Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting addressed various administrative and development items, including the recognition of the Teacher of the Month and appointments to city boards. Key financial reports were presented, showing overall positive trends. Significant discussions revolved around the police department's rifle purchasing agreement, public art installations, and amendments to the comprehensive plan. Several dilapidated, unsecured, and abandoned property cases were deferred, and a new ordinance for transit towing was introduced.
Key Decisions & Votes
Teacher of the Month Recognition
05:00The Council recognized Lauren Kuerbach as the December 2021 Teacher of the Month for her dedication and innovative teaching at Wiley Post Elementary.
Appointment to Employment Retirement System
10:50Amy Madera was unanimously appointed to serve as a member of the Oklahoma City Employment Retirement System.
Police Rifle Pricing Agreement
34:00A pricing agreement for the purchase of rifles and accessories for the police department was approved by a 6-2 vote, following discussion on inventory and necessity.
Public Art Installation Agreement
37:00An agreement for a temporary public art installation by Angie Lopaglia and Keona Mill Irons at the downtown library was approved.
Wayne Coyne/Damien Hirst Artwork Loan
40:00A 10-year loan agreement for an 18-foot square painting by Wayne Coyne and internationally acclaimed artist Damien Hirst to be displayed at the Oklahoma City Convention Center was approved.
Rezoning 9213 S Sooner Rd
1:41:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 9213 South Sooner Road from AA to Neighborhood Commercial District was approved.
Rezoning 2600 SW 44th St for Affordable Housing
1:43:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 2600 SW 44th Street from R-1 to PUD was approved, enabling Habitat for Humanity to build two affordable homes.
Rezoning 14700 N Sara Rd
1:44:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 14700 North Sara Road from AA to R-1 was approved.
Rezoning 2601 S Sara Rd
1:45:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 2601 South Sara Road from AA to R-1 was approved.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Hefner & Kelly)
1:59:00A resolution receiving an amendment to the comprehensive plan to change a 20-acre site at Hefner Road and Kelly Avenue from 'employment' to 'urban low' for mixed-use development was approved.
Rezoning 10723 N Kelly Ave
2:00:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 10723 North Kelly Avenue from R-1 to PUD for a mixed-use development was approved.
Rezoning 1721 NE 23rd St
2:08:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1721 Northeast 23rd Street to permit a mixed-use development was approved.
Rezoning 3108 E Hefner Rd for Bed and Breakfast
2:09:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 3108 East Hefner Road from R-1 to PUD to permit a bed and breakfast was approved, bringing an existing operation into compliance.
Rezoning 2424 N Sara Rd
2:10:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 2424 North Sara Road from AA to R-1 was approved.
Rezoning 1400 NW 92nd St
2:11:00An ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1400 Northwest 92nd Street from R-1 to PUD was approved.
Transit Towing Ordinance Introduction
1:30:00An ordinance amending Chapter 32 to allow the Public Transportation and Parking Director to initiate towing of vehicles obstructing the streetcar route was introduced.
Transit Towing Fee Schedule Introduction
1:30:00An ordinance amending Chapter 60 to add a fee schedule, allowing EMBARK to recoup costs for towing vehicles obstructing the streetcar, was introduced.
Salary Continuation for Major Randy Gonzalez
2:26:00A resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Major Randy Gonzalez was approved.
Settlement for Condemnation Proceeding
2:27:00A resolution authorizing the municipal counselor to enter into an agreed settlement and entry of judgment for a condemnation proceeding was approved.
Claim Recommended for Denial
2:28:00A specific claim recommended for denial was denied.
Upcoming Community Events
Cleveland Elementary School Garden Lessons
Over 300 students participated in interactive sessions, learning about nutrition and tasting homegrown vegetables like kale, bok choy, and carrots.
Brick Garden Sustainable Christmas Tree Sales
Located at 4027 North Classen. Offers cut Christmas trees that support tree farmers and potted Norfolk pines or dwarf Alberta spruces for sustainable options.
Retired Firefighters Association Christmas Dinner
Annual dinner celebrating retired firefighters who dedicated their lives to citizen safety.
Juanita Davis 100th Birthday Celebration
Celebration at Lincoln Park Clubhouse for Juanita Davis, founder of Metropolitan Daily Living Centers, honored for her community contributions.
Senior Prom
An event for seniors to enjoy.
