Meeting Summary
The City Council approved significant debt authorization for the new arena project, totaling up to $950 million, and also awarded over $120 million in General Obligation bonds. A 90-day transition period was approved for developers to comply with new building codes. Additionally, an amendment to integrate school cameras into the police department's real-time information center was approved, despite concerns about privacy and community engagement.
Key Decisions & Votes
Building Code Transition Period
34:00An ordinance was approved, with an emergency clause, to allow a 90-day transition period for developers to submit plans under either the 2015 or 2018 International Building Codes, addressing concerns from the development community.
Arena Debt Authorization (OC PPA)
1:09:00The Oklahoma City Public Property Authority authorized the issuance of up to $950 million in revenue bonds and notes to fund the new arena project, with the dedicated sales tax repaying the debt. The competitive bidding process was waived.
Arena Debt Authorization (City Council)
1:13:00The City Council passed a companion resolution authorizing the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority for the new arena project, also waiving competitive bidding.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Tax Exempt) Award
1:15:00The purchase of $110,220,000 in tax-exempt General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024, was awarded to Jeff LLC at a true interest cost of 3.44946%.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Tax Exempt) Ordinance
1:16:00An ordinance for the issuance of $110,220,000 in tax-exempt General Obligation Bonds was adopted, with an emergency clause.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Taxable) Award
1:17:00The purchase of $10,280,000 in taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024, was awarded to Hilltop Securities at a true interest cost of 4.856339%.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Taxable) Ordinance
1:18:00An ordinance for the issuance of $10,280,000 in taxable General Obligation Bonds was adopted, with an emergency clause.
Fusus LLC Agreement Amendment (School Cameras)
1:32:00An amendment to increase the agreement with Fusus LLC by $90,000 was approved to integrate existing metro school cameras into the police department's real-time information center for emergency response.
Upcoming Community Events
Litter Blitz 2024
City-wide cleanup effort led by OKC Beautiful. Volunteers can register teams to pick up litter in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces.
Festival of the Arts
Held in Bicentennial Park, featuring 144 performers, 80 first-time visual artists, and 30 food vendors. Extended hours on Friday/Saturday until 10 p.m. and Sunday with earlier opening/later closing.
Steamroller Print Festival
Held on Northeast 3rd Street, featuring 172 OKC Public School students and 75 visual artists. Live art demos and free artwork available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Expedition Africa Ribbon Cutting
At the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Langston University NAIA Championship Game
Playing on ESPN3 at 7:00 p.m. in Kansas City.
Financial Matters
Annual Debt Report
The city's total outstanding debt is $2.3 billion, with AAA ratings reaffirmed by Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
Sales Tax Report (March)
Sales tax revenue declined by over 4% in March, bringing year-to-date growth to 1.6%. Combined sales and use tax are $2.1 million below target for the current budget.
Arena Debt Authorization
Authorization for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority to issue up to $950 million in revenue bonds and notes for the new arena project. An estimated $200 million will be spent on interest.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Tax Exempt)
Awarded to Jeff LLC for $110,220,000 at a true interest cost of 3.44946%.
Geo Bond Series 2024 (Taxable)
Awarded to Hilltop Securities for $10,280,000 at a true interest cost of 4.856339%.
Fusus LLC Professional Service Agreement Amendment
An increase to the agreement with Fusus LLC for software and hardware to integrate metro school cameras into the police department's real-time information center.
Body Armor and Ballistic Products Purchase
Authorization for the purchase of body armor and ballistic products for the police department.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics, with significant opposition to the proposed Sunset Amphitheater due to concerns about noise pollution, traffic, and impact on residential areas and schools. Several speakers also expressed strong disapproval of the arena debt financing, alleging misleading information and potential conflicts of interest. Calls for a ceasefire resolution in Palestine and divestment from foreign governments were also prominent. Other concerns included food insecurity, the city's focus on superficial problems over education, and a resident's unresolved water leak issue.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item P01A (512 South Bypass Terrace) deferred for two weeks.
- Item P01E deferred for two weeks.
- Item P01B deferred to June 4th.
- Item Q1A deferred for two weeks.
- Item Q1I deferred for two weeks.
- Item Q1F deferred to June 4th.
Deadlines
- Community Benefits Agreement working group findings to be brought back to Council in July.
- Public hearing for parking enforcement ordinance on April 9th.
- Final hearing for parking enforcement ordinance on April 23rd.
- Vote on Sunset Amphitheater (PUD 1983) on April 9th.
Watch For
- Further monitoring of sales tax revenue and its impact on the upcoming budget.
- Amendments to the MAPS 4 implementation plan regarding the arena funding.
- Continued discussions and research by the Community Benefits Agreement working group for the new arena.
Announcements
- April 2024 proclaimed as Litter Blitz 2024 in Oklahoma City, led by OKC Beautiful.
- April 2024 proclaimed as Fair Housing Month in Oklahoma City.
- Maureen Cassidy recognized as March 2024 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month.
- Ribbon cutting for Expedition Africa at the Oklahoma City Zoo today.
- Restore OKC received a $2 million grant from McKenzie Scott.
- Condolences extended for the passing of 'Santa Blair' (Coach Blair).
- Langston University is playing for the NAIA Championship tonight on ESPN3 at 7:00 p.m., a first in school history.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation: Litter Blitz 2024
Proclaiming April 2024 as Litter Blitz 2024 in Oklahoma City, an effort led by OKC Beautiful to clean up public spaces.
