Meeting Summary
The Oklahoma City Council meeting on May 7th, 2024, included the recognition of a teacher of the month and several revocable permits for community events. Key discussions revolved around the interim financial report, the deferral of several rezoning cases, and a significant debate regarding a proposed increase in the hotel occupancy tax. Public comments primarily focused on international events and local community concerns.
Key Decisions & Votes
Resolution for Major Robert Coleman
03:40A resolution recognizing Major Robert Coleman as Oklahoma City Safety Star of the Quarter was deferred due to a death in his family, to be brought back at a future meeting.
Recognition of Sherry Du
04:50A resolution recognizing Sherry Du as Teacher of the Month for May 2024 by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for American Heart Association Heartwalk
12:00A revocable permit for the American Heart Association's Oklahoma City Heartwalk, scheduled for May 31st through June 1st in Bicentennial Park, was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Bodies Race Company Hometown Half
13:00A revocable permit for the Bodies Race Company's Hometown Half, scheduled for June 8th at River Trail Wheeler Park, was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Bodies Race Company Summer Sayler
13:50A revocable permit for the Bodies Race Company's Summer Sayler, scheduled for July 27th, was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Red Coyote Half Marathon
15:00A revocable permit for Red Coyote Running and Fitness for the Red Coyote Half Marathon, scheduled for November 10th at Scissortail Park, was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Red Coyote Love Run 5K and 10K
16:40A revocable permit for Red Coyote Running and Fitness for the Red Coyote Love Run 5K and 10K, scheduled for June 22nd at Scissortail Park, was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Paseo Arts Festival
18:00A revocable permit for the Paseo Arts Association to hold the 47th Annual Paseo Arts Festival from May 25th to 27th was unanimously approved.
Revocable Permit for Paseo Market Festival
20:40A revocable permit for the Paseo Market Festival, scheduled for May 25th through 27th, was unanimously approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10915 Rezoning 7601 North Central Avenue
27:00An ordinance for rezoning 7601 North Central Avenue to allow light industrial development was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10922 Rezoning 1512 South Byers Avenue
28:00An ordinance for rezoning 1512 South Byers Avenue to bring an existing non-conforming duplex into zoning conformance was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10923 Rezoning 1401 Northeast 44th Street
28:50An ordinance for rezoning 1401 Northeast 44th Street was deferred to May 21st for further review regarding R1 vs R2 zoning.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10924 Rezoning 1025 Southeast 15th Street
30:00An ordinance for rezoning 1025 Southeast 15th Street to allow commercial development was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10925 Rezoning 9500 West Memorial Road
30:50An ordinance for rezoning 9500 West Memorial Road was deferred to May 21st for further discussion with the applicant regarding R2 development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1588 Rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue
32:50An ordinance for rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue was deferred to May 21st due to the applicant not being present.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1604 Rezoning 5421 South May Avenue
34:00An ordinance for rezoning 5421 South May Avenue from R1 to SPUD to allow residential and a barber shop/salon in an existing residential structure was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1605 Rezoning 3305 Northwest 192nd Street
34:50An ordinance for rezoning 3305 Northwest 192nd Street for veterinary services, animal grooming, food and beverage retail sales was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1606 Rezoning 1625 North Marion Avenue
35:40An ordinance for rezoning 1625 North Marion Avenue from R1 to allow multiple residential dwellings and live-work units with limited commercial uses was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1608 Rezoning 2769 Northwest 21st Street
36:30An ordinance for rezoning 2769 Northwest 21st Street to allow multiple residential dwellings was approved.
Special Permit to Operate Truck Driving School
37:00A special permit to operate a truck driving school at 701 North Sarah Road was approved.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 55 (Utilities)
37:50An ordinance amending Chapter 55 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code related to utilities was approved.
Receiving Private Development Water and Wastewater Design Requirements
39:00The private development water and wastewater design requirements were received.
Ordinance Calling for Election on Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase
39:30An ordinance to call for an election on August 27th to increase the hotel occupancy tax by 3.75% was introduced, with public hearings set for May 14th and a final hearing for May 21st.
Resolution Declaring Structures Unsecured
1:13:00A resolution declaring certain structures as unsecured was passed unanimously.
Resolution Declaring Buildings Abandoned
1:14:00A resolution declaring certain buildings as abandoned was passed.
Resolution Adopting Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment
1:15:00A resolution adopting an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 budget was approved.
