Meeting Summary
The city council meeting featured comprehensive FY23 budget presentations from the Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Planning, and Public Transportation and Parking departments. Discussions highlighted strategic initiatives such as enhanced park maintenance, the relocation of Subdivision and Zoning to the Planning Department, and significant investments in public transit, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. No votes were cast during this informational budget session.
Upcoming Community Events
One OKC event
Community Health Fair
Held at the transit center (10th year)
Fan giveaway
Partnering with Areawide Aging Agency for senior clients
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Vehicle Reveal Event
Oklahoma City Convention Center
Financial Matters
Parks and Recreation Operating Budget
Proposed operating budget for the Parks and Recreation department.
Parks and Recreation Total Proposed Budget
Total proposed budget for the Parks and Recreation department, including operating, capital, and non-operating funds.
Parks and Recreation Budget Increase (Well-maintained parks)
Budget increase to support contract services for mowing medians and rights-of-way, allowing internal staff to focus on park maintenance.
Development Services Budget Increase
Overall budget increase for the Development Services department, factoring in the move of Subdivision and Zoning.
Planning Proposed Budget Total
Total proposed budget for the Planning department, primarily composed of general fund and grants management funds.
Subdivision and Zoning Budget
Budget for the Subdivision and Zoning division, which is moving from Development Services to Planning.
Public Transportation and Parking Overall Combined Budget
Total combined budget for public transportation and parking services, including federal funds.
Public Transportation and Parking General Fund Contribution
Proposed general fund contribution to support public transportation, representing a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Startup Costs
Additional funding allocated for startup expenses related to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, primarily for new positions.
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Contribution
Contribution to the Regional Transportation Authority.
On-Street Parking Enforcement
Funding for new positions to enforce downtown on-street parking.
Fuel Cost Adjustment (Public Transportation)
Adjustment to the budget to account for increased fuel costs for public transportation.
Public Comments
A resident expressed strong concerns regarding the proposed downtown parking plan and extended hours. He argued that increased parking fees would impose a significant financial burden on hourly workers, deter visitors, and negatively impact downtown businesses, many of which already struggle during weekdays. He also highlighted the positive community impact of free accessibility at Scissortail Park for diverse families, suggesting that parking fees could undermine such benefits.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Scissortail Park opening (end of Summer 2022)
- Willa Johnson Senior Wellness Center opening (Spring 2023)
- MAPS Senior Wellness Centers #4 and #5 coming online
- Subdivision and Zoning officially moving to Planning (July 1, 2022)
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction completion (Summer 2023)
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service launch (Fall 2023)
- Embark collective bargaining agreement negotiations (Summer 2022)
- Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Alternatives Analysis completion (June/July 2022)
- Downtown parking study recommendations to Council
Announcements
- Dr. Larry Carseas, Pastor of Harvest Hills Baptist Church, provided the invocation.
- Isabella Moore of Girl Scouts Troop 3469 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Melinda McMillan-Miller introduced Scott Fairman as the new Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation.
- Three Embark employees received the Harriet Tubman Award from Truckers Against Trafficking for intervening in human trafficking.
Agenda Summary
FY23 Proposed Budget: Parks and Recreation
Presentation of the Parks and Recreation department's FY23 budget, including staffing, operational priorities, and capital improvements. Key areas included enhanced recreational opportunities, promoting healthy living, well-maintained parks, public-private partnerships, and administrative support.
FY23 Proposed Budget: Development Services
Presentation of the Development Services department's FY23 budget, covering its mission, departmental structure, major personnel-related budget changes, and the strategic move of the Subdivision and Zoning division to the Planning Department. Performance metrics for development inspections, code enforcement, and animal welfare were also discussed.
FY23 Proposed Budget: Planning
Presentation of the Planning department's FY23 budget, outlining its mission, departmental structure, and the integration of Subdivision and Zoning. The budget also detailed proposed new planner positions aimed at securing federal infrastructure and sustainability grants, and LFR measures related to community vitality, urban revitalization, and sustainable growth.
FY23 Proposed Budget: Public Transportation and Parking
Presentation of the Public Transportation and Parking department's FY23 budget, focusing on its strategic roadmap, core values, and LFR results related to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The presentation also covered ridership trends, funding sources, and major budget changes, including significant investment in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and on-street parking enforcement.