Meeting Summary
The Oklahoma City Council meeting saw the unanimous approval of repealing most occupational licenses, a move celebrated as a positive statement for the city. Several public art projects were discussed and advanced, including a new concept for Scissortail Park and installations at Belle Isle Library and Mesta Park. Financial matters included a significant budget amendment driven by higher-than-expected sales tax revenue and a resolution to accept federal emergency rental assistance funds.
Key Decisions & Votes
Repeal of Occupational Licenses
00:09:40The council unanimously voted to repeal most occupational licenses at the municipal level, a decision lauded as a positive statement for the city.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
00:10:30Appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation, and Planning Commission, were approved unanimously.
Revocable Permit for Dead Center Film Festival
00:15:30A revocable permit for Dead Center Film to host a screening as part of the Dead Center Film Festival on June 12th at Booker T. Washington Park was unanimously approved.
Amendment to Public Art Commission Agreement (Studio KCA)
00:22:00An amendment to the public art commission agreement with Studio KCA for a new art concept at Scissortail Park was approved, moving funds from contingency to cover installation responsibilities.
Public Art Installation at Belle Isle Library ('Nourish')
00:26:00The installation of a sculpture titled 'Nourish' at the Belle Isle Library, symbolizing the nourishment of growing minds, was approved.
Public Art Installation at Mesta Park ('Deep Roots')
00:27:00An agreement allowing the installation of 'Deep Roots' by Morgan Robinson at Mesta Park, with the neighborhood retaining ownership and maintenance, was approved.
Public Art Installation at Carolyn Hill Park (Fletcher Benton)
00:29:00An agreement allowing the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to place outdoor works from its collection, starting with Fletcher Benton's 'Folded Circle Split,' in Carolyn Hill Park was approved.
Acceptance of Grant for Indigenous Scholar (Oklahoma Humanities)
00:30:00The acceptance of a major challenge grant from Oklahoma Humanities to incorporate indigenous perspectives and histories on the Oklahoma Land Run was approved.
Donations for Homeless Strategies Coordinator
00:33:00Acceptance of two $30,000 donations from the Arnall Foundation and Inasmuch Foundation to establish a Homeless Strategies Coordinator position was approved.
Agreement with Oklahoma County for SHINE Program
00:38:00An agreement with Oklahoma County for the SHINE program, utilizing non-violent offenders for community beautification and litter control, was approved for $111,000.
Memorandum of Understanding with OU Medicine Inc. (Sales Tax Exemption)
00:49:00A memorandum of understanding with OU Medicine Inc. was approved, outlining a five-year, $15 million payment in lieu of taxes to offset the impact of a state sales tax exemption.
Resolution for Emergency Rental Assistance Funds
00:54:00A resolution ratifying the Mayor's actions to apply for and receive a second round of federal emergency rental assistance funds ($15.5 million) was approved.
Zoning Case 9c (PUD 1771 to SPUD 1292)
01:12:00An ordinance to rezone 112 Southwest 134th Street from PUD 1771 to SPUD 1292, allowing for a car wash use unit, was approved.
Zoning Case 9d (PUD 1422 to SPUD 1297)
01:27:00An ordinance to rezone 14800 South Sooner Road from PUD 1422 to SPUD 1297, allowing for a drive-through restaurant with mitigation measures, was approved despite public opposition.
Zoning Case 9e (R2 to SBUD 1304)
01:28:00An ordinance to rezone 2728 Southwest 2nd Street from R2 to SBUD 1304, permitting office and warehouse use, was approved.
Zoning Case 9f (AA to SBUD 1305)
01:29:00An ordinance to rezone 9000 West Memorial Road from AA to SBUD 1305, permitting an expansion of existing Cox Communications facilities, was approved.
Zoning Case 9g (R1 to PUD 1813)
01:36:00An ordinance to rezone 10317 North Hasid Street from R1 to PUD 1813 was denied due to significant community protest and concerns about illegal business operations.
Reserved Parking Space for Disabled (NW 56th St)
01:38:00An ordinance establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the north side of Northwest 56th Street was approved.
90-Degree Angle Parking (NW 56th St)
01:39:00An ordinance establishing 90-degree angle parking within a setback parking area on the north side of Northwest 56th Street was approved.
Reserved Parking Space for Disabled (NE 7th St)
01:40:00An ordinance establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the north side of Northeast 7th Street was approved.
Reserved Parking Space for Disabled (N Walnut)
01:41:00An ordinance establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the west side of North Walnut was approved.
Two-Hour Time Limited Parking (N Walnut)
01:42:00An ordinance establishing two-hour time limited parking on the west side of North Walnut was approved.
Two-Hour Time Limited Parking (S Broadway)
01:43:00An ordinance establishing two-hour time limited parking on the east side of South Broadway was approved.
