Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included several proclamations recognizing outstanding individuals and important awareness months. Key decisions involved approving revocable permits for community events, adjusting city golf course fees, and renewing the Western Avenue Business Improvement District. The council also addressed amendments to city ordinances concerning motorized scooters and civilian traffic direction, and discussed ongoing litigation related to PFAS. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to heartfelt comments from local religious leaders regarding global conflicts and the importance of local interfaith unity.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Proclamation
06:00The council unanimously approved the proclamation recognizing Ginger Wilson as October 2023 Teacher of the Month.
OKCPS River Run 8K Revocable Permit
16:00A revocable permit was unanimously approved for the Oklahoma City Public Schools to host an 8K River Run on November 4th.
River Sport Foundation Revocable Permit
20:40A revocable permit was unanimously approved for the River Sport Foundation to host the Youth Rowing League Fall Championship and Holiday River Parade on November 11th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
21:15All items on the OCMFA agenda were approved unanimously.
Oklahoma City Public Authority (OCPA) Items (Golf Course Fee Increases)
29:00The council approved incremental fee increases for city golf courses, to be implemented over several months, to address rising operational costs.
Deep Fork Creek Trail Revisions (Consent Docket Item 9AI)
33:00Revisions for the Deep Fork Creek Trail project were approved, with discussions on future connections.
Donation to Animal Welfare (Consent Docket Item 9J)
33:00The council accepted a $78,000 donation from the estate of Steve Robison to Animal Welfare.
Western Avenue Business Improvement District Renewal (Item 11b2)
44:00The ordinance to renew the Western Avenue Business Improvement District was approved following a public hearing.
Western Avenue Business Improvement District Assessment Roll (Item 11c)
44:30The ordinance adopting the assessment roll for the Western Avenue Business Improvement District for 2023-2024 was approved.
Extending Corporate Limits (Item 11d)
45:00An ordinance extending the corporate limits of Oklahoma City to include a tract of land in Section 28, Township 10, was approved by a 5-1 vote.
Ordinance Amendment for Motorized Scooters (Item 11f)
47:00An ordinance amending city code sections 32-1 and 32-582 to align with state statute regarding motorized scooter definitions and use restrictions was approved.
Ordinance Amendment for Civilian Traffic Direction (Item 11g)
49:00An ordinance amending city code section 32-32 to authorize civilian employees to direct traffic for special events and processions was approved.
Resolution Declaring Structures Dilapidated (Item 11h2)
50:00A resolution declaring specific structures dilapidated was approved following a public hearing.
Resolution Declaring Structures Unsecured (Item 11i2)
50:30A resolution declaring specific structures unsecured was approved.
Resolution Declaring Buildings Abandoned (Item 11j2)
50:45A resolution declaring specific buildings abandoned was approved.
Joint Resolution with OCWUT on PFAS Litigation (Item 11k1)
53:00A joint resolution authorizing the OCWUT general manager and the Municipal Counselor's office to participate in PFAS litigation and engage outside counsel was adopted.
Order to Enter Executive Session (Lorenzo Clerky vs. Oklahoma City) (Item 11l)
54:00An order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding the case of Lorenzo Clerky versus Oklahoma City was approved.
Order to Enter Executive Session (Richard Anthony vs. City of Oklahoma City) (Item 11m)
54:30An order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding the case of Richard Anthony versus the City of Oklahoma City was approved.
Order to Enter Executive Session (City of Oklahoma City vs. Jr Bowers Jr.) (Item 11n)
55:00An order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding mediation and settlement in the case of City of Oklahoma City versus Jr Bowers Jr. was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial (Item 11o)
55:30The recommendation to deny certain claims was approved.
Claim Recommended for Approval (Item 11p)
56:00The recommendation to approve a specific claim was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
OKCPS River Run 8K
Starts at 8:30 AM, concludes around 11:30 AM. Includes an 8K race and a one-mile fun run.
River Sport Foundation Youth Rowing League Fall Championship
Race starts at 2:30 PM at River Sport.