Proclamation: Fair Housing Month
Proclaiming April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in Oklahoma City, recognizing the importance of equal housing opportunities.
Resolution: Employee of the Month
Recognizing Maureen Cassidy, Office Coordinator for the Police Department, as March 2024 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her dedication and service.
Appointments to HP Commission, MAPS 3, MAPS 4, and Riverfront Redevelopment
Appointments to various city commissions and trusts.
Item 4A: Ordinance to be introduced and adopted with an emergency regarding building codes
Amendment to allow a 90-day transition period for developers to comply with the updated International Building Code 2018, permitting submissions under either 2015 or 2018 standards.
City Manager Reports: Quarterly Riversport Foundation Update
Update on the Riversport Foundation activities.
City Manager Reports: Annual Debt Report
Summary of the city's outstanding debt, totaling $2.3 billion, and reaffirmation of AAA bond ratings.
City Manager Reports: Sales Tax Report
Report on March sales tax decline of over 4% and combined sales and use tax being $2.1 million below target.
Item 6A & 6B: Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of the minutes from previous council meetings.
Item 7: Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Various items withdrawn or continued from the agenda.
Item 8A: Revocable Permit with Arts Council Oklahoma City for Festival of the Arts
Permit for the Festival of the Arts to be held April 25-28 in Bicentennial Park.
Item 8B: Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with Art Space at Untitled for Steamroller Print Festival
Permit for the Steamroller Print Festival to be held on April 27 on Northeast 3rd Street.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OC MFA) Items A-F
Various items on the OC MFA agenda.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OC PPA) Item B: Resolution authorizing indebtedness for the new arena project
Authorization for the OC PPA to issue up to $950 million in revenue bonds and notes for the new arena project.
Item 11S: Resolution authorizing incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
Companion resolution to the OC PPA item, authorizing the city to incur indebtedness for the new arena project.
Item 11J: Award of Geo Bond Series 2024 (Tax Exempt)
Awarding the purchase of $110,220,000 in tax-exempt General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024.
Item 11K: Ordinance on Final Hearing for Geo Bonds (Tax Exempt)
Ordinance providing for the issuance of $110,220,000 in tax-exempt General Obligation Bonds.
Item 11L: Award of Geo Bond Series 2024 (Taxable)
Awarding the purchase of $10,280,000 in taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024.
Item 11M: Ordinance on Final Hearing for Geo Bonds (Taxable)
Ordinance providing for the issuance of $10,280,000 in taxable General Obligation Bonds.
Item 9A: Amendment to Professional Service Agreement with Fusus LLC
Amendment to increase the agreement by $90,000 for software and hardware to integrate metro school cameras into the police department's real-time information center.
Item 9K: Resolution authorizing purchase of body armor and ballistic products
Authorization for the purchase of body armor and ballistic products for the police department, estimated to cost $1,500,000.
Item 9AC: Engineering Services Contract for Roundabout at 10th and Penn Virginia
Engineering services contract for a new roundabout project.
Item 9AF: Portland Avenue Sidewalks and Signal Project
Project to construct sidewalks on both sides of Portland Avenue and install a signal at 27th Street for pedestrian improvements.
Item 9AV: EMS Supplemental Services Contract with EMSA
Agreement with EMSA for the City of Oklahoma City Fire Department to provide four Advanced Life Support transport services at designated fire stations.
Concurrent Docket Items A-N
Various items on the concurrent docket.
Item 11A: Rezoning 4228 Northeast 20th from R1 to R2
Rezoning property to allow for two-family residential (duplex) use.
Item 11C: Rezoning 2141 Southwest 21st Street from Spud 110 to Spud 1577
Rezoning property with a specific planned unit development.
Item 11D: Rezoning 1107 North Purdue from R1 to SPD 1595
Rezoning property with a specific planned unit development.
Item 11E: Special Permit to Operate Use Unit 83068 Spectator Sports and Entertainment (Rodeo)
Establishing a special permit for a high-impact rodeo at 4905 North Morgan Road.
Item 11F: Closing a portion of the north-south alley west of Lot 22 in Scots Edition
Closing an alley portion to facilitate development.
Item 11G: Closing a portion of the east-west right-of-way of Northwest 26th
Closing a right-of-way portion to correct an encroachment due to a survey issue.
Item 11H: Establishing Reserve Parking for the Physically Disabled on Northwest 9th
Designating a reserved parking space for disabled individuals near Hudson.
Item 11I: Establishing Reserve Parking for the Physically Disabled on North Hudson
Designating a reserved parking space for disabled individuals near 11th Street.
Item 11N: Ordinance relating to motor vehicles and traffic (Parking Enforcement)
Ordinance to modify existing rules to allow the city manager to assign employees (Embark, Police Service Technicians) to provide parking enforcement authority.
Item P01: Public Hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing to declare various structures as dilapidated.
Item P1: Public Hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing to declare various structures as unsecured.
Item Q1: Public Hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing to declare various buildings as abandoned.
Item R1: Public Hearing regarding surplus real property
Public hearing to declare 0.1233 acres of real property near Northeast 63rd and Kelly as surplus for Park purposes.
Item T: Executive Session not requested
No executive session requested for this item.
Item U: Executive Session not requested
No executive session requested for this item.
Item V: Executive Session to receive confidential communications from attorney
Executive session to discuss the case of Hendrick v. Clicka.
Item W: Claims recommended for approval
Approval of various claims against the city.