Meeting Summary
The city council held a public hearing on a proposed hotel tax increase, which received support from tourism and hospitality representatives. Budget presentations for Public Transportation and Parking, Parks and Recreation, and Development Services were discussed. A significant point of contention arose regarding the proposed privatization of the Spokies Bike Share program and the operational changes at Minnis Lake View and Shilling Community Centers, drawing strong public opposition from residents of the affected communities.
Upcoming Community Events
Walk a Shelter Dog event
Volunteers walk dogs at the Animal Welfare shelter.
Community engagement event
Sponsored by Code Enforcement.
Financial Matters
Hotel Occupancy Tax
Public hearing on a proposal to raise the tax to promote tourism and support city attractions.
Public Transportation and Parking (Overall KATPA Budget)
Proposed FY25 budget for public transportation and parking services.
Public Transportation (City General Fund Subsidy)
City's general fund contribution to public transportation services.
Spokies Bike Share Program
Proposed elimination of general fund subsidy for the bike share program, with a plan to privatize the service.
Bus Repair and Parts
Increased funding required due to a 53% increase in common bus parts costs and increased inventory levels.
Streetcar Operating Costs
Increase in streetcar operating expenses.
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Local Contribution
Increase in the city's local contribution as a member of the RTA.
Riverfront Redevelopment Authority Trust (Riversport Foundation Management Fee)
Consolidation of funds and a slight increase in the management fee paid to Riversport Foundation.
Development Services (Operating Budget)
Proposed FY25 operating budget for the Development Services Department.
Public Comments
Speakers on the hotel tax unanimously supported the increase, citing benefits for tourism, job creation, and city promotion. Speakers on the Parks and Recreation budget, particularly regarding Minnis Lake View Community Center, expressed strong opposition to the proposed privatization and repurposing of the facility. They highlighted the lack of community consultation, the importance of the center for health, recreation, and cultural events, and concerns about public access and accountability under private management. Some speakers also raised concerns about racial equity and the city's priorities. One speaker also called for a ceasefire resolution and divestment of state funds from Israel.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Future discussions on Spokies Bike Share privatization and potential partnerships.
- Further discussions and potential community meetings regarding the Minnis Lake View and Shilling Community Centers.
- Contract details for the Development Process Review consultant (expected first meeting in June).
- Maps 4 BRTs launch and their impact on bus routes, particularly 23rd Street frequency.
- Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) vote on high-capacity transit (North-South Commuter Rail Project).
- Progress on the new Animal Welfare shelter.
- Lake Overholser Park master plan, Switzer Park improvements, Rata Park improvements, Hefner Park sod lights.
Announcements
- Embark's Embark Well program was recognized by the national aging and disability Transportation Center as one of its top 14 innovative transportation programs for the last year.
- Animal Welfare's 'Walk a Shelter Dog' event is a successful weekly volunteer program.
- Human Resources is the first city department to participate in the 'Walk a Shelter Dog' event.
- Animal Welfare partnered with Everything Goes Dance Studio for a photo shoot with dancers and shelter animals.
Agenda Summary
Public Hearing on Proposal to Raise Oklahoma City Hotel Tax
A public hearing was held to discuss the proposed increase in the hotel occupancy tax, with several members of the hospitality and tourism industry speaking in favor of the measure.
Public Transportation and Parking Budget Presentation
Assistant City Manager Jason Fairbrush presented the FY25 proposed budget for Embark, highlighting ridership growth, grant acquisitions, and the proposed privatization of the Spokies Bike Share program.
Parks and Recreation Budget Presentation
Parks and Recreation Director Melinda McMillan Miller presented the FY25 proposed budget, detailing operational changes, facility partnerships, and capital projects, including the proposed operational transfer of Minnis Lake View and Shilling Community Centers to partner agencies.
Development Services Budget Presentation
Development Services Director Rick Wickcamp presented the FY25 proposed budget, covering operational efficiencies in the Development Center, Code Enforcement, and Animal Welfare, including efforts to improve inspection times and animal live release rates.