Meeting Summary
The City Council meeting included recognition of outstanding city employees and teachers, discussions on legislative priorities, and debates over redistricting and ward expansion. Key financial updates showed strong hotel tax revenues and progress on emergency rental assistance. Several community events for the holiday season were announced, and a significant decision was made to rename the I-240 Sports Complex.
Key Decisions & Votes
2022 Federal Legislative Program
30:00The City Council adopted its 2022 Federal Legislative Program, with an amendment to the wording regarding engagement on pandemic-related expenses.
2022 State Legislative Program
39:00The City Council adopted its 2022 State Legislative Program, after a motion to include human rights issues failed.
Allocation to U.S. Auto Force
1:36:00A joint resolution was approved to allocate $400,000 to U.S. Auto Force to establish a distribution center, creating over 40 jobs.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA 2)
1:40:00An agreement was approved with the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma to continue administering federal emergency rental assistance funds, with an initial allocation of $6.2 million.
Removal of Freedom Center from MAPS 4 Plan
1:55:00A resolution was approved to remove the Freedom Center from the MAPS 4 implementation plan, at the request of its board, with the allocated funds to be redirected to the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.
Rezoning 95 acres from AA to SPUD (Item 11b)
2:14:00An ordinance was passed to rezone 95 acres of agricultural land for single-family residential development, despite a motion to reconsider the vote failing.
Renaming I-240 Sports Complex
2:40:00A resolution was approved to formally rename the I-240 Sports Complex to the Douglas R. Cupper Sports Complex, recognizing his 46 years of service in parks and recreation.
Upcoming Community Events
Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival
Bricktown, in-person and virtual holiday special, free photos with Santa Claus, countdown with Mayor Holt.
Lights on Broadway
Automobile Alley, open house for businesses, Snow Globe Santa for free photos.
Saints Santa Run
Midtown, uses Downtown Dash route, programming at Saint Anthony's campus, free kids dash, one-mile fun run, 5k, cash prizes for fastest runners and most festive costumes.
Dog Day in December
Midtown, community invited to bring pets for photos with Santa Claus, fundraiser for Midtown OKC, programming and snacks available.
Merry Midtown
Midtown, holiday marketing campaign with promotional items from businesses, red bows and holiday cheer branding.
Devon Ice Rink
Myriad Gardens, 10th season, open seven days a week.
Holiday River Parade
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Riversport Foundation, Skiing Santa and elves, decorated motor boats, Winter Glow activities (indoor ice skating, curling, skiing/snowboarding, pictures and story time with Santa), laser light show, fireworks over the river.
Safari Lights
Oklahoma City Zoo, drive-through and walk-up options available.
Financial Matters
Hotel Tax Report
The city's hotel tax revenue showed 68% growth over the last fiscal year and is 7% above pre-pandemic levels, with record sales tax revenues in the last six months.
Allocation to U.S. Auto Force
A joint resolution with the OKC Economic Development Trust allocated $400,000 in 'gold funds' to U.S. Auto Force for a new distribution center, projected to create over 40 jobs with an average wage exceeding $55,000 annually.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA 2)
An agreement with the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma to administer the ERA 2 program, providing an initial $6.2 million from ARPA funds, with potential for an additional $9.3 million. The ERA 1 program (CARES Act) had spent 99% of its $19.6 million allocation.
City's Investment Policy Update
An update to the city's investment policy, which covers approximately $1.9 billion in funds, to reflect changes in state law (Senate Bill 281) allowing investment in state agencies' debt obligations, while maintaining priorities of safety, liquidity, and yield.
Increase in Economic Development Trust Allocation
A public hearing was held regarding a joint resolution with the OKC Economic Development Trust to approve a $100,000 increase to a previously approved $1 million allocation.
Public Comments
One citizen spoke regarding the resolution to add more wards, advocating for increased representation and access, particularly for the diverse population of South Oklahoma City, whose voices are currently diluted by existing ward boundaries.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Item 11c: Ordinance on final hearing, deferred to December 7th.
- Item 11f: Ordinance on final hearing, deferred to December 7th.
- Item 11v: Deferred to January 18, 2022.
- Item 11r1k (111 SW Western Ave): Deferred for two weeks.
- Item 11s1i (111 SW Western Ave): Deferred for two weeks.
Watch For
- Results of ACOG grant applications for public works projects (expected February 2022).
- Further discussions on the Innovation Hall operator RFP once subcommittees are established.
- Movement on the redevelopment of the blighted area at 2030 MLK.
- Potential additions of members to the Economic Development Trust and Housing Authority Board.
- Governor's response regarding Julius Jones clemency.
Announcements
- Mark Foreman, Helicopter Mechanic in the Police Department, was recognized as November 2021 Employee of the Month by the South Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club.
- Leandra Dokes, English Teacher at Millwood Arts Academy, was recognized as November 2021 Teacher of the Month by Millwood Public Schools and Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
- EMBARK announced 'RAPID' as the name for the city's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
- Predator Pass, featuring new cheetahs Boomer and Pistol Pete, and African wild dogs, has opened at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
- Safari Lights is happening at the Oklahoma City Zoo, offering both drive-through and walk-up options.
- The Bogert Street dedication (Bogert Parkway) ceremony was held, with thanks to Mayor Holt for attending.
Agenda Summary
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Opening of the meeting with a prayer from Pastor Myron Bruce and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Piper Bush.
