Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting covered a range of topics including economic development updates, reappointments, and several zoning and land use requests. Key decisions included the approval of an economic development agreement with Amazon and the denial of a medical marijuana dispensary application due to neighborhood opposition. The council also discussed the future of historic preservation and the process for city charter amendments.
Key Decisions & Votes
Appointment to Board of Adjustment
00:23:00Reappointment of Samuel Merchant to serve as a member of the Board of Adjustment.
Economic Development Agreement with Amazon
00:46:00Approval of an economic development agreement with Amazon, allocating $1.7 million in general obligation limited tax bonds to support a 2.65 million square foot facility, creating over 1700 jobs.
Additional Funds for Santa Fe Parking Garage Improvements
00:58:00Approval of an additional $250,000 in TIF funds for improvements to the Santa Fe Parking Garage, which will house UCO downtown facilities.
Hudson Avenue Project Infrastructure Reimbursement
01:03:00Approval of $120,000 in TIF funds for partial reimbursement of public infrastructure improvements related to the Hudson Avenue Project.
General Obligation Bond Sales and Refinancing
01:10:00Approval of resolutions for the annual general obligation bond sales (AP and AQ) and refinancing of previous bonds (AR and AS) for savings.
Affordable Housing Allocation for Paige Woodson Phase 3
01:19:00Approval of a $1 million allocation for the third phase of Paige Woodson, dedicating 34 units to workforce housing at 70-80% of area median income.
Rezoning at 201 Northeast 13th Street
01:35:00Rezoning from R3 to O1 to permit an office development (law office).
Rezoning at 10801 West Garnett
01:36:00Rezoning from I1 to I2 to permit an auto dealership.
Rezoning at 13640 North Council Road
01:37:00Rezoning from R1 to PUD-1696.
Rezoning at 1305 Northwestern Avenue (OnCue)
01:38:00Rezoning from SPUD 972 and R3 to SPUD 1092 for an OnCue gas station, despite neighborhood concerns about traffic and the drive-through.
Rezoning at 1111 Northeast 63rd Street (Medical Marijuana Dispensary)
01:59:00Denial of rezoning from R1 to SPUD 1093 to permit an office and medical marijuana dispensary, due to strong neighborhood opposition regarding commercialization and potential impacts.
Rezoning at 6620 North Sooner Road
02:18:00Rezoning from AA to SPUD 1096.
Rezoning at 1117 Northwest 15th Street
02:19:00Rezoning from R3 to SPUD 1097 for infill development.
Rezoning at 1515 North Portland
02:20:00Rezoning from C3 and O1 to SPUD 1099.
Westbury Drive PUD Amendment
02:21:00Amendment to the master design statement and approval of an ordinance to rezone 2101 Westbury Drive from PUD 1629 to PUD 1701 for senior living, addressing access and building provisions.
Northeast 27th Street PUD Amendment
02:29:00Amendment to the master design statement and approval of an ordinance to rezone 2222 Northeast 27th Street from R1 to SPUD 1101 for organic produce, herb, and flower production, in partnership with Langston University.
Rezoning at 9816 Southwest 89th Street
02:31:00Motion to send the rezoning request from AA to SPUD 1064 back to the Planning Commission.
Easement Vacation at 615 North Classen
02:32:00Approval of an ordinance to close and vacate an easement to allow a building addition for the Oklahoma City Public Schools administration building.
Special Permit for Commercial Blood Center
02:34:00Approval of a special permit to operate a commercial blood center in the C3 commercial district at 4275 Northwest 63rd.
Motorized Scooter Definition Ordinance
02:35:00Introduction of an ordinance to add a definition for motorized scooters to city ordinances, allowing for regulation.
Dilapidated Structures Declaration
02:38:00Resolution declaring listed structures as dilapidated.
Unsecured Structures Declaration
02:39:00Resolution declaring listed structures as unsecured.
Abandoned Buildings Declaration
02:40:00Resolution declaring listed buildings as abandoned.
Amendment to 2009 International Fire Code
02:40:00Resolution declaring the need to amend Chapter 5, Section 506.1 of the 2009 International Fire Code regarding key boxes for emergency access.
