Meeting Summary
The city council meeting primarily consisted of budget presentations from the Parks and Recreation, Development Services, and Planning departments. No votes were taken during this session. Discussions included departmental priorities, staffing challenges, community engagement, and the implementation of various city programs and capital projects.
Upcoming Community Events
Civic Center Music Hall Grand Reopening
Reopening of the Little Theater and main lobby after renovations.
Willa Johnson Center VIP Experience
VIP event for the opening of the Willie D Johnson Center.
Financial Matters
Parks and Recreation Proposed Operating Budget FY24
Total proposed operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Parks and Recreation Proposed Capital Budget FY24
Highlights include Bricktown Canal lighting, Civic Center grand dam repair, maintenance equipment, Central Park, Will Rogers Gardens renovations, and trail lighting.
Parks and Recreation Total Proposed Budget FY24
Combined operating and capital budget for the Parks and Recreation Department, with 187 full-time positions.
Increase to Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park Foundation's Management Agreement
Budget support for management agreements.
Support for First Americans Museum
Budget support now that the foundation has completed their obligation.
Support for Riversport Foundation
Continuation of funding support from previous years.
Operational Funding Support for Willie D Johnson Center
Second half of operational funding for the soon-to-open center.
Labor Rate Increase for Metro Alliance's First Step Program
Increase for labor and assistance in the maintenance team.
New Full-Time GIS Analyst Position (Parks)
Addition of one full-time employee in the Parks department.
Development Services Proposed Operating Fund Increase FY24
Increase in the general fund for Development Services.
Development Services Proposed Non-Operating Fund Increase FY24
Increase in non-operating funds for Development Services.
Development Services Overall Departmental Budget Increase FY24
Overall increase for the Development Services Department.
New Plans Examiner Position (Development Center)
Addition of a plans examiner for commercial and residential plan review.
New Electrical Inspector One Position (Development Center)
Addition of an electrical inspector to address inspection backlogs.
New Senior Customer Service Representative Position (Development Center)
Position to pick up services previously provided by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.
New Code Inspector One Position (Code Enforcement)
Addition of a code inspector for environmental code enforcement, new sign ordinance, and homelessness program support.
Community Spay and Neuter Program Funding (Animal Welfare)
Additional funding for the community spay and neuter program.
New Animal Welfare Representative Position (Animal Welfare)
Position to help with customer support at the current shelter and prepare for the new shelter.
Planning Department General Fund Budget FY24
General fund portion of the Planning Department's budget.
Planning Department Grants Management Fund FY24
Federal grants supporting programs in the Housing and Community Development Division, available over multiple years.
Planning Department Special Purposes Fund FY24
Special purposes fund for the Planning Department.
Planning Department Total Proposed Budget FY24
Grand total budget for the Planning Department.
Key to Home Encampment Rehousing Initiative Funding
Largest budget request for an initiative aiming to reduce chronic unsheltered homelessness by 75% in two years.
Increased Funding for Commercial District Revitalization Program
Increased funding to serve additional districts and keep up with costs and inflation.
Homeless Street Outreach Services Funding
Funding for an agreement with the Mental Health Association for non-police response to low-risk calls and proactive outreach.
Better Way Program Funding
Continued funding for the program offering jobs for a day to people experiencing homelessness or panhandling.
Permanent Assistant Planner Position (Arts and Cultural Affairs/Current Planning)
Making an overage position permanent to provide additional capacity for Urban Design, historic preservation, and arts and culture.
Public Comments
Two citizens spoke during public comments. Ronnie Kirk raised concerns about the new jail, advocating for inmate training and post-release support like IDs and bus passes. Joy Reardon discussed the need for city responsibility in sidewalk repairs, suggested alternative businesses for food deserts, expressed concerns about predatory affordable housing, and urged action on scooter management.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Additional budget hearings, including the formal adoption hearing.
- Civic Center Music Hall, Little Theater, and main lobby renovations grand reopening on June 14th.
- Wheeler Park concession/restroom facility, fencing, and sidewalks completion later this summer.
- Greenway Trail opening this summer.
- Deep Fork Trail opening later in spring 2024.
- Woodson Park sports complex expansion opening late spring 2024.
- Willa Johnson Center VIP experience on July 14th.
- Affordable housing implementation plan contract approval.
Announcements
- Invocation by Pastor Banning Dawson of 8th Street Church of the Nazarene.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Anna McLaughlin of Girl Scouts troop 7181.
- Recognition of the marketing and promotions team for their work on budget presentations.
- Recognition of department leadership staff for their contributions to the budget process.
- Recognition of veterinarians on World Veterinary Day (April 29th).
Agenda Summary
Parks and Recreation Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the proposed FY24 budget for the Parks and Recreation Department, covering operations, capital projects, and community partnerships.
Development Services Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the proposed FY24 budget for the Development Services Department, including the Development Center, Code Enforcement, and Animal Welfare divisions.
Planning Department Budget Presentation
Presentation of the proposed FY24 budget for the Planning Department, focusing on community development, urban revitalization, and sustainable growth initiatives.