Meeting Summary
The city council meeting included several proclamations and recognitions, notably for the February 2020 Teacher of the Month, OKC Black Restaurant Weeks, and Paul Moore Day. Key decisions involved approving various permits and addressing budget revisions for the Better Streets Safer City program. Public comments primarily focused on the lack of a grocery store in northeast Oklahoma City and the associated permitting issues.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Resolution
00:06:00A resolution recognizing Cara Bowerman as the February 2020 Teacher of the Month by Edmond Public Schools and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City was unanimously passed.
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks Proclamation
00:09:40Mayor David Holt proclaimed February as OKC Black Restaurant Weeks to highlight African-American culinary and dining experiences in the city.
Paul Moore Day Proclamation
00:15:30Mayor David Holt proclaimed February 18th as Paul Moore Day in Oklahoma City, honoring his work on the Centennial Land Run Monument and contributions to public art.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit (McNelley's Plaza Court)
00:20:50A permit was approved for McNelley's Plaza Court to hold the St. Patrick's Day Block Party on March 17th, closing a portion of Walker Avenue.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit (Redbud Foundation)
00:22:50A permit was approved for the Redbud Foundation to hold the Redbud Classic running and cycling event on April 4th and 5th.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (1625 NW 16th St)
00:29:50An ordinance to amend the master design statement and rezone 1625 NW 16th Street from R1 to SPD1160 for a mixed-use building was unanimously approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (Alley Closure)
00:31:40An ordinance for the closure of a 20-foot plotted alley between SW 10th and SW 11th, and between S Agnew and S Youngs, was approved.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (Marijuana Vaping Updates)
00:34:50An ordinance amending regulations for marijuana vaping, aligning it with tobacco smoking restrictions, was approved with an 8-1 vote.
Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures
00:41:00A resolution declaring several structures as dilapidated was unanimously approved following a public hearing.
Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures
00:45:00A resolution declaring several structures as unsecured was unanimously approved following a public hearing.
Resolution Declaring Abandoned Buildings
00:49:00A resolution declaring several buildings as abandoned was unanimously approved following a public hearing.
Allocation of General Obligation Limited Tax Proceeds
00:50:30A joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approving the allocation of $400,000 to Little Wasted LLC (Bakery Bling) was unanimously approved.
Allocation from Increment District No. 2 (Bar K Dog Park)
00:56:00A resolution approving an allocation of $750,000 from Increment District No. 2 to the Bar K Dog Park economic development project was approved with an 8-1 vote.
Resolution Adopting February 2020 Update to Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan
1:02:00A resolution adopting the February 2020 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan, including budget revisions totaling approximately $3.6 million for Better Streets Safer City projects, was unanimously approved.
Resolution Authorizing Municipal Counselor to Confess Judgment
1:02:40A resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admission of liability in the case styled Puente v. City of OKC was unanimously approved.
Resolution Approving Travel and Reimbursement for Councilwoman Hammond
1:10:00A resolution approving travel and reimbursement for Councilwoman Joe Beth Hammond to attend the National Bike Summit in Arlington, Virginia, was unanimously approved.
Upcoming Community Events
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks
Citywide celebration of black culinarians, with participating restaurants offering special menus. Bingo cards available at okcblackeats.com. Breakfast event at Ice Event Center and Grill on Saturday, February 22nd, 9-10:30 AM.
Paul Moore Day
Proclaimed by Mayor David Holt to honor Paul Moore's contributions to public art, including the Centennial Land Run Monument.
McNelley's St. Patrick's Day Block Party
To be held on Walker Avenue, north of 10th Street, in Midtown.
Redbud Classic
Running and cycling event starting at Waterford Plaza on NW 63rd and Pennsylvania, with routes extending to Jones, Choctaw, and Nichols Hills.
Free Spay and Neutering
Offered by Friends of Pets at Unity Baptist Church, 1701 N Nebraska Ave, for residents in the 73111 zip code.
Dr. W.H. Slaughter Mansion Readings
Afternoon readings at the W.H. Slaughter Mansion, located off 50th and 35th, commemorating Black History Month.
Youth and Government
Douglas High School students participating in the YMCA's Youth and Government program.
Homeless Alliance Litter Cleanup
Focused along Linwood, volunteers welcome.
Financial Matters
Better Streets Safer City Sales Tax Collection
The program is slightly above its target revenue, with $13 million projected over the initial estimate. Collections were $96 million in 2018 and $119 million in 2019. The sales tax collection is scheduled to finish on March 31st, 2020.
