolution declaring structures unsecured.
11P1: Public Hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing to consider declaring buildings abandoned.
11P2: Resolution declaring buildings abandoned
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
11Q: Request to enter into executive session
Request to enter into executive session to discuss the status of several collective bargaining negotiations.
11R: Claims recommended for denial
One claim recommended for denial.
11S: Claims recommended for approval
Three claims recommended for approval.