15-Minute Time Limited Parking (S Broadway)
01:44:00An ordinance establishing 15-minute time limited parking on the east side of South Broadway Avenue was approved, likely for drop-off/pick-up.
Reserved Parking Space for Disabled (S Broadway)
01:45:00An ordinance establishing a reserved parking space for the physically disabled on the east side of South Broadway near West Oklahoma City Boulevard was approved.
45-Degree Angle Parking (S Broadway)
01:46:00An ordinance establishing 45-degree angle parking within a proposed setback parking area on the east side of South Broadway Avenue near West Supremacy Boulevard was approved.
Declaration of Dilapidated Structures
01:47:00A resolution declaring several structures as dilapidated was approved.
Declaration of Insecure Structures
01:48:00A resolution declaring several structures as insecure was approved.
Declaration of Abandoned Buildings
01:49:00A resolution declaring several buildings as abandoned was approved.
Resolution Setting Public Hearing for FY21 Budget Amendment
01:59:00A resolution setting a public hearing date of June 22, 2021, for a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2021 budget for various funds was approved.
Resolution Amending Fire Sales Tax Expenditures
02:02:00A resolution amending the June 16, 2020, City Council resolution approving certain fire sales tax expenditures for FY 2020-2021 was introduced for final hearing on June 22nd.
Incurrence of Indebtedness by OKC Water Utilities Trust
02:06:00A resolution authorizing the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust to incur indebtedness by issuing a Clean Water State Revolving Fund promissory note for up to $55 million for the automated meter reading replacement project was approved.
Update to Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program Plan
02:09:00A resolution adopting the May 2021 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program project implementation plan, including the Britton Old Town Streetscape Enhancement Project, was approved.
Confession of Judgment (Nicholas Martin v. OKC)
02:10:00A resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Nicholas Martin v. The City of Oklahoma City was approved.
Claims Recommended for Denial
02:11:00Claims recommended for denial were approved.
Claims Recommended for Approval
02:12:00Claims recommended for approval were approved.
Extension of Moratorium on Sign Code
02:15:00An ordinance to extend the 365-day moratorium on sign code amendments to a 545-day moratorium was approved with an emergency clause, allowing more time for stakeholder feedback and legal review.
Period Poverty Awareness Week Resolution
02:22:00A resolution raising awareness regarding period poverty and declaring May 24th through 30th, 2021, as Period Poverty Awareness Week was unanimously approved.
Upcoming Community Events
Dead Center Film Festival Screening
Near Booker T. Washington Park, featuring the film 'Summer of Soul' by Questlove. Free admission.
Angels and Friends Party (Festival of the Arts)
West Village, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
Festival of the Arts
New layout with stages on the east side of City Hall and in Bicentennial Park, food trucks on Couch and Colcord drives. Opening ceremonies on Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM.
Unity House, Victory Church, and Church Under the Bridge Feeding Event
1801 West Reno, 3:00 PM on June 13th. Feeding the city's homeless and hurting.
Congress for New Urbanism
Virtual conference attended by Councilman Cooper, focusing on housing crisis, public transit, and walkable neighborhoods. Oklahoma City will host next year.
Summer Pools Opening
Opening on an alternating schedule due to lifeguard availability. Schedule on city website. Lifeguards needed.
Southside Stroll Bike Month Event
Started at Pete White Wellness Center, included free tune-ups by Trek Bicycles and Embark's electric bus. Explored bike infrastructure on the south side.
Bike to Work Day
Hosted by Downtown OKC.
Citizen Science, Civics, and Resilient Communities
Science Museum Oklahoma, featuring Mallory Gotcher from the city's water conservation department discussing drought resiliency.
Author Brilla Eskew Reading
Myriad Gardens, discussing her book 'Fire and Beulah' pertaining to the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Cornell West Conversation
Part of the John Hope Franklin Symposium for Reconciliation. Details to be posted.
Tiff's Treats Grand Opening
Located in Bricktown, delivering warm cookies.
Wings Special Needs Community Property Reveal
Ceremony for residents of the new community in Ward 7. Volunteers needed.
FD Moon Middle School Commencement
Councilwoman Nice to be a commencement speaker.
Job and Resource Fair
To take place at Douglas. Postponed from a previous date due to weather concerns.
Financial Matters
FY21 Budget Amendment (Fire Sales Tax Fund)
Increase for higher overtime costs, firefighting tools/equipment, and recruit overages.
FY21 Budget Amendment (General Fund)
Addition due to higher than projected sales and use tax, with transfers to special purpose fund for Better Street Safer City projects ($9M), capital improvement projects fund for maintenance reserve ($7M), and special purpose fund for city-supported debt reserve ($4M).