Resolution Adopting Update to Bike Walk OKC Plan
1:26:00A resolution adopting an update to the Bike Walk OKC plan, including an amendment for the Meridian Avenue Trail extension, was deferred to May 21st to incorporate language regarding future public engagement.
Claims Recommended for Approval
1:27:00Claims recommended for approval were passed.
Upcoming Community Events
Oklahoma City Heartwalk
Bicentennial Park, setup on May 31st, tents open 8:00 AM, walk begins 9:15 AM.
Hometown Half
River Trail Wheeler Park.
Summer Sayler
Expected to have about 700 participants.
Red Coyote Half Marathon
Scissortail Park, benefits Course for Change program.
Red Coyote Love Run 5K and 10K
Scissortail Park (Social Capital side), benefits SISU Youth Services.
Paseo Arts Festival
Paseo District, 90+ artists, 50 musical acts, food trucks, free to public, free shuttle from 36th and Walker.
Paseo Market Festival
Paseo District, 80 vendors and food trucks, 28th Street will be closed.
Paseo Street Ribbon Cutting
Paseo District, celebrating near completion of streetscape.
Juneteenth Anniversary and Moon Part
Mr. Kirk is working to get the Clara Luper Bridge painted before the event.
Financial Matters
Interim Financial Report (General Fund)
Revenues are about $4.5 million below projection, but expenditures are about $16 million below projection, primarily due to vacancies and slower service area expenditures. Overall financial picture is good.
Hotel Tax
Through the third quarter (March), hotel tax is 6.6% above last year.
Sales and Use Tax
3.2% growth in April for sales tax, but preliminary May sales tax is down about 2.5-3%. Overall, sales tax is 1.8% growth and $835,000 above target through April.
Municipal Court Costs and Fees
Court costs and fees have not been adjusted since 2004. Currently, only 42% of prosecution costs are recovered, with 58% subsidized by the general fund. Proposed increases aim to recover more costs.
Proposed Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase
Proposed increase to the hotel occupancy tax, with 75% dedicated to tourism promotion, 15% to an event sponsorship fund, 7% for Fairgrounds improvements, and 5% for Convention Center improvements. This will be put to a public vote.
Public Comments
Three citizens spoke during the public comments section. Vivian Jaber Velasquez and Jacqueline Shelton expressed strong concerns and condemnation regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging the city council to pass a ceasefire resolution and highlighting the impact of US funding. Ronnie Kirk spoke about the history of Juneteenth in Oklahoma City and requested the Clara Luper Bridge be painted before the upcoming Juneteenth anniversary.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10923 Rezoning 1401 Northeast 44th Street (deferred to May 21st)
- Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10925 Rezoning 9500 West Memorial Road (deferred to May 21st)
- Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1588 Rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue (deferred to May 21st)
- Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1589 Rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue (deferred to May 21st)
- Resolution Adopting an Update to Bike Walk OKC (deferred to May 21st)
Deadlines
- Public hearing for Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase: May 14th
- Final hearing for Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase: May 21st
- Election for Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase: August 27th
Watch For
- Further discussions on the proposed hotel occupancy tax increase, particularly regarding funding for district improvements and smaller conferences.
- Implementation of signage and educational materials for the Lottie bike lane.
- Updates on the painting of the Clara Luper Bridge for Juneteenth.
Announcements
- Congratulations to all college graduates, especially those from Oklahoma City University.
- Thanks to the local firefighters Union 157 for the invitation to the 'Smokin' Guns' charity event in Tulsa.
- Congratulations to the latest cohort of Progress OKC and upcoming presentations from OMFA Founders.
- Shout out to OnPoint Dance Studio for their 'The Wiz' themed dance recital.
- Congratulations to the Class of 2024, including Langston University graduates.
- Congratulations to Representative Jason Lowe for becoming a member of the Divine Nine.
- Thank you to the City of Muskogee for the opportunity to moderate a conversation with Dr. Bernice King.
- Devon Energy's investment in USA Softball and women's sports, with the official renaming of the facility to Devon Park.
- Russell Evans' 2024 Greater Oklahoma City Economic Outlook report highlights job growth, rising incomes, and a high concentration of young people in the metro area.
- Recognition of the youth council for their participation and engagement with city offices.
- Visit to the Mike Monroney FAA Aeronautical Center, highlighting its collaborative efforts and educational programs.