Pits Recreation Center Toy Drive
Seeking 500 toy donations for community distribution. Drop-off at Pits Recreation Center or Fade In A Barber Shop.
Safari Lights at the Oklahoma City Zoo
A visual spectacle at the zoo, contributing to its high visitor numbers.
Kindred Spirits Black Fridays
Highlights small businesses for patronage and Christmas gift shopping.
Homeland Mural Completion Ceremony
Celebration of the completed mural on Northeast 36th and Lincoln, depicting the beauty of blackness in the community.
Abilities Expo
Citizen Joy Reardon expressed interest in bringing this expo, which showcases abilities and products for the ADA community, to Oklahoma City.
Financial Matters
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) Financial Statement
Net position decreased from $43.8 million to $42.1 million, managing insurance programs and GO bonds. Audit was clean.
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPPA) Financial Statement
Net position increased from $59.3 million to $61.1 million. Golf courses reduced their negative net position by $600,000 to $1.3 million. Fairgrounds negative net position remained flat. Audit was clean.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
Net position remained flat at $2.4 billion. Component units increased from $1.7 million to $1.9 million. Assets increased due to over $150 million in GO bonds and unprecedented sales tax increases. Pension funds increased from $847,000 to $1.1 billion, with the retirement system 94% funded. General fund balance was $118.1 million, with an addition of $11.4 million. Audit was clean.
Adventure District Business Improvement District (BID) Assessment Role
The assessment role for the BID is just over $200,000.
Super Span Drainage Structure Repairs
Estimated cost for necessary repairs to the 50-year-old drainage structure near Penn Square Mall.
Bell Isle Library Change Order
Additional costs for changes to interior glass and an extension of 50 days for the library expansion project.
Coliseum at Fairgrounds Design Contract Amendment
Extension of the fixed limit of construction from $73 million to $84 million to compensate architects for additional design work.
Police Rifle Pricing Agreement
A pricing agreement for the purchase of rifles and accessories for the police department, with a budget amount to handle replacements and maintenance.
Transit Towing Fee Schedule
New fee schedule allowing EMBARK to recoup costs associated with towing vehicles that obstruct the streetcar route.
Bryant Center Dilapidated Structure Rehabilitation
Owner Dr. Phillips mentioned spending $60,000 and estimated roof repair costs over $500,000 for the community center rehabilitation.
Public Comments
Public comments covered a range of topics including concerns about new residential development's impact on infrastructure and flight paths, the need to address inner-city neglect, issues with scooters, and a proposal to bring an 'Abilities Expo' to Oklahoma City. A student spoke passionately about homelessness and its impact on youth, advocating for more personalized support. Another citizen thanked judges for providing reflector bands for the homeless and reiterated the desire to open a closed school gym as a tornado shelter.
Coming Up
Tabled
- PC10770 (Item 11e) deferred to February 15th.
- Claim for denial (Item 11s1b) deferred to December 21st.
- Dilapidated structure at 2701 NE 21st St (Item 11n1a) deferred for two weeks (December 21st).
- Dilapidated structure at 2701 NE 21st St (Bryant Center, Item 11n1b) deferred to January 4th.
- Unsecured structure at 2701 NE 21st St (Item 11o1m) deferred for two weeks (December 21st).
- Abandoned building (Item 11p1c) deferred for two weeks (December 21st).
Deadlines
- Bids for Super Span drainage structure repairs are due December 29th.
- Bell Isle Library expansion is on track for completion at the end of January.
- Wayne Coyne/Damien Hirst artwork installation at the Convention Center is aimed for January 13th.
- Public hearing for the Adventure District BID renewal is scheduled for January 4th.
- Public hearing for the transit towing ordinances (Items 11L & 11M) is scheduled for January 4th.
Watch For
- The city's single audit of grants and federal funds is expected to be complete by the first quarter of calendar year 2022.
- Deployment of Maps 4 funds for various projects.
- A second project for sidewalk improvements west of Lotte is planned for a future council meeting.
- An addendum to the RFP for Maps 4 Youth Centers will be issued to address adverse childhood experiences and mental health.
- Continued efforts to purchase more less-lethal options for police officers.
- Upcoming police lateral academies and regular academies in 2022.
- Meetings of the Housing First subcommittee related to homelessness.
Announcements
- December 7th, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; flags on city property were lowered.
