Meeting Summary
The city council meeting covered a range of topics including proclamations for Allied Arts Month and recognitions for outstanding city employees. Key discussions involved the city's compliance with state gun laws, regulations on marijuana vaping, and updates on major city projects like the Omni Hotel and the Boathouse Foundation. The council also reviewed the city's transportation system and pavement management program.
Key Decisions & Votes
Allied Arts Month Proclamation
The council proclaimed February as Allied Arts Month, recognizing the arts' contribution to economic development, quality of life, and youth education in Oklahoma City.
Teacher of the Month Recognition
Edward Hudson was recognized as the January 2020 Teacher of the Month by Putnam City Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City for his work as Director of Bands at Putnam City West High School.
Employee of the Year Recognition (Jonathan Geary)
Jonathan Geary, Animal Welfare Superintendent, was recognized as the 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year for his 19 years of service and contributions to increasing the shelter's live release rate.
Police Officer of the Year Recognition (Sergeant David Rambo)
Sergeant David Rambo was recognized as the 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year for his 17 years of service and instrumental role in solving crimes and lowering crime statistics.
Appointments to EMSA, Park Commission, and Traffic Commission
Appointments to the EMSA, Park Commission, and Traffic Commission were approved with a single motion.
OCMFA Items A-D
Items A through D for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority were approved.
OCPPA Items A-C
Items A through C for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority were approved.
OCETA Items A-B
Items A and B for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust were approved.
Consent Docket Item 7H (Councilwoman Hammond)
Consent Docket Item 7H was approved with Councilwoman Hammond abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
Consent Docket Item 7Y (Sister City Agreement)
A sister city agreement was approved, increasing Oklahoma City's sister cities to eight.
Consent Docket (Remaining Items)
All remaining items on the consent docket, excluding those pulled for separate discussion or previously approved, were approved.
Concurrence Docket
Items A through J on the concurrence docket were approved.
Ordinance Changes: Motor Vehicles and Traffic (B1)
An ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic (B1) was approved.
Ordinance Changes: Motor Vehicles and Traffic (B2)
An ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic (B2) was approved.
Dilapidated Structures (9E1F)
Item 9E1F regarding a dilapidated structure was deferred for two weeks to allow contact with the property owner.
Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures
A resolution declaring listed structures as dilapidated, excluding previously stricken or deferred items, was adopted.
Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures
A resolution declaring listed structures as unsecured, excluding previously stricken items, was adopted.
Resolution Declaring Abandoned Buildings
A resolution declaring listed buildings as abandoned, excluding previously stricken items, was adopted.
Economic Development Agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Inc.
A joint resolution authorizing negotiation of an economic development agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Inc. for up to $60,000 was adopted.
Oklahoma City Zoological Park Admission and Membership Pricing Fee Increase
A resolution approving an increase in admission and membership pricing fees for the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden was adopted.
Salary Continuation for Major Scott Grubbs
A resolution approving salary continuation for Major Scott Grubbs during rehabilitation was approved.
Salary Continuation for Corporal Kenneth Holman
A resolution approving salary continuation for Corporal Kenneth Holman during rehabilitation was approved.
Salary Continuation for Major Jimmy Cruda
A resolution approving salary continuation for Major Jimmy Cruda during rehabilitation was approved.
Salary Continuation for Sergeant Jennifer Gullicker
A resolution approving salary continuation for Sergeant Jennifer Gullicker was approved.
Salary Continuation for Sergeant Zachary Miller
A resolution approving salary continuation for Sergeant Zachary Miller was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial
Claims A and C recommended for denial were denied.
Claims Recommended for Approval
Claims A, C, D, and E recommended for approval were approved.
Ordinance on Advertising on Vehicles for Hire
An ordinance on final hearing regarding advertising on vehicles for hire was approved, allowing more diverse advertising options beyond just the company's own branding.
