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City Council Meeting

September 13, 2023 City Council Meeting

September 13, 2023 Oklahoma City, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The city council approved significant projects, including a $1.9 million TIF allocation for "The Pulse" downtown apartment renovation and the initial phase of MAPS 4 sidewalk investments across three areas. Preliminary reports were also received for the Family Justice Center and MAPS 4 River projects. Public comments largely focused on concerns regarding the Woodson Park youth football league's future and the proposed new arena, alongside discussions on the Convention and Visitors Bureau's economic impact and future diversity initiatives.

Key Decisions & Votes

Renewal of Professional Services agreement for Betterway program

The council approved the renewal of the Professional Services agreement with the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma for the Betterway program.

Approved

Revocable rowing and paddle practice use permit

A limited revocable permit was approved for the Riverport Foundation to use the Eastern Basin of the river for rowing and paddle practice.

Approved

Revocable Right-of-Way use permit for McNell and Föer Hall Octoberfest

A permit was approved for McNell Group LLC to hold Octoberfest on September 23rd, 2023, with specific street closures.

Approved

Revocable Right-of-Way use permit for Uptown Outside

A permit was approved for the Uptown 23rd District to hold their Uptown Outside event on September 23rd.

Approved

Paycom Center Elevator Modernization Change Order

Change Order No. 1 was approved for the Paycom Center Elevator Modernization contract, addressing smoke detectors and electrical circuit relocation.

Approved

Paycom Center Retractable Seating Change Order

Change Order No. 1 was approved for the Paycom Center Retractable Seating contract, primarily for the installation of guard rails.

Approved

Paycom Center Scoreboard Replacement Change Order

Change Order No. 1 was approved for the Paycom Center Scoreboard Replacement contract, covering new equipment and software for an instant replay system.

Approved

Special permit for drinking establishments at 241 SW 25th Avenue Suite B

An ordinance was approved to establish a special permit for drinking establishments at the specified location, with an expiration of 24 months.

Approved

Resolution declaring dilapidated structures

A resolution was approved declaring several listed structures as dilapidated following a public hearing.

Approved

Resolution declaring unsecured structures

A resolution was approved declaring several listed structures as unsecured following a public hearing.

Approved

Resolution declaring abandoned buildings

A resolution was approved declaring several listed buildings as abandoned following a public hearing.

Approved

Resolution adopting FY2024 budget amendment

A resolution was adopted to amend the fiscal year 2024 budget following a public hearing.

Adopted

Joint resolution declaring OK State Fairgrounds tract as Surplus

A joint resolution with OCPA was approved, declaring a 2.68-acre tract of real property within the OK State Fairgrounds as surplus for fairgrounds purposes.

Approved

Receive amended and revised standard specifications for construction of public improvements

The council received the amended and revised standard specifications for construction of public improvements, an update to the 2008 document.

Received

Resolution authorizing legal representation for Chief Wade Gorley

A resolution was approved authorizing assistant Municipal counselors to represent Chief Wade Gorley in a legal case.

Approved

Claims recommended for denial

The council approved the claims recommended for denial.

Approved

Rezoning 11121 Southwest 29th Street

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 11121 Southwest 29th Street from DOUA PUD 1959 was approved.

Approved

Rezoning 14700 Mesaluna Avenue

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 14700 Mesaluna Avenue from PUD 1577 to PUD 1961 was approved.

Approved

Rezoning 6800 Miramar Boulevard

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 6800 Miramar Boulevard from DAA and Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay to PUD 1962 in Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay was approved.

Approved

Rezoning 5501 North MLK Avenue

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 5501 North MLK Avenue from R1 and Healthy Neighborhood Overlay and Urban Conservation District to SPUD 1523 Healthy Neighborhood Overlay and Urban Conservation District was approved.

Approved

Rezoning 1021 Straka Terrace

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 1021 Straka Terrace from C3 and O2 to SPUD 1544 was approved.

Approved

Rezoning 1715 Northwest 2 Street

An ordinance on final hearing for rezoning 1715 Northwest 2 Street from R2 to SPUD 1545 was approved.

Approved

Closing a 17 foot wide north south easement

An ordinance on final hearing was approved to close a 17-foot wide north-south easement east of South Mustang Road and North of Southwest 44th.

Approved

Upcoming Community Events

September 23, 2023

McNell and Föer Hall Octoberfest

Held on Walker Avenue just north of Park Place, featuring vendors, food, enhanced security, non-alcoholic options, wiener dog races, keg rolling, Stein hoisting, and live music. Family-friendly event.

September 23, 2023

Uptown Outside

4:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the Uptown 23rd District, with street closures, live music, businesses participating outdoors, a skate park, and other community activities.

Saturday, September 16

Hispanic Heritage Dance

Sellers Park, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, hosted by Sooner Success and OU Health Science Center, featuring games, snacks, traditional Mexican folk dancing, and resources from disability advocate organizations.

Tonight (unspecified date in transcript)

Neighbors Night Out

Various events across neighborhoods, encouraging community engagement with police and fire departments.

