Meeting Summary
The city council held its final budget briefing, featuring presentations from the Public Works, Utilities, and Airports departments. Discussions covered infrastructure improvements, utility service challenges, and airport expansion plans. Citizens provided feedback on the budget, expressed concerns about community centers, and called for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Key Decisions & Votes
Executive Session regarding Adams v. City of OKC
N/AThe council voted to enter executive session to receive legal advice concerning the Adams v. City of OKC case.
Executive Session regarding Collective Bargaining Negotiations
N/AThe council voted to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for fiscal year 24-25 with the IAF and ASME.
Upcoming Community Events
Household Hazardous Waste Special Collection Event
Collects ammunition, tires, computers, and prescriptions.
Financial Matters
Public Works Department Budget
Overall budget for Public Works, showing a 5% decrease, including a 2% budget decrease and changes in utility cut repairs.
Utilities Department Budget
Total budget for the Utilities Department, addressing inflationary costs, supply chain, and workforce challenges, with significant capital improvement projects.
Airports Department City Portion Budget
Budget for the city portion of airport operations, primarily covering personnel costs and some services.
Airports Department Trust Revenue
Total revenue for the Airports Trust, including building rents, landing fees, concessions, parking, and federal/state grants.
Airports Department Capital Outlay
The largest capital budget for the Airports Department, largely from carryover projects, funding initiatives like restroom renovations, a new aircraft hangar, and passenger boarding bridges.
New Airport Parking Garage
Preliminary estimated cost for building a new parking garage at the airport to address capacity issues.
Wiley Post Airport Air Traffic Control Tower
Estimated cost for the planning and replacement of the air traffic control tower at Wiley Post Airport.
Min Lake View Center Budget
Current operating budget for Min Lake View Center, which citizens requested be increased to incorporate more programs.
Public Comments
Citizens raised concerns about the lack of community input in decisions regarding local recreation centers like Min Lake View and McKinley Park, advocating for increased funding and continued operation of these vital community assets. Several speakers also called for the City Council to pass a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, citing humanitarian concerns and the use of U.S. tax dollars. Other topics included public transportation issues and city salaries.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Budget adoption on June 4th
- Household Hazardous Waste Special Collection Event on April 12th (next year)
Watch For
- More information on the Alternative Speed Abatement Program (ASAP)
- Information on Sharps/needle collection at Household Hazardous Waste facilities
- Update on diverse vendor inclusion in procurement processes
- Revisiting public transit options to the airport
- More information and deep dives on the City's housing needs and implementation plan
- Diagnostic report on Community Action Agency operations
- Discussion on the Parks Department operating community facilities like McKinley Park
Announcements
- The budget office received a revised proposal from the Parks Department over the weekend regarding Min Lake View Center, committing to continue its current operations.
- The initial budget comment period closed on May 24th, but comments will continue to be received through May 31st for compilation before the June 4th budget adoption.
Agenda Summary
Budget Presentations
Presentations from the Public Works, Utilities, and Airports departments on their proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.
Presentation of Budget Comments
An overview of resident feedback received during the initial budget comment period.
Executive Session regarding Adams v. City of OKC
A closed session to receive legal advice concerning the Adams v. City of OKC case.
Executive Session regarding Collective Bargaining Negotiations
A closed session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations for fiscal year 24-25 with the IAF and ASME.
Citizens to be Heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council on various topics.
Adjournment
Formal conclusion of the meeting.