GO Bond Sale (Taxable Tax-Exempt)
Authorization to sell taxable tax-exempt bonds from the 2017 citizen-approved bonds. Pricing anticipated on March 31st, with closing in mid-May.
GO Bond Sale (Taxable)
Authorization to sell taxable bonds from the 2017 citizen-approved bonds. Pricing anticipated on March 31st, with closing around May 14th.
GO Bond Refunding (2010 Bonds)
Resolution authorizing staff to begin the process of refunding 2010 bonds, anticipating over $4 million (13%) in savings. The process includes establishing a financing plan, authorizing notice of hearing, selecting underwriters, and preparing a preliminary official statement.
Better Streets Safer City Budget Revisions
Budget revisions for resurfacing projects ($1.9 million for two arterial and three residential streets), one sidewalk project ($129,000 near Prairie Queen Elementary), and four bicycle infrastructure projects ($1.6 million for various bike lanes).
Allocation to Little Wasted LLC (Bakery Bling)
Allocation of general obligation limited tax proceeds to Little Wasted LLC, doing business as Bakery Bling.
Allocation to Bar K Dog Park Economic Development Project
Allocation from Increment District No. 2 to the Bar K Dog Park economic development project, primarily for parking and site improvements.
Public Comments
Public comments primarily revolved around the lack of a grocery store in northeast Oklahoma City. Speakers expressed frustration over delays, particularly regarding permitting issues, for a planned grocery store. They emphasized the community's need for access to fresh produce and criticized perceived obstacles to the store's opening.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Better Streets Safer City sales tax collection ends March 31st, 2020.
- MAPS 4 collections begin April 1st, 2020.
Watch For
- Final street recommendations for arterial and residential projects from the Better Streets Safer City advisory board.
- Further updates on the GO bond refunding process.
- Discussion on the mechanical, plumbing, and fuel gas code updates at future meetings.
Announcements
- Shout out to Carla Burton and the Star Spencer students attending the meeting.
- Councilman Greiner thanked Public Works, Planning, and the Homeless Alliance for visiting Mayfair West neighbors.
- Councilman Greiner thanked the neighborhood of Douglas Edgemere for a well-attended meeting.
- Councilman Greiner congratulated the Paseo neighborhood on writing and passing their first bylaws, reactivating their association.
- Councilman Greiner congratulated Councilpersons Stonecipher, Greenwell, and Hammond on their one-year re-election anniversary.
- Councilman Greiner congratulated Mayor Holt on his mayoral victory anniversary.
- Councilwoman Hammond thanked the council for approving her trip to San Antonio to learn about mental health diversion programs.
- Councilwoman Hammond highlighted research on Black history in Ward 6, including the history of Toland Park and Eddie Tolan.
- Councilwoman Nice gave a shout out to the Bobcats in the house and Miss Burton for bringing young people to the meeting.
- Councilwoman Nice mentioned free spay and neutering services by Friends of Pets at Unity Baptist Church for the 73111 zip code.
- Councilwoman Nice commemorated the legacy of Dr. W.H. Slaughter and the ongoing readings at his mansion.
- Councilwoman Nice gave a shout out to Douglas High School's criminal justice class and their participation in Youth and Government.
- Councilwoman Nice commemorated the passing of Dr. J.H. Tucker, pastor of Greater New Zion Baptist Church for over 47 years.
- Councilwoman Nice encouraged participation in OKC Black Eats and the Black History Month breakfast at the Ice Event Center and Grill.
- Councilwoman Nice commended Councilman Cooper for making history as the first African-American elected outside of Ward 7.
- Councilwoman Nice commemorated Paul Moore Day and encouraged visiting his exhibits.
- City Manager mentioned the budget transfers report and the February sales and use tax collections report.
Agenda Summary
Invocation
Led by Pastor Brian Gilbert of Brookwood Baptist Church.
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Annie and Maisie Brock Smith of Girl Scouts Troop 418.
Resolution recognizing Cara Bowerman as February 2020 Teacher of the Month
Recognizing Cara Bowerman for her dedication to teaching and achievements.
Proclamation of OKC Black Restaurant Weeks
Proclaiming February as OKC Black Restaurant Weeks to celebrate African-American culinary experiences.