Sardis Lake Settlement Agreement Conformance
02:45:00Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust authorizing the execution of the conformed settlement agreement with the State, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and OWBR regarding Sardis Lake water rights.
Confess Judgment in Akrov v. City of OKC
02:51:00Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Akrov v. City of OKC.
Confess Judgment in Lancaster v. City of OKC
02:51:00Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Lancaster v. City of OKC.
Confess Judgment in Lucas v. City of OKC
02:52:00Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Lucas v. City of OKC.
Confess Judgment in Russell v. City of OKC
02:52:00Resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Russell v. City of OKC.
Claims Recommended for Denial
02:54:00Denial of claims listed under 9 S 1 a through c.
Claims Recommended for Approval
02:55:00Approval of claims listed under 10 A 1 a through q.
Noise Ordinance (Engine Brakes)
02:56:00Adoption of an ordinance relating to noise from engine brakes to provide relief for residents in remote areas.
Upcoming Community Events
DC Fly-in
Annual program by the Chamber of Commerce including briefings from congressional delegation, reception on Capitol Hill, and sessions on military defense, immigration, and political landscape.
Chamber Forums
January: Panel discussion on Oklahoma City's eight opportunity zones. February: Superintendent Sean McDaniel on 'Pathway to Greatness'. March: Two newest council members discussing their vision for Oklahoma City.
Rare Disease Day
Mentioned by Councilman Greiner as a global event to raise awareness for rare diseases.
Socket to Them Campaign
Homeless Alliance and Oklahoma City Employee Association campaign encouraging people not to wear socks and to donate socks and toiletries.
Meeting at Prospect Baptist Church
6 PM, topics include northeast duplexes, MAPS 3 advisory board, parks commissioner, fire department recruitment, and Restore OKC.
How to Do Business with the City
9 AM at the Zoo Education Building, rescheduled from a snow day.
Oklahoma is Black Exhibit
Oklahoma Contemporary highlighting Northeast Oklahoma City.
Storytelling Project
At Paige Woodson, featuring elders Dr. George Henderson and Ms. Anita Arnold, focusing on black history.
Financial Matters
Economic Development Agreement with Amazon
Allocation of general obligation limited tax bonds to support Amazon's new facility, based on job creation and capital investment.
Santa Fe Parking Garage Improvements
Additional TIF funds requested for UCO's Santa Fe Parking Garage project due to increased construction costs.
Hudson Avenue Project Infrastructure Reimbursement
Partial reimbursement from TIF funds for public infrastructure improvements (water mains and sewer line) for the Hudson Avenue Project.
General Obligation Bond Sale (AP)
First sale from the 2017 authorization for economic development, to be sold as taxable bonds.
General Obligation Bond Sale (AQ)
Sale for tax-exempt infrastructure projects, including $44 million from the 2007 authorization, completing its issuance.
Bond Refinancing (AR)
Refinancing of 2007 GO bonds (issued 2008 and 2010) for an estimated savings of $1.2 million.
Bond Refinancing (AS)
Refinancing of 2009 GO bonds for an estimated savings of $2.4 million.
Affordable Housing Allocation (Paige Woodson)
Allocation for the third phase of Paige Woodson, dedicating 34 units to workforce housing.
February Sales and Use Tax Report
Sales and use tax collections continue to be strong, well ahead of target, though underlying growth slowed to 1.7% in February.
Annual Debt Reporting
Report on the city's annual debt.
Public Comments
Public comments were primarily focused on the proposed OnCue gas station and the medical marijuana dispensary. Residents expressed strong opposition to the dispensary due to concerns about commercialization, traffic, and safety in a residential area. There was also significant discussion regarding the OnCue project, with residents raising concerns about traffic, noise, and the impact on existing homes, while some business owners supported it for economic development and safety.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 6a (applicant needs to make a correction on their permit)
- Item 9 a1 (PC10552, appleton history applicant requested continuance)
- Item 9b (resolution regarding the walkway center 11b, deferred to March 12th)
- Item 9d (rezoning at 9816 Southwest 89th Street, sent back to Planning Commission)
Deadlines
- March 12th: Public hearing for motorized scooter definition ordinance
- March 26th: Final adoption for motorized scooter definition ordinance
- March 26th: Bond sales for AP and AQ
Watch For
- Discussion on declaring First Christian Church a historic landmark
- Discussion on city charter amendment for federal/state employee council eligibility
- Discussion on city charter amendment for council salaries
- Discussion on initiative petition process amendments
- Further updates on the Sardis Lake settlement agreement implementation
- Executive session outcomes for Campbell v. City of OKC and Hilltop v. OKC
Announcements
- Pastor Ray Douglas of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church led the invocation.