FY21 Budget Amendment (Grant Management Fund)
Increase to incorporate the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
FY21 Budget Amendment (Special Assessments Fund)
New fund created to reflect assessment district revenue and expenses due to changes in accounting standards.
FY21 Budget Amendment (Sales Tax and Zoo Sales Tax)
Increase to allow transfer of all final sales tax checks to the Zoo Trust.
OU Medicine Inc. Payment in Lieu of Taxes
Agreement for a five-year declining payment to offset the city's sales tax revenue loss due to a state sales tax exemption for OU Medicine Inc. ($5M in first year, declining by $1M annually).
Emergency Rental Assistance Funds (American Rescue Plan)
Second round of federal funding for emergency rental and utility assistance.
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (American Rescue Plan)
City's allocation from the American Rescue Plan, with half already received and the other half due in one year. Funds must be spent by December 2024.
SHINE Program Agreement
Agreement with Oklahoma County for community beautification and litter control services using non-violent offenders.
Donations for Homeless Strategies Coordinator
Two $30,000 donations from the Arnall Foundation and Inasmuch Foundation to fund the new Homeless Strategies Coordinator position.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Promissory Note
Loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to fund the automated meter reading replacement project citywide over five to eight years.
Britton Old Town Streetscape Enhancement Project
New project added to the Better Street Safer City program, focusing on pedestrian access, lighting, and landscaping.
Public Comments
Two individuals spoke in opposition to a zoning case (9g) at 10317 North Hasid Street, citing concerns about noise, illegal burning, trash accumulation, property damage, and the fundamental incompatibility of the proposed industrial use with the residential neighborhood. They highlighted a 92.6% protest from the community.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Zoning Case 9a (10501 East I-40 Highway) deferred to June 8th meeting.
- Zoning Case 9b (9841 Southwest 44th Street) deferred to June 8th meeting.
Deadlines
- FY21 Budget Amendment public hearing and adoption on June 22nd.
- FY22 Budget adoption on June 8th.
- American Rescue Plan funds must be spent by December 2024.
Watch For
- Final hearing for Fire Sales Tax Expenditures amendment on June 22nd.
- Public rollout of 'A Better Way' program and opportunities for community involvement (employment sponsors, lunch sponsors).
- Further conversations with OU Medicine Inc. regarding community engagement and diversity/equity/inclusion initiatives.
- Coordination efforts between city, county, and state on American Rescue Plan fund utilization.
- Return to in-person council meetings at the horseshoe on June 8th.
Announcements
- Teleconference disconnection protocol outlined.
- Instructions for public speaking via phone, text, or email.
- Invocation by Reverend Valerie Steele of Quail Springs United Methodist Church, remembering George Floyd and Star Shells.
- Teleconference meeting of the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (OCMFA) adjourned.
- Teleconference meeting of the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) adjourned.
- Consolidation of Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust making progress and no longer on the agenda.
- Sergeant Holloway with OCPD received the Matthew Scott Evans Memorial Award for dedication to traffic safety.
- OCPD participating in 'Click It or Ticket' campaign for Memorial Day weekend.
- Memorial Day weekend remembrance for fallen service members.
- Councilman Carter's family served with Unity House, Victory Church, and Church Under the Bridge, feeding over 100 homeless individuals. Next event June 13th at 1801 West Reno.
- Councilman Cooper attended the virtual Congress for New Urbanism, highlighting global housing crisis, public transit, and walkable neighborhoods. OKC to host next year.
- Councilwoman Young announced summer pools opening this weekend (alternating schedule, lifeguards needed).
- Councilwoman Hammond thanked staff and volunteers for the Southside Stroll Bike Month event and Embark/Trek Bicycles for participation.
- Councilwoman Hammond echoed Councilman Cooper's comments on the Congress for New Urbanism and acknowledged the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder and the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
- Vice Mayor Nice shared a story about meeting Ruby Toliver, a 94-year-old Deep Deuce resident.
- Science Museum Oklahoma hosted an event on drought resiliency, featuring Mallory Gotcher from the city's water conservation department.
- Author Brilla Eskew discussed her book 'Fire and Beulah' at the Myriad Gardens.
- Public Works Department and City Manager thanked for leadership in restoring Midwest Boulevard and Britton area services with the City of Jones.
- Mental Health Awareness Month acknowledged.
- Cornell West conversation coming Thursday as part of the John Hope Franklin Symposium.
- Tiff's Treats, a new cookie delivery concept from Texas, has opened in Bricktown.
- Wings Special Needs Community held a property reveal and ceremony in Ward 7.
- Shout out to 2021 graduates; Vice Mayor Nice to be a commencement speaker at FD Moon Middle School.