- Lauren Kuerbach was recognized as December 2021 Teacher of the Month by Putnam City Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- Oklahoma City was named the number one city for outdoor artwork and murals by USA Today.
- Cleveland Elementary School concluded its fall garden lessons, with over 300 students participating in cooking and tasting sessions of homegrown vegetables.
- Brick Garden in Ward 2 is promoting sustainable Christmas tree options, including cut trees that support tree farmers and potted trees for year-round enjoyment.
- Councilman Cooper raised awareness for World AIDS Day (December 1st), highlighting concerns about decreased HIV testing during the pandemic and the importance of safe practices.
- Police Department issued warnings about an uptick in auto burglaries and porch pirates during the holiday season, encouraging citizens to secure belongings and report crimes.
- Councilman Stone toured the Southwest Briefing Station and participated in a ride-along, commending officers' professionalism and dignity.
- The Police Department is focusing on community outreach programs like 'Shop with a Cop' during the holiday season.
- The Oklahoma City Retired Firefighters Association held their annual Christmas dinner, attended by council members.
- Juanita Davis celebrated her 100th birthday; she is the founder of Metropolitan Daily Living Centers and a pillar in the community.
- Judges Gladwell and James of the Municipal Courts provided reflector bands for the homeless population, in response to a citizen's concern.
- Pits Recreation Center is hosting a toy drive with a goal of 500 toys; donations can be dropped off at the center or Fade In A Barber Shop.
- Safari Lights at the Oklahoma City Zoo are ongoing.
- Kindred Spirits on Black Fridays continues to highlight small businesses.
- The Homeland Mural on Northeast 36th and Lincoln is officially complete, celebrating blackness in the community and providing fresh food access.
Agenda Summary
Item 3: Resolution recognizing Lauren Kuerbach as Teacher of the Month
Resolution commending Lauren Kuerbach, a first-grade teacher at Wiley Post Elementary, for her innovative teaching methods and selection as December 2021 Teacher of the Month.
Item 4: Appointment of Amy Madera to the Oklahoma City Employment Retirement System
Appointment of Amy Madera to serve as a member of the Oklahoma City Employment Retirement System.
Item 5: City Manager Report
Update on performance measures, council priorities, and quarterly investment report.
Item 6a & 6b: Journal of Council Proceedings
Receive and approve the journal of council proceedings.
Item 7: Uncontested Continuances - PC10770
Applicant's request to defer PC10770.
Item 7: Uncontested Continuances - Stricken Items (11o1c, 11o1d, 11o1h, 11o1k, 11o1p, 11o1r, 11o1s, 11o1u)
Several items related to unsecured structures were stricken from the agenda as owners secured the properties.
Item 7: Uncontested Continuances - Stricken Items (11p1a, 11p1b, 11p1g, 11p1k, 11p1n, 11p1o)
Several items related to abandoned buildings were stricken from the agenda as owners secured the properties.
Item 7: Uncontested Continuances - Claim for Denial (11s1b)
Claim for denial deferred to December 21st.
Item 8: New Revocable Permits and Events
No new revocable permits and events were presented.
OCMFA Items (10 items)
Approval of 10 items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority, including claims and payroll.
OCPPA Items (5 items)
Approval of 5 items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Item 9g: Pricing Agreement for Rifles and Accessories
Approval of a pricing agreement to purchase rifles and accessories for the police department, with discussion on inventory and necessity.
Item 9w: Public Art Installation Agreement
Agreement for a temporary public art installation by Angie Lopaglia and Keona Mill Irons at the downtown library, using heat-applied decals.
Item 9x: Loan Agreement for Wayne Coyne/Damien Hirst Artwork
Approval of a 10-year loan agreement for an 18-foot square painting by Wayne Coyne and Damien Hirst to be displayed at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Item 9y & 9z: Adventure District BID Renewal
Introduction of the seventh-year renewal request for the Adventure District Business Improvement District, with a public hearing scheduled for January 4th.
Item 9aa: Super Span Drainage Structure Repairs
Plans and specifications for advertising repairs to the 50-year-old Super Span drainage structure near Penn Square Mall, estimated at $1.4 million.
Item 9ad: Bell Isle Library Change Order
Change order six and amendment one for the Bell Isle Library expansion project, providing for additional interior glass and adding 50 days to the construction timeline.