- Go Thunder! Game one of round two tonight.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation by Pastor Justin Avery and Pledge of Allegiance by Piper Langerman.
Resolution for Major Robert Coleman
Recognition of Major Robert Coleman as Oklahoma City Safety Star of the Quarter.
Recognition of Sherry Du
Recognition of Sherry Du as Teacher of the Month for May 2024.
City Manager Reports
Presentation of interim financial report, hotel tax report, and sales and use tax report.
Journal Council Proceedings
Approval of previous council meeting proceedings.
Request for Uncontested Continuances
Deferral of item 11f and striking of items 11ab1 and 11ac1 from the agenda.
Revocable Permit with American Heart Association for Oklahoma City Heartwalk
Permit for Heartwalk event on May 31st-June 1st.
Revocable Permit with Bodies Race Company for Hometown Half
Permit for Hometown Half event on June 8th.
Revocable Permit with Bodies Race Company for Summer Sayler
Permit for Summer Sayler event on July 27th.
Revocable Permit with Red Coyote Running and Fitness for Red Coyote Half Marathon
Permit for Half Marathon event on November 10th.
Revocable Permit with Red Coyote Running and Fitness for Red Coyote Love Run 5K and 10K
Permit for Love Run event on June 22nd.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with Paseo Arts Association for Paseo Arts Festival
Permit for Paseo Arts Festival on May 25th-27th.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with Paseo Market Festival
Permit for Paseo Market Festival on May 25th-27th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Meeting
Meeting of the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Meeting
Meeting of the OCPPA.
Consent Docket
Approval of items on the consent docket.
Concurrent Docket
Approval of items on the concurrent docket.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10915 Rezoning 7601 North Central Avenue
Rezoning for light industrial development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10922 Rezoning 1512 South Byers Avenue
Rezoning to conform an existing duplex.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10923 Rezoning 1401 Northeast 44th Street
Rezoning for R1 to R2.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10924 Rezoning 1025 Southeast 15th Street
Rezoning for commercial development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing PC 10925 Rezoning 9500 West Memorial Road
Rezoning for R2 development.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1588 Rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue
Rezoning for SPUD.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1589 Rezoning 3208 North Indiana Avenue
Rezoning for SPUD.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1604 Rezoning 5421 South May Avenue
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD for residential and salon.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1605 Rezoning 3305 Northwest 192nd Street
Rezoning for veterinary services and retail.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1606 Rezoning 1625 North Marion Avenue
Rezoning from R1 for multiple residential dwellings and live-work units.
Ordinance on Final Hearing SPUD 1608 Rezoning 2769 Northwest 21st Street
Rezoning for multiple residential dwellings.
Special Permit to Operate Use Unit 8250 (Truck Driving School)
Permit for truck driving school at 701 North Sarah Road.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 55 (Utilities)
Amendment to the Oklahoma City Municipal Code regarding utilities.
Receiving Private Development Water and Wastewater Design Requirements
Receiving updated design requirements.
Ordinance Calling for Election for Hotel Occupancy Tax Increase
Introduction of ordinance to call for an election on a 3.75% hotel occupancy tax increase.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to Parks, Recreation, Culture Affairs (Amending Chapter 38)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to Parks, Recreation, Culture Affairs
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to Water Resources (Amending Chapter 57)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 18)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 35)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 3)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 33)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments, with an overview of municipal court fees.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 59)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to Fire Prevention Code (Title 20)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance Related to General Schedule of Fees (Amending Chapter 60, Title 43)
Public hearing on ordinance amendments.
Public Hearing on Unsecured Structures
Public hearing on unsecured structures.
Resolution Declaring Structures Unsecured
Resolution to declare structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing on Abandoned Buildings
Public hearing on abandoned buildings.
Resolution Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Resolution to declare buildings as abandoned.
Public Hearing Regarding Amendment to Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Public hearing on budget amendment.
Resolution Adopting Amendment to Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Resolution to adopt the budget amendment.
Resolution Adopting an Update to Bike Walk OKC
Resolution to adopt an update to the Bike Walk OKC plan.
Executive Session (Legal Advice)
Request to enter executive session for legal advice.
Joint Resolution with OCMFA
Joint resolution with OCMFA.
Request to Enter Executive Session (Municipal Counselor Advice)
Request to enter executive session on the advice of Municipal Counselor.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Approval of claims.
Comments from Council
Council members' comments and announcements.
Citizens to Be Heard
Public comments from citizens.