Meeting Summary
The city council meeting was primarily dedicated to honoring the retiring City Manager, James D. Couch, for his 18 years of service, including a resolution of commendation, naming a building after him, and declaring "Jim Couch Day." The council also approved several routine agenda items, various zoning changes, and significant financial matters related to water utilities and affordable housing. Public comments focused on renaming Eastern Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and concerns regarding oil and gas drilling regulations within city limits.
Key Decisions & Votes
Commendation and Recognition of James D. Couch
43:00The City Council adopted a resolution expressing deepest appreciation to James D. Couch for his 31 years of public service, including 18 years as City Manager. The resolution also named the office building at 420 West Main as the James D. Couch Municipal Office Building and declared January 2nd, 2019, as Jim Couch Day in Oklahoma City.
Acquisition of Boomer Sports Complex
50:00The City Council approved the acquisition of the Boomer Sports Complex to retain eight softball fields in the city's inventory and expand recreational programming, utilizing funds from the 2017 GO bond for land acquisition and development.
Allocation of GO Limited Tax Bond Proceeds for Affordable Housing
55:00The City Council approved a joint resolution to allocate $600,000 in GO limited tax bond proceeds to provide economic development incentives aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities.
OCUWT Indebtedness for Water Projects
59:00The City Council approved two resolutions allowing the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust to incur indebtedness: $50 million for clean water projects (raw water and wastewater) and $30 million for drinking water projects (treatment and water lines), leveraging state revolving funds.
Upcoming Community Events
Ward 7 Developers Forum
6:00 PM at Metro Tech, for the community interested in the development process.
Financial Matters
2000 G.O. Bond Projects
Managed $340 million for general obligation bond projects during James D. Couch's tenure.
2007 G.O. Bond Projects
Managed $835 million for general obligation bond projects during James D. Couch's tenure.
2017 G.O. Bond Projects
Managed $972 million for general obligation bond projects during James D. Couch's tenure.
Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) Capital Construction Program
Managed $390 million for the MAPS capital construction program during James D. Couch's tenure.
Sales Tax
Managed $514 million in sales tax during James D. Couch's tenure.
School Bond Projects
Managed $180 million for Oklahoma City Metropolitan Public Schools bond projects during James D. Couch's tenure.
MAPS III Program
Managed $777 million for the MAPS III program during James D. Couch's tenure.
Boomer Sports Complex Acquisition
Acquisition of the Boomer Sports Complex on 240 to keep eight softball fields in inventory and expand city-operated sports complexes, funded by 2017 GO bond for land acquisition and development.
GO Limited Tax Bond Proceeds for Affordable Housing
Allocation of GO limited tax bond proceeds to provide economic development incentives for the expansion of affordable housing opportunities.
OCUWT Indebtedness for Clean Water Projects
Approval for the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust to incur indebtedness for clean water funding, primarily for raw water and wastewater projects.
OCUWT Indebtedness for Drinking Water Projects
Approval for the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust to incur indebtedness for drinking water funding, primarily for treatment and water lines.
Public Comments
Two citizens proposed renaming the entirety of Eastern Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, citing the need for progressive change and inclusion. Another group of citizens raised concerns about current oil and gas drilling ordinances, proposing increased setback distances for new wells and a ban on the permanent disposal of waste or byproducts within city limits, citing public health, safety, and environmental risks.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Ward 7 Developers Forum on January 8th at 6:00 PM at Metro Tech.
- Swearing-in ceremony for the next City Manager at 5:01 PM in the council chambers.
Announcements
- The office building at 420 West Main will henceforth be known as the James D. Couch Municipal Office Building.
- January 2nd, 2019, is hereby declared Jim Couch Day in Oklahoma City.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer by Pastor Jason Gaddis and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Greiner.
Resolution of Commendation for James D. Couch
A resolution honoring James D. Couch on his last day as City Manager after 18 years, recognizing his achievements and service.
Presentation of City Flag to James D. Couch
Chief City presented a city flag flown at City Hall on James D. Couch's last day, to be folded and placed in a commemorative box.
Council Members' Remarks for James D. Couch
Council members shared personal tributes and appreciation for James D. Couch's leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the city.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of items A and B related to the journal of council proceedings.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances (Item 9d)
Item 9d, PUD 1687, was requested to be withdrawn by the applicant.
Revocable Permits
No revocable permits were on the agenda for consideration.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (Items A-K)
Recess of council meeting to convene as the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority to approve items A through K.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority
Adjournment of OCMFA to convene as the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority to approve three items.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust
Adjournment of OCPA to convene as the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust to approve claims and payroll.
Consent Docket (Items A-Q, excluding AO)
Approval of various items on the consent docket, with item AO pulled for individual consideration.
Consent Docket (Item AO - Boomer Sports Complex)
Presentation by Doug Cupper, Director of Parks and Recreation, regarding the acquisition of the Boomer Sports Complex.
Concurrence Docket (Items A-Q)
Approval of all items on the concurrence docket.
9a1: Ordinance on Final Hearing (2313 NW 10th St)
Rezoning from R2 to O1 at 2313 Northwest 10th Street, recommended for approval by the planning commission.
9a2: Ordinance on Final Hearing (3701 NW 192nd)
Rezoning from AA to PUD 1086 at 3701 Northwest 192nd Street, with no protests.
9a3: Ordinance on Final Hearing (7300 NW 164th)
Rezoning from PUD 1368 to PUD 1698 at 7300 Northwest 164th Street, recommended for approval by the planning commission.
9a4: Ordinance on Final Hearing (13000 N Sarah Rd)
Rezoning from PUD 445, 1578, and 1595 to PUD 1699 at 13000 North Sarah Road.
9a5: Ordinance on Final Hearing (2808 NW 18th St)
Rezoning from R2 to SPUD 1089 at 2808 Northwest 18th Street for a garage apartment.
9b1: Amendment to Master Design Statement (7600 N Kelly Ave)
Amendment related to adding brick columns around a temple property at 7600 North Kelly Avenue.
9b2: Ordinance on Final Hearing (7600 N Kelly Ave)
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD 1091 at 7600 North Kelly Avenue to permit brick columns around a temple property.
9c: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Alley Closing)
Closing an alley west of Broadway and south of Northwest 14th Street.
9e: Ordinance on Final Hearing (OKC Business Improvement District)
Revising the assessment roll for the OKC Business Improvement District Downtown to correct duplicated properties.
9f: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Annual Fee on Utilities)
Final hearing on the annual fee assessed on investor-owned utilities or rural electric cooperatives.
9g1: Public Hearing (GO Limited Tax Bond Proceeds)
Public hearing for the joint resolution approving the allocation of GO limited tax bond proceeds for affordable housing.
9g2: Joint Resolution (GO Limited Tax Bond Proceeds)
Approving the allocation of GO limited tax bond proceeds in the amount of $600,000 for economic development incentives for affordable housing.
9h: Resolution (OCUWT Indebtedness - $50M)
Resolution approving the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCUWT) for $50 million for clean water projects.
9i: Resolution (OCUWT Indebtedness - $30M)
Resolution approving the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCUWT) for $30 million for drinking water projects.
Items from Council
Council members shared updates, wished happy new year, and thanked city employees for community service.
City Manager Reports
Brief mention of the new City Manager's swearing-in ceremony and access to claims and payroll information.
Citizens to be Heard
Public comments on street naming and oil and gas drilling regulations.
Adjournment
Conclusion of the city council meeting.