Meeting Summary
The City Council addressed several zoning requests, notably denying a billboard SPUD on NW 39th Street due to concerns about neighborhood revitalization and sign clutter. They approved an amendment to the Better Streets, Safer City program, reallocating $12 million from under-budget projects to new sidewalk initiatives. Additionally, the Council formalized city purchasing and grant policies, and held a public hearing on proposed changes to street performer regulations.
Key Decisions & Votes
SPUD 1134 for non-accessory billboard sign on NW 39th St
The Council denied a request to allow a non-accessory billboard sign, citing concerns about sign clutter and the ongoing revitalization efforts in the historic 39th Street area.
SPUD 1137 for non-accessory billboard sign in Ward 6
The Council approved an SPUD to allow a non-accessory billboard sign, with amendments to reduce illumination levels and include light-directing louvers, in exchange for bringing the site into Scenic River guidelines.
SPUD 1151 for environmental/cannabis testing lab on N Kelly
An SPUD was approved for an environmental and cannabis testing lab, with amendments to restrict permitted uses to administrative offices, personal services, and research, removing broader retail and recreation options.
Amendment to Master Design Statement for N Lindsay development
The Council approved an amendment to require sidewalks, pedestrian paths, reduce driveways, and prohibit drive-through order windows (with an exception for a drive-through pharmacy) for a new grocery store and wellness center development.
SPUD 1140 for two residential units in Linwood
An SPUD was approved to allow two residential units on a lot in the Linwood Urban Conservation District, reducing the original request from three units and addressing neighborhood concerns about density and UCD compliance.
Resolution Updating City's Purchasing Policy
The Council approved an update to the city's purchasing policy, allowing for annual approval to access statewide contracts for commodities, streamlining the procurement process.
Resolution Adopting City of OKC Grant Policies and Procedures Manual
The Council formally adopted the city's grant policies and procedures manual, standardizing grant management and ensuring consistency with audit recommendations.
Resolution Adopting State Legislative Program
The Council adopted its state legislative program, prioritizing local control, increased transit funding, and preserving the sales tax base, and supporting initiatives like public safety districts and allowing streetcar operators to tow blocking vehicles.
Resolution Adopting Federal Legislative Program
The Council adopted its federal legislative program, focusing on funding for transportation and transit, airport opportunity zones, and monitoring issues like mental health treatment options under Medicaid.
Upcoming Community Events
Bricktown Parklet
Held by Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership in Ward 7.
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
5 to 7 p.m. on the third base plaza of Bricktown Ballpark. Free, includes Santa photos, letters to North Pole, face painting, food trucks, live performances. Mickey Mantle Drive closed 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
OKC Turkey Tracks
9th annual event, includes 1-mile fun run at 8:30 a.m. and 5k at 9 a.m. Partnering with Marine Corps for Toys for Tots. More info at okcturkeytracks.com.
Native American Heritage Month Programs at Library
Includes basket weaving demonstration at Bethany Library, discussion on Chicano culture, and independent native film screening. Information on library website.
Britton District Day
Inaugural event, attracted thousands, showcased the district's offerings. Recommendation for next year to block off street traffic.
Ward 2 Better Streets/MAPS 4 Informational Meetup
6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Tower Theater. Opportunity to meet city staff and learn about projects shaping Ward 2.
Financial Matters
Better Streets Safer City Program Implementation Plan Update
The plan update included budget revisions for street resurfacing projects, with two projects slightly over budget and 36 projects coming in under budget, returning approximately $12 million to the Better Streets funds for reallocation.
Sales and Use Tax Report
The November report showed a 6% sales tax growth for the month and 4% for the year. The city experienced its first decrease in use tax in 30 months, with combined sales and use tax for the month being $200,000 below target.
2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant
Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a joint award for the grant, which will be used to fund two additional crime analysts for the police department to enhance data analysis and targeted crime approaches.
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Amendment
Public hearing and resolution adopting amendments to the FY2020 budget, including appropriations for police department building improvements and other highlighted issues.