Travel and Reimbursement for Councilwoman Jobeth Hammond
A resolution approving travel and reimbursement expenses for Councilwoman Jobeth Hammond to visit San Antonio's restoration center was approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Allied Arts Month
Celebration of arts and culture in Oklahoma City, with a campaign goal of $3.45 million.
Point in Time Count (Homeless Census)
Annual homeless census starting at 3:30 AM, with counts throughout the day until 8 or 9 PM. Volunteers will be at the Homeless Alliance and conducting outreach to camps.
MLK Day Parade
Jason Bearbrush and Embark participated in the parade.
MLK Celebration in Lawton
Councilwoman Nice represented Oklahoma City and participated in a panel discussion with Benjamin Jealous, former NAACP president.
OU Health Science Center African American Student Association MLK Celebration
Bernice King, Dr. King's daughter, will be presenting at noon at 940 Northeast 13th Street.
OG&E Week of Service
OG&E is partnering with the Urban League to weatherize the Mount Olive Senior Cottages for affordable housing.
Oklahoma Regatta Festival 15th Anniversary
People from all over the country and multiple countries participated, contributing to a $23 million economic impact.
Paddle Sport Retailer Show Accelerator from America
Event held in Oklahoma City, with the mayor participating in whitewater rafting.
Swift Water Rescue Training Events
Prevalent throughout the year, making a significant impact on first responders.
Floating Films Music Series
Event series at the Boathouse District.
Whitewater Festival
Event at the Boathouse District.
River Scream
Event at the Boathouse District.
USO Warrior Week
Oklahoma City selected as one of three locations in the country to host a week of activities in the Boathouse District, with potential for an internationally televised event.
Olympic Trials (Rowing/Canoeing)
Oklahoma City will host two rounds of Olympic trials, connecting to the Tokyo Olympics.
Financial Matters
Allied Arts Campaign Goal
The goal for the current Allied Arts campaign.
Boathouse Foundation Economic Impact
Estimated economic impact from events and programs at the Boathouse District in 2019.
Boathouse Foundation Youth Participation Value
Total value of free access provided through youth outreach programs at the Boathouse Foundation.
Boathouse Foundation College Scholarships
Amount of college scholarships awarded to youth involved at the river in 2019, with a total of $10 million to date.
Boathouse Foundation Management Fee Received (FY2019)
Amount of the management fee received by the Boathouse Foundation year-to-date for FY2019.
Boathouse Foundation Campaign Goal (2020)
Goal for the Boathouse Foundation's new campaign over a couple of years.
Omni Hotel Construction Project
Total construction cost for the Omni Hotel, with the trust having completed its contribution as of November.
Sales Tax Report (January)
January sales tax was down 5.5%, or 1.9% after accounting for a major refund. Use tax was down 18%. This will impact budget projections for next year, with departments asked to propose budget cuts.
Public Comments
Public comments focused on concerns about gun laws, particularly regarding safety and potential misuse, and the need for better enforcement of scooter regulations, especially concerning underage riders and sidewalk use. One speaker also expressed strong opposition to any restrictions on cannabis use.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further discussions on the city's compliance with state gun laws
- Further discussions on marijuana smoking and vaping regulations
- Updates on the Omni Hotel construction and other downtown projects
- Quarterly updates on the Boathouse Foundation's finances and operations
- Budget workshop on February 11th to discuss sales tax impact and proposed budget cuts
- Implementation of new bike facilities in 2020 as part of the bicycle pedestrian master plan
- Future updates on the pavement management program, including a maintenance program and data-driven prioritization of street improvements
Announcements
- February is Allied Arts Month.
- Edward Hudson was recognized as January 2020 Teacher of the Month.
- Jonathan Geary was recognized as 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Employee of the Year.
- Sergeant David Rambo was recognized as 2019 South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club Police Officer of the Year.
- The city now has eight sister cities.
- The Point in Time Count (homeless census) will take place this Thursday.
- The MLK Day parade included participation from Jason Bearbrush and Embark.