Office of the Mayor - Presentations
Recognition of Mark Foreman as Employee of the Month and Leandra Dokes as Teacher of the Month.
Resolution adopting 2022 Federal Legislative Program (Item 4a)
Discussion and vote on the city's federal legislative priorities, including an amendment to the wording regarding pandemic-related expenses.
Resolution adopting 2022 State Legislative Program (Item 4b)
Discussion and vote on the city's state legislative priorities, including a proposed amendment to add human rights issues which failed.
Resolution establishing a redistricting committee to review redistricting maps (Item 4c)
Proposal to create a committee for more public input and transparency in the redistricting process.
Resolution requiring the council to add at least two additional wards (Item 4d)
Proposal to increase the number of city wards to improve representation, following a presentation on population growth and peer city analysis.
City Manager Reports
Updates on Downtown in December holiday events and the city's hotel tax revenue.
Journal of Council Proceedings (Items 6a and 6b)
Approval of the minutes from previous council proceedings.
Requests for Uncontested Continuances (Item 7)
Several agenda items were deferred or stricken due to various reasons, including owners securing dilapidated properties.
Resolution designating free fishing days in Oklahoma City (Item 8a)
Designation of specific dates for free fishing in the city.
Revocable permit with Riversport Foundation for Holiday River Parade (Item 8b)
Approval for Riversport Foundation to host the Holiday River Parade on December 4th.
OCMFA Items (Items a-e)
Routine items for the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority.
OCPPA Items (Items a-b)
Routine items for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Consent Docket (Item 9)
Approval of various routine items, with some pulled for discussion or recusal.
Joint resolution with OKC Economic Development Trust allocating $400,000 to U.S. Auto Force (Item 9bi)
Allocation of funds to support U.S. Auto Force in establishing a distribution center and creating jobs.
Agreement with Communities Foundation of Oklahoma for Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA 2) (Item 9bk)
Extension of partnership for administering federal emergency rental assistance funds.
Resolution to remove Freedom Center from MAPS 4 implementation plan (Item 9bv)
Removal of the Freedom Center from the MAPS 4 plan at the board's request, with funds redirected to the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.
Concurrence Docket (Item 10)
Approval of six items pertaining to water utilities and the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority.
Resolution to receive Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Item 11a)
Receipt of an amendment to the comprehensive plan to change land use for single-family residential development.
Ordinance on final hearing to rezone 95 acres from AA to SPUD (Item 11b)
Rezoning of agricultural land for single-family residential development.
Ordinance on final hearing to rezone 424 NW 122nd St from R1 to R2 (Item 11d)
Rezoning to permit a duplex to be built.
Ordinance on final hearing to rezone 330 SW 104th St from AA to SPUD 1330 (Item 11h)
Rezoning to allow for an increase in personal storage facilities.
Ordinance on final hearing to rezone 1900 Linwood Blvd from I2 to SPUD 1342 (Item 11i)
Rezoning to add specific uses, ensure building conformity, and address parking issues for an 'Ironworks District' vision.
Ordinance on final hearing to rezone 11901 Eckerd Dr from AA to SPUD 1345 (Item 11j)
Rezoning to allow for the splitting of a lot for two single-family homes.
Ordinance on final hearing to close 119 ft portion of a five-foot platted utility easement (Item 11k)
Closing of a utility easement in Ward 8.
Ordinance on final hearing to amend Chapter 57, Article 5 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code (Item 11l)
Amendment to a chapter of the municipal code.
Ordinance on final hearing establishing a parking setback (Item 11m)
Establishment of a parking setback in Ward 1.
Ordinance on final hearing establishing two reserved parking spaces (Item 11n)
Establishment of two reserved parking spaces in Ward 1.
Public hearing for amendments to the ambulance code (Item 11o)
Second of three public hearings regarding proposed amendments to the ambulance code.
Public hearing for preparation of request and specifications for wrecker service applicants (Item 11p)
Second of three public hearings regarding wrecker service specifications.
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures (Item 11q)
Public hearing on properties declared dilapidated.
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated (Item 11q2)
Resolution to formally declare specific structures as dilapidated.
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures (Item 11r)
Public hearing on properties declared unsecured.
Resolution declaring structures unsecured (Item 11r2)
Resolution to formally declare specific structures as unsecured.
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings (Item 11s)
Public hearing on properties declared abandoned.
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned (Item 11s2)
Resolution to formally declare specific buildings as abandoned.
Public hearing regarding joint resolution with OKC Economic Development Trust approving $100,000 increase to $1M allocation (Item 11t)
Public hearing on increasing a previously approved allocation.
Joint resolution (Item 11t2)
Approval of a joint resolution with the OKC Economic Development Trust.
Resolution updating city's investment policy (Item 11u)
Update to the city's investment policy to reflect changes in state law and investment priorities.
Resolution recognizing Douglas R. Cupper and naming I-240 Sports Complex the Douglas R. Cupper Sports Complex (Item 11w)
Resolution to rename the I-240 Sports Complex in honor of Douglas R. Cupper's 46 years of service in parks and recreation.
Resolution authorizing a confession of judgment (Item 11x1)
Authorization for a confession of judgment.
Resolution to enter into an agreed settlement (Item 11y1)
Authorization to enter into an agreed settlement.
Claims recommended for denial (Item 11z)
Approval of claims recommended for denial.
Claims recommended for approval (Item 11aa)
Approval of claims recommended for approval.