Meeting Summary
The City Council approved the Vision Zero Action Plan to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities, and authorized the largest General Obligation Bond issuance of $160 million, primarily for street projects. Final plans for the Palomar Family Justice Center were approved, though some components will be 'white boxed' due to budget constraints. Several revocable permits for St. Patrick's Day events were granted, and a rezoning request for a medical marijuana dispensary was denied following neighborhood opposition.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
04:00A resolution was approved to recognize Bob Scott as the February 2025 Teacher of the Month for his extensive career and contributions to education.
IT Director Authorization for Administrative Forms (OCMFA)
29:50The IT Director was authorized to sign vendor statements of work, change orders, and other administrative forms for technology-related agreements, subject to oversight.
Demolition of Cox Convention Center (OCPPA)
37:00Plans and schedule for the demolition of the former Cox Convention Center were approved, marking a significant step towards the new Arena project, with completion expected by September 30th.
Consent Docket Items
59:00Numerous administrative, financial, and project-related items on the consent docket were approved, including the 2025 General Obligation Bond sale and final plans for the Palomar Family Justice Center.
Concurrence Docket Items
01:12:00All nine items on the concurrence docket, including an amendment to the Mount Vernon Affordable Housing Project, were approved.
Amendment to Master Design Plan for PUD 2026
01:17:00A revised Master Design Statement for PUD 2026 was approved, incorporating negotiated changes that led to the withdrawal of neighborhood protests.
PUD 2026 Approval
01:17:30The Planned Unit Development (PUD) 2026 was approved following the successful amendment of its Master Design Plan.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Rezoning (Ward 3)
01:28:00A rezoning request for a medical marijuana dispensary was denied, upholding the Planning Commission's recommendation and reflecting strong neighborhood opposition.
Establishment of 45-degree Angle Parking
01:29:30An ordinance establishing 45-degree angle parking on the east side of North Broadway Avenue was approved with an emergency clause for immediate implementation.
Establishment of Reserve Parking for Physically Disabled
01:30:30An ordinance establishing reserved parking for physically disabled individuals on the east side of North Broadway Avenue was approved with an emergency clause.
Joint Resolution for IT Director Authorization
01:35:00A joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority was approved, authorizing the IT Director to execute administrative forms for technology-related agreements.
Upcoming Community Events
St. Patrick's Day Block Party at McNellie's
16th annual event, closing Walker street next to McNellie's for food and drinks.
Red Coyote Lucky Coyote 5K
Race in Midtown, partnering with McNellie's and Fassler Hall. Beneficiary: Cleats for Kids of Oklahoma.
Stockyards City St. Patrick's Day Parade
Parade route from Penn and Exchange to Agnew to Southwest 15th Street. Features McGard's Irish dancers and Grand Marshall Elliot Nelson.
Financial Matters
Vision Zero Action Plan Grant
The city received a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from federal highways to develop the Vision Zero Action Plan.
2025 General Obligation Bond Sale
Authorization for the 8th and largest bond issuance from the 2017 authorization, totaling $160 million, with $127 million allocated to street projects.
Palomar Family Justice Center Funding
Discussion of funding strategies for the MAPS 4 Palomar project, including moving $2 million from an endowment trust to the capital fund and using cash flow from the main MAPS fund, with the project currently 3.2% over projections.
Mount Vernon Affordable Housing Project Amendment
Amendment to a 2019 affordable housing deal ($600,000 allocation) to allow the transfer of affordability requirements from the Yorktown property to new developments (Dorset Place and the Motel 6 property), with protections for current residents.
2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Acceptance of a joint federal grant to support public safety, specifically funding four crime analyst positions for Oklahoma City.
ACOG Grant for Public Transit
The Planning Department secured a grant from ACOG for public transit initiatives.