- Councilman Todd Stone led the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Roy Williams, President of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, provided an economic development update.
- Robbie Kenzel from the Planning Department presented on the Artist in Residence program.
- Randy Marks from the Planning Department presented on the artwork at the Bennett Center at the fairgrounds.
- Brian from the Economic Development Department presented on the Amazon project.
- Karen Youngblood from the University of Central Oklahoma presented on additional funds for the Santa Fe Parking Garage.
- Ben Sellers with the Pivot Project presented on the Hudson Avenue Project.
- Kenny Sewell, Interim Finance Director, presented on general obligation bond sales and refinancing.
- Steve Christ with the Municipal Counselor's office presented on the motorized scooter definition ordinance.
- Charles Locke's last council meeting before retirement on March 7th, after almost 42 years of service.
- Chief Kelly gave a presentation on the resolution to amend the 2009 International Fire Code.
- Craig Keith with the Municipal Counselor's office gave an overview of the Sardis Lake settlement agreement.
- Councilman Greiner mentioned Rare Disease Day on Thursday and encouraged awareness.
- Councilman Stone praised Daniel Nguyen from Eric Wingler's team for excellent service.
- Mayor Holt and Councilwoman Nice participated in the 'Socket to Them' campaign by the Homeless Alliance and Oklahoma City Employee Association, encouraging sock and toiletry donations.
- Councilwoman Nice recognized former Councilwoman Willa Johnson's significant birthday and her historical role as the first African-American woman on the council.
- Tammy Fate, Manager of Retail Development Recruitment for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on retail strategies and trends.
Agenda Summary
Office of the Mayor - Economic Development Update
Presentation by Roy Williams, President of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, on legislative agenda, workforce shortages, justice reforms, economic pipeline, and retail activity.
Appointment of Samuel Merchant to Board of Adjustment
Reappointment of Samuel Merchant as a member of the Board of Adjustment.
Journal of Council Proceedings
Approval of council meeting minutes.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances
Various items continued to future dates or stricken from the agenda.
OCMFA Items A-F
Approval of various items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OCPPA Items A-D
Approval of various items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority, including replacement of electric golf carts.
OCEAT Items A-C
Approval of various items for the Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust, including a price adjustment with Waste Management due to CPI increase.
Consent Docket Item 7P (Artist in Residence Program)
Presentation on the Artist in Residence program, featuring artist Erica Bonavida.
Consent Docket Item 7Q (Bennett Center Artwork)
Presentation on the artwork 'Virgo' by Cliff Garten for the MAPS 3 Bennett Event Center at the fairgrounds.
Consent Docket Item 7AK (Amazon Economic Development Agreement)
Presentation and approval of an economic development agreement with Amazon for a new facility, including $1.7 million in GO bonds and infrastructure improvements.
Consent Docket Item 7AL (UCO Santa Fe Parking Garage Funds)
Presentation and approval of additional TIF funds for improvements to the Santa Fe Parking Garage for UCO downtown facilities.
Consent Docket Item 7AN (Hudson Avenue Project Reimbursement)
Presentation and approval of infrastructure reimbursement for the Hudson Avenue Project due to unforeseen water and sewer issues.
Consent Docket Items 7AP, 7AQ, 7AR, 7AS (Bond Sales and Refinancing)
Presentation and approval of resolutions for annual general obligation bond sales (economic development and infrastructure) and refinancing of previous bonds.
Consent Docket Item 7AM (Paige Woodson Phase 3 Affordable Housing)
Presentation and approval of a $1 million allocation for the third phase of Paige Woodson to include workforce housing units.
Concurrence Docket Items A-L
Approval of various items on the concurrence docket, including a consultant study for silt removal from Lake Overholser.