- Councilwoman Nice represented Oklahoma City at the MLK Celebration in Lawton.
- OU Health Science Center African American Student Association will host Bernice King on January 29th.
- OG&E is partnering with the Urban League for a week of service, weatherizing senior cottages.
- The Oklahoma Youth Literacy Program offers a 'Read and Eat' program with free books and homework assistance, seeking volunteers and students.
- Millwood students are advocating for a recycling program at their school.
- A descendant of Friedman Association meeting is scheduled for January 25th at 1 PM at Faith Memorial Baptist Church.
- The Boathouse Foundation is launching a new campaign with a goal of $3.5 million.
- Construction on the surfing machine at the Boathouse District is beginning this week.
- The Fairfield Inn, adjacent to the Omni Hotel complex, opened last month.
Agenda Summary
3. Office of the Mayor
Proclamations and recognitions.
3B
Item to be brought back at a future meeting.
3A, C, D
Proclamations and recognitions.
3E, 3F, 3G
Appointments to EMSA, Park Commission, and Traffic Commission.
4A, 4B
Items for approval.
5. Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Various items were stricken or deferred.
7AE6
Confession of judgment.
9E1A (806 Southeast 11th Street)
Dilapidated structures.
9F1F (2501 Northwest 14th Street)
Unsecured structures.
9F1O (1305 Northeast 54th Street)
Unsecured structures.
9F1S (245 Northwest 120th Street)
Unsecured structures.
9G1L (1305 Northeast 54th Street)
Abandoned buildings.
9G1M (245 Northwest 120th Street)
Abandoned buildings.
9R1B
Claim recommended for denial.
10A1B
Claim for approval.
6. Revocable Permits
No revocable permits.
OCMFA Items A-D
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority items.
OCPPA Items A-C
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority items.
OCETA Items A-B
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust items.
7. Consent Docket
General consent agenda items.
7H
Consent docket item pulled for separate vote due to conflict of interest.
7O
Pedestrian bridge over Northwest Expressway.
7R2
Project in Luther area.
7X
Artwork of Paul Moore.
7Y
Sister City Agreement.
8. Concurrence Docket
Items A through J on the concurrence docket.
9A
Ordinance on final hearing.
9B1
Ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic.
9B2
Ordinance on final hearing relating to motor vehicles and traffic.
9C
Public hearing regarding an ordinance related to bringing local gun ordinances into compliance with state law changes.
9D
Public hearing regarding an ordinance that affects marijuana smoking and vaping.
9E1
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
9E1F
Dilapidated structure at 1238 Southwest 57th Street.
9E2
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.
9F1
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
9F2
Resolution declaring structures unsecured.
9G1
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
9G2
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
9H1
Second public hearing regarding an economic development agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Inc.
9H2
Resolution authorizing negotiation of an economic development agreement with Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center Inc.
9I
Resolution approving Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden admission and membership pricing fee increase.
9J1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Major Scott Grubbs.
9K1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Corporal Kenneth Holman.
9L1
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Major Jimmy Cruda.
9M1
Resolution considering the salary continuation request of Sergeant Jennifer Gullicker.
9N1
Resolution considering the salary continuation request of Sergeant Zachary Miller.
9O
Executive session to receive confidential communications from attorneys regarding the case of Carol v. City of Oklahoma City.
9P
Executive session to receive communications from attorneys regarding the case of Puente v. City of OKC.
9Q
Executive session to receive confidential communications from attorneys regarding potential participation in federal products liability litigation.
9R1
Claims recommended for denial.
10A1
Claims recommended for approval.
11A
Ordinance on final hearing regarding advertising on vehicles for hire.
11B
Resolution approving travel and reimbursement expenses for Councilwoman Jobeth Hammond.
12. City Manager Reports
Presentations on Omni Hotel, transportation system, pavement management, and Boathouse Foundation.
13. Citizens to be Heard
Public comments on various topics.