Public Comments
Two speakers from the JFK neighborhood and NE OKC Neighborhood Coalition opposed a special permit for Standard Iron and Metal to crush cars, citing existing noise, explosions, and air quality issues, and raising concerns about pedestrian safety and connectivity along Reno Avenue. Two other citizens spoke during the 'Citizens to be Heard' section, with one sharing historical information about Juneteenth and Black History Month, and another expressing concerns about being followed by police after previous council meeting comments.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 11D: SPUD-1709 (Medical Marijuana Extraction facility at 3420 North May) was postponed for two weeks to February 25, 2025, for Councilman Cooper to tour the facility.
- Item 11b (PD 2039) was withdrawn.
- Several unsecured structures (108 East California Avenue, 1512 North McKinley Avenue, 2129 Northeast 13th Street) and an abandoned building (2129 Northeast 13th Street) were stricken from the agenda as owners secured them.
Deadlines
- March: Federal grant application cycle opens for Vision Zero implementation.
- May: Federal grant applications for Vision Zero implementation are due.
- March 25th: City Council vote on the 2025 General Obligation Bond sale, requiring seven affirmative votes for the emergency ordinance.
- February 11, 2027: Projected completion date for the Palomar Family Justice Center.
Watch For
- Future discussions on pedestrian infrastructure, sidewalks, trails, streetlights, and trees along Reno Avenue to connect MAPS 4 investments and cultural institutions.
- Evaluation of potential excess sales tax collections in MAPS 4 (not before 2028) to fund 'white boxed' components of the Palomar Family Justice Center.
Announcements
- Girl Scout cookies are available for purchase for another month and a half to support fundraising.
- Applications for the Oklahoma City Youth Council are available from today through March 28th at okc.gov.
- Citizens are encouraged to participate in Black History Month events across the city, particularly in Ward 7.
- A reminder for all citizens to get out and vote today, emphasizing its importance for the country.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Teacher of the Month - Bob Scott
Recognition of Bob Scott as February 2025 Teacher of the Month by Oakdale Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City for his 50 years in education and significant contributions as a band director and tennis coach.
Item 5: City Manager's Report - Presentation of the Vision Zero Action Plan
Presentation of the draft Vision Zero Action Plan, a data-driven strategy developed through a federal grant, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on city roadways through infrastructure, policy, and education.
Item 6: Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings.
Item 8A: Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit for St. Patrick's Day Block Party at McNellie's
Permit for McNellie's to host its 16th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, closing Walker street for three days.
Item 8B: Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit for Red Coyote Lucky Coyote 5K
Permit for the Lucky Coyote 5K race, relocating to Midtown and partnering with local businesses, with Cleats for Kids of Oklahoma as the beneficiary.
Item 8C: Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit for Stockyards St. Patrick's Day Parade
Permit for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Stockyards City on March 15th, featuring a parade route and Irish dancers.
OCMFA Items A-K (excluding D)
Approval of various administrative and financial matters for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OCMFA Item D: Resolution authorizing the IT Director to sign vendor statements of work, change orders, and other administrative forms
Policy change to allow the IT Director to execute administrative forms consistent with Council-approved technology agreements, with necessary oversight from the Municipal Counselor, CFO, and Purchasing Agent.
OCPPA Items A-F (excluding C)
Approval of various administrative and financial matters for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
OCPPA Item C: Demolition of the Cox Convention Center
Presentation and approval for the demolition of the former Cox Convention Center, a major milestone for the new Arena project, with a 6-month construction timeline.
Item 9AY: Resolution authorizing the sale of $160 million in 2025 General Obligation Bonds
Authorization for the city's largest General Obligation Bond issuance to date, primarily for street improvements, with remaining funds for police, fire, and drainage utilities.
Item 9AZ: Ordinance introducing the 2025 General Obligation Bond
Introduction of the ordinance for the $160 million General Obligation Bond issuance.
Item 9BK: Final plans and specifications for the Palomar Family Justice Center
Presentation of final plans and funding strategy for the MAPS 4 Palomar project, including discussion of budget constraints and 'white box' alternates for the cafe and third floor.