Public Comments
Two residents from the Brookwood neighborhood raised concerns about an illegally erected steel structure (carport/accessory building) at 10017 Trafalgar, citing code violations and lack of permits. Another citizen reported a dangerous intersection on the Lake Hefner trail, where a recent repaving has led to increased bicycle speeds and a serious accident due to obstructed views, urging safety improvements. A fourth speaker advocated for the preservation of the Freedom Center, alleging city council intentions to "steal" the historic building and criticizing urban renewal efforts.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 7j (Consent Docket) deferred to December 3rd
- Item 9a5 PUD 1730 deferred to January 7th
- Item 9j1 Dilapidated Structures List (1100 S Robinson) deferred to February 4th
- Item 9k1 Unsecured Structures (6400 SE 55th) deferred for two weeks
Watch For
- Public hearing on December 3rd and final hearing on December 17th for an ordinance amending disorderly conduct to include blocking exits
- Downtown OKC presentation on December 3rd regarding downtown activities in December
- Additional Better Streets, Safer City project recommendations in early 2020
Announcements
- OKC Parks and Recreation Department received the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society's Gold Medal of Excellence for its positive community impact, staff engagement, public support, and innovation.
- Recognition of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, highlighting the significant role of women entrepreneurs, particularly African American women, in the country.
- Observance of Native American Heritage Month, with recommendations for educational documentaries and information on local library programs.
Agenda Summary
Item 4 Journal Council Proceedings
Approval of council proceedings with a correction to page 38, changing "class and 10 pin" to "class in north highland park".
Item 5 Request for Uncontested Continuances
Deferral of Item 7j to December 3rd and Item 9a5 PUD 1730 to January 7th. Striking of several items from the agenda (9k1 a, d, g, j, l, q, r and 9l1 a, b, e, h, l) as owners secured.
Item 6a Revocable Permit for Bricktown Parklet
Permit for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership to hold the Bricktown Parklet from December 2nd through February 29th.
Item 6b Revocable Permit for Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Permit for Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership to hold the 18th annual Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival on Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 7 p.m., including street closures.
Item 6c Revocable Permit for OKC Turkey Tracks
Permit for Motive Oklahoma to hold the OKC Turkey Tracks event on Thanksgiving Day, including a 1-mile fun run and 5k, partnering with Marine Corps for Toys for Tots.
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Items
Multiple items presented to the OCMFA.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Items
Four items presented to the OCPPA.
Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Items
Claims and payroll presented to the OCEAT.
Item 7 Consent Docket
Approval of the consent docket, including presentations on the Better Streets Safer City Program Implementation Plan (Item 7ae) and an agreement with Bank First and Bricktown Parking Inc. (Item 7ao).
Item 8 Concurrence Docket
Approval of all items on the concurrence docket.
Item 9a1 PC10608 (100 NE 28th St)
Request to rezone from R4 General Residential District to I1 Light Industrial District for an office warehouse use.
Item 9a2 (Ward 1)
Request to rezone a section from R1 to a split of C3 and O2, with unanimous planning commission approval and no protest.
Item 9a3 (Ward 8)
Request to rezone land from R1 to Agriculture, with no protest.
Item 9a4 (9001 S Fairview Dr)
Request for zoning to commercial use on Southwest 89th Street, with unanimous planning commission approval and no protest.
Item 9a6 SPUD 1134 (2445 NW 39th St)
Request to allow a single non-accessory billboard sign as an additional permitted use, with conditions on illumination and screening.
Item 9a7 SPUD 1135 (1917-23 NW 23rd St)
Request to change zoning to SPUD for a hair salon.
Item 9a8 SPUD 1137 (Ward 6)
Request to allow one non-accessory sign in exchange for bringing the site into conformance with Scenic River guidelines, with an amendment to reduce nit level to 300 from dusk until dawn.
Item 9a9 SPUD 1151 (641 N Kelly)
Request for an SPUD for an environmental testing oil lab and cannabis testing facility, with amendments to remove participant recreation, community recreation, food and beverage retail sales, and retail sales uses.