Financial Matters

Convention and Visitors Bureau Hot Tax Collections

The operating portion of hot tax collections for Fiscal Year 2023 totaled $6.7 million.

$6,700,000

Film Rebate for Project Dino

A recommended rebate allocation for a feature film project with an anticipated Oklahoma expenditure of $675,000.

$33,750

TIF 2 Allocation for 'The Pulse' Redevelopment

An allocation from TIF 2 funds for the redevelopment of the former Holiday Inn at 520 West Main into 204 studio apartments, with a total project investment of $20 million.

$1,900,000

Paycom Center Elevator Modernization

Change order for the modernization of elevators, including the addition of smoke detectors in the shaft and electrical circuit relocation.

Paycom Center Retractable Seating

Change order for the retractable seating, primarily for the installation of guard rails to prevent access to a fillet area between concrete and seating.

Paycom Center Scoreboard Replacement

Change order for the scoreboard replacement, covering new equipment and software for an instant replay system.

Family Justice Center (Palomar) Project Budget

Preliminary project budget for the new 73,000 sq ft Palomar Family Justice Center in Midtown.

$26,000,000

MAPS 4 River and Pedestrian Bridge Projects

Preliminary budget for the pedestrian bridge ($7.3M), low water dam ($2.3M), and community gathering stage ($540K) as part of the MAPS 4 River projects.

$9,600,000

MAPS 4 Sidewalk Investments (Phase 1)

Preliminary cost estimates for the first phase of MAPS 4 sidewalk projects across three areas: Quail Creek ($350K), Britain Road ($630K), and Uptown PPA ($1.7M).

$3,500,000

Preliminary Fiscal Year 2023 Year-End Financial Report

Report indicating $4.4 million over target on revenues and $18 million under target on expenses, allowing for a $13 million transfer to the Capital Improvement Fund.

Public Comments

9 citizens spoke

Several residents voiced strong concerns regarding the future of the Woodson Park youth football league, alleging unfair treatment, discriminatory pricing, and lack of support from the city's parks department following facility renovations. Other comments included a resident expressing feelings of being unheard by the council and concerns about housing safety, a call for improved ADA compliance at permitted events, and a detailed critique of the proposed new arena, advocating for city investment in public services, sustainable development, and the film industry over a new sports venue. Concerns about drug-related crime were also raised.

Youth sports and community programs (Woodson Park) Equitable access and alleged discrimination in city services City development, arena proposals, and infrastructure investment Public safety and housing conditions ADA compliance and accessibility Drug policy and crime

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Item 11H (CE 1074) deferred to October 24th
  • Item 11J deferred to October 10th

Watch For

  • Further discussions on establishing a DEI committee for convention targeting by the Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Final decisions on the proposed ordinance change regarding the regular meetings of council schedule (third meeting)
  • Final decisions on the proposed ordinance change affecting the ambulance fee (third meeting)
  • An upcoming infrastructure bond election for additional walkability funding
  • Further evaluation and determination of the scope for the MAPS 4 River beautification project

Announcements

  • September 19, 2023, was proclaimed National Voter Registration Day in Oklahoma City, recognizing efforts to encourage online voter registration.
  • Sharon Miller, Administrative Coordinator in the Airports Department, was recognized as the September 2023 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Month for her 24 years of service and expertise.
  • Judith Wera, an English Language Learner and bilingual teacher at Taft Middle School, was recognized as the September 2023 Teacher of the Month by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
  • The Embark team provided a tour of their operations and the new Rapid Transit bus.
  • The Ward 1 fire department was commended for their quick response to a house fire.
  • A town hall meeting was held at the Willard D. Johnson Recreation Center.
  • A shooting incident occurred near Kindred Spirits on Sunday evening.
  • Eric Winger's last meeting as Public Works Director and City Engineer was acknowledged, with council members expressing gratitude for his 28 years of service.

Agenda Summary

Item 6A: Journal of Council Proceedings

Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings.

Approved

Item 6B: Journal of Council Proceedings

Approval of the Journal of Council Proceedings.

Approved

Item 8A: Limited revocable rowing and paddle practice use permit with the Riverport Foundation

Permit for use of the Eastern Basin of the river for rowing and paddle practice.

Approved

Item 8B: Revocable right of way use permit with McNell Group LLC

Permit to hold McNell and Föer Hall October Fest on September 23rd, 2023.

Approved

Item 8C: Revocable Right-of-Way use permit with Uptown 23rd District

Permit to hold Uptown Outside on September 23rd.

Approved

OC MFA Items A-F

Various items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.

Approved

OC PPA Items A-C

Various items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.

Approved

Item 9S: Renewal of Professional Services agreement with Mental Health Association of Oklahoma

Renewal of agreement for the Betterway program.

Approved

Item 9BD: Joint resolution with Jurassic Games on proposed feature film Project Dino

Resolution for a film rebate for a sequel produced by Boiling Point Media.

Approved

Item 9BE: Allocation of Tiff 2 Funds for 'The Pulse' Redevelopment

Allocation of TIF 2 funds for the redevelopment of 520 West Main into 204 studio apartments.