9 A 2: Rezoning 201 Northeast 13th Street
Rezoning from R3 to O1 to permit an office development.
9 A 3: Rezoning 10801 West Garnett
Rezoning from I1 to I2 to permit an auto dealership.
9 A 4: Rezoning 13640 North Council Road
Rezoning from R1 to PUD-1696.
9 A 5: Rezoning 1305 Northwestern Avenue
Rezoning from SPUD 972 and R3 to SPUD 1092 for an OnCue gas station.
9 A 6: Rezoning 1111 Northeast 63rd Street
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD 1093 to permit an office and medical marijuana dispensary.
9 A 7: Rezoning 6620 North Sooner Road
Rezoning from AA to SPUD 1096.
9 A 8: Rezoning 1117 Northwest 15th Street
Rezoning from R3 to SPUD 1097.
9 A 9: Rezoning 1515 North Portland
Rezoning from C3 and O1 to SPUD 1099.
9 B 1: Amendment to Master Design Statement (Westbury Drive)
Amendment related to the PUD for 2101 Westbury Drive.
9 B 2: Ordinance on Final Hearing 2101 Westbury Drive
Rezoning from PUD 1629 to PUD 1701 for senior living development.
9 C 1: Amendment to Master Design Statement (Northeast 27th Street)
Amendment related to the PUD for 2222 Northeast 27th Street.
9 C 2: Ordinance on Final Hearing 2222 Northeast 27th Street
Rezoning from R1 to SPUD 1101 for organic produce, herb, and flower production.
9 D: Ordinance on Final Hearing 9816 Southwest 89th Street
Rezoning from AA to SPUD 1064.
9 E: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Easement Vacation)
Closing and vacating an easement at 615 North Classen.
9 F: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Special Permit)
Special permit to operate a commercial blood center at 4275 Northwest 63rd.
9 G: Ordinance to be Introduced (Motorized Scooter Definition)
Introduction of an ordinance to add a definition for motorized scooters to city ordinances.
9 H 1: Public Hearing (Dilapidated Structures)
Public hearing regarding listed dilapidated structures.
9 H 2: Resolution (Dilapidated Structures)
Resolution declaring listed structures as dilapidated.
9 I 1: Public Hearing (Unsecured Structures)
Public hearing regarding listed unsecured structures.
9 I 2: Resolution (Unsecured Structures)
Resolution declaring listed structures as unsecured.
9 J 1: Public Hearing (Abandoned Buildings)
Public hearing regarding listed abandoned buildings.
9 J 2: Resolution (Abandoned Buildings)
Resolution declaring listed buildings as abandoned.
9 K: Resolution (Amend 2009 International Fire Code)
Resolution declaring the need to amend Chapter 5, Section 506.1 of the 2009 International Fire Code regarding key boxes.
9 L 1: Joint Resolution (Sardis Lake Settlement Agreement)
Joint resolution with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust authorizing execution of the conformed settlement agreement regarding Sardis Lake water rights.
9 M 1: Resolution (Confess Judgment - Akrov v. City of OKC)
Resolution authorizing municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability.
9 N 1: Resolution (Confess Judgment - Lancaster v. City of OKC)
Resolution authorizing municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability.
9 O 1: Resolution (Confess Judgment - Lucas v. City of OKC)
Resolution authorizing municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability.
9 P 1: Resolution (Confess Judgment - Russell v. City of OKC)
Resolution authorizing municipal counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability.
9 Q: Executive Session (Campbell v. City of OKC)
Motion to enter executive session to receive confidential communications.
9 R: Executive Session (Hilltop v. OKC)
Motion to enter executive session to receive confidential communications.
9 S 1: Claims Recommended for Denial
Denial of claims listed under 9 S 1 a through c.
10 A 1: Claims Recommended for Approval
Approval of claims listed under 10 A 1 a through q.
11 A: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Noise - Engine Brakes)
Adoption of an ordinance relating to noise from engine brakes.
12: City Manager Reports - Retail Strategies Update
Presentation by Tammy Fate from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce on retail trends and strategies.
12: City Manager Reports - February Sales and Use Tax Report
Report on sales and use tax collections for February.
12: City Manager Reports - Annual Debt Reporting
Report on the city's annual debt.