Item 9a10 SPUD 1152 (Ward 6)
Request to rezone to allow for both a single family and a duplex.
Item 9a11 SPUD 1154 (Ward 4)
Request for an SPUD with agreed-upon TEs.
Item 9b1 Amendment to Master Design Statement (Ward 7)
Amendment to require sidewalks on North Lindsay, provide pedestrian paths, reduce drives, and prohibit drive-through order windows (with pharmacy exception) for a grocery store and wellness center.
Item 9b2 Ordinance on Final Hearing (Ward 7)
Ordinance related to the Master Design Statement amendment for the grocery store and wellness center.
Item 9c SPUD 1140 (Ward 6)
Request for an SPUD to allow two residential units in the Linwood Urban Conservation District, amended from an initial request for three units.
Item 9d1 Closing Right of Way (Ward 2)
Ordinance on final hearing for closing a right of way.
Item 9d2 Closing Portion of Rockwell Avenue (Ward 3)
Ordinance on final hearing for closing a portion of Rockwell Avenue to extend the life of a waste management dump.
Item 9e1 Ordinance on Final Hearing (River Corridor)
Ordinance related to events within the river corridor.
Item 9e2 Resolution Approving Revised Rules for River Corridor
Resolution approving revised rules for the river corridor.
Item 9f1 Public Hearing Regarding Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District
Public hearing and resolution adopting the assessment roll for the Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District.
Item 9f2 Ordinance on Final Hearing (Uptown 23rd BID)
Ordinance on final hearing related to the Uptown 23rd Business Improvement District.
Item 9f3 Resolution Approving Sole Source Professional Services Agreement (Uptown 23rd Street Association)
Resolution approving a sole source professional services agreement with the Uptown 23rd Street Association.
Item 9i Ordinance to be Introduced (Disorderly Conduct)
Ordinance to amend the existing disorderly conduct ordinance to include blocking an exit.
Item 9j1 Dilapidated Structures List (1100 S Robinson)
Public hearing regarding a property at 1100 South Robinson, damaged by winds, with the owner requesting more time for restoration.
Item 9k1 Unsecured Structures List (6400 SE 55th)
Public hearing regarding a property at 6400 Southeast 55th, with the owner requesting more time to secure the property.
Item 9l1 Abandoned Structures List
Public hearing regarding abandoned structures, with specific items (1100 S Robinson and 6400 SE 55th) not declared abandoned due to deferrals.
Item 9m1 Second Public Hearing (Police Department)
Second public hearing regarding projects funded by the public safety sales tax for the police department.
Item 9m2 Resolution Amending Appropriations (Police Department)
Resolution amending appropriations for the police department.
Item 9n1 Public Hearing (2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant)
Public hearing regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a joint award for the 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant.
Item 9o Public Hearing (Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Amendment)
Public hearing regarding a resolution adopting the Fiscal Year 2020 budget amendment.
Item 9p Resolution Updating City's Purchasing Policy
Resolution updating the city's purchasing policy to allow access to statewide contracts for a period of time.
Item 9q Resolution Adopting City of Oklahoma City Grant Policies and Procedures Manual
Resolution adopting the city's grant policies and procedures manual.
Item 9r Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF
Resolution approving a collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Item 9s Resolution
Resolution presented without requiring executive session.
Item 9t Resolution
Resolution presented without requiring executive session.
Item 9u Resolution
Resolution presented without requiring executive session.
Item 9w Claims Recommended for Denial
Claims recommended for denial.
Item 10a1 Claims Recommended for Approval
Claims recommended for approval.
Item 11a Public Hearing (Ordinances on Street Performers)
Public hearing regarding two ordinances related to street performers, discussing permit requirements and safety.
Item 11b Resolution Adopting State Legislative Program
Resolution adopting the city's state legislative program for the upcoming session.
Item 11c Resolution Adopting Federal Legislative Program
Resolution adopting the city's federal legislative program.