Meeting Summary
The city council meeting featured a proclamation for Charlie Christian International Music Festival Week. Presentations on the Fiscal Year 2023 proposed budgets for Public Works, Utilities, and Airports highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements, significant capital projects like the Atoka Pipeline, and efforts to enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Discussions also addressed concerns regarding service quality, Action Center responsiveness, and the need for local business engagement in city contracts.
Upcoming Community Events
Charlie Christian International Music Festival Week
Organized by the Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) at 4500 North Lincoln Boulevard. Features a jazz brunch and musical salute to legendary groups.
Financial Matters
Public Works FY23 Budget
Total proposed budget of $256 million, including $56.1 million for operating expenditures and $200 million for non-operating and capital projects. Includes a net reduction of 17 positions with no employee loss, and a shift to contract management for utility cut repairs.
Utilities FY23 Budget
Proposed capital improvement program of $483 million, with major components including $241 million for the Second Atoka Pipeline, $28 million for water/sewer line replacement, and $55 million for the Automated Meter Reading program. Total utility operations budget is $109 million, with a request for 24 additional positions.
Airports FY23 Budget
Total proposed revenue budget of $114 million, with $63 million allocated to capital improvement projects such as runway widening and terminal roadway repaving. Operating expenses are increasing by $3 million, partly due to 12 new positions.
Public Comments
Four comments were received regarding the proposed budget, focusing on parks and police departments. An additional public comment raised concerns about security at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, citing an unmanned reception area.
Coming Up
Watch For
- The city will continue to look into improving the Action Center's ability to track the status of resident requests and provide updates.
- The Chief Innovation Officer position is expected to be filled to proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
- The local business utilization liaison position for public works contracts is in the interview process and expected to be filled in the next few months.
- The Airports Department will be re-evaluating a parking study for the potential need for another parking garage.
- New concession venues (Osteria, Hatch, Tim Lizzy's Mercantile) are expected to open at Will Rogers Airport over the next year and a half.
- San Francisco and Detroit air service markets are anticipated to return to Will Rogers Airport by early 2023.
Announcements
- June 3-5, 2022, is proclaimed Charlie Christian International Music Festival Week in Oklahoma City. The Black Liberated Arts Center organizes the festival to celebrate Charlie Christian's musical contributions.
- The Utilities Department received a platinum award from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies for outstanding water system management.
Agenda Summary
Proclamation for Charlie Christian International Music Festival Week
Mayor David Holt proclaimed June 3-5, 2022, as Charlie Christian International Music Festival Week, recognizing the Black Liberated Arts Center's 36 years of organizing the festival.
Fiscal Year 23 Proposed Budget - Public Works
Presentation by Eric Winger on the Public Works budget, detailing infrastructure maintenance, construction, and services, including street improvements, stormwater management, and technical review.
Fiscal Year 23 Proposed Budget - Utilities
Presentation by Chris Browning on the Utilities budget, covering water, wastewater, and solid waste services, including capital projects like the Second Atoka Pipeline and Automated Meter Reading.
Fiscal Year 23 Proposed Budget - Airports
Presentation by Jeff Mulder on the Airports budget, outlining operations and capital improvements for Will Rogers, Wiley Post, and Clarence Page airports, and discussing passenger recovery and concession growth.
Public Comments on Proposed Budget
Doug Dowler, Budget Director, summarized the four public comments received during the 21-day comment period, which focused on parks and police departments.