Proclamation of Paul Moore Day
Proclaiming February 18th as Paul Moore Day in honor of his artistic contributions, particularly the Centennial Land Run Monument.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Items A and B)
Approval of the minutes from previous council proceedings.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Striking various dilapidated, unsecured, and abandoned structures from the agenda due to owner compliance.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with McNelley's Plaza Court
To hold the St. Patrick's Day Block Party on March 17th.
Revocable Right-of-Way Use Permit with Redbud Foundation
To hold the Redbud Classic on April 4th and 5th.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (Items A-H)
Approval of various items for the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (Claims and Payroll)
Adoption of claims and payroll for the OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (Claims and Payroll)
Adoption of claims and payroll for the OCEAT.
Consent Docket (Item AF)
Annual update on the Better Streets Safer City projects from the one-cent sales tax.
Consent Docket (Item AQ, AR, AS)
Presentation on GO bond sales (taxable tax-exempt and taxable) and GO bond refunding.
Consent Docket (Item 7W)
Comments on improvements at Booker T. Washington Park.
Consent Docket (Remaining Items)
Approval of the remaining items on the consent docket.
Concurrence Docket (Items A-E)
Approval of items on the concurrence docket.
Amendment to the Master Design Statement (9A1)
Related to the rezoning of 1625 NW 16th Street.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (9A2)
Rezoning 1625 NW 16th Street from R1 to SP-D1160.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (9B)
Closure of a 20-foot plotted alley between SW 10th and SW 11th, and between S Agnew and S Youngs.
Ordinance on Final Hearing (9C1)
Proposed marijuana vaping updates, aligning with tobacco smoking restrictions.
Public Hearing regarding Ordinance related to the Mechanical Code (9D1)
Public hearing for proposed changes to the mechanical code.
Public Hearing regarding Resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the Mechanical Code (9D2)
Public hearing for a resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the mechanical code.
Public Hearing regarding Ordinance related to the Plumbing Code (9E1)
Public hearing for proposed changes to the plumbing code.
Public Hearing regarding Resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the Plumbing Code (9E2)
Public hearing for a resolution declaring the need for the adoption of the plumbing code.
Public Hearing regarding the Fuel Gas Code (9F)
Public hearing for proposed changes to the fuel gas code.
Public Hearing regarding Dilapidated Structures (9G1)
Public hearing on listed dilapidated structures.
Resolution declaring structures are dilapidated (9G2)
Declaring listed structures as dilapidated.
Public Hearing regarding Unsecured Structures (9H1)
Public hearing on listed unsecured structures.
Resolution declaring structures are unsecured (9H2)
Declaring listed structures as unsecured.
Public Hearing regarding Abandoned Buildings (9I1)
Public hearing on listed abandoned buildings.
Resolution declaring buildings are abandoned (9I2)
Declaring listed buildings as abandoned.
Public Hearing regarding the allocation of General Obligation Limited Tax Proceeds (9J1)
Public hearing for the allocation of $400,000 to Little Wasted LLC (Bakery Bling).
Joint Resolution with the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust approving the allocation of said proceeds (9J2)
Approving the allocation of $400,000 to Little Wasted LLC (Bakery Bling).
Public Hearing regarding an allocation from Increment District Number 2 (9K1)
Public hearing for the allocation of $750,000 to Bar K Dog Park economic development project.
Resolution approving an allocation of $750,000 from Increment District Number 2 (9K2)
Approving the allocation of $750,000 to Bar K Dog Park economic development project.
Resolution adopting the February 2020 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Project Implementation Plan (9L)
Approving budget revisions for Better Streets Safer City sales tax funds, estimated at $3.6 million.
Resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to confess judgment (9M1)
Authorizing confession of judgment without admission of liability in Puente v. City of OKC.
Executive Session (9N)
To receive confidential communications regarding Brewer v. City of OKC.
Executive Session (9O)
To receive confidential communications regarding pending opioid legislation.
Executive Session (9P)
To receive confidential communications regarding potential litigation concerning environmental remediation obligations.
Executive Session (9Q)
To discuss collective bargaining negotiations for FY 2020-21 with FOP, Firefighters, and AFSCME.
Resolution approving travel and reimbursement of travel related expenses for Councilwoman Joe Beth Hammond (10A)
For attendance at the National Bike Summit in Arlington, Virginia.
Executive Session (10B)
To discuss the hiring appointment for the current municipal judge vacancy.
City Manager Reports
Presentation of budget transfers report and February sales and use tax collections report.
Citizens to be Heard
Public comments from Greg Brown, Aleric Overby, and Michael Washington regarding the grocery store issue in northeast OKC.