River Sport Foundation Holiday River Parade
Pre-show activities ('reindeer games') with ski elves starting at 7 PM, parade of sparkling boats led by the Oklahoma River Cruiser at 7:45 PM, followed by fireworks over the Oklahoma River.
Ward 2 Meetup on Homelessness
5:30 PM - 7:45 PM at the Tower Theater, featuring a panel discussion with City staff and service providers, and opportunities for residents to meet one-on-one.
Financial Matters
October Sales Tax Check
Sales tax rebounded with 3% growth, and use tax saw 10% growth. The city is approximately $2.7 million ahead of target for sales and use tax for the year.
City Golf Course Fee Increases
Approval of incremental fee increases for city golf courses, ranging from $1 to $2 per round, to be implemented on November 1st, March, and July 1st, to cover rising operational costs.
Donation to Animal Welfare
Acceptance of a generous donation from the estate of Steve Robison to Animal Welfare.
Public Comments
During the public hearing for the Western Avenue Business Improvement District renewal, one speaker, Monty Turn Time, expressed support for the BID. City staff also addressed concerns from a property owner regarding the benefits and services provided by the district, clarifying that the BID supports promotion, marketing, maintenance, and security across the entire corridor.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Agenda item 11a (emergency remediation ordinance) was deferred to the November 7th meeting.
Deadlines
- City golf course fee increases will be implemented incrementally on November 1st, March, and July 1st.
Watch For
- Future phases and connections for the Deep Fork Creek Trail.
- Further developments and potential items related to the ongoing PFAS litigation.
- Discussions regarding a potential new arena location and related city projects, following council concerns about communication.
Announcements
- Ginger Wilson was recognized as October 2023 Teacher of the Month by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- October 2023 was proclaimed Code Compliance Month in Oklahoma City, recognizing the dedication of Code Enforcement Officers.
- October 2023 was proclaimed Disability Awareness Month in Oklahoma City, acknowledging the contributions of people with disabilities and the city's commitment to accessibility.
- Councilwoman Nice encouraged support for local black-owned restaurants including Hanks, Florenes, R and Cajun Eastside Pizza House, Cornish Jerk House, and DC Wings and Cakes.
- A shout-out was given to the YX Youth in Action program and Langston University physical health students.
- UPS is creating approximately 200 new jobs at its new multi-million dollar distribution center in Oklahoma City, with benefits including health care, retirement contributions, and tuition assistance, and starting hourly pay at $21.
Agenda Summary
Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation recognizing Ginger Wilson as October 2023 Teacher of the Month
Recognition of Ginger Wilson for her 20 years in teaching, commitment to literacy, and role as a reading interventionist at John Rex Charter School.
Proclamation proclaiming October 2023 as Code Compliance Month
Recognition of Code Enforcement Officers for their dedication to safety, welfare, and property values in Oklahoma City.
Proclamation proclaiming October 2023 as Disability Awareness Month
Recognition of the talent and contributions of people with disabilities and the city's efforts to ensure accessibility.
Item 4: No items from Council
No items were brought forth by council members.
Item 5: City Manager Reports
Reports on the quarterly Riverport Foundation update and the October sales tax check, noting 3% growth in sales tax and 10% in use tax.
Item 6: Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of the minutes from previous council proceedings.
Item 7: Request for uncontested continuances
Several items were deferred or stricken from the agenda, including item 11a deferred to November 7th, and multiple unsecured structures and abandoned buildings stricken.
Item 8a: Revocable permit with Oklahoma City Public Schools for the OKCPS River Run 8K
Approval for an inaugural 8K race and one-mile fun run on November 4th to celebrate cross country program growth and raise funds for the OKCPS Foundation.
Item 8b: Revocable permit with River Sport Foundation for the Youth Rowing League Fall Championship and Holiday River Parade
Approval for the Youth Rowing League Fall Championship and the 2023 Holiday River Parade, both scheduled for November 11th.
Recess Council Meeting and Convene as Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority
Transition to the OCMFA meeting to address related items.