- Job and Resource Fair at Douglas postponed to June 5th.
- Vice Mayor Nice reflected on the Tulsa Race Massacre and George Floyd anniversary, emphasizing the need for continued work on racial justice and accountability.
Agenda Summary
3a
Consideration of the repeal of most occupational licenses at the municipal level.
3b-k
Appointments to various boards and commissions.
4a-b
Journal of council proceedings.
5
Requests for uncontested continuances for unsecured structures and abandoned buildings.
6a
Revocable permit with Dead Center Film for a screening as part of the Dead Center Film Festival.
OCMFA Items a-p
Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority agenda items.
OCPA Items a-c
Oklahoma City Public Property Authority agenda items.
7a
Activity and Use Agreement with Arts Council of Oklahoma City for the Festival of the Arts.
7ah
Amendment to Public Art Commission Agreement with Studio KCA for Scissortail Park.
7ai
Public Art Installation and Maintenance Agreement for 'Nourish' at Belle Isle Library.
7aj
Public Art Installation and Maintenance Agreement for 'Deep Roots' at Mesta Park.
7ak
Public Art Installation and Maintenance Agreement for Carolyn Hill Park.
7al
Resolution authorizing acceptance of a major challenge grant from Oklahoma Humanities.
7am
Resolution authorizing acceptance of donations from Arnall Foundation and Inasmuch Foundation for Homeless Strategies Coordinator.
7an
Agreement with Oklahoma County for the SHINE program.
7bm
Memorandum of Understanding with OU Medicine Inc. regarding sales tax exemption.
7bn
Resolution ratifying Mayor's actions to apply for federal emergency rental assistance funds.
7bb
Amendment to contract for architectural services for park improvements (Pat Murphy Park).
7cf
Application for reimbursement grant from the Department of Agriculture for tree replacement.
7cj
Resolution approving restrictive covenants for Steel Yard Apartments related to HUD refinancing.
8a-l
Concurrent docket items.
9a
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 10501 East I-40 Highway from R1 to RA.
9b
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 9841 Southwest 44th Street from AA to R1.
9c
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 112 Southwest 134th Street from PUD 1771 to SPUD 1292.
9d
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 14800 South Sooner Road from PUD 1422 to SPUD 1297.
9e
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 2728 Southwest 2nd Street from R2 to SBUD 1304.
9f
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 9000 West Memorial Road from AA to SBUD 1305.
9g
Ordinance on final hearing, rezoning 10317 North Hasid Street from R1 to PUD 1813.
9h
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing a reserve parking space for the physically disabled on the north side of Northwest 56th Street.
9i
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing 90-degree angle parking within a setback parking area on the north side of Northwest 56th Street.
9j
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing a reserve parking space for the physically disabled in a setback parking area on the north side of Northeast 7th Street.
9k
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing a reserve parking space for the physically disabled on the west side of North Walnut.
9l
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing two-hour time limited parking on the west side of North Walnut.
9m
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing two-hour time limited parking on the east side of South Broadway.
9n
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing 15-minute time limited parking on the east side of South Broadway Avenue.
9o
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing a reserve parking space for the physically disabled on the east side of South Broadway near West Oklahoma City Boulevard.
9p
Ordinance on final hearing, establishing 45-degree angle parking within a proposed setback parking area on the east side of South Broadway Avenue near West Supremacy Boulevard.
9q1
Public hearing regarding dilapidated structures.
9q2
Resolution declaring structures dilapidated.
9r1
Public hearing regarding unsecured structures.
9r2
Resolution declaring structures insecure.
9s1
Public hearing regarding abandoned buildings.
9s2
Resolution declaring buildings abandoned.
9t
Resolution setting a public hearing date of June 22, 2021, for a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2021 budget.
9u1
Public hearing regarding the resolution amending the June 16, 2020, City Council resolution approving certain fire sales tax expenditures.
9u2
Resolution to be introduced and set for final hearing on June 22nd, amending the June 16, 2020, City Council resolution.
9v
Resolution approving the incurrence of indebtedness by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust by the issuance of one or more series of its Clean Water State Revolving Fund promissory note.
9w
Resolution adopting the May 2021 update to the Community and Neighborhood Enhancement Program project implementation plan.
9x1
Resolution authorizing a Municipal Counselor to confess judgment without admitting liability in the case of Nicholas Martin v. The City of Oklahoma City.
9y1
Claims recommended for denial.
10a1
Claims recommended for approval.
11a
Ordinance to be introduced and adopted with emergency amending ordinance number 26451 to extend the 365-day moratorium to 545-day moratorium.
11b
Resolution raising awareness regarding period poverty and declaring May 24 through 30, 2021, to be Period Poverty Awareness Week.