Approved

Item 9BV: Change Order No. 1 to Contract for Paycom Center Elevator Modernization

Change order for elevator modernization at Paycom Center, including smoke detectors and electrical circuit relocation.

Approved

Item 9BW: Change Order No. 1 to Contract for Paycom Center Retractable Seating

Change order for retractable seating at Paycom Center, including guard rails for safety.

Approved

Item 9BX: Change Order No. 1 to Contract for Paycom Center Scoreboard Replacement

Change order for scoreboard replacement at Paycom Center, including equipment and software for an instant replay system.

Approved

Item 9CA: Preliminary report for Family Justice Center (Palomar)

Preliminary report on the design and budget for the new Palomar Family Justice Center in Midtown.

Information Only

Item 9CB: Preliminary report for MAPS 4 River and Pedestrian Bridge

Preliminary report on the design and budget for the MAPS 4 pedestrian bridge, low water dam, and community gathering location on the river.

Information Only

Item 9CC: Preliminary report for MAPS 4 Sidewalk Investments (Phase 1)

Preliminary report on the first phase of MAPS 4 sidewalk projects in Quail Creek, Britain Road, and Uptown PPA areas.

Information Only

Item 9T: Strike this item

Item to be struck from the agenda due to needed corrections and adjustments to the scope of work.

Struck

Remaining Consent Docket Items

Various administrative and routine items on the consent docket.

Approved

Item 10A: Concurrence Docket

Various items on the concurrence docket.

Approved

Item 10B: Concurrence Docket

Various items on the concurrence docket.

Approved

Item 10C: Concurrence Docket

Various items on the concurrence docket.

Approved

Item 11A: Rezoning 11121 Southwest 29th Street from DOUA PUD 1959

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning.

Approved

Item 11B: Rezoning 14700 Mesaluna Avenue from PUD 1577 to PUD 1961

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning.

Approved

Item 11C: Rezoning 6800 Miramar Boulevard from DAA and Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay to PUD 1962 in Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning to allow office, commercial, light industrial, and development.

Approved

Item 11D: Rezoning 5501 North MLK Avenue from R1 and Healthy Neighborhood Overlay and Urban Conservation District to SPUD 1523 Healthy Neighborhood Overlay and Urban Conservation District

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning to allow commercial uses and development.

Approved

Item 11E: Rezoning 1021 Straka Terrace from C3 and O2 to SPUD 1544

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning.

Approved

Item 11F: Rezoning 1715 Northwest 2 Street from R2 to SPUD 1545

Ordinance on Final Hearing for rezoning for an infill project for office and single-family residences.

Approved

Item 11G: Special permit to operate use unit 83000.33 drinking establishments at 241 SW 25th Avenue Suite B

Ordinance on Final Hearing for establishing a special permit in the I1 Light Industrial and Healthy Neighborhoods Overlay District.

Approved

Item 11H: CE 1074

Item deferred at the request of the applicant.

Deferred

Item 11I: Closing a 17 foot wide north south easement east of South Mustang Road and North of Southwest 44th

Ordinance on Final Hearing for easement closure.

Approved

Item 11J: Proposed ordinance change regarding the regular meetings of council schedule

Public hearing, second of three meetings, on a proposed ordinance change.

Information Only

Item 11K: Public hearing regarding the regular meetings of council schedule

Public hearing, second of three meetings, on a proposed ordinance change.

Information Only

Item 11L: Public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance change affecting the ambulance fee

Public hearing, second of three meetings, on a proposed ordinance change.

Information Only

Item 11M1: Public hearing regarding the dilapidated structures

Public hearing for listed dilapidated structures.

Information Only

Item 11M2: Resolution declaring that the structures are dilapidated

Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.

Approved

Item 11N1: Public hearing regarding the unsecured structures

Public hearing for listed unsecured structures.

Information Only

Item 11N2: Resolution declaring that structures are unsecured

Resolution declaring structures unsecured.

Approved

Item 11O1: Public hearing regarding the abandoned buildings

Public hearing for listed abandoned buildings.

Information Only

Item 11O2: Resolution declaring that the buildings are abandoned

Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.

Approved

Item 11P1: Public hearing regarding an amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget

Public hearing on a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Information Only

Item 11P2: Resolution adopting the amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget

Resolution adopting the amendment to the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Adopted

Item 11Q: Joint resolution with OCPA declaring approximately a 2.68 acre tract of real property as Surplus

Resolution declaring a tract within the OK State Fairgrounds as surplus for fairgrounds purposes.

Approved

Item 11R: Receive the amended and revised standard specifications for construction of public improvements

Receive updated standard specifications for construction of public improvements, last amended in 2008.

Received

Item 11S1: Resolution authorizing legal representation for Chief Wade Gorley

Resolution authorizing assistant Municipal counselors to represent Chief Wade Gorley in a legal case.

Approved

Item 11T: Claims recommended for denial

Claims recommended for denial.

Approved