OCMFA Items (a through e)
Approval of all items on the OCMFA agenda.
Adjourn OCMFA and Convene as Oklahoma City Public Authority
Transition to the OCPA meeting to address related items.
OCPA Items (Golf Course Fee Increases)
Discussion and approval of incremental fee increases for city golf courses to cover rising operational costs and align with other regional courses.
Adjourn OCPA and Reconvene as City Council
Return to the City Council meeting.
Item 9: Consent Docket
Approval of items on the consent docket, excluding 9AI and 9J which were pulled for separate discussion.
Item 9AI: Deep Fork Creek Trail revisions
Discussion and approval of revisions for the Deep Fork Creek Trail project, including potential future connections.
Item 9J: Donation to Animal Welfare
Recognition and acceptance of a $78,000 donation to Animal Welfare from the estate of Steve Robison.
Item 10: Concurrence Docket
Approval of items on the concurrence docket.
Item 11a: Ordinance a final hearing (emergency remediation)
Final hearing for an ordinance regarding emergency remediation.
Item 11b1: Public hearing regarding the Western Avenue Business Improvement District renewal
Public hearing for the renewal of the Western Avenue Business Improvement District, with discussion on services and property owner concerns.
Item 11b2: Ordinance on final hearing renewing the Western Avenue Business Improvement District
Final hearing and vote on the ordinance to renew the Western Avenue Business Improvement District.
Item 11c: Ordinance on final hearing adopting and settling the assessment roll for the Western Avenue Business Improvement District
Final hearing and vote on the ordinance to adopt the assessment roll for the Western Avenue Business Improvement District for 2023-2024.
Item 11d: Ordinance on final hearing extending the corporate limits of Oklahoma City
Final hearing and vote on the ordinance to extend the corporate limits of the City of Oklahoma City.
Item 11e: Public hearing (no speakers)
A public hearing where no citizens signed up to speak.
Item 11f: Ordinance on final hearing amending city code section 32-1 and 32-582 regarding motorized scooters
Final hearing and vote on an ordinance to align city code with state statute regarding the definition and use restrictions of motorized scooters.
Item 11g: Ordinance on final hearing amending city code section 32-32 regarding civilian employees directing traffic
Final hearing and vote on an ordinance to authorize civilian employees to direct traffic for processions and special events, freeing up police officers for law enforcement duties.
Item 11h1: Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures
Public hearing concerning properties declared dilapidated.
Item 11h2: Resolution declaring structures dilapidated
Vote on a resolution to declare specific structures dilapidated.
Item 11i1: Public hearing regarding unsecured structures
Public hearing concerning properties declared unsecured.
Item 11i2: Resolution declaring structures unsecured
Vote on a resolution to declare specific structures unsecured.
Item 11j1: Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings
Public hearing concerning properties declared abandoned.
Item 11j2: Resolution declaring buildings abandoned
Vote on a resolution to declare specific buildings abandoned.
Item 11k1: Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust on authorizing the general manager to participate in PFAS litigation
Approval of a joint resolution authorizing the OCWUT general manager and Municipal Counselor's office to engage in litigation and seek outside counsel regarding PFAS.
Item 11l: Order to enter into executive session (Lorenzo Clerky vs. Oklahoma City)
Order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding litigation.
Item 11m: Order to enter into executive session (Richard Anthony vs. City of Oklahoma City)
Order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding litigation.
Item 11n: Order to enter into executive session (City of Oklahoma City vs. Jr Bowers Jr.)
Order to enter executive session for confidential communication regarding mediation and settlement.
Item 11o: Claims recommended for denial
Approval of the recommendation to deny certain claims.
Item 11p: Claim recommended for approval
Approval of the recommendation to approve a specific claim.
Item 12: Comments from Council
Council members shared remarks on community events, local businesses, and concerns regarding city communication.
Item 13: Citizens to be heard
Opportunity for citizens to address the council.
Recess for executive session
The council recessed to conduct executive sessions.