Item 9af: Final Acceptance of Sidewalk Improvements
Final acceptance of sidewalk improvements in the area from Martin Luther King to Lotte, Northeast 8th to Northeast 23rd.
Item 9am: Coliseum at Fairgrounds Design Contract Amendment
New contract, essentially an amendment, to extend the fixed limit of construction for the Coliseum at the Fairgrounds from $73 million to $84 million, compensating architects for additional design work.
Item 9at: RFP for Maps 4 Youth Centers
Discussion regarding the Request for Proposals for the Maps 4 Youth Centers, with an addendum to be issued to address adverse childhood experiences and mental health.
Remaining Consent Docket Items
Approval of all other items on the consent docket without separate discussion.
Item 10i: Concurrence Docket - Boulevard Place Item
Approval of the Boulevard Place item from the concurrence docket.
Remaining Concurrence Docket Items
Approval of all other items on the concurrence docket without separate discussion.
Item 11a: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 9213 S Sooner Rd
Rezoning from AA to Neighborhood Commercial District.
Item 11b: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 2600 SW 44th St
Rezoning from R-1 to PUD for Habitat for Humanity to build two affordable homes.
Item 11c: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 14700 N Sara Rd
Rezoning from AA to R-1.
Item 11d: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 2601 S Sara Rd
Rezoning from AA to R-1.
Item 11e: Ordinance on Final Hearing (Deferred)
This item was deferred earlier in the meeting.
Item 11f: Resolution Receiving Amendment to Comprehensive Plan (Hefner & Kelly)
Resolution receiving an amendment to the comprehensive plan to change a 20-acre site at Hefner Road and Kelly Avenue from 'employment' to 'urban low' for mixed-use development.
Item 11g: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 10723 N Kelly Ave
Rezoning from R-1 to PUD for a mixed-use development including single-family, duplex, and multi-family residential.
Item 11h: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 1721 NE 23rd St
Rezoning to permit a mixed-use development with included TEs.
Item 11i: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 3108 E Hefner Rd
Rezoning from R-1 to PUD to permit a bed and breakfast, bringing an existing operation into compliance.
Item 11j: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 2424 N Sara Rd
Rezoning from AA to R-1.
Item 11k: Ordinance on Final Hearing to Rezone 1400 NW 92nd St
Rezoning from R-1 to PUD.
Item 11l: Ordinance Amending Chapter 32 (Motor Vehicle and Traffic)
Introduction of an ordinance to allow the Public Transportation and Parking Director or designee to initiate towing of vehicles obstructing the streetcar route.
Item 11m: Ordinance Amending Chapter 60 (General Schedule of Fees)
Introduction of an ordinance to add to the general schedule of fees, allowing EMBARK to recoup costs for towing vehicles obstructing the streetcar.
Item 11n1a: Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures - 2701 NE 21st St
Public hearing for a dilapidated structure where a gentleman recently perished, with concerns about the process and potential liens.
Item 11n1b: Public Hearing Regarding Dilapidated Structures - 2701 NE 21st St (Bryant Center)
Public hearing for the Bryant Center, a dilapidated structure, with the owner requesting more time for rehabilitation.
Item 11n2: Resolution Declaring Structures Dilapidated
Resolution declaring various structures as dilapidated.
Item 11o1m: Public Hearing Regarding Unsecured Structures - 2701 NE 21st St
Public hearing for an unsecured structure, deferred to allow the owner to secure the property.
Item 11o2: Resolution Declaring Structures Unsecured
Resolution declaring various structures as unsecured.
Item 11p1c: Public Hearing Regarding Abandoned Buildings (Deferred)
Public hearing for an abandoned building, deferred for two weeks.
Item 11p2: Resolution Declaring Buildings Abandoned
Resolution declaring various buildings as abandoned.
Item 11q1: Resolution Approving Salary Continuation for Major Randy Gonzalez
Resolution approving the request for salary continuation for Major Randy Gonzalez.
Item 11r1: Resolution Authorizing Settlement for Condemnation Proceeding
Resolution authorizing and directing the municipal counselor to enter into an agreed settlement and entry of judgment for a condemnation proceeding.
Item 11s1a: Claim Recommended for Denial
Recommendation for denial of a specific claim.
Item 11t: Claims Recommended for Approval (A-D)
Approval of four claims recommended for approval.