Item 9R: Public Hearing and Ordinance on Final Hearing for SPUD-592
Public hearing on a special permit for Standard Iron and Metal to allow car crushing, replacing a legally non-conforming zoning, with significant public opposition regarding environmental and quality of life impacts.
Item 9 (Other Consent Docket Items)
Approval of various routine administrative and financial items on the consent docket.
Item 10G: Concurrence with Economic Development Trust regarding the Mount Vernon Affordable Housing Project
Amendment to an older affordable housing agreement to allow the transfer of affordability requirements from the Mount Vernon (Yorktown) property to new developments, with protections for current residents.
Item 10 (Other Concurrence Docket Items)
Approval of various routine administrative and financial items on the concurrence docket.
Item 11A1: Amendment to the Master Design Plan for PUD 2026
Approval of a revised Master Design Statement with specific modifications to zoning regulations after negotiations with neighborhood representatives, leading to the withdrawal of protests.
Item 11A2: PUD 2026
Approval of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) 2026 following the approval of its amended Master Design Plan.
Item 11C: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Ward 4)
Approval of an ordinance on final hearing for an unspecified item in Ward 4.
Item 11D: Ordinance on Final Hearing for SPUD-1709
Application to rezone 3420 North May to match zoning for an existing medical marijuana extraction operation.
Item 11E: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Commercial Expansion)
Approval of a small commercial expansion on 5 acres at 59th and Luther.
Item 11F: Ordinance on Final Hearing rezoning 4608 Northwestern Avenue to SPUD-1691
Rezoning to allow uses consistent with Western Avenue's character, moving away from automotive body shop-only zoning.
Item 11G: Ordinance on Final Hearing for a medical marijuana dispensary
Rezoning request for a medical marijuana dispensary at a location adjacent to residential areas, a park, and a church.
Item 11H: Ordinance on Final Hearing establishing 45-degree angle parking on the east side of North Broadway Avenue
Establishment of 45-degree angle parking on the east side of North Broadway Avenue, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation.
Item 11I: Ordinance on Final Hearing establishing Reserve parking for the physically disabled on the east side of North Broadway Avenue
Establishment of reserved parking for physically disabled individuals on the east side of North Broadway Avenue, with an emergency clause.
Item 11J: Ordinance on Final Hearing changing 1-hour time limited parking to 2-hour time limited parking on the north side of North Broadway Circle
Change in parking time limits from one-hour to two-hour on the north side of North Broadway Circle.
Item 11K: Ordinance on Final Hearing establishing 2-hour limited parking on the south side of Northwest 11th Street
Establishment of 2-hour limited parking on the south side of Northwest 11th Street.
Item 11L: Ordinance on Final Hearing establishing 2-hour time limited parking on the west side of North Broadway Avenue
Establishment of 2-hour time limited parking on the west side of North Broadway Avenue.
Item 11M: Ordinance on Final Hearing establishing a no parking anytime restriction on the west side of North Andalucia Drive
Establishment of a no parking anytime restriction on the west side of North Andalucia Drive.
Item 11O1: Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing on structures declared dilapidated.
Item 11O2: Resolution declaring structures dilapidated
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.
Item 11P1: Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing on structures declared unsecured.
Item 11P2: Resolution declaring structures unsecured
Resolution declaring structures unsecured.
Item 11Q1: Public Hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing on buildings declared abandoned.
Item 11Q2: Resolution declaring buildings abandoned
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
Item 11R1: Public Hearing regarding a resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Public hearing on accepting a federal grant for public safety purposes.
Item 11R2: Resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Resolution accepting a joint federal grant of $433,500 to support public safety, specifically funding four crime analyst positions for Oklahoma City.
Item 11S: Joint Resolution with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority authorizing the Information Technology Director to execute and authorize statements of work, change orders, and other administrative forms
Joint resolution to authorize the IT Director to execute administrative forms for technology-related agreements, mirroring the OCMFA approval.
Item 11T: Claims recommended for approval
Approval of a single claim recommended for approval.